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Al Johnson Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Categories: Restaurants Scandinavian Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Scandinavian, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
700 N Bay Shore DrSister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2626
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Al Johnson Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Review Highlights
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"I have been visiting Door County for many years." In 21 reviews -
"The kids loved the goats on the roof." In 38 reviews -
"The pancakes are simply amazing." In 29 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle S.
Washington, DC
4/23/2012
This is a must-visit for our trips to Door County. The food is always great, the ligonberries are fantastic, and it's always fun to see the girls dressed up in the Scandinavian outfits. Sure, it's a tourist destination. And sure, it's not 100% Scandinavian food. But, for the area, it's a must-see.
The wait is usually out the door, but lucky for you there are shops along the street to visit, or, conveniently, there is a gift shop adjoining the restaurant!
As a woman of Scandinavian descent, I enjoy it very much, including the history and the story and everything about it.
Plus, the goats on the roof are always amusing and provide great photo opportunities. -
Review from Elizabeth W.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
If you think this is good Scandinavian food, clearly you've never tried the stuff!
I appreciate the history of this restaurant but seriously it needs help. It is disguised as a charming Scandinavian place but really this joint is like a watered down hooters with grown women dressed in "old fashioned" Scandinavian outfits while the men run around in khakis and polo shirts. Sorry but it's hard to take a 45 year old woman serious when she's dressed like that.
Again, this place is full of the fake: the menu boasts itself as original but there are American potatoes and burgers on the menu. Of the items that are Scandinavian, they don't do justice. The pancakes are likely the best and they are only standard. Seriously, I swear the potato pancakes were made from hash browns from a bag! The hollandaise sauce on the eggs benedict was sub-par and to top it all of, the food is WELL overpriced!
Onto service: our waitress left much to be desired. My party was of seven so we had to be split into two table to avoid a wait. Not a big deal for my family but when the waitress first approached and my table said no coffee, I mentioned that the table over was with us and that they'd likely want some. She then snarled at me saying, "I understand that" in a rude and short voice. This set the tone from the get-go. She was not friendly, nor did she ask about our food. She forgot my partner's drink until after our food was served and did not thank us for coming in or wish us a good day. I know it's busy but seriously, I minimally expect a waitress to be courteous.
Save your money for Sister Bay Cafe down the street! It's much quieter with genuine service and MUCH better food!!!!!Comment from Annika J. of Al Johnson Swedish Restaurant & Butik 5/21/2012
We have a full menu that we serve from 6am-8pm during the… More » -
Review from Alison K.
Milwaukee, WI
5/13/2012
Goats on the roof, Swedish pancakes, wait staff in Dierndles!
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Review from Sara R.
At the risk of sounding like a total tourist (which I was) - this place is so cool!! I mean, if it had nothing more than goats on the roof and a gift shop I still would have gone. But it also had Swedish food and German beer! We went for lingonberry everything and herring. Salty, sweet, and a definite step up from IKEA (sorry, not much comparison fro Swedish fare). We had a huge group, didn't have to wait too long, and I'm sorry but I was entertained by the costumed waitstaff. I had a Disney moment. It was fun!
Comment from Annika J. of Al Johnson Swedish Restaurant & Butik 5/21/2012
Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed!!! More » -
Review from Blake B.
Le Claire, IA
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The coffee cake was warm & yummy. The bacon was crispy. The service was good. I'd never had Swedish pancakes before & unfortunately for me I learned that I don't like them at all! Rubbery soggy texture. Not much flavor. Gross! My husband didn't like them either! My husband compared the texture to calamari!
Comment from Annika J. of Al Johnson Swedish Restaurant & Butik 5/21/2012
Swedish Pancakes, are not similar to buttermilk pancakes,… More » -
Review from Rija R.
Highland Park, IL
4/25/2012
We went for lunch at this place off season (April). I guess it wasn't warm enough for goats (as opposed to "too hot for goats" :) so we didn't see them. It was good enough. I don't think I had anything really Scandinavian, though. I had the tomato dill soup which I thought was really good. The lingonberries are yummy as well. I had a grilled veggie-smoked gouda sandwich that was pretty greasy but tasty and filling. If you like adventurous grilled cheese, they had 6 different types of grilled cheese. My four year old son was with us and they had a kids' menu with the standard kid stuff and gave him his drink in a kid cup. They gave him crayons to color on the menu, so he was well-occupied.
