Old school Barnes and Noble that has a cafe! The place is where it's always been and if you're up for a walk down memory lane and desire a bit of time to go analog pay them a visit. Note: my coffee was great. The cafe doesn't have easy access to power outlets. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Bridgewater, New Jersey

Who knew a toddler could enjoy store so much stopping to Barnes& Noble to get a book for my son and we ended up spending over an hour there because he had a blast!. The kids section was pretty ample and they had a nice little table and chair set up that he enjoyed just sitting down and looking at a couple different books which helped us make a selection. They also had some plushes including a very hungry Caterpillar one that he absolutely loves, which we ended up getting as well. The one plush did not have a sticker of course and the people behind the information desk were super helpful and. I ended up getting something from my mother at least while they were willing to go in the back to check stock because they were out of it on the floor and that you able to get me one. I feel like the prices of bucks are pretty standard as their prices are listed on. The cover is typically so I don't think there were any more or less out of line with other booksellers. They also happen to be running a sale at the time so the whole store was 25% off. Would hesitate to bring him back here. Maybe we can buy another book but as far as a retailer goes pretty kid friendly and the staff has always been super nice. read more

Been going since I was a kid. Now as a college student I come here to study a lot. Cashiers at the cafe and bookstore are great. They usually have the collections of books that I want, if not I've been able to usually ship to store. My few complaints are that there are little to no outlets and some of them are loose(the charger slides out) and sometimes there is only 1 person at the register. I'm a patient person so I don't care, but I don't think that's fair to the workers. read more

As a self-confessed bibliophile, I never want to do anything, if I can help it, to hurt the surviving brick-and-mortar bookstores that still exist Truth be told, though, most of what I order is through Amazon these days. I was saddened when the Border's chain collapsed, and I was seriously depressed when the Barnes & Noble in Paramus closed (I loved that place for years). I also was a regular at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie when I was up that way, but I haven't been up that way in a long time. When I worked in Florham Park, I would occasionally stop at the Barnes & Noble in the Livingston Mall. And I would visit this particular store in Bridgewater when I was in the company of my old friend, and he was driving. I've never been inclined to spend much time in Somerville or Bridgewater (I detest the Somerville Circle and brave its rigors only when I need to get an oil change at the Raritan Valvoline). Outside of the late, lamented store in Paramus (which was thoroughly and delightfully unique), most Barnes & Noble stores are pretty much the same. Even the store in Poughkeepsie I visited only because they had many "local history" volumes on my beloved Hudson Valley. I'm not all that interested in the "local history" of Bridgewater or Somerville. Still, this last Halloween, I was desperate to get out of my digs. I loved Halloween as a kid, but as an adult, I have no patience for handing out candy (and.. yes ..I do feel guilty about that). In the past, I'd hang out in NY, but that hasn't really been an attractive option for me in recent years. A few times, I hid out in my darkened condo like a timid, terrified pariah, furtively watching a volume lowered TV while the kids knocked on my door, but that finally became too pitiful even for me. In desperation, I called my old friend, but he wasn't available. Everyone else I knew was working, or somewhere far away, or actually doling out candy to the neighborhood kids. The bookstore beckoned. At the very least, I could maybe kill an hour or 2 there. I drove Rt 287 South, onto Rt. 202, and then a hard right just before the Somerville Circle, into the Somerset Shopping Center. It's been a while since I was here, and the state of the Somerset Shopping Center, while not as bleak and depressing as the ghost mall that the former Morris County Mall in Cedar Knolls (which I wrote a review about only to have it removed by Yelp) has become, was...well...pretty bleak and depressing. I never spent a lot of time here, but I've visited occasionally over the decades (the TGIF restaurant where I ate a few times with my parents long ago is still standing, although I don't think it's long for this world). A lot of empty stores. But the Barnes & Noble is still there and seems to be...if not exactly thriving...at least still operational. There are enough parking spaces (not surprising given all the empty stores) but you still have to be careful, as you can only travel in 1 direction or the other, according to the specified painted arrows and signs. I parked, walked in. The cafe had some customers. There's a big magazine section. An area for discounted books. I check out the local history section, the true crime (I've never been too interested in big media crime stories, but I have to recommend "The Devil at his Elbow" by Valerie Bauerlein; the story of a family dynasty that functioned like a Southern Mafia is fascinating, and Alex Murdaugh is one of the more evil monsters you'll ever read about), current events, history. There used to be a CD/DVD section in the back, but that seems to have been transformed into a "children's section." A few DVDs available toward the front, but the selection is very small. I ended up buying a novel by Luis Urrea. In past reviews of Barnes & Noble, I've mentioned how uncomfortable I am about the check-out process. Are you a member? No. Would you like to become a member? No, thanks. There are a lot of benefits to being a member. You get discounts and... what is your email, by the way? ... Feels more like an interrogation than a buyer-seller transaction. There was 1 check-out counter manned by a young woman in Halloween garb. I paid for the book with cash, and she asked...inevitably...if I was a member? I answered no, and... thankfully ...she let it drop. Still, I didn't get a "Thank you," or "Take care," or "Get lost." She gave me my change and stared wordlessly off into space. I'm not as prickly or sensitive about such things as I used to be (I don't think I am, anyway), but if you're trying to keep potential regulars away from Amazon and want to encourage them to patronize your store for their book-buying needs...it's not great customer service. Just sayin.' In other words, this particular Barnes & Noble is no better, and no worse, than any other one (with the notable exception of the erstwhile Paramus location). If that counts as a recommendation, then I guess I recommend it. I hope it stays in business, and I hope it thrives. read more

