Head down the (Battle Ground) Rabbit Hole for delicious fare
By Toni Woodard
A year ago, Isaac and Francey Taylor were living in Bozeman, Montana, running a coffee shop that someone else owned.
Both had worked in restaurants since their teens and possessed experience ranging from cooking to corporate roles. Their dream was to own a restaurant of their own.
A nationwide search almost took them to Virginia, but a fortunate twist drew them to Battle Ground instead. In a whirlwind of change, the Taylors bought an existing Battle Ground bakery, overhauled it with entirely new offerings, bought a nearby condo and jumped into the first of what they hope will be several eateries in the Portland metro area.
They have not looked back since.
Rabbit Hole Eatery & Coffee opened Dec. 1. Located in a small strip mall across the parking lot from Battle Ground’s Walmart, it quickly caught the attention of north Clark County residents.
With high-quality ingredients, a welcoming staff and a whimsical, cozy atmosphere featuring rabbit bullfighters, the small bakery is a popular spot to meet friends for a snack or grab sustenance on the go.
Rabbit Hole has also become a fast favorite among Texas transplants.
Isaac is originally from Texas, where a Czechoslovakian pastry known as a kolache was long ago adopted and Texas-fied with the addition of a Polish sausage. The Taylors offer both versions, and both are delicious.
The kolache looks like a traditional Danish: It’s an open-faced pastry topped with cream cheese and a hearty smear of jam. The first one I tried at Rabbit Hole was a raspberry version ($3.95; apricot and blackberry also available). It tasted like the very best jelly doughnut I had ever had. The pastry dough was buttery, dense and flawlessly baked, with the jelly adding a perfect touch of sweetness.
Isaac explained that they use brioche bread, which is not as sweet as a typical pastry dough. The subtle difference is huge.
The Texas version of a kolache uses the same brioche bread but adds savory ingredients like cheese or jalapeños and wraps the bread around a high-quality Polish sausage. Think of it as a fancy, adult version of a pig in a blanket.
I’ve tried several Texas kolaches at Rabbit Hole ($5.95). I planned on sharing my first one, but after one bite, I got greedy and hoarded it for myself. Perfect as a lunch or hearty snack, the Texan kolache is flavorful, dense and flaky at the same time, and repeatedly approved and celebrated by Texans who now live in Clark County.
Homemade pastries
I’ve sampled several other items on Rabbit Hole’s menu and have not been disappointed by anything. All the pastries (except the croissant dough) are homemade. Relying on head baker Kristy Payton’s expertise, the Taylors exceed their goal of “going from good to great” across the menu.
Fan favorites include the carrot cake ($7.79), cinnamon rolls ($3.50) and cheddar kolache ($5.95). I can also vouch for the kicky breakfast burritos ($9.95), sizeable, addictive cookies (chocolate chip, $3.50; sugar, $4.29), and scones ($4). Although sweet scones are also available (triple berry and white chocolate raspberry), my mind and taste buds were blown the first time I tried the bacon, gouda and thyme scone. Moist and bready, the savory scone was a delicious lunch of salt, fat and seasoning — in the very best way.
Rabbit Hole offers several vegan and gluten-free options, including carrot cake (VE/GF), coffee cake (VE/GF), chocolate chip cookies (GF), pumpkin chocolate chip bread (VE), blueberry lemon bread (GF), banana bread with chocolate chips (GF) and a frittata (GF).
The beverages are also worth noting. My husband is a big fan of the creamy milk-based hot chocolate ($3.75-$4.75), while I keep being drawn to their coffee and syrup selection (including vanilla, hazelnut, Irish cream, peppermint and some sugar-free options, each for 80 cents extra). It’s no wonder.
Rabbit Hole’s coffee is provided by Vancouver-based Kafiex Roasters, which was named Roast Magazine’s Micro Roaster of the Year for 2026. The Kafiex folks have provided the duo with a heap of education and support to make sure the best coffee is poured each time. Prices range from $2.25 for an 8-ounce drip coffee to $5.95 for a 16-ounce specialty coffee such as caramel macchiato. Espresso ranges from $3.50-$4.95.
The first time I ordered a blackberry mocha ($5.80 for 8 ounces), I was struck by how natural the blackberry flavoring was. It tasted like a little bit of blackberry jam had been stirred into my chocolatey coffee. When I asked the Taylors about their syrups, they were excited to reveal that they use a French brand called 1883. Each syrup is based on a puree or natural ingredient (like vanilla) instead of relying on extracts and artificial flavors. You truly can taste the difference.
Care for staff
The Taylors are dedicated to making a difference not just in the food and drinks they offer, but also in the lives of their employees. They strive to invest in the careers and futures of their crew, acting as mentors as well as employers, leading by example with goal-setting, vision-planning and clearly defining one’s purpose.
“[Rabbit Hole] is a vehicle for the dreams of the people who work here to come true,” Isaac explains. “We want them to exceed their own expectations.”
With great intention, the Taylors have created a culture of cooperation, respect, teamwork and reliability. They strive to set a tone that carries down to the customer, which includes having fun. “We want passion without pretension. We are serious about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves seriously.”
That sense of lightness is evidenced in the eatery’s name and artwork. Inspired by an Uncle Isaac original story he used to tell his nieces and nephews about a bull-riding rabbit, the “Rabbit Hole” concept is a blend of whimsy, speed and rolling with whatever life throws at you.
“We aren’t just your baristas; we are your cheerleaders. We strive to be a moment of peace in your wild day, taking care of you so you can go out and take care of your world.”
Rabbit Hole Eatery & Coffee has an active social media presence with both Facebook and Instagram accounts showcasing delectable offerings and Isaac’s highly entertaining videos. The website provides a comprehensive menu, including an option to order online. Access is easy, with parking directly in front of the eatery.
Rabbit Hole Eatery & Coffee
1214 SW Scotton Way, #105, Battle Ground
360-946-1674
6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday,
6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Instagram: @rabbitholeeatery
Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076239818725 (or search “Rabbit Hole Eatery”)
Toni Woodard is enthusiastic about food, fairs, llamas and writing. She is the author of “I’m Fine: A Practical Guide to Life with Chronic Pain.” Contact her at toniisfine@outlook.com.
