Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant stands as an iconic landmark in the charming village of Sister Bay, Wisconsin. Known for its distinctive grass roof complete with grazing goats, this family-owned establishment has been delighting visitors to Door County for generations. The restaurant represents not just a place to eat, but a cultural institution that embodies the Scandinavian heritage of the region.
Founded by Al Johnson, a Swedish immigrant, in the 1940s, the restaurant began as a simple diner. The now-famous grass roof was added in the 1970s when a friend gifted Al with an authentic Norwegian building that was disassembled, shipped to Sister Bay, and reconstructed on site. The sod roof was a traditional Scandinavian building technique that provided natural insulation, and the addition of goats grazing atop the building transformed it into one of the Midwest’s most photographed attractions.
The restaurant’s charm extends beyond its architecture. Inside, servers dressed in traditional Scandinavian garb serve authentic Swedish cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere adorned with Nordic decor. The menu features Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, Swedish meatballs, and pickled herring alongside American breakfast and lunch favorites. The bakery section offers limpa bread, cardamom coffee cake, and other Scandinavian delicacies that patrons can take home.
Al Johnson’s has evolved into more than just a restaurant; it’s become a comprehensive Door County experience. The adjacent Butik (Swedish for “shop”) sells imported Scandinavian goods, clothing, and souvenirs. The business has expanded to include Stabbur Beer Garden, a casual outdoor venue featuring craft beers and a more relaxed menu in a setting inspired by traditional Norwegian storage buildings.
What makes Al Johnson’s truly special is its deep connection to community and heritage. The Johnson family continues to operate the business, maintaining the traditions Al established while adapting to modern tastes and needs. The restaurant employs many local residents and serves as a gathering place for both tourists and locals. During peak season, visitors line up outside for the chance to dine beneath the restaurant with goats on the roof, creating memories that last long after their Door County vacation ends.
As a cultural landmark, Al Johnson’s has helped define Sister Bay’s identity and contributed significantly to Door County tourism. The restaurant has been featured in numerous travel publications, television shows, and social media campaigns, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond to this small Wisconsin peninsula.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant represents the best of American entrepreneurship combined with immigrant heritage—a beloved institution that honors its past while remaining a vibrant, evolving business that continues to delight new generations of visitors to Wisconsin’s Door County.