With a restaurant tied to a celebrity, there's always the risk that they're leaving on the name, and that the food will be average at best. That is not the case here. The barbecue here is 100% top shelf. Fall off the bone ribs. Perfectly crafted hot links (although I wouldn't have minded a bit more heat). Outstanding coleslaw. And absolutely delicious, not too sweet house barbecue sauce (they also offer a sweet one). AND delicious pie. And all of this amazing food was expertly served by Mikayla, who was very sweet and provided a top shelf experience. Thank you Mikayla! read more

mac & cheese was blah potato salad i liked but not my wife. chicken was dry. bisket too much pepper and tough. overpriced and overhyped read more

​Wanted to like this place since it's hard to find good BBQ. Came here Saturday with my family for an early Father's Day celebration. When we received our food, only 3 out of 5 plates came to the table, and the server asked if we needed anything else. Um, yes... our other 2 plates? ​Turns out they were out of brisket and didn't have enough to make the other 2 sandwiches. Mind you, if we hadn't pointed out that we were missing 2 plates, they would have never told us. We had to tell them. Their manager came out and said they told us as soon as they found out, which is a complete lie. If that were true, the server wouldn't have asked if we needed anything else while leaving two people empty-handed, and they actually would have offered to replace the meals with something else. It wasn't until we complained that they finally did what should have been done in the first place. ​They should have known 2 plates were missing the second the kitchen started prepping only 3 out of the 5 meals on the ticket. The disconnect between the kitchen, servers, and managers is abysmal. For what you pay here, it is absolutely not worth the headache. read more

Drove from over an hour away.. Been on our bucket list for places to try.. Yes, fan of Dean Norris.. It's old town so parking can be a challenge.. The place is super clean and inviting. Staff are friendly.. They were busy so the wait was a bit from the time we ordered.. The food was a 3.7 of a 5.. We shared a three meat platter with two sides.. Brisket, Hot Links, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Potato Salad, and Macaroni and Cheese.. All in all it wasn't bad and definitely worth the visit and experience.. The Briskit was Awesome! Hands Down The Winner of the Platter.. The hot links were good too.. The Burnt Ends were tough, but the flavor was good.. The Potato Salad and Macaroni and Cheese were ok.. The Macaroni and Cheese was barely warm.. We did try the SCHRADERBRAU and it was really good.. Too bad they don't give you the option to buy a six pack to take home.. I would have bought one as it was yummy.. Would I come back? Yes!! Would Definitely for that Brisket Alone... The staff were friendly and it was a good visit.. read more

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Dear diary, Made a trip here to see uncle Hank and decided to grab some food because we were in line for 3 hours. The service was fast even though there were many customers there that day. The place was lively. We got the half pound smoked brisket and french dip with a beer and a cocktail. The food was delicious and on point. However there was a bug on my pineapple that was a decor for my drink which was disappointing to say the least. There was limited parking especially with all the breaking bad fans but I'm sure it's different on a regular day. read more

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Here A Missed Feast at Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ Ahoy, Dean! I pen these words in hopes they do not strike like a thunderclap upon your shores. Your artistry on the screen has captured my admiration, yet my heart is heavy as I recount my culinary journey to your esteemed establishment. With eager spirit, I ventured forth from the bustling realms of San Diego, lured by tales spun on TikTok and whispers of flavor that promised a feast to rival the legendary Phil's Barbecue. Alas, my 120-mile pilgrimage left me yearning for more, like a sailor adrift in a sea of unsatisfied cravings. To my dismay, the fabled beef barbecue ribs were absent from your menu--an absence that echoed in the chambers of my heart. Instead, I chose the patty melt, a dish that danced not upon my palate as I had hoped. Accompanied by mac & cheese, it presented a unique flavor, yet was served cold and chewy, like a shipwrecked treasure lost to time. Your servers, true knights of hospitality, graciously presented optional mashed potatoes, but alas, they bore the likeness of instant fare, void of the warmth and care of true mashed potatoes. I sought the Flintstone-style dinosaur bones, yet it seemed those glorious days had vanished like mist at dawn. My daughter ventured to order a small rack of pork ribs, which, while decent, could not elevate our spirits to the heights we sought. Meanwhile, my wife chose the turkey sandwich, which regrettably settled like a stormy tide in her stomach. The ambience, reminiscent of good old-fashioned Temecula, offered ample parking for those who arrive in time, yet I found myself longing for a sensational experience that eluded us. Please, dear Dean, take not these words as daggers, but as a humble plea for your culinary realm to reclaim its former glory. May the winds of fortune guide your kitchen back to the vibrant feasts of yore. God bless, and may your future endeavors be filled with flavors that dance upon the tongue! Captain 619 read more

