Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Temecula ·

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Temecula ·

Breakfast, Texas BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ by null

Information

28676 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590 Get directions

$10–20

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Information

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28676 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590 Get directions

+1 951 676 2321
swinginncafe.com
@swinginncafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Dec 9, 2025

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The Best Food and Drinks in Temecula Valley, California | Eater San Diego

"This nearly 100-year-old fixture in Old Town Temecula has historically been a local favorite breakfast spot (don’t miss the fresh-baked cinnamon buns). In 2022, actor Dean Norris of Breaking Bad fame, a longtime Temecula resident, took over the diner and has since introduced a popular menu of Texas-style barbecue that includes smoked turkey, prime brisket, beef ribs, and pork belly burnt ends, offered with sides like baked beans and coleslaw." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-wineries-restaurants-wine-bar-food-temecula-valley
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

An Old Town institution since 1927—now serving Texas‑style craft BBQ alongside the classic all‑day breakfasts. Featured in local news for its refreshed pit‑smoked program and continued community legacy.

https://patch.com/california/temecula/temeculas-historic-swing-inn-celebrates-new-bbq-takeout-service
Best Restaurants in Temecula (2025)
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Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ

Mari S

Google
My husband and I ate at the Swing Inn Café for the first time and we had an amazing experience! Our server, Tiffany, was absolutely incredible. She was so attentive, kind, and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot on especially the brisket and ribs. They were delicious and honestly some of the best we’ve ever had! We loved everything about our visit and have already told all our friends about this place. We’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend asking for Tiffany she made our first visit unforgettable. 🙌🏽✨

Nathan

Google
Good food and great service. Staff was extremely friendly and attentive. The place smelled heavenly. Nothing beats that smell of good smoked barbecue. I had breakfast this time around. Everything was cooked to perfection. This is definitely going to become my go to place whenever I’m in the Temecula area. Try it out, Support, some local business, and experience the magic of old town Temecula transferring you back into the Old West days Update: came back two days later for the BBQ. Ticket home on a 2 hour drive. Reheated it once I got home and it was so good!

Ronald de los Santos

Google
Texas BBQ is their specialty but I opted for the liver and onions that they have served since 1927! I was not disappointed. For $17, you get two thick beef liver slabs smothered with onions on top. Sides were vegetables and mashed potatoes with gravy. Heavenly! The wife had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with fries. Also excellent! They have 3 bbq sauce containers at the table: sweet, house and spicy. I'm sure you'll find one suited to your taste. For dessert, we had the cinnamon roll. Their specials screen mentions that their cinnamon rolls are the best in town. I would have to agree! It's so moist and buttery. I loved every bite of it!

ALF DOGG

Google
No welcome when we entered the restaurant we sit there for two minutes. Three different people looked at us never said anything. We finally set ourselves. The food came out we ordered the identical things. The meat was undercooked in my opinion, especially for a pastrami sandwich. The bread was not toasted. The waitress never came over to ask us if the food was good or if everything was all right I asked for a ranch dressing for my onion rings and I would have finished my meal before she bring it, but I stopped eating for about five minutes and she finally bring it over overall bad experience. The food was not that good and the service was definitely not good

SD

Google
Came here for brunch with a table of 10, there was a wait so maybe call ahead. Breakfast was good, steak was delicious. I would recommend if in area Fun fact: Hank from breaking bad (dean) owns the spot.

Diana Ivanchuk

Google
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!

Uncle Bits

Google
Swing Inn is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Southern California. This was our first time there and we really enjoyed it. Exceptional breakfast and the staff is incredible. We actually bought the t-shirts! Old Town Temecula is extraordinary. What a great place to visit. Highly recommend!

Trick Day

Google
While I love their food and the people that work there, I was really disappointed when I ordered take out today at noon on 7/3/25. I ordered 2 Beef 'Dino' Ribs $45 ea. and a 3 smoked meat combo platter for $59 w/tax = $160+/-. Trusting the establishment I took the boxes to my car and drove and hour to meet with family. To my utter disbelief and disappointment after opening the two boxes all I got for my $160 was the two smallest Beef Dino ribs I've ever seen and 8 pieces of brisket and 6 small pieces of pork burnt ends. My heart sank. I felt like they took me for a fool. Whenever I've dined there before the proportions, were much larger. I remember going there for the first time and getting the beef Dino rib and taking home to finish later or going in with a friend and ordering the 3 smoked meat combo platter and having to take that home as well to finish later. Im not going to order out again. I'll need a break from their place for now, I'm still very disappointed. Next time I'll dine in, sit down order enjoy some sweet tea and when the food arrives, then immediately ask for containers to take it home.

