Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik

Al Johnson’s is a must-visit for our family whenever we’re in Door County. The iconic goats grazing on the sod roof are such a fun and unique sight! Inside, the Swedish-inspired décor and friendly staff create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. My personal favorite is the open-face sandwich, and all the traditional Swedish dishes are delicious. The only downside is the wait since they don’t take reservations, but it’s totally worth it!

Fantastic experience! We love everything about it. The food is excellent and the servers are very professional and friendly. Shocked at how quickly the food came out. The ambiance is very charming and there is a great gift shop on site. Don't forget look for the goats on the roof! We will be back. A must do in Door County!

The live goats 🐐 were on the grass roof ! Very popular restaurant for Swedish/American food. They have expanded over the years and today, we opted to enjoy lunch outside. It was such a warm, gorgeous day and enjoyed the outdoor patio. Tables with colorful yellow umbrellas provided us shade. Don't miss shopping at both boutiques. The one in the restaurant has beautiful Swedish gifts, clothing, Al Johnsons labeled food products ect.. The other new store has beautiful imported gifts and more.

We visited this place for breakfast. Although we were told the wait would be about 20 minutes, we were seated in just 10. I really enjoyed the way they grilled the bread with butter inside, and while their pancakes were nothing like what I had expected, I was pleasantly surprised once I tasted them. The pancakes were thin, almost like crepes, with a chewy texture, and spreading butter on them made them wonderfully savory. The meatballs, however, were a bit dry, so I don’t think I would choose them next time. At first, I noticed that the staff all looked rather stern, and I wondered if perhaps something was wrong. But later, I came to think it might just be a natural expression typical of their culture. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the goats on the roof, which would have been a treat. Still, the food was excellent, and we had a truly enjoyable time.

The iconic Al Johnson's is still one of the top must experience restaurant attractions in northern DC. The goats were probably on break from all the Labor Day weekend excitement, but the grass roofs still stood out when looking down 42 from a block north. Plenty of parking, seated quickly. Food was served quickly. Coffee ran dry quickly with no refills in sight. Food was the usual. No time for the gift shop today.

Great Atmosphere. I came because I was super excited to eat the Swedish meatballs but they were super disappointing. Tasted like Vienna sausage (the canned kind) but in meat ball form. I’m hoping that is not how Swedish meatballs taste, I will try another place and hopefully this place just does them differently. Very pricy as well for simple meals. Nice place tho and good hot chocolate. Nice workers as well.

Nice historical and culturally rich restaurant with a Swedish goods store attached. The wait can be very long (they don't take reservations), so be sure to go early especially on busy days/tourist heavy days. The service was friendly and swift -- love the waitstaff traditional outfits and clogs. The food was okay to say the least. The meatballs and gravy were fine as well as the Swedish pancakes. My favorite part of the meal was the linden berry sauce that went with the Swedish pancakes. The lingonberry lemonade just has a hint of lingonberry flavor, the lemon overpowers it. Was also unlucky that the goats were tucked up on the top and not very visible. Overall, the food was okay and the bigger selling points are the goats and Swedish dining experience.

Good breakfast, extremely busy. Be sure to check the goat cam before your visit if that's the only reason you are going. They are usually out by 8 or 9 am unless rain is in the forecast

The goats are awesome. The restaurant was a 2 hour wait so we went to the outside bar area. We just got curds and a few drinks.

Nothing new to add to this review that others haven't already said. This place is a fun tourist attraction that serves good food and hosts goats on the roof. My partner and I both enjoyed our Swedish pancakes and Swedish meatballs. It doesn't look like a large portion, but the food was surprisingly filling. We also really appreciated that we could get more lingonberry jam on request. Our waitress was great even though the place was packed at 8am. Should you go for breakfast, be prepared to wait for a table, miss the goats (because they're not out yet) and browse the gift shop after eating (since the restaurant opens first).

A must-do! Al Johnson's was great! Breakfast served all day! First, plan on a bit of a wait- but it's well worth it and plenty do while waiting. From exploring the "butik" to simply watching the goats on the grass roof, or playing corn hole, no worries. The breakfast was awesome. The Swedish pancakes are basically lefse- IYKYK. Super tasty with lingonberries. American potatoes are basically hash browns. The shops of the "butiks" had all kinds of neat Scandinavian souvenirs. We had to get a little felt goat for our Christmas tree to remember our trip!

