This Hidden Utah Café Serves Scones So Big They Need Their Own Plate

Utah’s food scene is full of surprises, especially when you wander off the beaten path and discover small cafés that serve up some of the biggest flavors and portions you’ll ever find. Hidden gems like these often become local favorites, where regulars line up every weekend for homestyle cooking that reminds them of grandma’s kitchen.

One such treasure is Penny Ann’s Cafe, a family-run breakfast spot that’s quietly earned a cult following across the state for its warm hospitality, generous servings, and most famously, its massive scones that literally need their own plate.

1. Scone-Zilla Lives Here: Utah’s Giant Pastry Obsession

Utah may be known for its red rock canyons and snowy slopes, but it’s also quietly winning the scone game. And no, we’re not talking about the dainty British kind – Utah scones are deep-fried, golden pillows of dough that come dripping with honey butter or loaded with savory toppings.

These oversized treats are a staple at county fairs, roadside diners, and yes, even hidden cafés tucked into mountain towns. Locals swear by them, and travelers who stumble upon one often leave with sticky fingers and wide eyes.

Some scones are so massive they need their own plate – and maybe a support group. Whether sweet or savory, Utah’s scones are a delicious detour from the ordinary. So if you’re road-tripping through the Beehive State, don’t skip the scone stop. It might just be the most memorable bite of your trip.

2. Multiple Locations Across Utah

Penny Ann’s Cafe has grown from a single location to multiple spots across Utah, including popular branches in Salt Lake City and Draper. Each location maintains the same cozy, welcoming vibe that made the original so beloved among locals. The cafés feature comfortable booths, friendly service, and that unmistakable homey atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining at a neighbor’s house.

Whether you’re exploring downtown Salt Lake or passing through Draper, you’ll find a Penny Ann’s ready to serve you breakfast or lunch with a smile. The consistent quality across locations means you can trust the experience no matter which one you visit. Locals know exactly which location is closest to them, and tourists appreciate having options when planning their Utah food adventure.

The expansion reflects the café’s popularity but hasn’t diluted its charm. Every branch still feels personal and inviting, never like a chain restaurant.

3. A Family Story That Started in 2011

Back in 2011, the Willey family decided to open a café that would bring homestyle cooking and genuine hospitality to their Utah community. They wanted a place where families could gather over hearty breakfasts without breaking the bank. From day one, Penny Ann’s Cafe focused on generous portions, fresh ingredients, and treating every customer like family.

The café was named with love and intention, reflecting the family’s commitment to creating a warm, personal dining experience. Unlike corporate restaurants, the Willeys built their business on relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations. Over the years, their dedication paid off as locals began spreading the word about the incredible food and friendly service.

More than a decade later, Penny Ann’s remains family-operated with the same values that launched it. The Willey family’s hands-on approach ensures quality stays high and the atmosphere stays genuine.

4. The Scones That Started a Legend

When people talk about Penny Ann’s, the conversation almost always turns to the scones. These aren’t the dense, triangular British scones you might expect. Utah-style scones are a completely different beast: oversized, golden-fried pillows of dough that puff up beautifully during cooking.

At Penny Ann’s, these beauties come out hot and fresh, often measuring as large as a dinner plate. They’re served with honey butter or jam, perfect for slathering across the warm, fluffy interior. The exterior has a satisfying light crispness while the inside stays soft and airy, creating an incredible texture contrast that keeps people coming back.

First-time visitors often gasp when their scone arrives because photos don’t do the size justice. Regulars know to come hungry or plan on sharing, though most people guard their scone jealously once they taste it. It’s become the signature dish that defines Penny Ann’s reputation statewide.

5. What Makes These Scones So Special

Size alone doesn’t make Penny Ann’s scones legendary. The real magic lies in their incredibly light and fluffy texture that somehow stays satisfying without feeling heavy. Many fried breads can be greasy or dense, but these scones achieve a delicate balance that’s hard to master.

The secret likely involves the dough recipe and frying technique, perfected over years of practice. Each scone puffs up dramatically during cooking, creating air pockets throughout that give it that signature cloudlike quality. When you tear into one, steam escapes and reveals layers of soft dough that practically melt in your mouth.