Jessica C.

Yelp
My family and I dined here on a Saturday afternoon for my father's birthday since he's a huge Breaking Bad fan and we all loved it. Unfortunately they were out of their Schraderbräu draft, but that was the only hiccup we encountered. Our server Jamie, did a great job taking care of us and kept checking in on us during a busy rush, so huge thanks to her! Excellent service!
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Maribel S.

Yelp
My husband and I ate at the Swing Inn Café for the first time and we had an amazing experience! Our server, Tiffany, was absolutely incredible. She was so attentive, kind, and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot on especially the brisket and ribs. They were delicious and honestly some of the best we've ever had! We loved everything about our visit and have already told all our friends about this place. We'll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend asking for Tiffany she made our first visit unforgettable.
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Angela E.

Yelp
Here's a polished review you can use: --- ** 2 out of 5 stars** I really wanted to love this BBQ spot in Temecula, but unfortunately it ended up being quite disappointing. The meat was dry and lacked the tenderness you'd expect from good barbecue. The sauce didn't help much either--it was overly sweet and didn't balance the flavors well. I was especially looking forward to the cinnamon rolls since they're advertised as "the best," but they fell short too. The frosting tasted like it was made with shortening instead of butter, which left an unpleasant texture and aftertaste. On a positive note, the service was excellent--friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. I wish the food matched the quality of the staff. Overall, great service but the food needs much improvement.
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Jalina R.

Yelp
My bf has been wanting to try this spot. We sat outside. Our server was friendly and very busy. What we ordered: 3 Smoked Meats Combo Platter Brisket - it was ok to me. Bf loved it Pork Spareribs - bf loved the ribs, good portion Smoked half Chicken - I loved the chicken, nice and juicy Baked Beans - good Potato Salad - was ok. Bf loved Mac n Cheese - it was ok We liked the sweet bbq sauce We would come back and try other things
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Olivia S.

Yelp
Wanted to come back on here and set the record straight. The first time I visited I was not a fan. Second time, I changed my mind. My boyfriend and I ordered a Rueben and the brisket Benedict and tried bites of our friend's biscuits and gravy and everything we ate was delicious. I would come back again and I'll be ordering another Rueben because that was the best Rueben I've had in years. Yep. Years. Service was average, we were seated quite quickly for a Sunday, the restaurant has a mom & pop vibe which I find comforting for a Sunday brunch.
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Michelle A.

Yelp
We stopped by Old Town Temecula on our way home from Julian and my friend suggested Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ. There was free ample parking in the back. We asked our waitress about the signs about paying for parking, but she said we're all good those signs always scare people. We went on a Sunday and it was pretty busy. Once seated, we did have to wait about 15 minutes to be seen by a waitress. There was a miscommunication snafu, which happens. Once we did order though, our food came out quickly quickly. We ordered the pork belly mac n cheese as an appetizer. Then the three smoked meats including the brisket, Texas pork spareribs and the pulled pork. Our two sides were the potato salad and coleslaw. The brisket melted in my tongue and the spareribs were at the verge of fall off the bone, which I think is the perfect texture. The pulled pork was slightly on the drier side, but dipping it in the sweet BBQ sauce was amazing. Potato salad was really savory and creamy. The Texas toast was perfectly toasted, I think I had about 5 slices. I didn't have the mac n cheese, but my friends said that it was incredible. If I was ever back in Old Town Temecula, I would definitely come back here and try the banana pudding while I'm at it :)
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Laura J.

Yelp
BEST BBQ WEVE EVER HAD!!! Oh my gosh this place is incredible. The meats are absolutely to die for. Flavorful, tender, falls apart in your mouth, everything you could want for BBQ. The Mac and cheese and fries were bomb too, and I love how you have multiple options for the BBQ sauce. I mixed all 3 together and it was delicious! Overall, this is some of the best BBQ. The service was great too and everyone was so friendly! I do wish that Dean was there I'm not going to die I love breaking bad and that was a pull to come try his restaurant! I would absolutely come back and will be returning when I'm in Temecula.
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Marie S.

