The Best Breakfast And Brunch
Places in Salt Lake City

Lots of Choices - Some New & Some Old

Trying to figure out the best breakfast & brunch places in Salt Lake City is a fun challenge especially when you get to investigate some of them in person.

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a great breakfast. Especially when you're on vacation, heading into the mountains, or just looking for somewhere different to eat.

Fortunately, Salt Lake City has plenty of excellent choices.

From old-fashioned diners and neighborhood cafés to trendy brunch restaurants serving creative dishes, the Salt Lake Valley has something for everyone. Some of the best places are tucked away in neighborhoods you might never think to explore.

Whether you're visiting Utah or you're a local looking for a new favorite, I've put together this guide to the best breakfast & brunch places in Salt Lake City.

We'll concentrate on Salt Lake City and the surrounding valley, then venture into Park City, Utah County, and Davis County for a few more places worth visiting.

So bring your appetite. Let's see what's cooking.

Where to Find a Great Breakfast
In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has some terrific breakfast restaurants. A few have been feeding locals for decades, while others have brought something new to the breakfast scene.

Here are some of the best.

1. The Park Café – A Salt Lake City Favorite

Location: 604 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City

If you're looking for a classic neighborhood breakfast, the Park Café is an excellent place to start.

Located across from Liberty Park, this longtime favorite has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1982. It's friendly, casual, and almost always busy.

The menu includes omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and the restaurant's popular Michigan Hash. If you're craving something sweet, try the French Toast Foolishness.

Generous portions and friendly customer service have helped build a loyal following. And with outdoor seating overlooking the park, it's a particularly nice place to eat on a warm Utah morning.

After breakfast, take a walk through Liberty Park, one of Salt Lake City's oldest and most popular parks. I won’t vouch for it at night but it’s a safe gathering place during daylight hours.

Just be prepared for a possible wait at this popular café especially on Saturday mornings and Sundays.

2. Ruth's Diner – Breakfast With a Side of Utah History

Location: 4160 Emigration Canyon Road, Salt Lake City

Ruth's Diner is more than a restaurant. It's a piece of Utah history.

Established in 1930, Ruth's is one of Utah's oldest restaurants. Its unusual home, built around a vintage trolley car in Emigration Canyon, gives it a character all its own.

And the location is hard to beat. Emigration Canyon is one of our favorite drives. In fact, we drive it almost every week in one direction or another – either down from the Parley’s Canyon access (Little Dell) or up from the Sunnyside Avenue side.

Just a short drive up the canyon from downtown Salt Lake City, Ruth's offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by canyon scenery. Its large, shaded patio is one of the nicest places near the valley to enjoy breakfast on a beautiful morning.

The menu features eggs Benedict, omelets, French toast, and hearty breakfast combinations. Don't overlook the famous Mile High biscuits served with butter and jam.

The banana walnut French toast is another popular choice.

Ruth's is a perfect place to take visitors who want something distinctly Utah. Enjoy breakfast and then continue on up Emigration Canyon.

A few years back, when college football color guy Todd Blackledge was working for ESPN, he had a popular segment that involved him eating at a popular place in the city in which he was doing that week’s game. One year, doing a University of Utah game, he ate at Ruth’s. He loved it so much, he went back the next day!

For its combination of history, scenery, and atmosphere, Ruth's deserves a place near the top of any Salt Lake breakfast list.

Check the schedule before visiting. Ruth's is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

3. Penny Ann's Café – Come Hungry

Location: 1810 South Main Street, Salt Lake City

Penny Ann's Café has built a reputation for serving some of the best breakfasts in Salt Lake City.

It's a family-style restaurant where the emphasis is on good food, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Nothing fancy. Just the kind of breakfast that leaves you satisfied.

The restaurant is especially famous for its Heavenly Hot Cakes. These light, fluffy sour-cream pancakes are the house specialty and one of the biggest reasons people keep coming back.

But there's plenty more to choose from. The menu includes eggs Benedict, omelets, breakfast combinations, biscuits and gravy, and homemade corned beef hash.

Penny Ann's also has locations in Draper, Sandy, and Taylorsville making it convenient for visitors staying elsewhere in the Salt Lake Valley.

If you're searching for the best Utah breakfast place for a big stack of pancakes, Penny Ann's belongs on your list.

4. Oasis Café – A Relaxing Breakfast Near Downtown

Location: 151 South 500 East, Salt Lake City

Oasis Café offers something a little different from the traditional breakfast diner.