I have 2 $50 gift cards for Starbucks. I just spent $60+ for B&N items. But I have to use cash or cc for coffee. No thank you. Apparently they do not accept Starbucks app or allow Starbucks gift cards. read more

Been here many times Big parking lot Music playing in the store Free Wi Fi Helpful employees read more

The cashiers are not very nice. By the way, always check the price online because it is sometimes cheaper than the in store price even if it is the same book. When I asked to price match it, she said no. Also, amazon usually has books for cheaper anyways. Very disappointed with how I was treated today at this bridgewater location. read more

I like their cafe because it's usually filled with serious readers, magazine flippers, studiers, open laptops, light chatter, and a lot of coffee and tea. Coffee isn't my thing but as a tea drinker, I don't judge. As Barnes explains it, they sell Starbucks drinks but they are not a Starbucks cafe. I prefer the baristas here to make my drink anyways. If you can tell that your drink was made right as soon as you pick it up because of the weight, you my friend need to join me in tea/coffee anonymous. The Barnes & Noble in Union and Edison are always crowded and intense which is why I prefer this one. Also they offer an annual membership for a fee of $25 which is worth it if you have bought anything from their stores or online recently. I usually read via my Kindle app but nothing compares to the experience of reading from an actual book. With bookstores closing left and right, I'm happy to see Barnes & Noble still hanging in there. They could do something about their bathrooms though. They have gotten better, but I never understood the lack of attention to public bathrooms. If it is a part of your store, it is still a representation of your business. They are open M-Th 9a - 10p, F-S 9a - 11p, Sun 9a - 9p. read more

This place is defined by its staff. They provide good customers service with just the right amount of quirky. The do have a good educator card, but unfortunately its not also a member card. Really? The interior Starbucks doesn't accept the Starbucks App and doesnt allow a tip jar. Unnecessarily cold to hourly employees. read more

This particular Barnes and Noble is slow to pick up on the huge segment of adult colorers such as myself. After seeing pictures of very grand and elaborate displays of coloring books at other B&N locations, posted to various Facebook coloring groups, I eagerly visited this location, as it's the most convenient to me. On that first visit, there were two titles on the dump tables in the entrance alcove. Once inside, I asked a salesperson if there were any other titles in the store, and she said no. Well, I wandered a bit, and actually did find one other title, over in the greeting card-gift section. If the salesperson doesn't know the answer, it's best to ask, rather than provide incorrect info. I ended up purchasing that book I found by chance. Just this past saturday, after seeing even MORE impressive displays from other locations, I tried this B&N again, to see if they'd gotten with the program yet. It was nice to see an entire dump table in the alcove, of coloring books, but none interested me..... all very standard titles, most of which I already own. I decided on a snack, so headed to the café. I went down one aisle and turned, and there, on an endcap, were a handful of other coloring book titles. I looked at them, and chose one. Then, while on line, on a magazine rack, I saw two more! I bought those two. My advice to you, please, is to put ALL coloring books together, in one space, so that folks like me (and there are a lot of us) can see your entire selection, all in one spot. I have no idea if other titles were sprinkled elsewhere in the store, and I shouldn't have to work so hard to find out. Thanks. read more

