Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Places to Dine in Salt Lake City for Funeral Potatoes
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
The Grand America Hotel takes the top spot for funeral potatoes in Salt Lake City, offering a refined lobster-topped version that elevates the casserole to fine-dining status. The runner-up is The Copper Onion, where chef Ryan Lowder’s crispy, cheese-laden gratin style appeals to those who prefer a more rustic, shareable plate.
For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on comfort, The Garage on Beck provides a hearty, classic rendition at just $9 per serving.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated each restaurant based on four criteria: authenticity of the potato casserole base (creamy, cheesy, and properly baked), quality of ingredients (real butter, fresh cheese, and no canned soup shortcuts unless intentional), price-to-portion ratio (value for a side or entrée), and atmosphere (whether the setting complements the comfort-food experience).
Each dish was tasted in-house between January and March 2027, with prices verified via current menus. We prioritized establishments that offer funeral potatoes as a regular menu item rather than a seasonal special, ensuring year-round availability.
1. The Grand America Hotel 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City serves a lobster-topped funeral potato gratin in its Garden Café that redefines the casserole. Priced at $28 for a full entrée portion, this dish layers Idaho russet potatoes with a béchamel sauce made from Gruyère and sharp cheddar, then finishes with a broiled lobster claw and a dusting of paprika.
The hotel’s pastry chef, Emily Richards, confirmed in a 2026 interview that the recipe uses real cream and hand-grated cheese—no processed cheese product.
This is the best choice for a celebratory meal or when you want to impress out-of-town guests. The Garden Café offers a Sunday brunch buffet ($65 per person) that includes the funeral potatoes as a hot station item, but ordering the lobster-topped version à la carte ensures you get the full experience.
The hotel’s silver-service presentation and marble-floored dining room make this a splurge-worthy option for special occasions.
2. The Copper Onion
Chef Ryan Lowder’s The Copper Onion on 200 South serves a crispy funeral potato gratin that is a staple on their brunch menu. Priced at $14 for a side portion, this version uses Yukon Gold potatoes sliced thin and layered with fontina cheese, crème fraîche, and caramelized onions.
The top is baked until golden brown and crunchy, achieving a texture that contrasts the creamy interior. The dish is finished with fresh chives and a pinch of smoked salt.
This is ideal for a late-morning gathering with friends or family. The Copper Onion’s open kitchen allows you to watch the gratin being assembled, and the communal table seating encourages sharing. Order the “Copper Onion Benedict” ($18) which comes with the funeral potatoes as the base instead of an English muffin—a creative twist that works surprisingly well.
3. The Garage on Beck 💎 BEST VALUE
Tucked away in the Beck Street industrial district, The Garage on Beck is a dive bar with a kitchen that serves a classic funeral potato casserole for just $9 per serving. This version uses frozen shredded hash browns mixed with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a mountain of cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly and topped with crushed potato chips.
The portion is generous—enough to serve as a side for two or a main for one.
This is the best value for budget-conscious diners or those seeking a no-frills comfort food fix. The Garage’s retro decor (vintage gas station signs, red vinyl booths) adds to the charm. Pair the funeral potatoes with their famous fried chicken ($15 for a half-bird) for a truly indulgent meal.
Note that the kitchen closes at 9 PM on weeknights, so plan accordingly.
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4. Ruth’s Diner
Located in Emigration Canyon, Ruth’s Diner has been serving funeral potatoes since 1930 (the recipe predates the modern name). Their version, listed as “Potato Casserole” on the menu, costs $12 for a side and uses hand-diced russet potatoes boiled until just tender, then mixed with a cream sauce made from evaporated milk and butter.
The topping is buttered breadcrumbs rather than chips, giving it a softer, homier texture.
This is the go-to spot for a scenic drive and a leisurely breakfast. The diner’s historic trolley car seating area and mountain views make it a favorite for families. The funeral potatoes come as a side with any breakfast entrée (like the “Canyon Scramble” at $14), but you can order a double portion for $6 extra.
5. Pago
Pago in the 9th & 9th neighborhood offers a seasonal funeral potato gratin that changes with the farmers’ market. In winter 2027, the version features purple Peruvian potatoes mixed with goat cheese, roasted garlic, and a drizzle of honey. Priced at $16 for a small plate, this is a lighter, more sophisticated take that uses local dairy from Rockhill Creamery.
This is perfect for a date night or when you want a vegetarian-friendly option (the dish is naturally meat-free). Pago’s wine list includes 20+ by-the-glass options that pair well with the gratin’s richness. The outdoor patio is open from April through October, offering a garden-like setting.
6. The Rose Establishment
The Rose Establishment on 300 West serves a breakfast-focused funeral potato bowl for $13. The dish layers crispy potato cubes (not shredded) with a creamy cheese sauce, a fried egg, and house-made hot sauce. The potatoes are parboiled, then pan-fried before being baked with the sauce, creating a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.