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Review from Hannah P.
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is about as good as it gets. The food, the view, the culture, the gift shop -- it's all awesome. You've gotta love a place where you can get all day breakfast and delicious Swedish pancakes coupled with savory Swedish meatballs and a ham sandwich and pea soup. And yes, I had (some) of all. I can't say enough how tasty it was and good portions. The service was a little cold though. Definitely check out the gift shop while your there for candies and coffees.
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Review from John D.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
CHAOTIC DISAPPOINTMENT
Go there. Look at the goat on the roof. Leave.
Big Al died in 2010 but the family still manages the place. Too bad. It needs help.
The dining area is a close approximation in ambiance and noise level to a junior high school cafeteria.
The soup of the day (cheese & cauliflower) was too salty. The Swedish meatball sandwich was served on rye which overpowered the meatball flavor. So I ate the meatballs separately. They were too salty and lacking in flavor (NOT like my Swedish mother used to make, shall we say), so maybe the rye bread was a good idea.
Architecture - 5 STARS
Dining Room Ambiance - 1 STAR
Location - 5 STARS
Service - 3 STARS
Food - 2 STARS
We went back the next day with a large family gathering of 19 people. Had the Swedish pancakes with Swedish meatballs. The pancakes were very good, but the meatballs remain very bad. Trust me, ANYONE blindfolded could make a better Swedish meatball. Not good. -
Review from Nate J.
Minneapolis, MN
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
When friends and family heard we were going to Door County the said you HAVE to go to the place with goats on the roof. I should have taken it as a bad sign that everyone remembered the gimmick but had no idea what they ate.
It was "too hot for goats" (instantly creating a new catch phrase for my family) so we missed the gimmick and went with the Yelp recommended Swedish Pancakes.
The lingonberries were tasty and the syrup hot but the food was nothing spectacular.
It wasn't bad but I'd never go back.
Stop and take a picture of the goats and go find someplace else to eat. -
Review from Ashley J.
7/23/2011
My boyfriend took me here a few years ago, proclaiming they have the BEST Swedish pancakes.. well, I hadn't ever had them before so I was in for a surprise. As we decided to order, I figured that I'd just eat off his plate- so I ordered a sandwich. Stopped dead in my tracks- the bf demanded I correct my order and try their pancakes.
So glad that I did! They're out of this world - I don't know how they do it?! I've tried many times to make my own Swedish pancakes, but I can't ever get it right.. Also, their 'American potatoes' are awesome too! For how busy they ALWAYS are, their service is very fast and friendly.
It's a little frustrating that they don't take reservations, so be prepared to put your name in and wait a very long time (At times it's been in excess of 1.5 hours..) Although, Sister Bay is a cute town to walk around while you wait..Also, when your name is called, make sure your whole party is with you- otherwise they'll refuse to seat you..
Restaurant: Honestly, I think the place needs a little bit of a face lift, but maybe that's what makes it so unique.. -
Review from TODD D.
Downers Grove, IL
10/17/2011
Went early to avoid the rush, and it paid off. food was good, service was good, prices a little high.
I did notice previous comments on the general cleanliness of the place and have to agree, the Carpet was dirty, but everything else was ok. -
Review from Ryan C.
Madison, WI
9/7/2011
If you haven't been there, you've got to go at least once, simply for the atmosphere and to see the goats on the roof. That part is kind of cool.
That said, the food is good, bit nothing you'd normally go out of your way for. Plus, they always have a long wait, usually one hour plus. -
Review from Jamie D.
Waupaca, WI
11/8/2011
The food was decent, a little over priced. I hate to be generalistic, but i think the "old world charm" of this restaurant is probably most appreciated by the over 50 crowd. There is a nice gift shop attached, displaying swedish clothing and shoes.
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Review from Jax B.
5/2/2011
We visited during the spring when the roof was being worked on, so no goat watching for us. It may have been too chilly for them to be out anyway.
The restaurant was a large hodge-podge of old tables and chairs. It barely resembled the photos I saw online. It was not very busy on a Friday night at dinnertime, maybe 5 or so other tables of guests (probably because it was spring and not summer). I had a chocolate milkshake (yum) and a cheeseburger (OK).