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Been wanting to try their "texas style" bbq since I smoke meats at home, but was hugely disappointed. Brisket was dry, we got a platter and we got 3 pieces of flat, all were dry and crumbly, which tells me it's overcooked. Was lacking seasoning. Barely any smoke flavor. Their pork belly burnt ends looked baked instead of smoked. No bark, pieces had no color, and doused in bbq sauce. Their pastrami was a little too salty. Service was a little slow for how many people were dining. Servers were friendly. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Pork belly burnt end, looks baked and not smoked. Had 0 smoke flavor - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

Great BBQ and fast, friendly service! Our food came out quickly, everything was delicious, and the staff was attentive throughout our visit. We had a great experience and would definitely come back. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Blue Lagoon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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The hostess was friendly. Hope was our server and she was excellent! We came as a family of 6 before 11am on a Sunday and barely had to wait. There was a huge line building up as we waited for our food. Service was quick and food was amazing! An absolute must in Temecula. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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I found this place after watching a YouTuber recommend their brisket, so I decided to give it a try. I don't usually leave negative reviews, but this experience did not meet expectations. I ordered the brisket sandwich, and it was extremely dry. I had to send it back twice, and both times the meat still lacked freshness and quality--it tasted like it was from a previous day's batch. The service was the only positive. The waitress was polite, attentive, and did her best to accommodate the situation. When she checked back in, I let her know the food was not good. For a first-time visit--especially when ordering a recommended item--the expectation should be higher. I wasn't asking for a discount, but the overall experience did not match what was promoted. Based on this visit, I would not recommend this place, and I don't plan on returning. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Dried brisket - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

We went on the weekend and there was a long wait. Glad we checked inside and there were seats at the bar. Tip: If you don't mind sitting at the bar, they are first come first serve. Food and drinks were good. Minus 1 star for the slow service. Red sangria and the Heisenberg cocktail tasted strong. Pork belly was tender and juicy. The breakfast brisket with scrambled eggs and fries was good. I was able to substitute the hash browns/potatoes with fries. The jalapeño poppers stuffed with brisket was filling and only had a mild spice. The desserts (cream pies and cinnamon buns) looked good, but we were stuffed. Will try next time. read more

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There's always a long wait here but that's because the food is pretty good and the service is as well. It has a nice country western barbecue feel. There's a lot of outdoor seating which is very nice because inside is rather small. This restaurant has been here forever. We used to come here for breakfast decades ago. It has changed hands but the newest owner is a celebrity and he is really committed to this restaurant and to the city of Temecula. read more

Come here hungry!!! We were able to get in really quickly which was awesome - normally there is a line out the door! The food was good classic breakfast food but made sure to add any of the bbq sauces! Those are the bomb dot com! I wanted to buy a bottle but forgot... read more

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Food is delicious, service is great, and ambience is great, pancakes, waffles all breakfast selections are great and good portions Delicious read more

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Service was decent -1 food overall was dry and disgusting no seasonings tasted like baby food Very disappointing, considering how much hype there is around that restaurant McDonald's breakfast this is better than that read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Bacon turned into dust; ham tasted so old and had a weird taste, steak was overcooked had no seasonings - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

Dirty place. Rude staff. Extremely expensive for below par food. Toilets were disgusting.