Yelp
What a great find! Loved the setup and atmosphere at Swing Inn Café. The BBQ ribs were fall-off-the-bone delicious, and the pulled pork sandwich was packed with flavor. Their house BBQ sauces were all fantastic -- the spicy one was my personal favorite. The staff was warm and welcoming, and even though it was our first visit, we felt right at home. Portion sizes were generous (definitely needed a to-go box!), and the pricing was very reasonable for how much food you get. The coleslaw was the perfect side -- crisp, creamy, and refreshing. We'll definitely be back for more!
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Austin S.

Yelp
I thought this place was great. We got the Brisket and Eggs, Chili Verde Omelet and a side of biscuits and gravy. The gravy is on point, and the pork verde on the omelet was tender and on point. The brisket was smoked beautifully and I prefer their original BBQ sauce which has a nice balance of sweet and tangy. Overall I'd recommend stopping in if you're around the area.
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Neil D.

Yelp
This place is awesome. We went there for breakfast. Dishes are pretty hearty and service was very welcoming. Cinnamon roll is a must. Wife got the classic eggs Benedict. She loved them. Got the brisket and eggs. Brisket was seasoned well. Went back that same weekend for lunch. I honestly forgot what everyone else had bc I got the beef Dino rib and also got smoked chicken wings. The rib was obviously huge but it was so tender, juicy and had so much flavor. The wings were such a surprise. Just perfection.
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Christine D.

Yelp
To be honest, I came in hoping to see Dean Norris. This has been on my list for a while. I heard this place had good food but I really didn't even look into it. We decided on a whim to just dine here. I had the Wild West burger (which was absolutely huge) and fries no salt. It's mix of brisket, a wagyu patty, bacon, onion rings and cheese. I got it medium rare. It was ok. Huge burger! My husband got a smoked pastrami sandwich. I'm not a pastrami person at all. His sandwich was very good!!!! The flavor alone was yuuummmy! Our server was Noel. She was excellent. Friendly. Attentive. Her customer service is second to none. We had a wonderful first time here and will definitely timely visit. Thanks Noel!
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Carissa A.

Yelp
Located in Downtown Temecula. The restaurant is located in a corner. There is street parking and, I believe, public parking areas but I'm not sure of how readily available spots are. We got lucky and parked in front, on the street. It was a beautiful afternoon so we sat out on their porch. The server was helpful and speedy. We ordered a 2 meat plate. There were two of us. We never anticipated it being a giant party platter. The 2 meats with the 2 sides and bread could have easily fed 4 people. And for the price? It was nuts!! The brisket was so tender. I love the marbling offered by brisket so I was hoping for a little bit of that. These pieces seemed a bit more lean but it was so juicy and tender. I can't complain. We also got the baby back ribs. I didn't expect them to be so massive. It seemed like they gave us a full rack! They were fall off the bone delicious. The fries are crispy and amazing! The mac and cheese was creamy delicious. We added pork belly to them, making the dish even more massive! Overall, a great place!! Yummy delicious! Bring the family!
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Damon B.

Yelp
I dislike leaving critical reviews as there's already enough folks needlessly bitching on this platform. Therefore, I'll focus on the positive aspects of dining here - before I go in. Service: 4/5. Good, given the busy dinner rush. Our server was friendly and attentive. Another server brought out a fork that didn't come with the meal. All good and much respect to the hardworking staff. Beverages: 3/5. Average for Texas Teas. They were coo, but difficult to determine if any alcohol was in the cocktails. Ambiance: 4/5. Enjoyed a great vantage point of the street/sidewalk traffic sitting at the rail. Needless to say, we had front row seats to some great people watching. Cuisine: 1/5. Brisket platter was essentially served cold, with only the fat cap slightly warm. Buddy ordered a cold pulled pork sandwich with cold onion rings. Advertising "Texas" style BBQ is doing a disgrace to a great American culinary tradition. It's like calling Taco Bell "authentic" Mexican food. Not sure if this was a one off experience (possible), or whether serving lame BBQ is a regular practice, but for the love of god, please refine your BBQ technique - or drop the word "Texas" from your menu. Ain't nothing Texas about this BBQ. "Texas" toast was equally whack and the slaw was meh. All that being said, the breakfast items look good, so I'm down to try those out the next time I swing through. Mr. Norris, I dig your acting, but not your take on "Texas" style BBQ. You probably have the resources to invest in making amazing BBQ, so handle it and come correct, sir. Buen provecho.
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Raymond M.