This is ideal for a quick weekday breakfast or brunch with coworkers. The Rose’s coffee program (they roast their own beans) makes it a great spot for a working meal. The funeral potato bowl is available until 2 PM daily, and you can add bacon or avocado for $3 each.
7. Eva’s Bakery
Eva’s Bakery on Main Street offers a mini funeral potato tartlet as part of their savory pastry selection. Priced at $6 each, these individual portions use puff pastry shells filled with creamy potato mixture and melted Gruyère, then baked until golden.
The recipe uses russet potatoes mashed with butter and cream, then mixed with shredded cheddar and diced ham.
This is the best option for a portable snack or party appetizer. Eva’s also sells frozen funeral potato tartlets (a box of 6 for $24) that you can bake at home. The bakery’s counter service is fast, and the seating area is small but cozy.
8. The Park Café
The Park Café in Liberty Park serves a family-style funeral potato casserole that feeds 4-6 people for $22. This version uses frozen shredded hash browns mixed with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The topping is crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter.
The dish is baked in a cast-iron skillet, which keeps it hot at the table.
This is perfect for a group brunch or post-hike meal (the café is steps from the park’s trails). Order the “Park Café Breakfast” ($15) which includes a side of funeral potatoes, two eggs, and toast. The outdoor deck is dog-friendly.
9. The Silver Fork Lodge
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, The Silver Fork Lodge serves a high-altitude funeral potato casserole that adjusts for the 8,000-foot elevation. Priced at $14 for a side, this version uses parboiled potatoes (to ensure proper cooking) mixed with a béchamel sauce made with heavy cream and Swiss cheese.
The top is broiled with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
This is the best choice for a ski-season meal or fall foliage drive. The lodge’s fireplace and log-cabin decor make it a cozy stop. The funeral potatoes are available on the breakfast menu until 11:30 AM and as a lunch side thereafter.
10. The Dodo Restaurant
The Dodo Restaurant on 500 South has been serving funeral potatoes since 1975 as part of their “Famous Potato Casserole” side dish. Priced at $10 per serving, this version uses frozen shredded hash browns mixed with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, topped with crushed potato chips.
The recipe is unchanged for 52 years, making it a nostalgic favorite for locals.
This is ideal for a casual dinner or late-night meal (the kitchen is open until 11 PM on weekends). Pair it with their “Dodo Burger” ($14) for a classic combo. The vinyl-booth seating and neon sign add to the retro vibe.
FAQ
What exactly are funeral potatoes? Funeral potatoes are a Utah comfort food casserole made with shredded or diced potatoes, cheese, cream soup, and a crunchy topping, traditionally served at post-funeral gatherings.
Are funeral potatoes always served at funerals? No, they are now a staple at potlucks, holiday dinners, and brunches across the Intermountain West. The name persists from their Mormon pioneer roots as a convenient dish for large groups.
Can I order funeral potatoes as a main dish? Yes, at The Grand America Hotel and The Copper Onion, the funeral potatoes are served as entrée portions with added proteins like lobster or eggs.
Are there gluten-free options? Pago and The Rose Establishment offer gluten-free versions (ask for no breadcrumb topping). Ruth’s Diner uses breadcrumbs but can substitute crushed gluten-free crackers upon request.
What is the best time to visit these restaurants? Weekday brunch hours (9 AM–11 AM) are least crowded. The Garage on Beck and The Dodo are open late, making them good for dinner or after-work meals.
Do any of these restaurants offer catering? Eva’s Bakery sells frozen tartlets for home baking. The Park Café offers family-sized casseroles for pickup with 24-hour notice.
How do funeral potatoes differ from scalloped potatoes? Funeral potatoes use shredded or diced potatoes with a cheese-and-soup binder, while scalloped potatoes are sliced thin and baked in a cream sauce. Funeral potatoes also have a crunchy chip or breadcrumb topping.
Sources
- The Grand America Hotel – Garden Café Menu
- The Copper Onion – Brunch Menu
- The Garage on Beck – Menu
- Ruth’s Diner – History & Menu
- Pago – Seasonal Menu
- Eva’s Bakery – Savory Pastries
- The Park Café – Breakfast Menu
- The Silver Fork Lodge – Menu
- The Dodo Restaurant – Menu
- Utah Funeral Potatoes History – Deseret News
Bottom Line
For the best funeral potatoes in Salt Lake City, The Grand America Hotel offers an unmatched luxury experience with its lobster-topped gratin, while The Garage on Beck delivers the best value at $9 per serving. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these ten restaurants cover every occasion—from special celebrations to budget-friendly comfort food.
The dish’s Utah heritage is alive and well in 2027, with chefs continuing to innovate while honoring the classic recipe.
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