Al Johnson Swedish Rest
What People Are Saying About Al Johnson Swedish Rest
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Al Johnson's scores big points for atmosphere. Where else in the world can you eat in a log cabin where goats perch on the sod roof above munching grass? It's quite a sight, and it's made this place one of the busiest, most famous restaurants in Door County. Inside the casual, carpeted dining room, young ladies in Scandinavian garb dish out limpa bread and Swedish meatballs to an all-ages crowd.
The Food
The menu is a veritable smorgasbord of Swedish fare, from pancakes with lingonberries to Swedish meatballs, whitefish, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of hot and cold plates. Most meals come with limpa bread, a fresh, moist rye fragrant with orange peel and anise and just begging to be smeared with lingonberry spread. Breakfast is served all day, and it's your best bet: Swedish pancakes are paper-thin and good--four crêpes stacked one atop the other. Door County cherry pie is a fine version with a nice flaky crust.
User Reviews
Anonymous
December 19, 2008
When you arrive at Al Johnson's restaurant you definitely feel as though you have stepped back in time. Goats on the roof are the first attraction. The goats actually live on the roof grazing on the real grass. The restaurant is an old, swedish type style with waitresses dressed in what appears to be swedish uniforms. Friendly service and excellent food can be found here. Prices are reasonable but expect a wait.
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tomeastman
April 04, 2008
No matter what anyone says, see Al Johnson's. It has been a part of Door County forever. The decor is old, the menu is not all Swedish food, the waiters speak some English, and during the summer season the wait may be long, but the experience is old Door County. The Swedish food may not be the same as that in Chicago where my mother-in-law (100% Swede) joined the Swedish community as a young girl in 1920, but it is Swedish enough that it made me wish she was there to enjoy it. Our meal for four was an inexpensive $120.00 including tip, and everyone was satisfied. My steak was not the best cut of meat, but it was prepared properly. We had no room for dessert, unfortunately, because they looked great. We were there in the off off off season (Door County in March?!) and everything was very very good. I think those were the same chairs they had back in 1968. I can't think of anything negative to say. The four of us enjoyed our evening experience and went back for a special fund raising breakfast with Swedish pancakes and lingonberries. 100% of the proceeds of the breakfast went to a charitable cause, something Al Johnson does all the time. Al Johnson's is a huge part of Door County and still a big must see.
read full reviewAnonymous
March 24, 2008
I love the atmosphere here, and the food is great. They have a Swedish sampler platter which I highly recommend. Of course, the highlight of any visit here is to see those nimble footed little goats grazing on the roof.
read full reviewThe Details on Al Johnson Swedish Rest
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Breakfast, Family-Friendly Dining, Waterfront Dining, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