Yelp
Came here for Saturday brunch around noon. Waited only 5 minutes for a table. There's parking in the back. The food here is phenomenal. The country fried steak is hefty, seasoned perfectly, the gravy is excellent. The pastrami and the eggs also phenomenal. Tender, juicy, salty. Just how I like it. I will definitely come back next time to try other bbq meats.
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Tina T.

Yelp
Finally got here early enough that there wasn't a line for breakfast. I had their chili verde omelette with homemade flour tortillas and country potatoes, and the dish did not disappoint! Very good -- I'll need to come back and try their other food. Service was great too!
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Vivian T.

Yelp
Love the BBQ here! We got the pork ribs with a side of mac and cheese and the wild west burger. The portions are very generous (enough to share among 3 people and have leftovers!) and the meats were juicy and flavorful. Would come back!
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Billy F.

Yelp
My wife and I traveled to Old Town Temecula to check out this location. We'd both seen internet clips and noted that it's owned by a popular character actor. Service was prompt and friendly. We ate outside on a gorgeous October afternoon. We split brisket chili which was good. I've had better. Next we split pork ribs, fries and coleslaw. Ribs had a great rub and were well smoked. They were enjoyable. Fries were hot and crispy. Coleslaw was a little tasteless. She had a Bloody Mary which was great. I had a lavender lemonade which was dangerously good. Overall a pretty good experience.
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Carla O.

Yelp
I don't come to Temecula that often because I no longer live there, but I enjoy visiting this little quaint town for a getaway. Tucked away in the heart of Old Town Temecula, the Swing Inn Café is absolutely adorable! It is quaint, charming, and rustic. It was founded in 1927 as "Mother's Café," and housed in a building until 1932, It has cozy indoor feel and a spacious and sunny patio area. The menu offers old-fashioned, hearty fare, fluffy pancakes, house‑made cinnamon rolls, Texas‑style brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and more. I went with a friend, and we ordered sandwiches. They were good, but I wished I would have ordered a BBQ dish since that is what this place is known for. Next time. What makes the Swing Inn even more special is its new owner: Dean Norris, famously known as the DEA Agent Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad, the former popular television series that premiered on January 20, 2008, and aired for five seasons, ending on September 29, 2013. He owns Swing Inn along with his wife Bridget. They purchased the café in 2022 to preserve its legacy and add a savory barbecue dinner service. A longtime local and a frequent customer, Dean Norris has kept the classic place going strong while offering their mouthwatering barbecue menu to all who crave BBQ or home-style cooking. It is a wonderful and worthy place to try in all ways from good hearty food, down-home service, and a warm and welcoming vibe that is unforgettable.
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Jen D.

Yelp
Good ole' bbq!! busy during the weekend, has plenty of parking around! we love the fried shrimp! good service!!
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Sarai Z.

Yelp
The food was so delicious! The brisket was on point and the house bbq sauce...oh my word! The service was great. When I arrived I was a bit confused by the layout of the establishment. It feels like if you're walking in to the kitchen but its just the layout. The staff made me feel like home. They were so nice. They also serve breakfast items and have lots of inside and outside seating. They have sprinkle system so you wont feel too hot if you're sitting outside during the summer time.
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Mercedes R.

Yelp
This place is a cute little area of old town Temecula. The block is so cute and looks like a movie set. Very picturesque. My husband and I wanted to try this spot since it's owned by Dean Norris. It did not disappoint. It had little nods to breaking bad. Like the Heisenberg cocktail. I didn't try it since we went for breakfast, but I can't wait to go back and try one with the delicious looking ribs!! Plus the service is friendly and very fast!

Michael M.

Yelp
At first, we were a little put off by our initial interactions. One server came across abrupt and seemed too busy to bother, and when we sat down another server questioned why we chose those seats, which felt unnecessary and a bit agitated. But then Adrianne stepped in--and she completely turned our experience around. She was absolutely awesome. Her customer service was exceptional in every way: accommodating, attentive, warm, and genuinely charming. She's the reason our visit ended on such a positive note. Aside from the food being pretty good, she's a major reason for us to come back. She, most definitely, is the right hire! Thank you management! You got the right woman for the job!
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Brenda Michelle B.