Located near downtown Salt Lake City, it's an attractive, comfortable restaurant with a menu that combines familiar breakfast favorites with lighter, more contemporary dishes.

One of its biggest attractions is the outdoor courtyard. With greenery and shaded seating, it feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding city.

It's a great place to slow down and enjoy breakfast instead of rushing through a meal.

Menu choices include egg dishes, pancakes, and other café favorites. The German buttermilk pancake is one of the distinctive offerings worth considering.

Oasis also offers vegetarian-friendly options, making it a good choice when everyone in your group has different tastes. After breakfast, browse the adjoining Golden Braid bookstore.

For a relaxed brunch in a pleasant setting, Oasis Café is hard to beat.

5. Eggs in the City – A Neighborhood Standout

Location: 2795 South 2300 East, Millcreek

Eggs in the City is another excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a hearty breakfast. In fact, I enjoyed this place so much, I have a separate article on it here.

This popular neighborhood restaurant has a lively, casual atmosphere and a large menu with plenty of variety. It's easy accessible as it’s located just off the 2300 East exit off I-80.

You'll find pancakes, omelets, skillets, eggs Benedict, and French toast, along with several Southwestern-inspired dishes. If your taste buds are calling for something substantial, consider a breakfast burrito or huevos rancheros.

There's nothing particularly fancy about the place and that's part of its appeal. It's a friendly restaurant where you can settle in and enjoy a good meal.

Like many popular breakfast spots, Eggs in the City is a busy place. On our visit, we lucked out and timed it right but every time we drive by, people are lined up to get in. It is that good.

If you enjoy neighborhood cafés rather than large restaurant chains, it's well worth trying.

6. Hub & Spoke Diner – A Modern Breakfast Favorite

Location: 1291 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City

Hub & Spoke Diner gives the traditional American diner a contemporary twist.

Located just north of Sugar House, this locally owned restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a comfortable setting with an emphasis on made-from-scratch food.

The menu includes familiar favorites alongside more creative breakfast dishes. There's enough variety to satisfy both adventurous eaters and those who prefer the basics.

Hub & Spoke also has a full espresso bar and coffee shop along with specialty drinks.

The dog-friendly patio makes it especially appealing on pleasant mornings for those who have dogs and enjoy eating with dogs hanging around (not my bestie at a restaurant).

But it's a great place to meet friends, bring the family, or enjoy a relaxed weekend brunch. If you want something a little more modern than the traditional diner without getting too fancy, Hub & Spoke is a solid choice.

7. Millcreek Café & Eggworks – A Comfortable Local Favorite

Location: 3084 East 3300 South, Millcreek

Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned breakfast without a lot of fuss. That's where Millcreek Café & Eggworks comes in.

This neighborhood restaurant has been serving the Salt Lake area since 2006. Its menu features familiar breakfast dishes, quality ingredients, and generous portions.

You'll find pancakes, omelets, egg dishes, and other traditional favorites. The restaurant also serves lunch, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

It's a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast without feeling rushed. The convenient east-side location also makes it a natural stop before heading toward Millcreek Canyon or the surrounding foothills.

For a straightforward breakfast in a friendly neighborhood setting, Millcreek Café & Eggworks deserves consideration.

8. Hash Kitchen – Brunch With a Little More Energy

Location: 1313 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City

Not everyone wants a quiet breakfast. Sometimes brunch is as much about the experience as the food. That's the idea behind Hash Kitchen.

This Arizona-based restaurant concept has brought its lively brunch atmosphere to Salt Lake City. The menu features creative hashes, pancakes, frittatas, breakfast burritos, and other substantial dishes.

Carnitas and birria hashes are good examples of its imaginative approach. And if you're craving something sweet, consider the cannoli donuts or bread pudding French toast sticks.

Hash Kitchen also has a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and a high-energy weekend atmosphere featuring music and DJs. It's not the best place for someone hoping to enjoy a quiet conversation over coffee.

But if you're meeting friends or looking for a fun brunch place with plenty of personality, Hash Kitchen is definitely worth considering.

9. Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade – Something Different

Location: 54 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City

Here's a restaurant that takes breakfast in a slightly different direction. Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade specializes in Southern-inspired comfort food with homemade biscuits playing a starring role.

You'll find biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, chicken dishes, and other hearty breakfast combinations. As the name suggests, limeade is another specialty.

