**4-Star Yelp Review** **Great Two-Story Barnes & Noble at Irvine Spectrum - With a Couple of Hiccups** I really enjoy this Barnes & Noble location at the Irvine Spectrum Center. It's one of the nicer bookstores in Orange County with a spacious, bright layout spread across **two full floors** and an impressive selection of books. From bestsellers and new releases to sci-fi, cookbooks, kids' sections, and more -- everything is well-organized and a pleasure to browse. Upstairs is still my favorite spot: grab a good coffee and a pastry from the café, then settle in with a book. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to unwind and read for a while. And the location can't be beat -- stepping outside into the lively Irvine Spectrum Center with its fountains, palm trees, shopping, and endless food options turns any visit into a fun outing. That said, during my recent visit the escalator wasn't working, so I had to take the stairs while carrying books and drinks, which was a bit inconvenient on a two-story store. The bathrooms were also out of service, which was disappointing. These maintenance issues knocked it down a notch for me. Overall, it's still a solid bookstore with a great atmosphere and unbeatable surroundings. Clean, well-stocked, and friendly staff make it worth visiting, just hope they get the escalator and restrooms fixed soon! **Visited: May 2026** **Would I return?** Yes, but I'd check the facilities first next time. read more

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I haven't been to a B&N store in a while, but I used to frequent these all the time. This was a huge B&N, which was really exciting, especially because it was well-organized. However, it was really hard to get any help. Staff are hard to find and clearly disinterested in helping customers for anything. My guy and I ended up getting some games from here cuz we really liked their assortment. But, wow! They were insanely pricey! Prices seem to have skyrocketed for most of the stuff they sell. I couldn't believe the prices for the fandom specific goodies (i.e. $50 for a small cookbook) and I was not inclined, at all, to get anything like that from here. I understand why people look for digital books instead of physical books. Can't beat the wonderful smell of books tho! read more

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This is a well-organized and super clean Barnes & Noble right in the center of the Irvine Spectrum. They have a great selection of books, gift items, games and puzzles. A good hideout place if you need a quick break and relax while shopping at the Irvine Spectrum. Found a couple good books at decent prices. read more

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I really enjoy perusing books at this location. I like the layout and the staff are always very helpful. The coffee shop upstairs has a nice selection and my favorite ritual when visiting is to grab a hot cup of tea and browse through the fiction section. The shelves are always tidy, and feel the staff is very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. read more

Its always a lovely feeling to walk into a bookstore and find the book I am looking for without having to order it online. Luckily, this store has a huge selection. The staff was friendly and helped me locate the book I was wanting. The prices are reasonable and overall, we need to keep bookstores alive! read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Enjoying my book from Barnes and Noble during a long wait for a loved one at the hospital. - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

When I was younger, I used to go to midnight book release parties at Barnes & Noble by myself. We're talking middle school young. Like I wasn't even old enough to drive myself to the bookstore and had to get dropped off and picked up by relatives when it was way past their bedtimes (sorry, aunties). Fast forward 20 years, I'm now an adult that's attending author panels and book signing events at Barnes & Noble with my own car, back pain, and early bedtime, so it's really come full circle! I even joined a few local book clubs to attend these kinds of events with. Despite these barriers, B&N at Irvine Spectrum really did an amazing job pulling together the panel and signing event last night for author Susan Lee's launch of her new book, "Julia Song is Undateable." Supporting her on the panel were Ali Hazelwood, Nikki Payne, Julie Soto, and Lauren from Christina Lauren. The event was seamless from start to finish. From parking being accessible in the nearby structure to having the opportunity to pre-order our books and pickup our event wristbands a whole day before the event, Irvine B&N really stole the show. We were able to submit questions for the panelist via Google Form, and the booksellers did a fantastic job of facilitating the conversation between panelists. They even orchestrated different signing groups for us to meet the authors after the panel. The level of execution from this location's staff was incredible, and their attention to detail and organization honestly made my little planner heart flutter. It was a pretty stress-free experience all around, and I couldn't have asked for a better bookish night out. Definitely looking forward to more visits to this bookstore for future events! read more

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Tip: if you know what book or item you want, please call the store ahead of time to have it held for you. I travelled to another location that said they had one last copy but I couldn't find it. However, they were kind enough to search their system and found 2 other stores that had my book but it was up to me to call or they could order it which could take 3-5 days. I immediately called both locations to ensure which had it: Irvine was the winner. Upon arrival and since I knew my book was ready for me, I went straight to the 2nd floor café for a refreshing chai tea latte and a little snack. I perused the bookshelves to see if anything else might capture my eye...I avoid the journals, pens, and knickknacks because those are my cryponite. Finally at the cashier, I gave the friendly staff member my name and reserved book title so I could leave with my treasure at half price. Mission accomplished! read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Laura Brown & Kristina O'Neill - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

