Kathryn Gleesing
It’s been years since we were in Door County, we had to stop at Al Johnson’s for breakfast and it did not disappoint. The food was incredible, full of flavor and not overcooked. The whipped cream on the pancakes was amazing and our breakfast was out in no time. We would highly recommend Al Johnson’s for breakfast or anytime. The goats had gone south for the winter but the gift shop had plenty of fun items to look at and purchase!
… moreSharon Luo
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!
… moreKeith Jackson
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!
… moreCarey B
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.
… moreKate
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.
… moreBryDeV
Stopped by for brunch in November, no wait, but moderately busy. The Swedish pancake special was delicious. The thin, layer pancakes are wonderful, eggs and sausage were good also. The real syrup and berries were a great addition to the pancakes. No goats in November.
… moreJ Abbs
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.
… moreNatalie Castro
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.
… moreFelicia Chang
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.
… moreStephanie Andersen
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
… more