Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant | Door County

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant is a dining establishment located in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, within the Door County peninsula.

Visual Characteristics

The restaurant features a distinctive red-painted wooden exterior with white trim. The main building is a single-story structure with a gabled roof. A prominent feature is the grass roof, maintained by grazing goats during warmer months. Interior decor includes light wood paneling, traditional Swedish folk art, and checkered tablecloths.

Location & Access Logistics

The restaurant is situated at 702 Bayshore Drive (Highway 42) in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. It is approximately 30 kilometers north of Sturgeon Bay, the largest city in Door County. Ample on-site parking is available in a gravel lot adjacent to the building. Public transport options are limited; the Door County Trolley does not typically include this specific stop.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1949 by Al and Jenny Johnson. Its initial purpose was to serve authentic Swedish cuisine to tourists and locals. The grass roof was introduced in the 1950s, inspired by traditional Scandinavian architecture, and the goats were added later as a unique attraction.

Key Highlights & Activities

Primary activity is dining on Swedish specialties such as Swedish pancakes, meatballs, and limpa bread. Visitors can observe the goats on the roof. The adjacent gift shop offers imported Swedish goods and souvenirs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded seating is provided by umbrellas on the patio. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in Sister Bay. No on-site food vendors beyond the restaurant itself.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal goat viewing on the roof, visit between May and October, typically from late morning through late afternoon. The restaurant is busiest during peak tourist season (summer months) and weekends. Lunch and dinner hours are the most active dining periods.

Facts & Legends

The goats on the roof are not merely decorative; they are actively managed to graze the grass, reducing maintenance and providing a visual spectacle. Local lore suggests the goats are particularly fond of the restaurant's discarded Swedish pancake batter.

Nearby Landmarks

• Sister Bay Beach (0.2km Southwest)
• Edgewood Orchard Galleries (3.5km South)
• Peninsula State Park (4.0km South)
• The Clearing Folk School (4.8km Northwest)