I think their trade is nostalgia and history. It's fine that we went; it's apparently the done thing when in Door County. But I wasn't impressed in pretty much any aspect and I wouldn't come back. The food was nothing special to outright bad. The bacon tasted like it had been sitting around in a conference center chafing dish for a few hours. The hot chocolate was fine, in that at least it didn't taste like it was from a Swiss Miss packet. Service was friendly. But I can't imagine why anyone would wait for an hour and ten minutes (as I overheard as we were leaving) to eat here--I would have been peeved if we'd had to wait longer than the 25 minutes we were quoted. The "thing" that I think lands this place on the map (and in the hearts of people who've been going here forever) is that the roof of the restaurant is covered in grass, and at some point throughout the day there are several goats that wander their little domain and munch on the grass. But the goat viewing is free, so it's not like you have to pay the price of admission by having breakfast here. I'd skip the food and use enjoy the goat show.

No lines at 7:30am for breakfast. Had their Swedish Pancakes and Swedish meatballs. It is like a big crepe folded many times and is heavier. Very delicious. I had added butter, syrup, and lingonberries on top. The Swedish meatballs are meaty (description stole from another review i saw). Meatballs are more condensed and compact with meat and a smoother texture. It isn't grainy texture like Italian meatballs. The gravy sauce is really good too. Nothing like ikea Swedish meatballs. There is a giftshop that opens at 8am. Great to browse around when it gets very busy during lunch time. Goats are on the roof at 9am. Watch them on the Goat Cam.

You can't come to Sisters Bay and not eat here. We waited over an hour to be seated, well worth it. The service was excellent, portions and prices great also. I got the PYTT I PANNA breakfast, Swedish beef and onions with potatoes. It includes one egg, I was asked if I wanted to add another one but declined. Glad that I did, the serving was very generous. Hopefully I get to return in the summer to see the goats on the roof!

We loved our experience here despite missing the goats for the season. Unfortunately, we arrived the weekend before they kick off on the rooftop for the summer months. As someone who grew up with pygmy goats, that was probably our number one draw and second was the Swedish menu. We enjoyed the classic wooden pine interior of the restaurant, Swedish gift shop with thoughtful curated items, and the breakfast menu. Despite getting there at the crack of dawn, this place was already bustling! The small, waiting area in the front features a TV showcasing production of some of the food items behind the scenes. In the gift shop, you can quickly pass some time while waiting for your table. You'll find all of the classics on the menu like lingonberry jam, Swedish meatballs, beets and more!

Visited Al Johnson's for brunch during our last visit to Door County. The venue was so cute - there are goats grazing on the roof and the place is always full of life. There is always a queue, so be prepared when you visit! Upon entrance, the ambiance is really rustic and homey. The food was good, I tried the traditional meatball dish with eggs, toast, and breakfast potatoes. The Swedish meatballs were very meaty (different texture and flavor from IKEA's lol). The food was overall solid, and would recommend folks visit for the experience!

Waited about 25 minutes on a Saturday afternoon after putting our names in for lunch. You can kill time in the gift shop, or looking at the goats on the roof. My partner and I shared the Swedish meatballs and havarti sandwich. Both were excellent! The meatballs came with a salad. I chose the lingonberry dressing and wasn't disappointed! A must visit in my opinion if you're in the area!

Good coffee. Get in early with locals before tourists arrive including buses. Enjoyed the meatballs for a change from other breakfast meats.

I used to vacation in Sister Bay every summer as a kid and this place is one of my all time favorites. Maybe it's the nostalgia? Maybe it's the goats on the roof? Could also be the pancakes but this is a must-see if you're up in Door County, especially during the summer. Came here for a Sunday brunch with friends. I ordered the Swedish pancakes with sausage and eggs, and my friend ordered the Benedict Florentine with a side of Swedish meatballs. The place was PACKED but the service was very quick. The pancakes were delicious, just how I remembered them growing up. The sausage and eggs were done well too. I tried a bite of my friends Eggs Benedict (which I'm not usually a fan of) and it was so good. I recommend this place to anybody traveling in the area!!