Bathrooms cleaner than Borders. A little quieter and much better cafe. Nice Thai restaurant in same shopping mall as well as a TGI Fridays, EMS, bank and some girlie shopping stores. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Bridgewater, New Jersey

Here's a brilliant idea! Have customers order online, pay online, then simply pickup in the store. Oh shit, wait...u have to stand in line with everybody else when u get there, defeating the whole purpose of ordering ahead of time, shopping ahead of time and paying ahead of time. Another ten minutes of my life I will never get back. Next time Amazon and they'll ship it right to my door. read more

It's so nice to have a B&N nearby that is consistently well-stocked. Has a great café area as well. I find the people there to be very attentive and accommodating. read more

Employees don't seem to know much at customer service and the cashier was nasty. Plus, their selection of computer books absolutely sucks. If I didn't have to exchange an incorrect book here (unfortunately, I lost my receipt & paid in cash and I'm also not a paying "member" of their store), I would've gone somewhere else with some friendly service and better book selection. Maybe I'll buy some Godiva with my credit... Naaaah, I'm just going to keep my book and tell this place to cheer the eff up. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - This is what I think of this particular store. - Bookstores Near Me - Bridgewater, New Jersey

I was in the store today at approximately 1 PM. I was in a line where at least 20 customers waiting to pay and more behind me as the line extended past the front doors since there are only two registers open, yes, the week before Christmas. The store manager was called to assist a customer's question at one of the registers. The manager had to cut through the line without acknowledging us or the bad situation of the customers. After briefly answering the customers question she abruptly left without assisting or resolving the situation . Both cashiers remained calm, professional and patient with customers and what they had to deal with. I was assisted at the register by Annette, who was also very pleasant. The manager there today, in my opinion, is over her head since she has a complete lack of ability and talent to run that store affectively to service the customers. Alienating customers by this type of inconvenience is unacceptable. It's another example of why more customers are buying online. Perhaps this "manager " will take notice when this store closes and she's unemployed. read more

This is absolutely my favorite Barnes & Noble, the staff is always willing to help or offer a good suggestion on a book. I could and have spend hours at this location! read more

Nice children's section and toy area, but cashiers are slow as molasses up a hill. To make it worse, another employee came by, saw the slow line and walked away instead of helping to move it along. Shop online if you can. read more

I really dislike the new practice of several employees approaching you while you are in the store to ask if you have any questions. Tonight was the last straw...I was standing actually engrossed and reading something in a book I was considering for purchase when an employee interrupts me and asks if I have any questions....I was reading....why would you interrupt someone to ask this. I was so annoyed I just left. B&N used to be somewhere I could go and spend some quiet time browsing, reading, eventually picking out a new book. Now I try not to be bothered when I am there. They have an Information Desk right in the middle of the store....if someone has a question I am sure they will go there. Leave people alone unless they ask for help! read more

although i do not come here often, i always enjoy my experience at this barnes and noble. but i have to be straight up and just say that the manager is completely rude and disrespectful. two of my good friends were harassed by her when they were minding their own business, simply just browsing at books. she proceeded to approach them about how they were searching in the same area for a large amount of time. this was a huge let down for a place i enjoy going to. i will not be returning anytime soon. read more

The cafe is filthy, has flea near the high chair area, flies near garbage area. Got 4 bites from flea and itch for days, scare to go near the back. read more