Why this store doesn't have a perfect score is beyond me. I haven't been here in quite some time and I was blown away. For how heavily trafficked it is on a regular basis, it is extremely well organized. I also loved the displays all throughout the store, especially in the front. I think when things are visually appealing they are more likely to be purchased. There's a science and an art to it and I'm always quite inspired by that. This store is 2 levels and I think I could have spent all day here, if I had the time. I also love the children's area on the 2nd floor. They have so many fun items. Plus, they even have a cafe! read more

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Maybe it's just been too long since I walked into and Barnes and Noble, or even a Borders bookstore, but it was a great feeling to see there are still some around. This one, located in the Irvine Spectrum, is one of the bigger ones I've been to. There are 2 stories, sections are clearly marked and very spacious. There's even a good sized 'Movies/ music/ Manga section'. I didn't even realize manga was such a huge thing. There are seats placed at random places for customers to take a load off. There's also a section on board games. I'm not sure how prices are compared to online shops but there's a nice feeling when you're able to hold a book and flip the pages before buying it. There's a cafe upstairs serving Starbucks. I never made it up there so I can't say what it's like. It was a great time browsing through the aisles, and I will definitely be back next time I come to the Irvine Spectrum. read more

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Who doesn't love a good ole bookstore? It actually made me sad when the chain of Borders bookstores closed down in Hawaii. I am glad to see that the Barnes & Noble chains have hung in there even with people getting a lot of their reading material online. There is definitely something about holding a good ole book to read on your bedside, in a soaking tub or just at the beach or by the pool. I like that they have this branch at the Irvine Spectrum center. It's always a fun place for my daughter and her friends to go to and pick out a new read or two while out shopping and perusing the mall. It seems clean, nicely organized, and has a plethora of options for the young teenagers minds to keep them entertained. I hope that this store can keep up with the times and stay in business. Let's all go to Barnes and Noble and purchase a book or two to keep them in business! My daughter and I did our share last week with our purchase! read more

I am writing to formally complain about an incident that occurred today (August 1, 2026) around noon at the Barnes & Noble store located in Irvine Spectrum, Irvine, California. My 14-year-old son and I went to the store specifically to purchase two items: * One Piece Card Game Illustration Box Vol. 7 * One Piece Card Game Illustration Box Vol. 8 The store associate informed us that each person could only buy one box. I accepted this rule and said I would buy Vol. 7 and my son would buy Vol. 8. After I paid for Vol. 7, the associate then insisted that my son must pay for Vol. 8 using his own money. When I explained that he is only 14 years old and does not carry cash, and offered to pay on his behalf, the associate refused. I then handed cash directly to my son so he could complete the purchase himself. The associate still refused the sale, claiming that because the money originally came from me, it did not count as "his own money." This policy application was unreasonable, inconsistent, and unnecessarily rigid. It turned a simple purchase into a humiliating experience for both me and my minor child. The associate showed no flexibility or common sense, and the interaction left us both frustrated and disappointed. I understand stores may have purchase limits on popular items to prevent scalping, but requiring a 14-year-old child to somehow prove the money is "his own" after a parent hands him cash is excessive and impractical. Parents routinely buy items for their children. This level of enforcement feels more like an attempt to prevent a legitimate sale than to enforce a fair policy. read more

This Barnes & Noble location is two stories and very clean and well-organized. They offer a huge variety of books, and there's a café on the second floor if you want to grab a drink or snack while you browse. There was a line to check out, but it moved pretty quickly. A great spot for book lovers! read more

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Two stories and well organized with clear signage for each book genre section. This is my go-to location to find books to gift, as I always find what I need here. Employees are helpful and friendly. The entrance (closer to the parking lot) is a bit hidden. Just go down the aisle where Habana is located and you'll find it. What they consider their main entrance, faces more towards the center of the spectrum. read more

I love looking at the golden books here very much because they are so cool and fun to look at, there is good service, selection, and value, too. Also, there was good quality, and the people are super nice, friendly, and helpful. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - 4 little golden books, super Mario, Frosty The Snowman, I am cookie from Sesame Street and the little mermaid. - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

