The Baird Cafe & Lounge

5 Mead St, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, United States
+1 973-378-7754
$$$ Cafe
(56 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to The Baird Cafe & Lounge, a vibrant hotspot located at 5 Mead St, South Orange Village, NJ. This café is not just a resting place for coffee drinkers and snack enthusiasts; it’s a community hub filled with excitement, creativity, and camaraderie. Whether you're a local or just passing through, prepare to be embraced by its warm atmosphere and engaging activities.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a spacious, inviting ambiance perfect for unwinding or gathering with friends. The Baird Cafe boasts an impressive selection of beverages, including a quality Cold Brew ($4.76) for a refreshing kick and rich, velvety Latte ($4.50) that warms the soul. For those craving a classic caffeine fix, the Americano ($3.00) and Cappuccino ($4.25) are delightful choices. Perfect companions to your drink are the delightful options, including delicious fries and satisfying cheese steaks. Take a seat, pull up a board game from their extensive collection, and let the fun unfold!

The Baird Cafe is more than just coffee—it’s an experience, one that fosters community and connection. Customers rave about the inviting atmosphere and friendly service. Anton David notes that the “large cafeteria” is perfect for community activities, while Mathew Gibson highlights the thrill of Dungeons & Dragons nights and “free-to-play” board games, making it a haven for both casual and hardcore gamers. Joel T. Jordan shares that it's an ideal spot for enjoying a comforting soup and sandwich while engaging in board games, making it a fantastic place to relax with friends or family.

What’s more, The Baird Cafe & Lounge is recognized for its fantastic staff, who are eager to help you discover various board games and share tips to enhance your gaming experience. Alan White notes the ample parking and the pleasant area, inviting guests to take a stroll in the nearby park. Meanwhile, Rosalind Jones praises the incredible food and exceptional barista, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience coupled with play.

The Baird Cafe has quickly become a cherished local gem that promises not just great food and drinks, but genuine human interaction and laughter. With a cozy corner reserved for family-friendly games and strategy board games, you will find something for everyone, from casual players to seasoned enthusiasts.

So, whether you're here to savor a delicious coffee, enjoy a meal, or indulge in hours of board game fun, The Baird Cafe & Lounge exceeds expectations. Bring your friends, your family, or even just your imagination—you’re bound to walk away with great memories!

Visit them today and see why so many locals are calling it their favorite gathering spot!

Location: 5 Mead St, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, United States
Phone: +1 973-378-7754

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

56 Reviews
Anton David

18 Sep 2025

Large cafeteria with games and activities for the community. Staff is attentive and courteous with lots of activities within the facility.

Mathew Gibson

14 Sep 2025

Free to come in and play board games. $15 for dnd nights to pay dms. I’m sure you can come in and make your own dnd games for free. There is a cafe open till 8 pm with decent cheese steaks and great fries. There are board games already here if you don’t have any yourself. There are also Magic the gathering nights to play with others. Come by and have fun till ten when they close. I heard there will be alcohol soon but not yet.

Joel T. Jordan

09 Sep 2025

Pull up a chair to play a board game and have a soup and sammie. Delicious atmosphere and cozy food make for a wonderful day meeting with a friend or an easy place to take the kids.

Mark Schwab

08 Sep 2025

Awesome board game collection, and they are free to play! The founder even helped us pick out good games for our family and helped by answering some of our questions. Totally fantastic!

Sherra P

27 Jul 2025

Very cute cafe. Friendly staff. I enjoyed their fries. A nice place to hang out for all ages. Loved the board game selection. Would definitely visit again.

Alan White

12 Jul 2025

Great place, great people, great food. Plenty of parking. Nice area to walk around. Great views of park and nice deck. Looking forward to weather amenable to outdoor seating.

Rosalind Jones

03 Jul 2025

The Player Agency is an incredible board game cafe. You can come in and play board games for free. There is ample space. The food is incredible, and the barista is simply the best

Seamus Gourley

03 Jul 2025

The board game cafe at the new Baird Center is really fantastic. They have dozens and dozens of board games, from family friendly to heavier strategy games. The staff are really nice and the owners are happy to help you figure out the rules for a new game. They don't even have a cover charge or hourly fee to play the games, so support them by getting food or the Paper Plane coffee from the cafe! Everything is priced extremely reasonably.

Join the The Baird Cafe & Lounge Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.