Goats on the roof, sweetish themed everything with 2 gift shops and a 2nd outdoor menu and patio area. Cool place. The food was pretty good. Pancakes are super thin and layered. Not a ton of flavor but the best thing I've had in this area so far. P.U.T.J.

Busy location so be prepared to wait but food was amazing and unique. I had Swedish pancakes with lingonberry'. It was very authentic Swedish ( or in my case Norwegian ) pancakes. Connecting two stores are high quality and fun

Great place with the goats on the roof. Be prepared for a wait. We had a party of 6 and quoted three hours. So we sat in the stabbur (beer garden I think, lol). Great area to relax and have a Bloody Mary or beer. We saw they serve a limited menu there as well so we opted to just eat there. The food was great. Swedish meatballs and cheese curds were really good. Really cool place to check out on your trip to Sister Bay!!

If you come to Sister Bay and don't stop at Al Johnson's, you are doing yourself a disservice! A decades old, family owned establishment serving Swedish fare and a bit of whimsy: actual goats who lounge on the rooftop. I've been coming to Al Johnson's since birth and it has become a staple of our family. Walking into Al's is like stepping into a Scandinavian dream, compete with trolls, dala horses and the waitstaff dressed in traditional clothing. Breakfast is served all day and one would be remiss if they didn't try the Swedish pancakes and top them off with some of the table side lingonberries. Haven't tried a lingonberry? Now is the time!! They are small, sweet and available in an abundance of options here! Berry form! Juice! Coffee cake! Ice cream! Torte!

The Butik Packed with lots of gif tables and fun things to shop for. Yes, overpriced, as these things go, but fun nevertheless! We gotta spend some money when we are on vacation! The Restaurant Swedish pancakes, if you haven't had them, are crepes. Look like crepes and taste like crepes. A bit on the sweeter side than savory, and they come in a rectangular shape and folded. It's really yummy. Lingonberry jam was delicious. Swedish meatballs - not to offend, but kind of like the ones they have at Ikea. Good, but not my menu to go back to. Classic reuben was spot on. Our server was very friendly and helpful. Apparently none of the staff is Swedish except for the chef. I guess that's what matters. The cashier was very efficient when we came in. She wasn't rude, but curt, most likely because they were busy and she had her hands full. But as we were paying, she was much nicer. I'd like to believe this is because things had slowed down a tad, and not because she had to ask us for the tip amount. There's something about having to speak up how much tip you want to leave at the cashier, rather than writing it down. I missed the goats on the roof this time. I thought they'd still be there as it was only 10/15, but they said it was too cold for them. Oh well. This calls for a next time!

An interesting place and it definitely stays in theme. There were no goats on the roof as it was raining which was disappointing. I had the ligonberry iced tea which was very unique. I had the fish and chips. I didn't love the tartar sauce that came with it but everything else was great. They have really good fries. Service was good and we were able to be sat relatively quickly for how busy it was on a Friday for lunch.

Stopped in for breakfast and the place was full at 8am and although there was a wait it was minimal and it gave us time to check out the boutique shop that was in the restaurant (I bought a mug - Well played Al Johnson's - kidding!). The ambiance is fun and so inviting! Everyone was so friendly and inviting especially our server Jane. Food was so delicious! The Swedish pancakes and the lingonberry jam were the overall faves. We will definitely be back!

I felt transported to a little Swedish village. Their gift shop is packed with all things Swedish, items made in Sweden and things you didn't know you needed. So many authentic chocolates and candies. The restaurant has a mix of Swedish and American dishes. I love their actual dishware and blue water glasses. Such a marvelous touch. Their Swedish meatballs are NOT like Ikeas. Outside, there is a beer garden. In the back parking lot area, is a large green area with more storage "homes" with those grass roofs! The big show stoppers are the goats that frequent the grass covered roof. After 3pm, they kind of disappear.

We love Al Johnson's Swedish pancakes! It's our favorite place to grab a bite in Sister Bay! The food is always great! Our Swedish waitress was very kind but this time the service was very slow though, the whole section we were sat in was having difficulty getting service. Issues with getting drinks refilled and their orders taken. Not sure if it was just an off day or something but it wasn't crazy busy and our waitress would disappear for long intervals. We love this place and we'll be back but the service this time was a bit of a disappointment.

