When you hear “Leslie’s Family Tree Restaurant,” two things might come to mind: their famous scones and maybe even a ghost story or two. The scones are truly legendary, known for their enormous size and delicious flavor. And yes, the ghosts are a real part of the restaurant’s lore, having been featured on shows like “The Dead Files” and “Ghost Adventures.” For those intrigued by the paranormal, Leslie’s Family Tree even offers a Late Dinner/Ghost Tour. It’s definitely a unique dining experience for the brave! But for my visit, I was there for the food, although I admit, the “I Dined With a Ghost” t-shirt did catch my eye.
Let’s talk about those scones. Delicious doesn’t even begin to cover it. They are incredibly light and airy, with a perfectly crisp crust. But what really makes these scones unforgettable is their sheer size. While waiting for our order, I saw someone picking up a to-go order of scones. I pictured a standard Styrofoam container with a couple of small scones inside. Instead, the guy walked out with a huge box, the kind you get from Costco for bulk purchases! Seriously, these scones are about the size of a loaf of French bread, but wider. I’m not even sure how they manage to fry something that big. When they arrived at our table, they were steaming hot, generously topped with honey butter that melted instantly into every nook and cranny. Imagine sinking your teeth into a hot, delicious scone, dripping with sweet honey butter. The contrast of the crispy crust and the soft, fluffy inside is simply heavenly.
But Leslie’s Family Tree is so much more than just scones and spooky tales, as exciting as those are. This family tree restaurant truly excels at classic comfort food. Think hearty, satisfying dishes like chicken-fried steak, roast beef with creamy mashed potatoes, breaded halibut, and prime rib. When you order a dinner at this family tree restaurant, you get your choice of homemade soup or a fresh salad with their famously delicious ranch dressing, along with a potato dish – mashed, fried, or baked – and a side of vegetables. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that feels like home cooking at its finest.
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To start, I ordered the roast beef with mashed potatoes. I’ve tried making roast beef at home countless times, and it always ends up tough and dry. Every single time. But at this family tree restaurant, the roast beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, smothered in a rich, savory gravy. The mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy and comforting. The meal also included a scoop of stuffing, adding to that home-style, grandma’s-house dinner feeling, but even better.
My dining companion opted for the chicken-fried steak. Now, chicken-fried steak isn’t usually my first choice. Let’s just say a childhood mix-up involving fried chicken expectations left me scarred. However, even I had to admit that this chicken-fried steak was exceptional. It had a beautifully crisp, golden crust, and the meat inside was well-seasoned and tender. It paired perfectly with the mashed potatoes and was generously covered in that same delicious, rich gravy I raved about earlier.
Being a big fan of good fish, I also sampled the breaded halibut. The halibut was incredibly fresh, with a light and crispy breading. It was served with a tangy tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing, allowing you to customize the flavor perfectly. I also managed to snag a taste of the prime rib sandwich, a Friday special. Thinly sliced, savory prime rib was piled high on a fresh, soft bun. Oh, those buns! Leslie’s Family Tree uses freshly made buns that are simply divine. I also tried a bite of the “Gator” sandwich, featuring roast beef, cheese, and onions, all on that same heavenly bun. Both the prime rib and Gator sandwiches came with a flavorful au jus for dipping, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
And let’s not forget the soups. As mentioned, they are all made from scratch and absolutely delicious. I tried the beef and vegetable soup, which was packed with tender chunks of roast beef, soft boiled potatoes, celery, and a flavorful, hearty broth. The soup of the day was clam chowder, which was creamy, rich, and loaded with perfectly cooked potatoes. They even make their fries from scratch – thick-cut and wonderfully satisfying.
On weekend evenings, Leslie’s Family Tree family tree restaurant comes alive with live music from local talent, often featuring guitar and harmonica performances. If you’re looking for a venue to host a special event or party, they have banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 70 guests. Big-screen TVs make it a fantastic spot to watch major NBA or NFL games, or even popular shows like “The Bachelor,” with a group of friends. And who knows, you might even encounter an unexpected guest – the spectral kind! So, whether you’re seeking a thrill, craving some top-notch comfort food, or simply want to experience a scone that rivals the size of a breadbox, be sure to visit Leslie’s Family Tree at 77 W. Main in Santaquin. They’re open Monday through Sunday – check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours.