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I absolutely love Barnes & Noble's. I've never been to one that I didn't like and this location was no exception. I've been to lots of Barnes & Noble's, but never a two story location like this one. They have two coffee shops in store. One upstairs, one downstairs. Fantastic customer service and the general layout of the store was perfectly immaculate and well organized. read more

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Woman with straight, short, brown hair, wearing a black or blue KN95 mask around 9pm on 7/11 was just awful. So unpleasant and curt. Not what you want to deal with when you enter a bookstore, or any place of business, for that matter. Really disheartening and kind of put a damper on my trip...Don't work with the public, if you don't like the public. Plenty of work from home jobs available for you. read more

expanding young minds into innovative thinkers! such a quiet place to be consumed in my own fictional universe. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

I am a huge fan of Barnes & Noble bookstores. This location at Irvine spectrum is a good sized store and very organized. The DVD and vinyl record section is very impressive with a lot of choices. The Starbucks upstairs is good for a caffeine boost. I picked two books from the cookbook section. Lord of the rings and Harry Potter Christmas cookbooks are great quality with many good recipes! The cashier lady was very friendly and kindly asked hubby to join bookstore membership which he did. All of sudden I remembered that I had membership at the Barnes & Noble in my neighborhood decades ago LOL! I love bookstores in general. Even though I mostly order books from Amazon or kindle. But I really enjoy visiting a brick- and-mortar bookstore from time to time! read more

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What's not to love about this amazing place?** Whether we're feeling happy, stressed, or simply looking for something to do, Barnes & Noble is our go-to spot. It's more than just a bookstore--it's a comforting escape. They have a wide selection of books covering everything from bestsellers and classics to niche topics and hidden gems. Whether you're hunting for the latest novel, seeking knowledge on a new hobby, or just browsing for inspiration, you'll always find something interesting. The store atmosphere is inviting, and the customer service is consistently excellent. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and always eager to help, whether you're searching for a specific book or need recommendations. The prices are ok. They usually have specials going on. Barnes & Noble isn't just a place to shop; it's a place to unwind, discover, and enjoy. read more

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Love this B&N! I love the little blurbs they write for books. Certainly grab my interest - found these 3 gems on one shelf! I appreciate the chairs that are on the first floor. Only wish there were outlets on the second floor cafe. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

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Shout out to Seth for his 5 star customer service, very helpful and insightful with the customers he helps out

I like this Barnes & Nobles due to the location. Perfect to grab a book and afterwards go grab a lunch.

Employee was extremely rude regarding some event. My wife and I drove over an hour to visit the film area and hunt for some movies and not only were we told we couldn't shop there but we were yelled at and ignored right after. Why kick your paying customers out instead of just block off the area? read more

Great selection and knowledgeable staff. Warm environment to encourage browsing h and reading

Hailey has the best absolute customer service. Very helpful and easy to help find what we needed, quick and easy. Thank you again.

The staff was nice, came up and asked if we needed anything. They have a big section of manga books what my teenager loves to read at this moment. My daughter was happy with the wide selection and lots of new books she never saw before It's two story's . They have a Starbucks on the top with tables and chairs. read more

Bookstores have a siren call effect on me. I can never walk past one without stepping inside. This Barnes & Noble is one of their old style, double deckers ones that have a huge retail footprint. Btw, they've put the Starbuck's Cafe on the second floor. It makes the transient crowd walk a little further and cuts down on the browsing I guess. LOL The entrance downstairs has been simplified, too. The magazine section is on the left wall as you enter, instead of five or six bookcases. It creates a better flow. It was nice planning. The staff were very friendly and the line to pay moves fast. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Hemingway's classic, "A Moveable Feast" - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

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Older lady named Shannon or Sharon (didnt see her name tag clearly) was horribly rude in the media section on Saturday the 27th around 2 or 3. When customers were making 2 lines for the 2 registers up front, she serviced the customers in front of us before telling us to go to the back of the other line and that there was only one line. She had an attitude, telling people who werent even there "i told you this before." And she waited until groups got to the front of the second line after waiting for 20 minutes to go to the back of the next line and that she wouldn't help them. She then left the counter, shoved past a teenage girl and walked out of the store. Horrid employee, needs to be fired. read more