Yelp
Having some fresh bbq at the heart of Temecula! It's been very recommended and I highly recommend it!
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Paula S.

Yelp
The best Chili Verde Omelette breakfast I have ever had in my life!!!! Server, Christina was amazing as well.
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Minji W.

Yelp
Omg who knew old town Temecula was so cute!!! I loved everything about this patio. The sunshine, the view, the people watching, the music, the light breeze, the greenery with mountains. It added everythingggg to the experience. also the service was good ole southern hospitality :) Food: insane portion size!! Idk if it was the wind drying out the meat but it was slightly dry- def could've been juicier. Flavor and the sauces were really good tho!! Sides were also really good. What's really weird is that the next day I heated it up for leftovers, and it tasted better?? Which makes me believe it really was the wind and cold air that dried out the food. I also got a sweet tea, and it is REALLY sweet (and I grew up in the south). Obviously yum, but just beware it is really sweet lol Parking: there's a free lot right behind the shop
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Rick O.

Yelp
Back to our favorite place when we're in town. We tried something different, the chili verde omelette, very tasty but not spicy for me spicy challenged. We went early on a Sunday and it was packed with a wait list. Of course. The wait was quick, maybe 10-15 minutes. This place just reminds me of a old town diner with a counter and the atmosphere of it all. The servers are great and attentive. I just love coming back here. I have tried almost everything. The breakfast selection is amazing. The burgers and sandwiches are great too. The bbq selection is absolutely fantastic. Don't forget to save room for a slice of pie or share the cinnamon roll. OMG! I would come here just for those delicious items. They do have a full bar and the Bloody Mary's are very good. Parking can be a bit challenging but there's a public parking lot just up the street, definitely within walking distance.
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Sarah Jean H.

Yelp
Five stars! Amazing food. Amazing service. Angela was our server and she was absolutely fantastic- very quick to check on us, super friendly and respectful, and funny too! Very sweet woman who made our day. I opted for the vegan option- a jackfruit bbq sandwich- it's definitely a must try if you're someone who enjoys meatless options. I also tried the pretzel bites which were delicious too! The spicy bbq sauce was my favorite. It was spicy but woo so worth it. Also thank you again to Angela for making my sister and I super happy.. she was able to introduce us to Mr. Norris as well, which was an absolute pleasure. BTW- he is just as kind and friendly as you can imagine! Super nice guy. 10/10 experience. the food was delectable, it was very much a savory "heavy" meal but tasty and filling nonetheless! If you're in temecula give this place a try. It's got that old timey classic diner feel which is also a fun experience. Can't wait to come back here.
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Sue S.

Yelp
Lovely sitting on the porch. Great ribs and sides. Got the half rack and couldn't finish. Some BBQ places focus only on the meat and have weak sides, but that's not the case here. The mac and cheese, potato salad and fries were all great, as was the brisket sandwich. Only criticism: the women's room was gross. Overflowing trash, dirty floor and counter, a fake plant coated in a thick layer of dust.
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Ellie Q.

Yelp
I'm on the hunt for the best pancake in the Temecula area. Swing did not disappoint! We ordered several items for our breakfast of course. Among them were the bacon, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and southwest omelette. The pancakes were our favorite; super fluffy, perfect size and very flavorful. They came out hot with a big scoop of melting butter (drool emoji). The other food was fine but nothing special. We didn't like the omelette too much because it was more like an egg taco than an omelette. The ingredients were not mixed in with the eggs as you would expect from a proper omelette. It was just placed in a pile in the middle of an egg tortilla and folded. The eggs were browned from being over cooked on both sides. Service was good but slow. Overall the pancakes were 8 out of 10 so I will definitely come back for those.
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Lydia S.

Yelp
Been to this bustling restaurants, several times in Temecula, each time being helped by pleasant servers and some down home country style cooking -And lots of it! I got the country western ambience, some good food, and kept it simple
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Red R.

Yelp
My family and I finally got to try this place out last night. We ordered several different items to ensure we got a taste of the restaurant's quality of food. (BBQ items, chicken-fried steak, burgers, brisket, sides). Unfortunately, all of the meats were dry; even a burger at medium-rare. My least favorite was the chicken-fried steak. It tasted as though it was reheated in the microwave; so dry, and tasted like a thinned out hamburger patty. Positives: the gravy on the chicken-fried steak, potato salad, and baked beans were really good.
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Amanda W.