Because there are so many other great restaurants in the area, I would not recommend eating here.
It is worth a stop to see the goats on the roof and to take walk through their gift shop!Listed in: Door County
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Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011 2 photos
My boyfriend grew up coming to Door County every summer and this was his all-time favorite place. So of course, he dragged me along when I went on vacation with him. Well, this place is amazing! We sat at the bar both times and the service was exceptional. I was happy from the time I walked in until we drove away in the car, I couldn't stop smiling. I tried to ultimate Swedish breakfast based on his suggestion and it was amazing. I loved Swedish meatballs and this is the real deal. I also long Lingonberries and again, I wasn't disappointed. I had a mix of hot chocolate and coffee to start off with and they put about half a can of whipped cream on top! It was so decadent and delicious and a real treat! The goats on the roof were a hit and I just enjoyed relaxing in such a family-oriented space.
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Review from Nicole P.
Minneapolis, MN
8/9/2010
If you're seeing the sights in Door County, at the very least you have to stop by Al's to see the family of goats on the sod roof. Oddly entertaining and one-of-a-kind when it comes to restaurant curb appeal.
We ordered breakfast (served all day) for dinner on a Thursday night after waiting no more than 5 minutes to be seated. We were hungry hungry so we ordered a small cheese plate to start off - included a couple Dutch and Scandinavian cheeses, but also more classic staples like cheddar and pepper jack. Nothing too fancy, but it came fast and we topped the Swedish limpa bread and crackers with the cheeses while we waited.
Both of us ordered the Swedish pancake special, which comes with 2 eggs and meatballs on the side. The pancake was clearly the star and next time, I'd just get the pancake on it's own. Light and fluffy, it was the perfect vehicle for the lingonberry sauce - I didn't even bother with syrup. Meatballs were pretty good, but not as awesome as the pancakes.
Al's is a very family friendly place - casual and quick, and a little something for everyone.Listed in: 'Sconnie Style
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Review from Bridg G.
Glenview, IL
7/19/2011
The kids loved the goats on the roof. Go by there, take a picture of them, and then leave. This place is really disgusting. I had the misfortune of facing the kitchen and it is dirtier than the dining room. And the food - what a rip off! The "mashed potatoes" are actually from a box! Unacceptable with a $20 entree and I had to send them back because there were little balls of unmixed powder in them. YUCK!! It was so expensive for the quality of food you recieved and it was really gross - dirty carpet, sticky filthy tables. What a disappointment.
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Review from Kristin K.
Miami, FL
6/28/2011
A must do when in Door. We would frequent each summer growing up. Go early to avoid the wait. Order the Swedish pancakes with lots of lingonberries. Now that they have a view of the water, I'm sure those tables will be in hot demand, but really...no table is a bad table. If you are in Door for the winter, no waiting & much quieter. Only locals and a few tourists. Oh, and the goats. This is pretty neat. I've been all over the world & no where else can you see goats on a roof like here.
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Review from Ali H.
9/17/2010
I would give this place 3 stars for food and an extra star for the goats.
The inside feels a bit like being in Sweden, Epcot style. That said, for a Swedish restaurant the food is pretty standard and well prepared. I've had their swedish pancakes with lingonberries, and their meatballs, both of which were exactly what I expected. I feel like I ordered orange juice here one time and it was definitely tang...
Anyway, the food is good. The goats on the roof seal the deal. If you come to door county, you must stop by here. -
Review from Phannie P.
South Padre Island, TX
6/8/2010
I'm no where near Scandinavian and couldn't be considered white.
And that was incredibly clear when I stepped into Al Johnsons. Granted, Door County is about as undiverse in color as you can get, but it struck me more when I was surrounded by servers in Swedish clothing and clogs. Definitely an experience though, and I'm happy that I went.
Food:
- Swedish pancakes with fresh strawberries: YUM! very good pancakes - light and thin - with a heap of whipped cream (made my arteries take a step back)
- Fruit Soup: unique (to me at least) with pears, apricots, peaches in a cold fruit broth.
-Swedish Meatballs: I have an affection for even bad Swedish meatballs, so its hard to take my opinion seriously. I thought they were tasty and hit the spot.