Available in a variety of flavors, these refreshing drinks make an interesting alternative to your usual breakfast beverage. The restaurant has a casual, welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.

If you're tired of ordering the same eggs, bacon, and toast every time you go out, Sweet Lake is a great place to try something different.

And if you're heading out for a day of hiking, biking, or exploring Utah, a substantial biscuit breakfast isn't a bad way to start.

10. Finn's Café – A Scandinavian Touch

Location: 1624 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City

Finn's Café offers familiar breakfast favorites with a few interesting surprises. Located near Sugar House, Finn's combines traditional American breakfast dishes with Scandinavian-inspired food.

The menu includes pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast standards. But you'll also find dishes featuring smoked salmon, lingonberries, and house-baked breads.

That makes Finn's particularly appealing if you want something beyond the usual diner breakfast. The restaurant has a comfortable neighborhood atmosphere and a loyal following among Salt Lake residents.

It's a great place for visitors who enjoy discovering independently operated cafés with distinctive menus.

11. Roots Café – Fresh Food in Millcreek

Location: 3474 South 2300 East, Millcreek

Roots Café is a favorite among people looking for fresh, thoughtfully prepared breakfast and lunch dishes. The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients where practical, with choices for both traditional breakfast lovers and those seeking something lighter.

Popular offerings include breakfast burritos, eggs Benedict, seasonal pancakes, and French toast. One particularly interesting choice is the apple-pecan-cranberry bread pudding French toast.

That's a little different from your usual stack of pancakes. Roots also offers vegetarian-friendly dishes and gluten-free options.

With its inviting neighborhood atmosphere, Roots is a nice choice for a relaxed breakfast with friends or family. Keep in mind that it's generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Weekend waits can be common.

12. Skillets Breakfast & Brunch – Hearty and Creative

Location: 282 East 900 South, Salt Lake City

Skillets is a newer addition to Salt Lake City's breakfast scene and a good choice if you like a substantial morning meal. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in hearty skillets, breakfast combinations, and creative versions of American brunch favorites.

French toast is one of the menu attractions, along with breakfast sandwiches and other comfort-food dishes. The atmosphere is casual and lively.

It’s a convenient choice if you're exploring downtown or looking for somewhere new to try. If you appreciate a hearty breakfast without a lot of formality, Skillets is worth keeping in mind.

13. Gourmandise – Breakfast With a French Influence

Location: 250 South 300 East, Salt Lake City

Gourmandise is an excellent choice when you're in the mood for something a little more refined. This popular downtown bakery and café offers European-inspired food, tempting pastries, and a selection of breakfast and brunch dishes.

You can keep things simple with coffee and a freshly baked pastry. Or settle in for a more complete meal featuring specialties such as brioche French toast or shakshuka.

The bakery display is another reason to visit. In fact, choosing something from the pastry selection might be the hardest decision of the morning.

Gourmandise is especially convenient if you're staying downtown and want something different from the traditional diner experience. It's also a perfect place to stop for coffee and something sweet before exploring the city.

14. The Original Pancake House – A Breakfast Institution

Location: 790 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City

Sometimes a restaurant doesn't need to reinvent breakfast. The Original Pancake House has built its reputation around doing the traditional favorites well.

Pancakes are the obvious attraction, but there's much more on the menu. You'll find omelets, waffles, crepes, eggs, breakfast meats, and plenty of other familiar choices.

It's a comfortable, family-friendly restaurant that works especially well when everyone at the table wants something different. The Sugar House location is convenient for residents and visitors with other locations around the Wasatch Front.

If you're looking for a reliable, traditional breakfast with a broad menu, The Original Pancake House is a solid choice.

Great Breakfast & Brunch
Places Outside Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has enough breakfast restaurants to keep you busy for a long time. But if you're exploring other parts of the Wasatch Front, there are a few more worth knowing about.

15. Five5eeds – Park City

Location: 1600 Snow Creek Drive, Park City

Five5eeds has become one of Park City's most popular breakfast and brunch destinations.

With its Australian-inspired approach to café dining, it offers fresh ingredients, creative presentations, and a menu that goes well beyond traditional eggs and bacon.

Breakfast sandwiches, hotcakes topped with berries, shakshuka, and other imaginative dishes are among the attractions. It's an excellent place to eat before exploring Park City's shops, trails, and surrounding mountains.