Yelp
Dean Norris' Swing Inn Café serves up some seriously satisfying comfort food with a smoky BBQ twist. I tried the Hangover Scramble and the Two-Meat Plate with smoked half chicken, brisket, crispy French fries, and coleslaw--and every bite was worth it. The smoked chicken had deep, rich flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. The fries were perfectly crispy, and the coleslaw was a standout--light on the mayo, heavy on the dill, refreshing and tangy. Don't miss the brisket--falls apart. The service was absolutely wonderful--fast, friendly, and super accommodating. The staff clearly take pride in both the food and the guest experience. Pro tip: Definitely get the brisket and coleslaw with your meal. They're not just sides--they're stars. This place is the real deal for anyone who loves hearty breakfast or slow-smoked BBQ done right.
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Mena P.

Yelp
BEST. BBQ. EVER. We came here to celebrate my brother's birthday, and came with a party of 12. We decided to order a ton of things to share, and there was not a single thing that we ordered that I didn't like or that I thought was not good. The stand out item for me was the DINO BEEF RIB. The meat literally falls off the bone. It is so soft and bursting with flavor. If you try it, you won't be able to enjoy a regular rib quite as much moving forward. Some other items that I liked- the brisket, the toast, the Mac and cheese, the brisket slider things, and brisket fries. I also liked the variety of bbq sauce, all were good but I really liked the spicy one. Overall, 10/10. Can't wait to visit again!
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Tina C.

Yelp
Hands down, some of the BEST Texas-style smoked BBQ we've had in ages! Swing Inn Cafe in Temecula, owned by "Breaking Bad" star Dean Norris (aka Hank Schrader), has been a local legend since 1927. Since Dean and his wife, Bridget took over in 2022, they've cranked up the menu with melt-in-your-mouth Dino beef ribs, brisket, spareribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends, served with classic sides like the best baked beans, potato salad, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and Texas toast. Located in Old Town, this cozy diner's got a full bar with craft cocktails and a nostalgic vibe. Oh and we got a couple of pies to go (lemon meringue and strawberry rubarb) haven't tried them yet but im sure they're good. Super friendly staff, especially Adrianna, our waitress. Dog-friendly patio, too! Don't sleep on this BBQ gem! #SwingInnCafe #TemeculaBBQ #TexasBBQ"
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Becky V.

Yelp
Service was so kind at the takeout side building. This is a different area than the main restaurant, good for if you're just getting food and are ok eating in car or taking it home! Got a tray of 2 meats. It came with sides. So much food!
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Lana S.

Yelp
Amazing! We really enjoyed our visit! The portions were big and everything was delicious. My husband and I chose the liver dish -- it's healthy, full of iron and vitamins, and you rarely find it on menus, so we were very happy. The atmosphere felt cozy and truly American, and the staff was warm and welcoming.

Yulia A.

Yelp
My rating is for the service only. The food was good. Upon arrival on Sunday evening there was no one to greet and check us in, I had to call the waiter. She was extremely slow, looked tired and not welcoming. We have been seated in about 15 minutes with lots of empty tables available. Then we waited for the server for about 15 more minutes, and finally after we made the order we have been waiting for the food for more than 30 minutes - the place was half empty. They were out of brisket at 5pm, so basically half the menu was unavailable. We were pretty frustrated with the experience, and obviously won't be back anytime soon. My son deserved better service for his birthday.
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Em B.