service was super fast and even though it was crowded we were sat way faster than they said we would and were served like almost immediately which was amazing! it's very historic old town diner vibes inside which is cute and out little circular booth was perfect! i got the brisket sandwich and it was absolutely delicious and i would order it again! my friends tried the brunch menu as well and i know they really liked the new orleans benedict! i'm not even a fries person but the fries that came with my sandwich were really good too. the portion sizes were great and my friends tried who ordered a platter ended up taking a lot of it to go! would come back for sure! read more

Foood is soooo good. I love the vibe. Service was good. Will come back here. Very accommodating for my baby read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

This is the happening diner in downtown Temecula!! Decorated fabulous makes you feel country !! Trevor was friendly and happy to serve his customers!! It's very busy lots of hungry customers coming and going !! We sat at the counter it was just perfect !! Food was delicious and when we return we will be back Hurry get down to this perfect town and enjoy a great meal and say Hi to Trevor !! Have fun !! Go hungry there a lot to choose from menu great choices !! read more

We arrived around 12 and our party of 3 was seated at 12:25pm on a Saturday. There is parking behind the restaurant. If it's full, there's public parking garage nearby as well. We were seated outside and it was quite sunny. When we were here 2 years ago, there was a jackfruit burger option. But looking at the menu now, the only vegetarian entree options were the popeye omelet and the belgian waffle or french toast. Everything else has meat in it. And there are no vegan options, unless you maybe order just plain carbs. The popeye omelet was good - buttery with lots of veggies. The french toast was good as well. The portions are generous so we had leftovers. Our server was very friendly. read more

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Service, food and a cool decor. Heading to San Diego from Vegas I never fail to stop in! read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Front of the building - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

I'm a sucker for a good BBQ spot, and after hearing about this place, I was excited to try it. We got the brisket and ribs as a two piece combo with a side of Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. The brisket was nice and tender. It wasn't as juicy as I expected, but it was still good! The ribs weren't sliding off the bone showing "tenderism" but it was juicy and very good to eat. I personally love their house bbq sauce which elevates everything. I literally threw it on everything including the Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Killed more than half the bottle after I was done eating. Also tried their famous cinnamon roll! We ordered it to go, and I honestly would recommend trying it fresh, but it's a cinnamon roll! It won't disappoint. Service-wise, you feel the hospitality right when you step in through the doors. Our waitress was very kind and accommodating even though it was a packed house. She made sure that all our needs were met and always checked up on us even though she was running around like crazy! The restaurant itself had a great smokehouse feel to it. Nice and cozy, and their outdoor seating is scenic since it's located in downtown Temecula. You smell the smokers right when you pull up to the parking lot and that gets your appetite going. Parking is also free when you dine in there! read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Brisket, ribs, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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First time in Old Temecula and went to the lavender shop. I asked the cashier what restaurant she recommends and this was one of them. Glad we went here. I went with my friend and shared the brisket plate which was recommended by our server. Also ordered coleslaw and coke. The restaurant is nice and our server was good. It was lunch time and there were lots of people so it took a few minutes before we were seated so the wait wasn't bad. The food was pretty good and my friend really liked the brisket. I liked it but I'm kind of biased since I've tried some of the greatest Texas barbecue in Austin, also a few other restaurants in Fort Worth, Dallas and Abilene. The brisket here is still good and if I lived close by, I would return but I'm from San Diego. Coleslaw was pretty good too. Out of the 3 types of barbecue sauces, our fave was the House Barbecue Sauce. read more

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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 read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - 3 Smoked Meats Combo Platter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

So heard about this place online and heard good things! We came here on a sunday afternoon with a party of 10 so it was about an hour and a half wait. We didnt mind the wait but there should be a way to contact your guests when your table is ready rather than waiting around the area waiting for your name to be called and possibly miss it. Service was great. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. No qualms about that. What I do have a qualm about it, is the bbq. Got the pork belly burnt ends and it wasnt even charred, it seem boiled. That was disappointing. The ribs itself were not really tender and more mulchy than anything else. The bbq sauce could not save it. The nachos and chili cheese fries were fine but nothing amazing. Considering the wait time with the quality of the food, I would give it a 2/5. read more