I didn't eat at the restaurant but I stopped by to take a look at the gift stores since I have Scandinavian ancestry in my family. So many great gifts for holiday giving and cool items for my own personal collection. Each Scandinavian nation had a good amount of stuff to pick from with their culture and national colors represented. There was also some very unique food items that are hard to find. Their lingonberry jam is amazing btw, I picked up two jars to enjoy at home.

We came here in October, and sadly it was too cold for the goats to roam around the roof. Service was great, food was OK. We ordered the Swedish meatballs, chili, and Swedish pancakes. The Swedish pancakes were delicious and it came with a lingonberry sauce, which was good. Perhaps this is the best Swedish food in the area? I don't know. But this place was packed, and felt very touristy. Not sure what all the hype was or if it was really worth the 90+ minute wait. During the wait, they do have a few stores to look around and pass the time.

There are live goats on the roof that a Lone gets a five stars. Also, how many Swedish restaurants do I cross paths with? The beer selection is extensive and the sandwiches are interesting. We ate at the sandwich shop next door called. The grilled turkey and brie is very filling the cheese is heavy. The fries are thin and really crispy! Pickle was a necessary offset. The shrimp roll was generous with the shrimp. The sauce tasted Swedish granted I've never actually had Swedish food. Did I mention outdoor seating, the french fries, the beer, and the GOATS! That's enough reason o check this place out!

This place looks so authentic we have an hour wait time so there is a gift shop to explore and the surroundings are stunning. They service is ama8 g but can be waiting for some time as this is the place to be for breakfast . Food is delicious attached some pics so you can see what was on the plate . Must visit if in the area

Came here with a group of four on a Saturday morning. It was a busy day, and the wait time to be seated was more than one hour long. This was expected, and although our wait time was long, this was one of the best experiences I had in Door County. Loving goats and liking to watch them eat definitely helps. I think the restaurant has a very nice set up considering the long wait time. You can access the beer garden and the bar that's located next to the restaurant and grab a beverage while you wait. There are also bags that you can play, and a lot of seating available. The food was delicious. Simply put. Fresh ingredients. Great quality with an unmatched taste. My all-time favorite thing on the menu were the Swedish pancakes. I am definitely looking forward to visiting this location when I return to Door County. Our experience was very positive and just for a moment there, I forgot I was in Wisconsin, but rather vacationing in Sweden.

Great service and atmosphere. Had the Swedish pancakes and meatballs and loved them! The gift shop was also fun to visit.

Stopped here for lunch. Must say that it is one of the most touristy place in Door county. This restaurant os very famous for Scandinavian food and indeed it was nice. We got 1.Swedish Pancakes. They are thin like crepes. I think they are crepes only but called differently in Sweden. 4/5 nothing out of the world but nice. 2. Vegetable grilled sandwich 3/5. Descent size and average tasting sandwich. 3. Perch sandwich 1/5 not at all flavorful. 4. Cheese curds 5/5 5. Berry ice tea 5/5 6. Coffee cake 5/5 nothing extraordinary but tasted good. 7. Seasonal berry 4/5 8. Shopping inside really cute by expensive. Spent $$$$ everything looked good hehe. Bought licorice salted fish- tastes disgusting do not buy it if you have never tired it before. Rest milk chocolate and orange candy were fine three small packets for 23$. Bill$$$ it's expensive Must visit place.

Come to see the goats on the roof and stay for a good breakfast!!! We usually come to eat here once a year, they are definately better breakfast joints in DC for SURE, but this restaurant provides an experience and Humas like that, theres goats up on their roof and the building itself its pretty, they also have a gift shop that has nice things, but be prepared to over pay for things. Now, lets talk about the food, food is good here, always consistent and very good overall, swedish meatballs are a must, its either love them or hate hate them, I love them my wife hates them wit a passion, so figure that out. I always order the swedish Pancake special and it never disappoints. Very thing pancakes with some yummy syrup, butter and Lingonberry preserves. The Monte Cristo Sandwich is god as well. Make sure to order a Lingonberry Juice and a Strawberry milkshake, they are great. Last time I was at AJ Daniel our server stole the spot light, He was the Highlight of the meal, He was very attentive and professional, He for sure made us feel welcome and we wer not rushed like other times. You gotta understand that managemnets goal is to getyou out as soon as they can, and i get it, but Daniel was quick and got us out quick without being so pushy like other times. The decore inside is great, it trully takes you to an other place. Check out their beer garden next door, we love it! Cheers!

