The GOAT: Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay
If your kids have ever asked, “Are those goats really on the roof?” while driving through Door County, you already know Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik.
For generations of Wisconsin families, spotting the herd grazing on the grass-covered roof in downtown Sister Bay has become one of those unmistakable Door County moments. Al Johnson’s is part restaurant, part roadside attraction, part Scandinavian cultural experience and part family tradition.
And while the goats get most of the attention, there is much more happening here. Al Johnson’s has been part of Sister Bay since 1949, serves some of Door County’s most recognizable food, and sits directly across from one of the best family waterfronts on the peninsula.
This guide covers the story behind the goats, what to order, when to visit and how to turn breakfast at Al Johnson’s into a full day in Sister Bay.
For even more ideas nearby, see our complete family guide to Sister Bay.
How Al Johnson's began in 1949
The story starts with Axel Albert Otto “Al” Johnson, the Chicago-born son of Swedish immigrants.
After serving as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during World War II, Johnson returned to Door County, where he had spent time vacationing and working during his younger years.
In 1949, he opened what was then known as Al’s Home Cooking in Sister Bay. The business grew into a local institution, but its distinctly Scandinavian identity became especially important after Al married Ingert Forsberg, a young Swedish woman who had come to Door County to work.
Ingert helped shape the restaurant’s Swedish character through its food, artwork, retail shop and design. More than seven decades later, Al Johnson’s remains family-run.
The building that became a landmark
The restaurant’s famous appearance dates to a major 1973 renovation.
Al and Ingert traveled to Scandinavia looking for ideas and ultimately worked with Norwegian master carpenter Knut Stenerud. The restaurant’s Norwegian yellow-pine log structure was assembled in Norway, taken apart, numbered, shipped across the Atlantic and then reconstructed in Sister Bay.
Even more remarkably, the new structure was built around the existing restaurant while the business remained open.
The grass-covered sod roof was inspired by traditional Scandinavian architecture and became one of the most recognizable buildings anywhere in Wisconsin. Inside, the intricate rosemaling was created by Norwegian artist Sigmund Arseth. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
How the goats got on the roof
And then came Oscar.
In 1973, Al’s friend Harold “Wink” Larson gave him a goat as one of the gag birthday gifts the friends routinely exchanged. Wink attempted to put Oscar on the new grass roof.
The joke stuck.
More than 50 years later, goats grazing above Highway 42 have become one of Door County’s signature sights.
Today the goats spend most of the year away from downtown Sister Bay and come to the restaurant during the tourism season. They reach the roof using a three-level ramp behind the building.
When are the goats on the roof?
Al Johnson’s currently says the goats generally appear from late May into October, often continuing into mid-October, depending entirely on weather.
They typically head onto the roof around 9 a.m. and return around 3 p.m. The restaurant does not put them up when conditions are too hot, cold, wet or windy.
Usually four or five goats are grazing at a time.
That means seeing goats is never guaranteed, even during summer. If the goats are the main reason your kids want to visit, check Al Johnson’s Goat Cam before heading over. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
One particularly important fall note: Fall Fest takes place very close to the end of the normal goat season. If you visit during Fall Fest weekend, consider the goats a bonus rather than a guarantee.
“Goats on a roof of grass” became a trademark
The story gets even stranger.
Al Johnson’s obtained federal trademark protection involving “goats on a roof of grass” in connection with restaurant services. The unusual trademark has even produced legal disputes with other businesses that attempted to recreate the attraction.
So when your kids ask whether anyone else could simply put goats on a grass roof and copy the idea, the answer is more complicated than you might expect. The original article includes more of the trademark history and litigation background.
What to order at Al Johnson's
Swedish pancakes are the main event
For most families, the answer is easy: start with the Swedish pancakes.
They are thin, eggy and more crepe-like than traditional American pancakes, and Al Johnson’s currently serves them all day with lingonberries, strawberries or maple syrup.
Ask for powdered sugar if you want to go all-in.
Even if everyone at the table orders something different, getting at least one plate of Swedish pancakes to share is practically mandatory. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
Swedish meatballs and other classics
The menu goes well beyond pancakes.
Popular Swedish dishes include Swedish meatballs, pytt i panna, pickled herring and limpa bread. The broader menu also includes perch, whitefish, sandwiches, salads and traditional American breakfast options.
One of the great advantages for families is that breakfast is served throughout the restaurant's operating day.