Tips:
- avg breakfast ~10/pp, a lil higher than other brunch places
- bathrooms were clean, and they even have a stall for kids under 12 (where there's a window in the door so that a parent can see in)
- goats aren't brought onto the roof if it rains - they freak out otherwise.
- goats like to hang out on the southside of the roof
A fun place to go - just go early so the wait isn't too long. The novelty of goats on the roof was worth it for me.
Wonder if they can make goat cheese or milk from that...now that would be cool.Listed in: My Door County Weekend
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Review from Susan S.
Algonquin, IL
7/5/2011
I have been visiting Door County for many years. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik in Sister Bay is eponymous with Door County for many people. Yes, it's the restaurant with goats on a sod roof -- causing tourists to gawk and take photos while slowing traffic to a crawl on Route 42. It's the place where you'll wait up to two hours for a table if you arrive at a busy time (which, in peak season, is almost all the time). It's a Door County icon, and one of the few places beloved and frequented by both tourists and locals.
Often places that are well-known don't live up to the hype. This is not true for Al's. You will get a good meal here, and good (quick, attentive) service once you're seated. The restaurant serves Swedish and American food and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is one of the few restaurants in Door County that is open almost every day of the year (well, it may be closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving). You can come here at 8 a.m. on a Tuesday in March (the slowest month for tourism in Door County) and be seated right away. The restaurant is housed in a log building with logs that were shipped from Norway. There is a gift shop to browse while you inevitably wait for a table. The waitresses are garbed in traditional Scandinavian attire, complete with wooden clogs. It is a clean, orderly, yet very busy and somewhat noisy dining room.
Because Al Johnson's is so popular, here are a few tips to make your experience easier.
1. If at all possible, go on a weekday. If you go here for Sunday breakfast, prepare to wait a long, long time. During peak season in Door County, there is almost always a wait here. It is shorter during the week, particularly in the middle of the week, and particularly in the middle of the afternoon, between the lunch and dinner rush. Yes, they serve breakfast all day; Swedish pancakes taste just as good at 3 p.m., and you might not have to wait at all if you come on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
2. When you arrive, immediately proceed to the podium by the cash register and tell the hostess your name and the number in your party so you can be put on the waiting list. You will be called when your table is ready, on an intercom, so it's OK if you sit outside or browse the gift shop; you'll still be able to hear your name called.
3. If you don't want to wait, consider sitting at the counter. There is a small diner-style counter in the back of the dining room. This is where many locals sit, especially in the early morning. Seating here is first-come, first-served -- it's not part of the wait list, so if you see an open stool, walk over and sit down.
4. Almost anything on the menu is good, but many people like to get the Swedish specialties such as pancakes, meatballs, open face sandwiches, etc. The food is good and prepared well, and a little overpriced, but it is not gourmet or creative/innovative.
5. With almost every meal, you will receive a small platter with limpa bread (Swedish Rye), flatbread and crackers, and a small dish of lingonberries. Lingonberries are similar to cranberries -- they are a little tart. Try them, you may love them! They are great on Swedish pancakes, with or without syrup.
6. Be prepared to order quickly. The servers won't rush you, but the frantic pace at which the servers and bussers work will make you realize this isn't a place to take a half hour to peruse the menu before ordering and/or linger for an hour after you're done. They turn tables around quickly. If you have to wait before you're seated, ask to see the menu while you're waiting so you can plan your order.
7. Don't ask to meet Al Johnson, the owner. Sadly, he died in June 2010. Diners in years past used to often be treated to the sight of Al in the dining room, busing tables and issuing orders to the already harried waitstaff. His family continues to operate the restaurant.
8. I would suggest not purchasing lingonberries, cookies, chocolates or other retail items here -- sold at the register or in the gift shop -- as they are easily purchased for a lower cost at any area grocery store or farm market.
9. You don't pay your server; you pay at the register. -
Review from J. B.
Champaign, IL
3/27/2007 1 photo
Goats on the roof! Yes, they have grass growing and goats grazing on their roof! Who would've thought?! OK, so Al Johnson's is a bit of a tourist trap. So be prepared for a LONG wait.
Don't be fooled by anything else on their menu. Four big golden stars for the following items: the Swedish Pancakes AND the Swedish Meatballs. Eat as many lignonberries as you can. Kiss a Swede.
