Irvine’s New Family-Owned Cafe is the BAUM

A visit to the newly opened Baum Tea and Coffee shop will transport you to an enchanting “library” with mouth-watering food and drinks. Located in Trabuco Plaza and nestled between Mathnasium and Furai Chicken, this family-owned coffee shop is the perfect location for study sessions or after-school snacks.

“I enjoy coming to this cafe because it’s really unique and unlike any other cafe I’ve been to,” sophomore Louise Macatula said. “The decor is really pretty. Overall, it just felt really cozy and I enjoyed the songs that they played as well.”

Upon entering, customers will instantly notice the charming bookshelf, almost overflowing with shiny emerald green, navy blue and gold book covers, which are actually tea boxes. Baum is a small location and their tables inside fill up quickly, so patrons should also utilize the outdoor seating.

From their menu, customers can order from a unique and wide selection of coffee, lattes, milk tea and teas with customization options for flavor, sweetness level, ice level and toppings. Made to order, options are delectable for any palate, ranging from the classic celadon milk tea to a unique twist on Masala Chai. 

“I don’t drink a lot of coffee, but the hazelnut latte is definitely a drink I would consider getting again,” junior Natalie Williams said. “It wasn’t too strong, and the hazelnut made it so that it wasn’t too bitter for me.” 

All of their desserts have rich, unique flavors that are not overly sweet. Desserts such as their matcha, ube and milk ice creams come with the option to turn it into caffeinated or non-caffeinated ube, pandan, espresso and milk tea affogatos. 

An iconic staple on their menu is the soufflé pancake with several flavors, ranging from custard to matcha with Lucky Charms. They have a brown sugar boba flavor that combines the classic soufflé pancake with sweet and chewy boba. Their strawberry soufflé pancake is popular, and for good reason; warm, fluffy pancakes topped with cream that tastes like biting into a fresh strawberry.

If you’re not in the mood for just a sweet tooth treat, their menu also includes savory items like the pesto and ham croissant sandwich, scrambled eggs avocado toast and pink hummus avocado toast. Another trendy food on their menu is the spiral croissants which are made in the morning and sell out quickly. We considered ourselves lucky to get our hands on the custard croissant, a must-try—caramelization on top that was reminiscent of a crème brûlée, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Before you know it, you’ll have been at Baum for a few hours. It’s easy to lose track of time while busy working with the store’s free Wi-Fi, conversing with a good friend or watching the comings-and-goings of the cafe. The elegant furnishings, soothing ambiance and scrumptious food creates an overall magical experience.

Drop by 13955 Yale Avenue, Irvine from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday to Friday and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to support this charming family-owned coffee shop at your next convenience!