A Contemporary Californian Roadside Eatery

Handline, nestled in the heart of Sebastopol in Sonoma wine country, has emerged as a striking fusion of cosmopolitan sophistication and down-to-earth charm. This unique establishment pays homage to its roots as a beloved local fast-food joint from the 1960s while reinventing the concept of the Californian roadside drive-in.

The interior space at Handline is designed as an open-plan environment, seamlessly connecting the 50-seat indoor area with the outdoors, which is dotted with picnic tables. The design draws inspiration from Northern California's coastline, with a wave motif represented through rusted steel and oxidized oak elements that contrast with the clean lines of the concrete floors.

To further enhance the sustainability of the project, landscape designer Gary Ratway repurposed the existing asphalt on the site to create gabion walls. These innovative walls not only contribute to the restaurant's aesthetics but also serve practical purposes. Louvred and perforated steel partitions have been incorporated to house herb plantings, attracting the local honeybee population from the adjacent beekeeping supply shop.