The Baird Cafe & Lounge

Inside The Baird Cafe & Lounge

The Baird Cafe & Lounge in South Orange Village offers more than your average coffee run. This spot functions as a community hub where locals come not just for well-crafted drinks like cold brew and cappuccinos, but also to settle in for a laid-back afternoon of board games and casual conversation. The roomy interior includes plenty of seating and a wide selection of games ranging from family-friendly options to complex strategy titles, making it a natural gathering place for friends, families, and anyone looking to linger.

Its relaxed vibe is enhanced by staff who are approachable and ready to help with game rules or recommendations, creating an easygoing atmosphere where people feel welcome regardless of their familiarity with the games. The absence of any cover or play fees means the café encourages patrons to support the space by enjoying the menu—which includes simple, unfussy items that pair well with a coffee or tea break.

Outdoor seating is available, which has been a plus for visitors with dogs or those wanting a breath of fresh air during a sunny day. The Baird fits well into South Orange's neighborhood culture as a versatile spot—equally suited to a solo visitor looking for a quiet cup of coffee and a book, groups excited to challenge each other over a game, or families stopping by for a casual lunch. The cafe’s midday hours, especially on weekends when the community aspect feels strongest, seem to be the sweet spot for those wanting to soak in its friendly energy.

All in all, the Baird Cafe & Lounge is an inviting place where coffee meets community interaction. It serves as a local retreat where drinks and light meals complement a space dedicated to connection and play, reflecting the Village’s welcoming, neighborhood-oriented spirit.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Popular for

Lunch

Solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Lunch

Dessert

Seating

Table service

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

On-site parking

Parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

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

What Locals & Travelers Say

56 Reviews

Anton David

02 Jan 2026

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

Seamus Gourley

28 Dec 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.

Sherra P

18 Dec 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.

Kristina Gordienkova

01 Dec 2025

Really nice place! We were visiting South Orange for a day and stopped at the place for a lunch. Food was good, prices good and it's really well located. We even were able to take a sit outside because we were with out puppy. Inside there're many board games, so if you're visiting with friends – you can have a good time. On top of that the personell was really nice and friendly. If by any chance I'll be again in South Orange – I'll come back for sure.

Joel T. Jordan

12 Nov 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

31 Oct 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!

Rosalind Jones

22 Oct 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

Mathew Gibson

17 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.

Inside The Baird Cafe & Lounge

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

56 Reviews

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Scrumchies

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