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Great service but food was kind of pricey (pulled pork and brisket was a bit dry for us). The good we were seated right away and we were able to place our order without any issues. It included the pulled pork sandwich which was bigger than expected and came with a large portion of fries. The 2 meats meal was enough for two people and came with two sides. The pastrami was a hit for us because it was so tender and almost melted in our mouth. The brisket was a bit dry for us and the sides were good (mashed potatoes and mac n cheese). The vibe was more of a diner feel and some areas needed some maintenance/repair (some chairs were coming apart). We will come back and try their breakfast. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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 :) read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Pork Belly Mac n Cheese - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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My son lives in Southern Cal and met me for my birthday here. He recommended it. I had an omelette which was good! My husband and son both enjoyed their meals too. We were seated outside, the weather was perfect! Service was very good too! We got eight in on a Saturday morning! Highly recommend! read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

Came here last Sunday for lunch and really wanted to like this place, especially since it's hard to find truly great BBQ in California. I ordered the 2-meat combo platter with brisket and pork ribs, plus mac and cheese and beans. Unfortunately, the food was pretty underwhelming for the price. The brisket arrived dry and slightly oxidized-looking, with only two slices included. The ribs were overdone and mostly from the cartilage-heavy end of the rack. Flavor overall was decent, but nowhere near memorable. The mac and cheese was bland, the beans were okay, and even the pickles had an odd chemical taste to them. The service was genuinely great, which was the highlight of the experience, but at around $48 for the combo plate, the food quality just didn't justify the cost. For comparison, Heritage BBQ in San Juan Capistrano is in an entirely different league when it comes to quality and execution. This place felt much more geared toward tourists than serious BBQ fans. read more

A local gem that can't be missed! Is that dramatic enough??! Well it should be, because they serve up some yummy fare here. They specialize in breakfasts and BBQ. We had a party of 8, and every one of us loved our meals. Our server was amazing, and this has the perfect 'greasy spoon' vibe. (Greasy spoon used in a loving way). We had one breakfast and 7 lunches. The BLT was perfect, the Wild West burger was huge and delicious. The brisket and pulled pork was on point and smoky good. The chicken fried steak was not one of your boring run of the mill types, it was breaded perfectly. Even the patty melt rocked!! They also have three types of BBQ sauce, sweet, regular, and spicy. All three were exactly right for the meat you put it on. Weekends must get pretty busy, we were there after golf on a Monday at 12:30, and it was packed. So glad I finally tried this spot, as I'm not far away from here. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Chicken fried steak breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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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. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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! read more

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Great barbecue!!! Definitely a place to try again and again. The brisket was on point and the owner is cool too

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! read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

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. read more

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Service and slid way south, wait times are far too long, and grounds in the coffee. For many years this was the place to go. I think I'll pass next time. read more

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Temecula, California

I was told the liver & onions were good by the waitress. By the 2nd & replacement of my 1st order of liver, it still was dry & overcooked. Not tender at all. Mashed potatoes did not taste like real potatoes. The Philadelphia cheesesteak was OK as well as the chicken fried steak, just OK. Not a place you want to return to with so many more choices to choose from in Old Town! read more

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. read more

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Service and food was excellent. Will definitely be returning. Recommend smoked tri tip

We had dinner at Swing Inn cafe & BBQ in Temecula and it went beyond and exceeded our expectations--hands down the best BBQ we've ever had. Our server Andy--who is also the manager--took amazing care of us from start to finish. The service was friendly, attentive, and perfectly timed. Andy recommended the sausages as an appetizer, and let me tell you... we're still talking about how delicious they were. And the BBQ was even better: the brisket and burnt ends were incredibly tender--soft and practically falling apart, with tons of flavor. Big thank you to Andy for the great service and for making the trip totally worth it. We'll definitely be back! read more

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