Yelp
Lovely service and tasty food! And fun fact: Breaking Bad Actor, Dean Norris, acquired this restaurant...we found this out from our fellow Breaking Bad fan friends so of course we had to pay it a visit and support. I was in the Temecula area doing wine tastings with some friends but we were all hankering for some good bbq for dinner. Enter Swing In Cafe & BBQ. Surprisingly, we were able to get a table for 6 on a busy Saturday without too long of a wait. The restaurant is on the smaller side but there is also ample seating outside. Parking is a bit of a struggle but there is a parking structure down the road. What we got: 2 Smoked Meats platter that included Texas toast and 2 sides. We tried to order the Burnt Ends but they were out. So we got the Lean Prime Brisket, Texas Spareribs , Mac-n-Cheese and Baked Beans. We also added on a Jalapeno Cheese Link. Lean Prime Brisket: This was our favorite out of all the meats. Loved the flavorful bark on the brisket. Texas Pork Spare Ribs: A bit on the dry side and not our favorite. Next time we will try the pulled pork instead. Jalapeno Cheese Link: Loved this link and wish we ordered an extra! Mac-N-Cheese: Also a bit dry and wished for a bit more cheese and creaminess. Baked Beans: The co-habby loved this side. They also offer some killer desserts including a massive Cinnamon Buns, Pies, Banana Pudding and more...always something for everyone! We can't wait to return. 5 glorious stars.
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Erik S.

Yelp
Such high expectations! Such meh in reality. I love BBQ, everything about it. I love Dean Norris, and everything I've seen him in, including as the TSA boss in that recent movie where Jason Bateman's the bad guy, finally. But when I pull up to a BBQ place and I do not smell BBQ actively going on, that's a warning. Also, when I ask for a beer, and there are no drafts available, and I ask for ribs, and I get the same story, something's up. The brisket was excellent, however, although not a whole lot of it on the $30 plate. The server was nice and helpful and brought water for my pup, to whom we did not dare mention the unavailability of rib bones. This is all sounding two-stars-like, but maybe it was just an off-day, so benefit of the doubt is in order.
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Mary R.

Yelp
I love this place! It is so cute in a western looking town! The food is great I had pastrami and delicious potato salad! The servers are so friendly and helpful! They have breakfast and lunch menu tour choosing' It is open until 3 PM . You can eat indoors or outside.
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Arlene E.

Yelp
We ordered the 2 smoke meats platter and brisket platter- def bigger than anticipated and should have split the 2 smoke meat platter as it was huge. The meats were delicious!! Hands down one the top bbqs we have had!! Waitresses and hostess were all super sweet and friendly! Reason for 4 stars- Mac and cheese was cheesy but lacked a bit flavor in my opinion and the coleslaw was different but pretty good either way. Beans were alright, overall enjoyed it and would be back! Def a recommendation when in area.
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Victoria R.

Yelp
Great food and service! Family friendly. We went during brunch on a Friday and it was busy but didn't wait too long. Their breakfast is yummy and meat is soo good! Definitely recommend!! Plan ahead for parking. Can get packed in old town temecula.
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Elissa F.

Yelp
The Case of the Elusive Biscuit My biscuits are burning! No, they're missing! Wow. Our party was seated immediately, which was a promising start. The place is old country vibe, has history, and you can see it. We ordered two chicken fried steaks, one with hashbrowns, one with a pancake. One came with wheat toast, and the other, a biscuit. Two iced teas with lemon were ordered to wash it all down. Our food arrived within an acceptable timeframe, but alas, the biscuit was nowhere to be found. The waitress, bless her heart, informed us it was coming and then scurried away on a quest for the mythical pastry. I literally watched her repeatedly venture into the kitchen, a valiant knight in search of the Holy Biscuit. I was dumbfounded as I witnessed her beg the cooks for my missing biscuit. Why? Their responses! A chorus of "Ya ya," "we will get to it," "just wait," and "they can wait." The truly infuriating part was their almost direct eye contact as they uttered these dismissive phrases. Eventually, I surrendered, asking to box our food and leave. I don't believe the waitress could face us anymore at that point, as it took another ten minutes after we finally received the box to flag down the hostess, who practically had to drag her back so we could finally pay and escape this biscuit-less purgatory.
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Bree H.

Yelp
I admit, I am a tough critic on BBQ because I am a Texas native, so I have grown up on amazing BBQ. I was excited to check this place out after seeing some hype online so we made the 1 hour drive to try Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ. I love bbq that doesn't need sauce and my food really needed the sauce to be appetizing. My husband and I shared the 2 meat combination plate. The prices online were different than in the restaurant. I did feel like $46 for 3 thin slices of each meat & 2 sides was overpriced. My meat was REALLY dry and the bbq was really sweet for my liking. I switched to the spicy sauce but it was still really sweet. The Mac n cheese was also dry and lacked flavor and cheesiness. It tasted like everything had been sitting for a while. The bbq wings were okay, but the French fries were delicious. Service was mediocre, my server forgot our sides, utensils, napkins and overall just wasn't very attentive. A little constructive criticism to consider, update the kids menu. There aren't any bbq options on there, yet there is spaghetti? I was really disappointed in the options. The location is very cool, Old Town is always a fun area. All in all I was bummed, maybe it was just an off day.
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Jowel G.

