Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe: A new chapter in Battle Ground’s history

Worth the wait: Battle Ground locals lined up to support Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe on opening day. Photo by Andi Schwartz

Clark County Today’s Andi Schwartz comments on a fresh start for a beloved Battle Ground landmark

By Andi Schwartz
Graphic Designer/Webmaster
Clark County Today

I stopped by Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe this morning for their opening day, and it was such a great experience! Everything from the food to the atmosphere made it worth the visit. There’s been a buzz online about this place, and after my visit, I can confidently say it’s totally worth the hype. From the food to the cozy atmosphere, this spot is going to be a new favorite for Battle Ground locals.

From jalapeño cheddar bagels to pumpkin streusel muffins, the bakery case is packed with tempting treats for every craving. Photo by Andi Schwartz

A morning well spent

Yes, the line to order was long — but honestly, that just added to the excitement.The wait after I ordered was faster than I expected with the crowd. I overheard people chatting about how thrilled they were for the opening. There’s something so fun about being part of a community moment like that, where everyone’s excited for the same thing.

I ordered the jalapeño bagel breakfast sandwich, which had chives in the cream cheese (so delicious!), a maple pecan shortbread, and a small mocha. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and made with care. The bagel had the perfect mix of spice and creaminess, the shortbread was buttery and just sweet enough, and the mocha hit the spot. It was the kind of breakfast that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every bite.

This jalapeño bagel breakfast sandwich is just one of the many fresh and flavorful options at Al & Ernie’s. The perfect pairing of a maple pecan shortbread and a warm mocha to start the day. Photo by Andi Schwartz

Bringing history back to life

If you’ve lived in Battle Ground a while, the name Al & Ernie’s might sound familiar. The building used to be Al & Ernie’s Foodliner, a grocery store that was a big part of the community for years. Now, it’s been reimagined as a bakery cafe, and I love how they’ve honored its roots while creating something fresh and new.

A blast from the past: Al & Ernie’s Foodliner served the Battle Ground community for years, and its spirit lives on in the newly opened bakery cafe. Photo courtesy https://www.loopnet.com

A fresh new look for a beloved Battle Ground name—Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe combines modern design with a welcoming feel at 802 Main. Photo courtesy https://www.instagram.com/alandernies

The open baking area behind the counter is one of my favorite features. Watching them work on pies and other treats while waiting for my order made the whole experience feel so personal and special. It’s clear this team put a lot of thought into creating a space where people feel at home.

The heart of the bakery in action—watch as the team prepares fresh treats and serves up delicious drinks in their beautifully designed open kitchen. Photo by Andi Schwartz

A cozy spot with all the vibes

Walking into Al & Ernie’s feels like getting a warm hug. The decor is super cozy, with elk antlers, wood accents, and gorgeous dark green walls. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and modern, and it just feels good to be there.

I even spotted someone working on their laptop, plugged into the wall and taking advantage of the wifi offered. Despite how busy it was, the space didn’t feel too loud, and with plenty of seating available, this could be an awesome place to catch up with friends, get some work done, or just enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.

Crafting each cup with care—freshly brewed coffee is just one of the many highlights of Al & Ernie’s. Photo by Andi Schwartz

The buzz is real

It’s been so cool to see the community rally around this new business. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to check it out, and you could feel the energy in the air. Al & Ernie’s is more than just a cafe — it’s a place for Battle Ground to connect, and I think it’s going to be a huge hit.

So many options! From bagels to sandwiches to coffee, Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe has something for everyone. Photo by Andi Schwartz

Plan your visit

If you’re looking for a great breakfast, a tasty pastry, or just a cozy spot to hang out, you’ve got to stop by Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe. The food is great, the vibe is inviting, and it’s clear this place is already becoming a community favorite.

🌐 Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe

@alandernies

📍 Visit them in Battle Ground

My final thought

Walking out of Al & Ernie’s Bakery Cafe, coffee in hand and the taste of that maple pecan shortbread still lingering, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this new chapter in a space that holds so much history. Here’s to many more mornings spent at this wonderful new spot in Battle Ground.