I don't shop from B&N. They're over priced. Amazon has far better prices and with MrRebate.com's 5% cash back on books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble has very little chance of getting my business. This past Sunday on 11/12/17, a client wanted to meet me. He suggested B&N. After the meeting I was looking around and found a nice coffee table book on clearance. I checked Amazon and they were sold out so i decided to make the purchase since it was on clearance. I entered the line which was really long. There was only one cashier. An old lady. Then 5 mins later Megan C showed up. She first started cleaning her headset and the area with wipes. She took her time and didn't seem happy. Finally our turn came. And the sale pitch started. Sign up for our card blah blah blah. No, thank you. I don't shop here. I was just meeting a client. She wasn't ready to give up. But you get one free drink once a month. That alone will save you $44. I'm sorry, I don't drink sugary stuff. At this point... The line is growing and Megan seemed to be totally unaware of that. Next pitch! Would you like to donate a book for children? I have no idea what kind of book, how much, where it's going, who is profiting from that. I said ok, where are the books. She pointed towards random books on her counter. She said pick one. I picked a thin book. Maybe 7 pages the most. 4×4 size. She scanned and it was $5. Honestly... That book I could have bought from my library for 20 cents. Here is the kicker. B&N makes money on that. Basically they're pushing product. You buy, B&N makes the money and a kid gets over priced book, if they're even receiving the book. It's such an unethical practice. It isn't about the $. It's about used car salesman's mentality. Pushing your clients to buy for your profits. Guess what? I'm going to return the book I purchased. And that was the last time I shopped from B&N. They already closed the North Brunswick store thanks to Amazon but soon all their stores will go under specially when you're obsessed with milking your clients. Megan C. please stop your aggressive sales tactics. If this is coming from the higher management then show them this review and all the other negative ones for your Bridgewater store. Not that I was your customer but I sure am sharing this on FB and with friends so they know not to fall for your unethical business practices. read more

Wanted to purchase 2 books and pay by check. Had check and drivers license in hand at checkout but cashier tells me they only accept checks when purchaser has checkbook. I asked if he was serious and he told me that it was a corporate policy. I told him I don't carry my checkbook with me and all I had was the one check. He refused to accept it because I didn't have checkbook. Is there any other retailer on the world that won't take a check payment because you don't have your checkbook with you?? Probably the most absurd policy I've ever encountered in any store I've ever shopped on. Won't go back. Miss Borders terribly. read more

I give this place 5 cans of tuna! I'm a huge fan. They have a wide assortment of books for me to open up and lay across! My favorite section is of course, the pet section- more specifically, the books about cats...or mice! My mom really likes the scattered computer stations throughout the store to help you look up your books. She says that their bathrooms are super clean too, but I refuse to use public bathrooms unless I really, really have to go number one. Number two is strictly reserved for my own personal litter box. In anycase, I really like their cafe! They have a lot of "people food" treats but sometimes I'm lucky enough to score some milk from them. There's lots of nooks to sit and several big comfy chairs to either curl up and catnap in, or sit down and read in. The staff here are pleasent and very helpful. I've ordered books before and they've given me a call when the books come in and hold them at the front desk for me. Sometimes they have a hard time understanding my meows so my mom has to hop on the phone and let them know when we'll be in to pick up my things. The store also has nice wide aisles, which makes it easy for my mom to navigate with my stroller. read more

The cafe used to be a great place to get work done/study. Now there are not outlets near a table. What is the point of having free wifi if you can't plug in a computer? Very terrible situation for those who enjoy getting some work done in the cafe. Find another Barnes and Noble that caters to the computer users. I used to study here for years and now I will be finding another barnes and nobles. Worst Cafe Ever. read more

A friend of ours bought us a guide book for Hawaii but unfortunately bought it for the wrong island. We went to the store for an even exchange for the right island and they wouldn't even consider it without a receipt. Terrible customer service and we will never walk into this store again. read more

Okay, the location is neat, and yes they have coffee and comfortable chairs, but that is where the "niceness" ends. The people working there are in no way helpful and ignore you until you become the annoying customer one tries not to be while out in public. I waited at the "help" kiosk for LITERALLY 10 mins. I saw the workers pretending to work and pretend that they didn't make eye contact with me. Then when they couldn't avoid me any longer, they said what I needed was "over there." REALLY?! I should follow your half-hearted hand wave to the left side of the store. THANKS. I already did that and what I needed was not there. So I say that, as politely as I can manage, and ask if maybe he can place an order for me. I was then told it would only take me "like a second" to place the order online...amazon works the same way...without attitude I might add. I rue the day that Borders filed Chapter 11. read more