The hot chocolate is a kid favorite
Al Johnson’s hot chocolate has developed a following of its own, especially during chilly fall visits.
It arrives piled high with whipped cream and pairs particularly well with Swedish pancakes on one of those gray October Door County mornings.
The restaurant also offers a dedicated children’s menu. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
Don't skip Al's Butik
The attached Al’s Butik is much more than a restaurant gift shop.
It carries Scandinavian foods, clothing, housewares and gifts, including Swedish Dala horses, Nordic sweaters, linens, Christmas decorations, lingonberry products, pancake mix, cookies, candies and other imported specialties.
Waiting for a restaurant table becomes significantly easier when kids can browse the shop or head outside to look for goats.
Al Johnson’s also operates SKÅL, its more contemporary Scandinavian retail shop nearby.
Stabbur Beer Garden
Next to the restaurant, Stabbur Beer Garden gives families another reason to stick around.
The outdoor area includes lawn space, seating and games, along with beer, wine, cocktails and food from the adjacent Kök kitchen.
Current 2026 hours posted by Al Johnson’s list the Stabbur bar opening at 11 a.m. and the Kök kitchen operating from noon to 8 p.m., although seasonal hours can change. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
That makes Stabbur particularly useful if you want the Al Johnson’s experience but arrive after the main restaurant closes.
Current hours and visitor information
Al Johnson’s is located at 10698 N. Bay Shore Drive in Sister Bay, directly along Highway 42 and across from the waterfront.
As of September 2026, the restaurant lists its hours as 7 a.m.–3 p.m. It is open year-round. Seasonal hours for Stabbur, the Butik and other parts of the complex vary, so check the official Al Johnson's website before making a special trip. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
How to avoid the longest waits
Al Johnson’s does not take reservations for regular restaurant dining.
The restaurant itself recommends arriving early if you want breakfast without the crowds. It opens at 7 a.m. and says the dining room typically begins filling more significantly around 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast is served all day, so another strategy is simply to skip the traditional breakfast rush.
During busy summer and fall weekends, especially around festivals, expect a wait. Fortunately, this may be one of the easiest places in Door County to wait for a table: the Butik, Stabbur, Sister Bay Waterfront Park, marina and downtown shops are all nearby. (Al Johnson's Restaurant)
Tips for visiting Al Johnson's with kids
The goats are obviously the star attraction, but don't rush directly inside.
Walk across Highway 42 toward Sister Bay Waterfront Park for a wider view of the building and roof. Kids can see the goats from several angles, and the waterfront side gives families room to spread out rather than crowding the sidewalk around the restaurant.
If you are waiting for a table, head into the Butik, explore the Stabbur lawn or cross the street to the park and playground.
And check the Goat Cam before promising anyone that goats will definitely be there. Weather always gets the final say.
Build a full Sister Bay day around Al Johnson's
One of the best things about Al Johnson’s is its location.
Directly across the street is Sister Bay Waterfront Park, with beach access, a playground, marina, waterfront lawn and pedestrian areas. You can easily eat breakfast at Al Johnson’s and then spend several hours around the waterfront without getting back into the car.
Downtown Sister Bay is also packed with restaurants, ice cream, shops and other stops within walking distance.
Families spending more time in town can use our complete Sister Bay family guide to build out the rest of the day.
A short drive opens up even more possibilities, including Peninsula State Park, Ellison Bluff County Park and Newport State Park.
Visiting during Sister Bay Fall Fest
If you are planning a fall trip specifically around Al Johnson’s, there is one weekend you need to know about.
Sister Bay Fall Fest returns October 16–18, 2026, celebrating its 80th year.
The three-day festival takes over downtown Sister Bay with more than 100 arts-and-crafts vendors, live music, food and drinks, the Fall Fest Parade, a children's carnival and bouncy houses, the famous Ping Pong Ball Drop and the Sunday Derby Race. Admission to the festival itself is free. (Sister Bay Door County)
Al Johnson’s is right in the middle of the action, making it easy to combine breakfast or pancakes with the festival.
But this is also one of the busiest weekends of the entire year in Sister Bay. Expect crowds and traffic, arrive early and reserve lodging well ahead of time.
Most importantly, we've put together a separate complete guide to Sister Bay Fall Fest 2026 with confirmed activities, planning tips and schedule updates.
Because Fall Fest lands at the tail end of the normal rooftop-goat season, don't make seeing the goats the sole reason for a Fall Fest visit. If October weather cooperates, you may get both experiences in the same weekend.
