Top photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley.
Walking down Old Town Temecula’s Front Street, Small Barn makes an impression with its grand entrance of oversized barn doors and red umbrellas. If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience after a day out wine tasting, this is your place.
The building has history. It was once the home of one of Temecula’s first settlers, and has had multiple lives since: as a blacksmith shop, an auto garage, and an antique store. Local winemakers and owners, Dan and Cathy Gibson, took over the location in 2018 and renovated the interior to include a kitchen and bar, but maintained the building’s facade with it’s wrap around porch and shiplap siding. The restaurant opened in 2020 and just celebrated its 5th anniversary.
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The vibe is elegant yet casual. Old Town is not a formal place. The al fresco dining space is attractively set with lounge furniture surrounding low fire tables. Twinkly lights adorn a tree. Even with a dirt patio, it feels a little posh. You’ll see couples out on dates, small groups gathered on the outdoor sofas, and probably more than one birthday, bridal bridal party, or anniversary. If you’re looking for a fine dining option in Old Town, Small Barn and Corbeaux Wine and Tea House are as close as it gets in terms of quality and service.
Small Barn’s seasonal menu, created by consulting Chef Vince Schofield, is designed to show off the region’s local produce. Burgers made with Angus beef and topped with smoked gouda and caramelized onion, charcuterie, seasonal soups, and there are always elegantly prepared fish, chicken, and steak entrees, like a 12 oz New York Prime with crispy fingerlings, or a 32 oz Australian Wagyu Tomahawk for two with a red wine reduction and bone marrow truffle butter.
On the starter menu, the Hamachi crudo in a serrano vinaigrette is supremely refreshing. The brussel sprouts topped with a fried egg are a must-order classic.
One can’t really write about Small Barn without talking about their cocktails which are seasonal as well. A recent favorite was the Free Spirit made with mezcal, creme de violet, Thai chili coco cream, lime and aqua faba. I hope that paints the picture. They’re incredible.
Like many restaurants in Old Town, Small Barn is often packed on the weekends, but they have room weekdays and offer a couple of specials to entice guests.
On Barn Burner Tuesdays, they offer a smash burger with cheese made with a blend of certified Angus beef along with a draft beer or glass of tap wine for $22, plus $8 cocktail specials.
And on Fried Chicken Wednesdays, they have southern-style buttermilk-brined half chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, and a buttermilk biscuit for $24.
Things to know: Seating is primarily outdoors. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are strongly recommended and are available through Open Table.
