“ One weekend each year, Al Johnson's serves its version of a traditional Swedish Julbord, or a multi-course Christmas smorgasbord. I was fortunate to be visiting Door County during the weekend they were doing this special buffet, so this review is about that. I've heard that the restaurant has goats on its roof and other things the rest of the year, and I guess I'll have to come back to check out all of that. The Christmas smorgasbord is a hot ticket, so you'll need to make reservations well in advance. It's a multi-course buffet, and dishes are meant to be eaten in a specific order. You get a new plate after each course. This was my first time and I didn't know the rules (or I wasn't paying attention when they told me the rules), so I just got my plate and went to town on the buffet. I think either way is fine. The buffet is unlike anything I've ever seen: just rows and rows of Swedish and Scandinavian foods. You have fish that's hot, cold, smoked and pickled; Christmas ham; sliced meats and cheeses; pickled cucumbers; soft and crisp bread; sausages and Swedish meatballs; roast beef; deviled eggs; crudités; liver pate; potato salad; beet salad; fruit platters; and dozens more things. It's so much food, and I loved sampling a little bit of everything. Because this is a buffet, you can go back as much as you want for more food. Make sure to save room for dessert, which is located near the main buffet. The dessert table included a variety of little nibbly sweets like lemon cookies, thin gingerbread snaps, cardamom bread and a big bowl of gummy candy. To be honest, I don't like buffets -- and in fact, I usually avoid them altogether. But this buffet at Al Johnson's was probably one of the best buffets I've ever visited, in terms of variety, quality and cleanliness. Could a Swedish Julbord melt my buffet-hating heart? Maybe! Perhaps it's a Christmas miracle. ”

“ Nothing new to add to this review that others haven't already said. This place is a fun tourist attraction that serves good food and hosts goats on the roof. My partner and I both enjoyed our Swedish pancakes and Swedish meatballs. It doesn't look like a large portion, but the food was surprisingly filling. We also really appreciated that we could get more lingonberry jam on request. Our waitress was great even though the place was packed at 8am. Should you go for breakfast, be prepared to wait for a table, miss the goats (because they're not out yet) and browse the gift shop after eating (since the restaurant opens first). ”

“ A must-do! Al Johnson's was great! Breakfast served all day! First, plan on a bit of a wait- but it's well worth it and plenty do while waiting. From exploring the "butik" to simply watching the goats on the grass roof, or playing corn hole, no worries. The breakfast was awesome. The Swedish pancakes are basically lefse- IYKYK. Super tasty with lingonberries. American potatoes are basically hash browns. The shops of the "butiks" had all kinds of neat Scandinavian souvenirs. We had to get a little felt goat for our Christmas tree to remember our trip! ”

“ No lines at 7:30am for breakfast. Had their Swedish Pancakes and Swedish meatballs. It is like a big crepe folded many times and is heavier. Very delicious. I had added butter, syrup, and lingonberries on top. The Swedish meatballs are meaty (description stole from another review i saw). Meatballs are more condensed and compact with meat and a smoother texture. It isn't grainy texture like Italian meatballs. The gravy sauce is really good too. Nothing like ikea Swedish meatballs. There is a giftshop that opens at 8am. Great to browse around when it gets very busy during lunch time. Goats are on the roof at 9am. Watch them on the Goat Cam. ”

“ We loved our experience here despite missing the goats for the season. Unfortunately, we arrived the weekend before they kick off on the rooftop for the summer months. As someone who grew up with pygmy goats, that was probably our number one draw and second was the Swedish menu. We enjoyed the classic wooden pine interior of the restaurant, Swedish gift shop with thoughtful curated items, and the breakfast menu. Despite getting there at the crack of dawn, this place was already bustling! The small, waiting area in the front features a TV showcasing production of some of the food items behind the scenes. In the gift shop, you can quickly pass some time while waiting for your table. You'll find all of the classics on the menu like lingonberry jam, Swedish meatballs, beets and more! ”

“ Visited Al Johnson's for brunch during our last visit to Door County. The venue was so cute - there are goats grazing on the roof and the place is always full of life. There is always a queue, so be prepared when you visit! Upon entrance, the ambiance is really rustic and homey. The food was good, I tried the traditional meatball dish with eggs, toast, and breakfast potatoes. The Swedish meatballs were very meaty (different texture and flavor from IKEA's lol). The food was overall solid, and would recommend folks visit for the experience! ”

“ Waited about 25 minutes on a Saturday afternoon after putting our names in for lunch. You can kill time in the gift shop, or looking at the goats on the roof. My partner and I shared the Swedish meatballs and havarti sandwich. Both were excellent! The meatballs came with a salad. I chose the lingonberry dressing and wasn't disappointed! A must visit in my opinion if you're in the area! ”

“ 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 this is a must-see if you're up in Door County, especially during the summer. Came here for a Sunday brunch with friends. I ordered the Swedish pancakes with sausage and eggs, and my friend ordered the Benedict Florentine with a side of Swedish meatballs. The place was PACKED but the service was very quick. The pancakes were delicious, just how I remembered them growing up. The sausage and eggs were done well too. I tried a bite of my friends Eggs Benedict (which I'm not usually a fan of) and it was so good. I recommend this place to anybody traveling in the area!! ”

“ If you come to Sister Bay and don't stop at Al Johnson's, you are doing yourself a disservice! A decades old, family owned establishment serving Swedish fare and a bit of whimsy: actual goats who lounge on the rooftop. I've been coming to Al Johnson's since birth and it has become a staple of our family. Walking into Al's is like stepping into a Scandinavian dream, compete with trolls, dala horses and the waitstaff dressed in traditional clothing. Breakfast is served all day and one would be remiss if they didn't try the Swedish pancakes and top them off with some of the table side lingonberries. Haven't tried a lingonberry? Now is the time!! They are small, sweet and available in an abundance of options here! Berry form! Juice! Coffee cake! Ice cream! Torte! ”