Don't miss Roofing of the Goats
There is also an entire Sister Bay festival dedicated to the goats.
The 12th Annual Roofing of the Goats Parade and Festival took place June 13, 2026. The parade traveled down Highway 42 to Al Johnson’s before Goat Fest continued at Stabbur with live music, kids activities, food, drinks and a Swedish pancake-eating contest.
The wonderfully strange Goat Drop Contest also returned as a fundraiser for the Northern Door Food Pantry.
It's one of the most uniquely Door County events imaginable and worth keeping on your calendar when the 2027 date is announced. (Sister Bay Door County)
When is the best time to visit Al Johnson's?
Summer gives families the best odds of seeing goats, but it also brings the biggest crowds.
September and early October may be the sweet spot. The goats are often still grazing, temperatures are cooler and Door County begins shifting into fall mode.
For families planning specifically around foliage, festivals, orchards and fall food, our Door County fall guide can help you put together a full weekend.
Fall Fest weekend, October 16–18, 2026, is an experience of its own. Come for the festival first and treat rooftop goats as a possible bonus.
Winter is completely different. There are no rooftop goats, but Al Johnson’s remains open and Sister Bay becomes dramatically quieter. The restaurant's Scandinavian atmosphere feels especially appropriate during the Christmas season.
Where to stay near Al Johnson's
Al Johnson’s is right in downtown Sister Bay, so staying nearby makes an early-morning pancake run — or navigating a busy festival weekend — considerably easier.
For the closest options, look in Sister Bay itself. Families who don't mind staying a little farther south can also use Egg Harbor as a base and combine Al Johnson's with Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek and other stops along Highway 42.
If you're coming for Sister Bay Fall Fest, book as early as you can. The October 16–18, 2026 festival is one of the busiest weekends of the year in northern Door County.
You can also browse all six of our Egg Harbor & Sister Bay stays on Expedia.
North Shore Family Adventures may earn a commission when you book through some of the links below, at no additional cost to you.
Open Hearth Lodge — Sister Bay
Our Pick for families:Check rates and availability at Open Hearth Lodge
9.8 Exceptional
A warm Sister Bay favorite with standout reviews, free breakfast, an indoor pool and hot tub, playground and outdoor fire pits. Comfortable for families and handy for exploring northern Door County.
Its location on the south end of Sister Bay also makes it particularly convenient for reaching Al Johnson's and downtown without staying directly in the middle of the busiest blocks.
Scandinavian Lodge — Sister Bay
Check rates and availability at Scandinavian Lodge
9.4 Exceptional
A roomy Sister Bay option built for family downtime, with indoor and outdoor pools, a playground and game room.
The condo-style accommodations are especially useful for longer family trips, with kitchens and additional living space that make it easier to settle in for several days.
Sister Bay Inn — Sister Bay
Check rates and availability at Sister Bay Inn
9.2 Wonderful
A friendly Sister Bay base with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, playground and fire pit.
It's one of the closest choices on this list to downtown Sister Bay, making it convenient for families planning to spend plenty of time around Al Johnson's, Waterfront Park and the village.
Newport Resort — Egg Harbor
Our Pick for Egg Harbor:Check rates and availability at Newport Resort
9.4 Exceptional
Our pick for families who want room to spread out and walkable Egg Harbor convenience. Suites include kitchens and fireplaces, plus indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, game room and free bikes.
Egg Harbor is also a convenient base if your itinerary includes Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek and Sister Bay rather than spending the entire trip in one village.
The Landing Resort — Egg Harbor
Check rates and availability at The Landing Resort
9.2 Wonderful
A convenient Egg Harbor base with family-friendly indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, arcade and hot tub.
We like it for easy downtime between beach days, village stops and Door County adventures, and its Egg Harbor location puts restaurants, shops and the waterfront close by.
Landmark Resort — Egg Harbor
Check rates and availability at Landmark Resort
9.0 Wonderful
A spacious Egg Harbor resort with condo-style rooms, kitchens and multiple pools.
The blufftop setting gives families plenty of room to settle in between village outings and Door County adventures, and it works particularly well for families who prefer resort amenities and additional living space over a traditional hotel room.
Compare all six stays
Browse the complete Egg Harbor & Sister Bay Stays collection on Expedia.
This guide covers our favorite coffee shops and places to grab coffee from Sturgeon Bay north through Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor and Ellison Bay, plus Washington Island.