Checked out the famous Swedish restaurant in Sister bay. They do not take reservations and it's first come, first serve. We went around 2pm and we're seated fairly quickly at 2:30. (They close at 3pm) Unfortunately they did not have the goats on the rooftop due to the hot weather. Goats came out earlier round 8-11am. We missed the view but glad to know they care about the goats well being. There are ton of cute shops nearby so if there is a wait, you can always check out nearby places and come back too. I loved the staff's Swedish outfits. They are known for the lingonberry everything. It is sweeter/lighter than cranberry. I got a salad with lingonberry vinaigrette and also tried the lingonberry ice tea and lemonade. Husband ordered the burger which he liked and I really enjoyed my Swedish meatballs with extra gravy. Better than IKEA. LOL Cute restaurant with cute goats. The only thing we didn't like was the staff was VACUUMING while guests were still eating. I understand you close at 3 but you can't wait until most guests are gone before you vacuum?! So much dust flying while still eating. Poor choice on management. Other than that, great place!

Ok. I have LOVED this restaurant since 1976 or so when they added the goats on the roof. The kitchen staff is amazing and consistent...year in and year out. I continue to love and frequent this restaurant six or more times a year. Swedish pancakes are an absolute MUST HAVE! Lingonberries are magic. Further, the Swedish meatball entree is a good choice. Order both. The soups never disappoint. Their coffee is significantly above average and appreciated. It's pretty good.

The food was good classic breakfast food, but nothing spectacular. I was especially disappointed in the hot chocolate because not only was the whipped cream on top the size of the actual mug itself (making it impossible to drink from the rim without getting a mustache), but it tasted like straight up Swiss miss. I think Al Johnson's is really overrated

We really enjoy coming here for breakfast. My husband loves the monte cristo, and I prefer the traditional Scandinavian foods. Everything about it is a good time, from the convenience of the gift shop to the outdoor seating with goats, the good selection of brunch drinks while you wait, and the service is consistently pleasant. I particularly love the herring plate, true to tradition and form. The Swedish pancakes with lingonberries are delicious and the meatballs are a nice, small accompaniment. We try to come here every time we drive up to Door county from the Chicago area suburbs and while it's not five-star dining (don't get me wrong, the food is still very good), it is a five-star experience and that is what it's all about. We appreciate the extra touches like the traditional interior and staff attire - it makes the experience that much more fun. The only downside is, we can't order breakfast outside when we travel with our dog; that's about the only thing we wish we could change.

We had mixed feelings about this restaurant. Seeing the goats on the roof was totally unique. We were here on a weekday in May so we had no wait. I did expect there to be more Swedish food on the menu vs a few Swedish items and then burgers, fries, club sandwiches, etc. As for what we did order... the poutine was so yummy! Fries, meatballs, fried cheese curds, onion rings and housemade gravy. Delicious. My kids both got club sandwiches. They were fine, nothing wrong with them but nothing outstanding either. My husband ordered a spinach salad. No where in the description did it mention eggs on the salad but it came with hard boiled eggs which he hates. And honestly it was a pretty sad salad for $18. I got the Swedish pancakes with Swedish meatballs. They were great and I enjoyed them.

one of my favorite breakfast places. real fun atmosphere with the kitschy swedish thing, but the food is spot on. obviously the swedish staples are what you're here for, but everything down to the eggs and potatoes were perfectly cooked. they even found a way to make the potatoes interesting and delicious.

Goats on the roof!!!!! Al Johnson's is THE restaurant you have to visit when in Door County. Expect a wait, but you'll be rewarded with scenic views, great service, tasty Swedish pancakes and hot coffee. You can also have lunch and a cold draft in the beer garden - just don't miss this place!

A must visit in Door County! My fave? Homemade picked herring! Delicious. Great service, family atmosphere. Try their yummy homemade jam also.

Delicious breakfast and the Swedish pancakes were the best I've ever had. And the goats on the roof made the wait a lot more fun!

Al Johnson's is such a fun place to have breakfast and watch the goats on the roof. The service was amazing! We were sat right away and ordered, ate and paid in 20 minutes. They definitely know how to run things smoothly here. The Swedish pancakes were really good. I had mine with cherries and whipped cream and they gave me a generous amount. My husband had the Swedish meatballs and really liked them.

We stayed in Sister Bay for a week and we came by here 3 times for food! There are so many amazing food options in the area but we couldn't stay away. My kids loved watching the goats on the roof, and I had soooo many sangrias (you have to try it). We were also fans of the beers and cheese curds. They have so much outdoor seating and it's casual so the kids can run around and play corn hole. The little shop next door is worth a pop-in as well!

Food was delicious and service was great! We got Swedish pancakes and the two egg plate and both were delicious! The little shop was cute too!

Woo, this place is busyyyy. Prepare for a long wait during which you can: ogle the goats on the roof, stroll the harbor and beach across the street, browse the charming and surprisingly high-quality gift shop. They pack in the tables pretty tightly. If you have kids, make your bathroom stops before sitting down! Overall the food is good. I liked the herbed potatoes and coffee cake, and it's fun to eat Swedish pancakes instead of regular ones.

Let me start by saying, my grandparents would love this place. I am cautious to call this a tourist trap, but it is very much a "turn and burn" type of place that is just quantity over quality. My side salad was drowning in salad dressing... bright spot the lingonberry vinegrette was nice and not overly sweet. Swedish meatballs were ok, gravy was the best part. The fried perch looked and tasted like it was thrown in cold oil, light brown and oily tasting.

This place was suggested to me by everyone who has ever been to the Door Peninsula. But with good reason. The food is fantastic. The pancakes are incredible... light, sweet and perfect even without butter or berries. But use the lingonberries, they're great!

This is by far the most unique restaurants I've visited and I'll be back. First, the outside is clean and the goats on the roof is so fun to watch. The kids were intrigued and loved watching. The place was packed (hint get there early) and the staff was working their behinds off all with a friendly smile and high level of customer service. I ordered the special, which came with Swedish pancakes, meatballs (I know this sounds funny for breakfast) and 2 eggs. I am NOT a pancake lover but these are thin and fluffy like crepes; not too sweet. They come with lingonberry spread (amazing) and their signature maple syrup (which is by far the best tasting syrup I've ever had). The eggs were cooked to perfection. Over medium with just enough runny yolk to accompany the meatballs. The meatballs were lean and remarkable delicious. They also have a very nice gift shop too. Bathrooms are clean! I cant say enough wonderful things about this place. If you're coming to door county, it's a must!

My family and I went to this restaurant as it was recommended to us. We were pretty bummed that the goats weren't on the roof when we went, but understood as it was pretty warm out. To start, this place is busy! It was also pretty tight, seating wise. The atmosphere was a nice but a little too lively for our taste. The food was hot, fresh, and it came out quickly. The fried cheese curds were amazing! So flavorful and hot (temperature wise). Three of us ordered the Big Al's Burger with fries, while our daughter ordered the bacon cheeseburger. The French fries were delicious and the burgers were good but pretty typical. The restaurant did smell great, and our server did a wonderful job. Maybe had we tried the meatballs or the pancakes then I could have justified it price wise, but $17 for a burger and fries just isn't worth it to me. I would recommend checking this place out once for the experience.

Exceptional. Great food and great vibe. Worth and the wait. Goats are great touch. A can't miss in Door County.

Can't say anything that hasn't already been said. great destination and great food. We'll worth the wait.

Visited Door County toward the end of summer and Al Johnson's as always is a must stop. While always busy it is worth the wait. Taking a stroll by the docks to enjoy the scenery makes the time pass quickly. One inside you will be treated with great service, wonderful food and will certainly be satisfied.

Wow. Traveling on past glory for sure. From the pretty bland/grumpy greeting to check out that couldn't figure out how to use a gift card/credit card combo to pay ... !! The "Swedish pancakes" are mass produced. Likely poured on a huge grill and cut into the tasteless rubbery slabs you get. My sunny side up eggs had no sun lol .. seemed steam cooked or something ... like a flat poached. I was going for sausage or bacon until waiter said it's cooked in a deep fryer :( Finally the empty coffee cups and water glasses whereby at least 3 "workers" just chatting at the station. We had to ask for more coffee..at breakfast..busy but not slammed. Gone are the days when Al himself circulated pouring coffee and even wiping tables. We not only had a mediocre meal we kind of felt bad. Surprising it's still in the family!!