Get there either after the breakfast rush or before the Senior Citizens go for dinner @ 5 pm.
The waitresses look and dress like they were shipped over from Sweden. Don't expect outstanding service many of these girls are just working here for the summer. So be understanding and tip fairly. -
Review from Brian P.
Marshall, WI
11/1/2009
We were in Sister Bay for the annual Fall Fest, and decided to eat at Al Johnson's due to the look of the place, the reviews on Yelp, and the goats on the roof. We wish we had gone someplace else instead. The food was quite mediocre, the service was just ok, and the ambiance of the place felt very much like a supper club. Not to say that is bad, but it didn't really do much for us.
I had the Clam Chowder for my soup, and it was just ok. A bit flavorless but not terrible. For the entree I had the Swedish meatballs, and they were not good. They had a texture like they were frozen meatballs, extremely dense and rubbery. The gravy that went on them and the mashed potatoes was like the typical mass produced instant gravy that you'd find at any number of cafeterias.
My wife had the broiled whitefish, and it was much better than the meatballs. It was a bit heavy on the butter, but was well cooked and a generous portion.
The service was mediocre, friendly enough but not terribly attentive. We didn't get any water refills during the meal.
They did have a pretty good beer selection though. -
Review from Bridget H.
Glendale, AZ
3/12/2010
This place is very near and dear to my heart. Absolutely amazing coffee, and fabulous delicious sweedish pancakes. Made the REAL Sweedish way.
A few of the many reasons I love door county, wisconsin, is because of the quaint atmosphere, the beautiful colors of changing leaves, and the soothing sound of both the lake and the bay.
Al Johnsons is a staple. Most people recognize it when you mention the goats on their roof. It's true, I've seen it.
Anyway, just go there if you find yourself in Door County. Do it. :) -
Review from lauren p.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2008
I'm still a Door County newbie, though I did just return from my 5th trip so I guess I'm moving up in the ranks. Almost every trip has included a visit to Al Johnson's for breakfast. The wait is long, but it's a tourist town so there are plenty of shops to wander around while waiting. There are goats on the roof, which really never lose their charm. You might not want to bring your Peta-member friend, but the goats seem happy and I'm sure they're treated as well as goats on a roof can be. The food is pretty good- the breakfasts are hearty, the grilled brick cheese on limpa is one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had (I pulled it apart and the cheese literally stretched for a good foot, at least). They have a ton of Swedish snack foods at the check-out area for your kitschy impulse-buying needs.
It's a touristy restaurant in a touristy town, so go with that in mind. The prices are reasonable, the portions are good, and it's fun. But please, tip well- the waitresses can't be happy in those dresses. -
Review from Jeremy O.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2008
Being Scandinavian, I have to say Al Johnson's was just "okay". Not bad, but not really great either. I went in the winter so, unlike other reviewers, I can't automatically add one star because of the goats on the roof.
I found the retro-Scandinavian decor interesting, sort of a cross between a 1960s diner (plastic chairs, plastic floral centerpieces) and typical "Scandinavian" (lots of light pine, paneling, rosemaling). It reminded me a lot of my grandparent's kitchen circa 1982.
The service was so-so. When we stepped in, the hostess was on the phone and, even though she noticed us, still took a good five minutes to finish her (personal) call. Our waiter was ok but we felt rushed.
Personally, I thought the food was good. I did like the Limpa bread and the Lingonberries brought to the table before the entrees and the pork chops I ordered were large and tasted very fresh, even if they were a bit undercooked. My wife ordered the Swedish meatballs and they were awful - the taste and texture was a lot like frozen packaged meatballs you can buy at the supermarket and the mashed potatoes tasted like dehydrated boxed potatoes.
Overall, I thought that Al Johnson's wasn't that great. Considering the community, there are probably other, better Scandinavian restaurants to eat at. -
Review from Patrick B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/23/2012
Total tourist trap in the summer, but it does serve you a pretty good breakfast. In the winter time, it can be the only thing open so it helps keep locals and winter travelers alive. If you don't have to wait an hour, just because it's the place with goats on the roof, there is no reason not to check it out. If there is a wait, don't worry - you're not really missing anything. The grass roof isn't glass as well, so you can't see the goats inside.
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Review from Eric P.
