Restaurants & Bars

Small Barn, Best Outdoor Seating For Old Town Temecula Dining

We love Old Town Temecula's Small Barn Bistro for its outdoor tables, the well-appointed menu, and the welcoming atmosphere.

The outdoor patio seating at Small Barn Temecula.
The outdoor patio seating at Small Barn Temecula. (Photo Credit: Small Barn Bistro, Cathy Gibson)

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula's Small Barn Bistro is rapidly becoming the heart of Old Town, transforming a former historic homestead into a restaurant beloved by residents and visitors alike.

The restaurant is located at the corner of Old Town Front Street and Fifth Street. Diners can expect inside and outside tables in a non-traditional, welcoming environment.

Welcome to Small Barn in Old Town Temecula. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)

When you walk through the front gates of Small Barn, day or night, guests feel they've been invited into a private residence.

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Natural-fencing surrounds a historic home that once belonged to the Knott Family, a famed Temecula blacksmith. The grounds have been lovingly restored and beautifully appointed, inside and out.

A long outdoor table can serve larger parties at Small Barn Temecula. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)

Outdoor tables, couches, and settees are set about the vast yard, interspersed with drought-tolerant landscaping. Large parties can be seated underneath the stylized shell of a rustic barn, or guests can enjoy a drink and a visit in hanging swings under the broad front porch.

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Hanging chairs, a favored spot to hang out at Small Barn. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)

All serve to capture a casual atmosphere to spend your mid-morning brunch or early dinner.

Tables are available for reservation through Open Table.

"Much of the restaurant is dedicated to alfresco dining, which includes a large wrap-around porch, fireside lounge seating, and a covered patio with retractable awnings," Owners Cathy and Dan Gibson said of the design. "The building’s original residential scale has been maintained, and the interior spaces have been updated with rustic finishes, eclectic seating, and a stunning distressed wood parquet dining room floor."

Ahi, served as only prepared at Small Barn. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)

When you go for brunch, be sure to order your fresh mimosa and the delectable Ahi Tuna poke, served with avocado, cucumber, Chiffonade mint, and agave soy marinade with serrano garlic oil and crispy lavash to start your meal.

Small Barn's Farm Quiche never disappoints with its puff pastry crust and farm-fresh ingredients. Whether finishing brunch or dinner, we suggest making a dessert of the Ube Panna Cotta, beautifully plated with colorful ube, honeycomb, Matcha white chocolate, and blackberry for a cool and delicious end to your meal.

The most beautiful dish you'll ever devour. Ube Panna Cotta with edible flowers, honeycomb, and seasonal fruit at Small Barn. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)
The Gibsons have a winery currently under construction, though they are bottling wines under the Small Barn label. Their wine is available for sipping and savoring on the bistro's vast wine list. The entrepreneurs also own a commercial greenhouse in Temecula.
Brightly lit yard of the Small Barn in Old Town Temecula. (Photos: Courtesy Cathy Gibson, Small Barn)

"Small Barn restaurant is an expression of our passion for the wine country lifestyle," they say, and we agree—it shouldn't be missed.

Be sure to book your table before your next visit to Old Town Temecula.

Find Small Barn Bistro at 28535 Old Town Front Street. Order delivery or takeout at 951-225-2820 or online at www.smallbarn.com.


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