If you're visiting Park City for the first time and want something different from the usual resort breakfast, Five5eeds is a great choice.

16. The Bridge Café & Grill – Park City

Location: 825 Main Street, Park City

The Bridge Café & Grill has one of the most appealing breakfast locations in Park City. Situated beside the Town Lift near Historic Main Street, it offers breakfast with a view of the activity around one of Utah's best-known mountain towns.

The restaurant serves breakfast throughout the day, featuring American favorites alongside Brazilian-inspired dishes. Its outdoor deck is particularly inviting during the warmer months.

If you're spending the day exploring Historic Main Street, hiking, or enjoying Park City's summer recreation, The Bridge is a convenient and enjoyable place to begin.

17. Communal – Provo

Location: 102 North University Avenue, Provo

Communal offers a more sophisticated brunch experience in downtown Provo. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative cooking, with menu selections that change depending on what's available.

Brunch offerings may include pancakes, egg dishes, breakfast burritos, and other carefully prepared specialties. The welcoming atmosphere makes it appealing for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants brunch to feel like a special occasion.

Check the current brunch schedule before visiting, since breakfast-style service isn't available at every meal.

18. The Brunch House – Provo

Location: 1145 North 500 West, Provo

The Brunch House is another good option when you're visiting Utah County. This popular restaurant combines traditional American breakfast favorites with Mexican-inspired dishes.

You'll find pancakes, waffles, eggs, and skillets alongside chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and other flavorful combinations.

The broad menu and cheerful atmosphere make it an attractive choice for families or visitors spending time in Provo and Orem.

If you're looking for something beyond the traditional breakfast menu, The Brunch House offers plenty of variety.

19. Penny Ann's Café – West Bountiful

Location: 234 South 500 West, West Bountiful

Yes, Penny Ann's makes the list twice. But there's a good reason.

Its West Bountiful location brings the same famous Heavenly Hot Cakes and traditional breakfast favorites to Davis County.

This is a convenient stop if you're heading north from Salt Lake City or spending time in Bountiful, Centerville, or Farmington.

Expect hearty portions, familiar breakfast dishes, and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. For pancake lovers, it's an especially good choice.

20. Annie's Café – Bountiful

Location: 74 West 500 South, Bountiful

Annie's Café offers something a little different in Davis County. The restaurant is particularly well known for its sweet and savory crepes, although you'll also find traditional American breakfast favorites.

The menu includes breakfast combinations, specialty coffee drinks, and other substantial dishes. Its comfortable, attractive interior makes it a nice place for couples or friends to get together.

If you're looking beyond the usual pancake breakfast, Annie's is worth considering.

How to Choose the Best
Breakfast Spot in Salt Lake City

With so many excellent choices, where should you go? That depends on your appetite and what kind of morning you have in mind.

For a traditional, hearty breakfast with generous portions, start with Penny Ann's Café, the Park Café, or the Original Pancake House.

If you're looking for scenery and atmosphere, Ruth's Diner is hard to beat. Its canyon setting and beautiful patio make breakfast feel like a small Utah getaway.

For a more contemporary brunch experience, consider Hub & Spoke Diner, Hash Kitchen, or Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade.

And if you'd prefer somewhere quieter and more relaxed, Oasis Café and Roots Café are worth a look.

Sometimes the best place isn't the one with the fanciest menu or the longest line. It's simply the restaurant that fits your mood, your appetite, and your plans for the day.

A Few Tips Before You Go

Breakfast is popular in Salt Lake City, particularly on weekends. And good breakfast restaurants tend to attract regular customers who know exactly where they want to eat.

That can mean a wait.

Arrive early. If you're heading out on a Saturday or Sunday, getting there before the late-morning rush can make a big difference.

Check the hours. Many breakfast restaurants close by midafternoon, and some aren't open every day. Schedules can change.

Consider outdoor seating. Utah's pleasant spring, summer, and fall mornings are made for patio dining.

Try something different. It's easy to order your usual breakfast combination. But sometimes a great breakfast burrito, an unusual French toast, or a regional specialty is what makes a restaurant memorable.

Plan around your activities. If you're heading into the mountains, choose somewhere along your route. There's no reason to drive across the valley when another excellent breakfast restaurant is nearby.

And don't automatically assume a restaurant with a long line has the best food. Some of the most enjoyable breakfasts are found in smaller neighborhood cafés.

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