Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ
A nearly century-old icon in Old Town Temecula, known for its classic diner charm, all-day breakfast, and award-winning Texas-style BBQ.
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Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nearly century-old icon in Old Town Temecula, known for its classic diner charm, all-day breakfast, and award-winning Texas-style BBQ.
"The brisket is legendary, and the wait is worth it for the melt-in-your-mouth flavors."
Expect a Wait, Especially Weekends
Lines can be long. Put your name in and explore Old Town shops while you wait.
Dog-Friendly with a Treat
Bring your furry friend! They are very dog-friendly and may even offer them bacon.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary BBQ Brisket and Ribs
Melt-in-your-mouth tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs are the stars, seasoned perfectly and served with generous portions.
Nostalgic Old Town Charm
Step back in time with this historic diner, a Temecula mainstay since the 1920s, offering a classic, no-frills experience.
All-Day Breakfast Favorites
From fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets and classic Eggs Benedict, enjoy delicious breakfast dishes served any time of day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Expect a Wait, Especially Weekends
Lines can be long. Put your name in and explore Old Town shops while you wait.
Dog-Friendly with a Treat
Bring your furry friend! They are very dog-friendly and may even offer them bacon.
Don't Miss the Cinnamon Rolls
These iconic cinnamon rolls are a must-try, often selling out, so ask if any are left!
Savor the House BBQ Sauce
The house-made BBQ sauce is a standout, perfectly complementing the smoky flavors of the meats.
Tips
from all over the internet
Expect a Wait, Especially Weekends
Lines can be long. Put your name in and explore Old Town shops while you wait.
Dog-Friendly with a Treat
Bring your furry friend! They are very dog-friendly and may even offer them bacon.
Don't Miss the Cinnamon Rolls
These iconic cinnamon rolls are a must-try, often selling out, so ask if any are left!
Savor the House BBQ Sauce
The house-made BBQ sauce is a standout, perfectly complementing the smoky flavors of the meats.
Generous Portions
Portions are large, often enough for leftovers, making it a good value for groups or families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ is celebrated for its legendary, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ, especially the brisket and ribs, served in generous portions. Diners also rave about the all-day breakfast classics and the nostalgic diner atmosphere. While the food generally receives high praise, some reviews mention inconsistencies, with occasional dryness in the brisket or blandness in sides like mac and cheese.
"Wednesday, 12:30 pm
A full house with a mild wait.
The other venues in the immediate area were almost vacant. THAT seems to speak volumes.
The venue's reputation as a "must visit" BBQ spot is well deserved.
I was in the area for business, but I also wanted to visit a previous colleague that I hadn't seen in eleven years.
Loretta is the General Manager, a VERY competent and appropriate person for the position.
The staff was well trained, friendly and accommodating. We unintentionally ran our server, Trevor, ragged with various requests. He pleasantly and quickly accommodated each & every one of them.
My sister had a very well prepared two egg breakfast with an impressive Bloody Mary. Good portions.
I was "forced", willingly, to indulge in a rather huge platter of three of their BBQ meats, just to see if the hype was real.
IT WAS MOST CERTAINLY REAL!!
Delicious, "fall off the bone" tender, flavorful, and juicy. My choices were Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw and Baked Beans, accompanied by a pile of Texas Toast. This platter would easily satisfy two people!!
I also enjoyed a Bloody Mary.
(and a Cadillac Margarita rocks)
The venue is VERY dog friendly. In fact, there were around a half dozen, of all sizes, in the crowd. I ordered a side of bacon for my pup!
Prices are moderate but a rather good value for the buck.
It was good to visit an old friend and enjoy a delicious lunch in the process!!
If you are in the area and pass this place by, I seriously question your dining values!!
Seek it out. You'll be glad you did."
Michael Sundquist
"We loved this place! The brisket was absolutely delicious—tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. We went on a Sunday and had about a 20-minute wait, which was well worth it. The atmosphere was fantastic with live music, and the fact that it’s dog-friendly made it even more enjoyable. Amazing food and great service—definitely recommend! We’ll be back for sure!"
Diana Ivanchuk
"Had the Wild West Burger and an order of cheese curds. The cheese curds are hands down the best I’ve ever had. Chain restaurants do them at a basic level but this place was best. Almost looked like tater-tots, not sure if they bake or broil them after the initial deep fry.
Wild West Burger came out as ordered, medium rare. The side of onion rings were really good too.
The food came out fast too for a party of three."
David K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ is known for being very dog-friendly and even offers bacon treats for canine companions.
Yes, Swing Inn Cafe serves its entire breakfast menu all day, every day.
The legendary brisket and ribs are must-tries. Don't miss out on the cinnamon rolls or classic breakfast items like omelets and Eggs Benedict.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned, but wait times can be long, especially on weekends. It's advisable to call ahead or expect a wait.
Yes, the generous portions make it a good option for groups, and combo plates offer great value.
The restaurant is famously owned by Dean Norris, an actor known for his role as Hank Schrader in 'Breaking Bad'.
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Serving up slow-smoked, Texas-style fare, the Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ is known for its generous portions and house-made sauces and rubs. Order an extra-large brisket platter with Texas toast and a side of baked beans for $24, and you’ll have leftovers to spare. Oh, and did we mention it's owned by Breaking Bad actor and longtime Temecula resident Dean Norris?.
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Swing Inn Café is among the oldest open Old Town Temecula restaurants and is perfect for a family breakfast or lunch. In particular, couples love to frequent this place for their fried steak and omelets, but the café has so much more in store. My daughter loved the café’s biscuit and gravy, which was not a surprise as it was indeed a delicious affair.
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Serving locals since the 1920s, Swing Inn Cafe is an old school diner and Temecula mainstay, currently owned by Dean Norris from “Breaking Bad” who has brought it new life. They have a menu of eggs and omelet dishes, waffles, French toast, and pancake plates, and several “Bennies” options. Specialties include a Monte Cristo and Chorizo and Eggs.
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Even though this neighborhood restaurant has been operating since 1927, it appears that customers still enjoy eating there today. Since they serve breakfast until they close at 3 PM or 4 PM, The Swing Inn Cafe is distinctive in its own manner. The lunch menu at Swing Inn Cafe includes sandwiches, burgers, salads, and other related items.
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Owned by Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, Swing Inn Cafe is famous for its BBQ and down-home atmosphere. While the lines can be long, the brisket is legendary, and the wait is worth it for the melt-in-your-mouth flavors. Swing Inn is a staple in Old Town with a classic diner vibe that feels like a step back in time.
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Located right in the heart of Old Town Temecula, Swing Inn Café & BBQ is a family favorite that lives up to its reputation. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., it serves hearty breakfasts, flavorful BBQ, and generous portions that often leave guests heading home with leftovers.
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28676 Old Town Front StreetTemecula, CA 92590(951) 676-2321 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Swing Inn Cafe is a long-established, old-style restaurant serving all-day morning and noontime American diner eats plus cocktails.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit