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“authentic swedish cuisine with goats on the roof!”
Al Johnson’s is an authentic Swedish family owned restaurant where you can find goats grazing the sod roof. It's quite a sight, and it's made this place one of the most famous restaurants in Door County. Inside the casual, carpeted dining room, young ladies in Scandinavian garb dish out limpa bread and Swedish meatballs. The menu consists of a variety of Swedish fare, from pancakes with lingonberries to Swedish meatballs, whitefish, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of hot and cold plates. The story about how goats came to be on the sod roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant has floated around Door County for decades. Here’s how local writer Norbert Blei recounted the tale a few years back: “Wink Larson was a man who understood tradition. Every year, in celebration of Al Johnson’s birthday, he would bring Al a gift. Not an ordinary gift, of course. But something memorable. One year it was a burro; another year a sheep; once a baby pig; and the single gift which would change Al’s life, the village of Sister Bay, and the entire history of Door County tourism—the birthday Wink walked into the restaurant with a goat named Oscar, ribbons tied to its horns and a note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AL. I was not an eyewitness. But I can see the grin on Wink’s face…sense the commotion in the restaurant. And hear Al’s laughter. The rest—is history.” —Norbert Blei
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... Read more
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"... Read more
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... Read more
Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Does not take
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Lunch
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Brunch
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Dine In
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Takeout
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Breakfast
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Waitstaff
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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