The generous portions mean one scone can easily satisfy two people, though solo diners frequently finish them alone. Served piping hot with creamy honey butter that melts instantly into every crevice, they’re comfort food at its finest. The combination of size, texture, and flavor has turned casual breakfast-goers into devoted fans who plan trips specifically around scone cravings.

6. Beyond Scones: Other Menu Stars

While scones steal the spotlight, Penny Ann’s entire menu deserves attention. The aptly named Heavenly Hot Cakes live up to their billing with tall stacks of fluffy pancakes that rival any breakfast joint in the state. Breakfast burritos arrive loaded with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of meat, wrapped tight and served with salsa and sour cream.

The café also bakes house-made pies that change with the seasons, offering slices that perfectly cap off a hearty meal or tempt you into ordering dessert for breakfast. Omelets come stuffed with fresh ingredients, and the hash browns achieve that perfect crispy-outside, tender-inside balance that’s surprisingly hard to find.

Coffee flows freely with attentive refills, and the lunch menu offers solid sandwiches and salads for those visiting later in the day. Everything reflects the same commitment to generous portions and homestyle quality that made the scones famous.

7. Awards and Local Love

Penny Ann’s Cafe has racked up impressive recognition over the years, frequently landing on best breakfast lists throughout Salt Lake City and beyond. Food blogs, local newspapers, and travel guides regularly feature the café as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic Utah breakfast culture. These accolades aren’t just industry awards but genuine reflections of community love.

Online reviews overflow with five-star ratings and enthusiastic recommendations from both locals and tourists. People praise everything from the food quality to the friendly service to the unbeatable value. The café’s social media pages show constant engagement from fans sharing photos of their massive scones and tagging friends to plan their next visit.

What makes these honors meaningful is their consistency. Year after year, Penny Ann’s maintains its reputation without resting on past success. The Willey family continues improving and listening to customers, ensuring the café stays worthy of its beloved status in Utah’s competitive breakfast scene.

8. The Family-Run Difference

Walking into Penny Ann’s feels different from typical restaurant experiences because you’re likely to be served by members of the Willey family themselves. This hands-on approach creates a personal connection that corporate chains simply cannot replicate. Staff members remember regulars by name and genuinely care about whether you enjoyed your meal.

The family’s presence ensures quality control remains high across all locations. They’re not distant owners reviewing spreadsheets but active participants who see firsthand what works and what needs adjustment. This direct involvement shows in countless small details, from how food is plated to how quickly problems get resolved.

Employees who aren’t family members absorb this culture of hospitality, treating customers with the same warmth and attention. The result is consistent, friendly service that makes every visit feel special. You’re not just another ticket number but a guest welcomed into their extended breakfast family.

9. Plan for the Wait and Bring Your Appetite

Success has its challenges, and at Penny Ann’s, that means weekend waits can stretch long during peak breakfast and brunch hours. Locals and tourists alike flock here, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings when families are out seeking hearty meals. Arriving early helps beat the rush, with weekday mornings offering shorter waits than weekends.

The wait is generally worth it, but come prepared with patience and maybe a book or good conversation partner. Once seated, service moves efficiently despite the crowd, and your food arrives hot and fresh. Some locations offer call-ahead seating or ways to join a waitlist remotely, so check ahead before visiting.

Most importantly, arrive hungry because the portions are no joke. Those massive scones, towering pancake stacks, and loaded breakfast plates require serious appetite. Plan this as your main meal of the day, and you’ll leave satisfied and probably with a to-go box.

10. Scone, Stroll, Repeat: What to Do After Penny Ann’s

Once you’ve tackled one of Penny Ann’s famously oversized scones, the fun doesn’t have to end at the table. Just a short walk away, Liberty Park offers paddle boats, playgrounds, and even a bird sanctuary at Tracy Aviary – perfect for a post-brunch wander.

If you’re in the mood for shopping or people-watching, City Creek Center delivers with waterfalls and high-end stores under a retractable roof. History buffs can swing by Temple Square, while curious minds will love the hands-on exhibits at The Leonardo Museum.

Whether you’re chasing views at Ensign Peak or dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Utah, there’s no shortage of adventure nearby to balance out the carb coma.