Milwaukee, WI
8/16/2011
Every time I am in Door County I at least go into Al Johnsons shop to look at all of the Norwegian and Scandinavian items. It is fun and has a lot of things to look at. The food is good too and has good service.
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Review from joe n.
Riverside, CT
8/11/2011
OK - the big attraction are the goats on the roof for kids. As an eating experience, the Swedish pancakes were good and worth it with the lingonberries. We also had dinner here and the whitefish and salmon entrees were good although pricey. It gets super busy so either go early or plan to wait. For sugar lovers, there are enough choices to tide you over for a week.
Overall if you're in the area, absolutely worth a look but if you're a foodie, skip the restaurant. -
Review from Craig B.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2010
Really cool atmosphere with the rooftop goats/grass, the dressed up waitresses, etc. Place gets very crowded on weekend mornings, so try to show up early and put your name on the list if that's a concern. Typical wait seemed like 30-60 minutes on a Sat morning around 10am.
Definitely not a classy joint but that's clearly not what they're going for. Their turn-around time is fast, waitresses will try to get your order quickly and the food will be out in what I'm guessing was 5-10 minutes.
I can't speak for the menu as a whole but the Swedish pancakes I ordered were great. I also tried the Swedish meatballs and didn't really care for them but that could just be me.
Overall I would recommend this place, especially for breakfast, really glad we made it here. -
Review from Bill P.
North Aurora, IL
11/29/2010 1 photo
Besides the goats, the good food, great service and well dressed Swedish looking waitresses, gift shop, the chocolate variety and cookies at the front counter are bountiful. It is always a must go to place, whenever you visit Door County, otherwise people will ask "Did you go to Al Johnson's?" I have been there many many times.
BTW, they are tearing down the strip mall across the street and there will be a park with a great view of the sunset. Now everyone will be fighting for the window seats. The Harbor and Boats will be in full view. -
Review from Jason G.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best Swedish pancakes (and Swedish meatballs). Definitely a kitschy joint, with goats grazing on the grass roof and the servers in pigtails and old-school Swedish costumes. You might wait an hour for a table, if you arrive after 9am, but the food is delicious and well worth it. The Swedish pancakes with lingonberries are the star of the show. And don't forget a slice of the piping hot coffee cake, for the table to share.
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Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2008
Excellent food, great location, good service.
Al Johnson's is an icon in Door County. I missed the goats on the roof as I went in January with my husband for lunch, but the service and ambiance - as well as the food - earns this place a great review.
Al's is crowded, even in the winter, and the parking lot is just as crowded. Just a few minute wait for lunch and we were at a window seat looking across to the bay and some beautiful birds were eating at the bird feeder.
The decor is retro Scandinavian and you can purchase practically anything you would like at the gift shop just across from the register.
The tables and chairs are not fancy, per se, but they do the trick. The food here is what really shines. We were given a platter of breads and crackers with lingonberries and my husband gave everything two thumbs up. All the breads had different flavors and textures.
I ordered the tomato basil soup and a salad with grilled salmon, lingonberries, and a Scandinavian cheese. The salmon was amazing and literally melted in my mouth.
We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Door County! -
Review from Abhay S.
7/26/2009
Was recommended Al Johnson's as a "must go" place in Door County. Definately a very unique restaurant as it's one of the only places I've come across in my travels that has goats on the roof. I was tempted to take one back home to Chicago to sacrifice at Clark and Addison :-)
Anyway, we arrived at 10:30 on a Sunday and thought the restaurant seated some larger parties before us. There were at least 3 parties greater than 6 that sat before our party of 2.
The food was decent, but definately over priced. Pancakes were decent, but nothing out of this world. My wife had the monte cristo and she thought it was pretty good, but still over priced for what you get.
Anyway, a unique place to have a meal, but I don't think I'd return. -
Review from Jose T.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2011
The best things about this place are the goats on the roof & the beer! The food was not at all worth what it cost. The American potatoes were burned, the mashed potatoes came out of a box, the fish was just OK. Did I mention the beer was awesome?! Oh, and they have goats on the roof!
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Review from Jessica Z.