Yelp
We were out over the weekend shopping in the area. This gave us a chance to finally try out the barbecue here. The wait wasn't too bad since we opted to eat indoors. If you want to try multiple meats, the best way to order is a combination. We ordered the brisket and pork ribs with a side of potato salad and coleslaw. To start, we tried both the red and white sangria, which was a bit weak as far as the alcohol content goes. Great for someone that's a lightweight. I really enjoyed the goat salad, fresh and full of cheese and cranberries. The brisket was tender, but the meat itself was a bit dry and didn't have much flavor. The pork ribs were shredding off the bone instead of it being a traditional pork rib that doesn't shred if that makes sense. The flavor was OK though I did like the potato salad and coleslaw , but just so you know there's tarragon mixed into both. The toast was very lightly buttered and not like a Texas cheese toast. This is all about preference really with the toast. The famous cinnamon roll was OK. It was warm soft, but didn't have the traditional frosting on top unless the frosting was mostly butter? It really was like melted butter all over the top. The portion is good for two to share. The outdoor area is great. Indoor is not too bad and had that diner type feel. Krystina our server was awesome! I'd like to come back and try this place for breakfast.
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Jacob B.

Yelp
Great spot to stop by if you're visiting the Temecula area. Very wholesome mom and pop feel, something I don't see very often with celebrity restaurant owners honestly. Now for the food... Food (4/5) - Pretty sizable menu for a BBQ spot with options for anyone really. Prices seem reasonable for the portion sizes, quality etc. Our party decided on a couple platters and the brisket sandwich to get a full range of items to try. The brisket was tender, solid flavor and the fat was rendered pretty well, and the ribs absolutely fell off the bone perfectly cooked, but did not have as significant of a flavor as the brisket. I could not say the same for the pork belly burnt ends unfortunately as they were really tough, and more bitter in terms of flavor (dry/overcooked). Sides were alright with some onion rings, mac+cheese, potato salad, texas toast, pickles and whatnot. The house BBQ sauces were delicious! Service (4/5) - Our group went at like 6 on a Wednesday night, it wasn't super busy at first and there were some workers scrubbing the patio. However inside there was only 1 really nice girl hosting/serving for most of our time there. Not her fault, plus we waited a pretty normal time i'd expect for BBQ and it came out fine, just took a bit to get sat down and table touches for things we needed here and there. No biggie! Ambiance (5/5) - Mentioned above, this place really has that "made with love" small business feel. Decor and interior pretty in line with what you'd expect at a texas bbq spot, and was very clean. Just think it's a bit cramped in the "hostess desk" area since it's only a small hallway where the bathrooms are also located.
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Lisa P.

Yelp
The wait for our food was way too long. Seems to be a gap between the server taking the order and the expedition team. A couple items never came and I reminded the server near the end of the meal. They brought the items and charged us full price, though it was too late to continue sitting to eat them... if you're looking for a cute place to hang out (and not in a hurry to get your food) this place is sunny and quieter than other spots on the strip. Staff were nice enough, and food was fine!
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Bernadette L.

Yelp
A friend told me about this cafe had the BEST BBQ he ever had so I had to try it. It was absolutely DELICIOUS I got the Ribs, Brisket, Smoked Sausage, Baked Beans and Mac and Cheese...Yummy! The place was packed do I got my order to go. The young lady who took my order was very friendly and polite. The restaurant was clean, inviting and kid friendly. I highly recommend Swing Inn Cafe!
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Kenny T.

Yelp
I am giving this a five star rating mainly because it had been nearly 25 years since the last time I chose to eat at this literally historic location. I was so pleasantly surprised to see how much better the food was. Service here has always been friendly and attentive, even when it's busy. And I have always appreciated the old country western vibe that it has maintained all these years. Honestly though the bbq is what has brought this place up a level. Loved the brisket benedict. Added some of the house regular bbq sauce to one and spicy on the other. Wow! Both were hitting! Keep it going swing in. I'll be back sooner than 25 years .