Visited this location for the first time, since normally I go to the one in aliso viejo. Was shopping for the criterion movie collection sale that is running right now. Went into the gated section near the back later in the day and was greeted by a younger guy who asked if I was looking for anything. I said the titles of a few movies that I was after and he knew them off the top of his head. He let me come behind the counter and showed me some well organized, nice drawers of 4k HDR/UHD criterion and other movies! They are 1/2 off right now on the sale. We chatted for a good while while I was browsing. I think his name was Sebh. He thanked me for talking about movies, and I walked away with what I was looking for, another location to check for another movie, and a couple of recommendations for next time I'm shopping around. I also got a coffee from the cafe upstairs, which is kinda a Starbucks and kinda not. They seemed busy upstairs and closing soon, but the lady at the register was nice. I hope that Mr. Movie Knowledge is there again and I had more time to shoot the breeze. I made this yelp account just to post this, since it was such a nice experience read more

Came to order a decaf drink, cashier was very nice. Barista on the other hand was so rude! I asked if it was decaf when she gave it to me, she said no, then threw the drink like she was pitching a baseball into the sink. She then proceeded to ignore remaking my drink for 10 minutes and placed it down without telling me. When I asked if that was my drink she waved me off rudely. I asked her for her name and she said ,"Elizabeth". Drink was horrible, I ended up throwing it away. She has bad customer service!! Retrain her please. read more

I love, and miss, bookstores, so I'm happy when I find one that's still open. As bookstores try to branch out into cards, games, trinket gifts, anima merchandise, etc., they are struggling to stay open. Let's face it, Amazon is killing them. I found this location well stocked with new releases, but also a nice selection of magazines which are also becoming hard to find. They aren't cheap, especially if for the ones from overseas or niche magazines, but at least they have them. I also enjoyed their selection of albums. That's a true blast from the past for me. It's nice to see so many new releases available on LP. This pericellular visit saw the lines at the registers build up, but then I saw that people were buying several items, which is good. One customer had at least 10 books piled up in their arms. Hopefully they weren't returning them. Still, I will always love to browse actual books and look at the back of albums. This location will always be on my go to list when I visit the Irvine Spectrum. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

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The service was very good and great selections and the value for your dollar was a okay. read more

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My favorite store by far when shopping and also my other two book worms enjoy coming here. So many books to choose from. My favorite category is personal growth, also the murder mystery books section. My last favorite section is the business book section. Service is always great here, staff members are super helpful and if you have a membership you always get discounts. read more

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There are so many things to look at at Barnes and noble! I love the smell when I first walk in. They have that new book smell throughout the store. They also sell manga, toys, games, music, stationery, coffee and so much more. Great for gift shopping! I love the bargain book section the most! The store has really evolved from when it first opened at the spectrum. I'm glad they are staying in business! The only downside is that parking at the spectrum is terrible, so if you want to buy a book, be prepared to circle the parking lot a few times. read more

Nice location new gray carpeting throughout an even wider section of vinyls , relaxing atmosphere cafe that serves not all, but certain Starbucks drinks including they're Iced Coffee so you don't have to walk all the way to Starbucks if you want to, which is really far. An array of toys and games and a big section dedicated for kids and toddlers. Great customer service. read more

Really unfriendly and rude staff. Clearly not event or service oriented. Went to a Christina Lauren event where more than half the audience stood for close to 2 hours. One hour for talk and another hour for signing. it that hard to bring in chairs or limit tickets? This is why B&N is obsolete. AMZ and other independent booksellers blow them out of the water in terms of price and customer experience. read more

Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Event where 100 ppl left standing. - Bookstores Near Me - Irvine, California

Irvine, CA I have a weak spot for beautiful paper, cards and stationary, and although Barnes and Noble's selection was limited, they had the Made in Italy note cards I was looking for and it was worth the drive to purchase what they had on hand. The gal at one of my favorite book and stationary stores recommended I try Barnes and Noble since they did not have what I was looking for, and she was right! This particular store had some designs I could not find elsewhere, so it was a pleasure to have Ahmad help me and put the items I was interested in on hold for me. Thanks for the great customer service! read more

Rude guy name SETH , we were just looking at the albums, and he just came up to us with an attitude, telling us to push back the albums that we didn't even touch back to their place. And he was pretty much just close to where we were the whole time watching us until we left. read more

this Barnes & noble is one of my favorites. awesome books and mangas and overall a great experience.

I have been coming here for years and years. This location is still standing. We were here yesterday at the Spectrum, and I stopped in the store to check out some books and magazines to kill time on my work break. They have lots and lots of books and magazines here. Coffee shop inside, and upstairs area to chill and looks at books. I looked at DVDs and all. So not much has changed, I like the place, and its always a pleasure to visit. read more