Milwaukee, WI
2/8/2009
My grandma would really, really love this place. And so did I. Me & the boy went here yesterday after I scoped out the menu in our hotel room at the Scandinavian Lodge just down the road. I wanted meatballs, and you know what? I ate some, and they were good. Unlike my memories of Stouffer's frozen Swedish meatballs in a dairy-rich cream sauce, these 7 meaty balls were covered in a brown, salty-good gravy.
First, though, I got a giant Jacobsen beer, the blonde made by the Carlsberg brewery. No Swedish beers were on the menu. An appetizer of Scandinavian cheese included the caramel-brown sweet & nutty goat cheese I'm forgetting the name of, a few triangles of unremarkable deli Swiss, an orange, mild, cheddar-like one, and a "brick" variety. A shit-ton of sliced strawberries and a few wedges of honeydew helped. What was awesome - the cracker basket: a few slices of rye-like Swedish limpa bread, and about 12 differst crispbreads. Everyone gets a shallow bowl of lingonberries, a nice foil to the cheeses.
Split pea soup was served hot & hammy in a heated pewter crock, and was much coveted by my dining partner, who chose a kind of boring lettuce salad with packaged croutons and a decent balsamic vinaigrette.
Said meatballs were homey; the mashed potatoes real and a natural partner. Boy's 2 pork chops were requisitley meaty and porky, but I think our favorite part of the meal was the super-delicious veggie side - broccoli, sugar snap peas, carrots & rutabagas sauteed perfectly in butter & a little extra black pepper.
Our truly Scandinavian server provided some laughs, and I accidentally returned a chuckle when he spied my plate art, you know, two meatballs, a length of potatoes, and a sprig of parsley? It looked just right, ready for the big reveal to Boy, when the server came up behind me and said, "Nice."
Three beers, the cheese plate, & two entrees: $59. Wanna spend more money? Check out the nice clog selection (seriously) and Norwegian sweaters in the adjoining gift shop. The lingonberry soda sparkles, but not as brightly as the Swarovski crystals attached painstakingly to tight black T-shirts (yikes).
I wanna go back in summer to see the goats, but in the middle of winter at 4:30 p.m., with barely another tourist around, it was just right. -
Review from Joe W.
Andover, MN
8/3/2011
I come to Al Johnsons every time I visit Door County. The Swedish Pancakes and Meatballs are just great.
The coffee is just like my Swedish Grandmother in-law made.
The place does get crowded especially on weekends between 10 and 2. Get there by 9 and have a no rush breakfast. -
Review from Ginny L.
Wales, WI
10/13/2010
This restaurant serves good food. Don't let the touristy stuff dissuade you. Yes there are goats on the roof and yes they have a gift shop and sell jars of jams and things in the front lobby. But the food is good, nevertheless.
I ordered chicken noodle soup and it was more like a thick chicken stew and very good--not too salty. Then I had the whitefish sandwich and that was good too. It came with cole slaw and fries, which I shared with my husband who only wanted to order some of their Swedish pancakes with lingonberry sauce. These are thin pancakes like crepes, not the puffy American kind. You can get breakfast here all day, which is why he was eating pancakes after 7 in the evening.
The goats were taken in for the night by then anyway! -
Review from Ruth Anne Z.
Bridgeport, CT
6/3/2009
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!
It is an experience for the whole family. Goats on the grass roof and the food is so good you think you are actually in Scandinavia. You can't go to Door County, WI without eating here. This place has been here for decades and I believe family run. My favorite is the Swedish pancakes and their fresh fish and soups.
They have a Scandinavian gift shop as well, so bring your credit card. They have unique one of a kind merchandise. They have real A frame cottages in the back of the restaurant, so go exploring behind the place.
If you have to wait for a table, just wait it is worth it. -
Review from Timothy K.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2007
Come for the goats on the roof, stay for the great food and touristy people watching!
Stopped here on a Sunday early afternoon on our way through Door County, along with about 500 other out-of-towners. Names on the waiting list and an hour-long wait ahead, we were off to the tourist trap boutiques that line the main drag of the town.
We were seated right on schedule once we returned after a quick visit to the restaurant gift shop. Service was quick and friendly. I tried the fish and chips, but the Swedish Pancakes appeared to be crowd favorite.
I'd say, 3.5 for the food, 5 for the service and a 4 for the experience (read: goats on the roof, "authentic" Swedish waitress uniforms, etc.).
