Dean Norris Dishes On Favorite SoCal Hot Spots

TEMECULA, CA — Actor and restaurant owner Dean Norris loves Temecula, he told Visit California in a recent podcast interview.

The "Breaking Bad" actor, best known for his character, Hank, recalled his first moments of driving through what he called "a cool little town." Those first moments he spent off I-15 in Old Town evolved into a love letter, bringing his wife out, then wanting to move from the Hollywood Hills to set up shop in Southwest Riverside County.

"I kept stopping by and started bringing my wife out. We knew we wanted to move out of the Hollywood Hills, which was great when I was a bachelor, but it wasn't great to have a family and I didn't really know my neighbors, whereas here I know all my neighbors. We looked up north a little bit like Ventura and Ojai, but we ultimately settled on Temecula and I’m really glad we did. It was good to get here early. It's grown up around us and we just enjoyed being part of it."

In Temecula, Norris said his all time favorite stop was the Swing Inn Cafe and Barbecue, which he purchased in 2022. When you visit the restaurant, be sure to taste the Texas-style barbeque, his signature Schraderbräu beer, and other Breaking Bad–inspired menu items, plus the smoker he named "Hank's Tank."

On the California Now Podcast, he also shared plans for a second, upscale eatery in the area. In his California Questionnaire, Norris reflects on the destinations, experiences, and hidden gems that make the Golden State truly special.

His favorite places to visit include both Death Valley or Joshua Tree.

"If you ever want a crazy experience, go out in the desert. I never thought of the desert as a destination. Certainly not coming from Indiana. But if you've lived out here and you've gone to these places, the desert is beautiful and fascinating and crazy. You have to go to Death Valley in the winter because in summer it's too hot, but it's like you're in another world. We love to go to Joshua Tree and stay in a little old hotel. It’s just so beautiful."

Moreover, he also loves the mountains.

"It's the greatest part of California. We could wake up and go to the beach, enjoy some sunshine, and then, were we so inclined, we would take a drive up to Big Bear and do a little skiing," Norris said. "If it's the right time in March or April, you could do both, and it's all within an hour and a half. I also love Big Bear! That's certainly a gem that people probably know, but we love going up there in the winter, skiing, and doing nice cold lodging. We also go up there in the summer because it's great to walk around Big Bear, go to the little ice cream shops, float around on the lake and do stuff like that. So, it would probably be a combination of those two things—the beach and then a trip to Big Bear and maybe grab some sushi in between."

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