3.5 This Barnes & Noble recently found a home in the space previously occupied by Barney's. A two block relocation, I like this B&N but I don't love it. I was never the kind of person to plop down on the floor or a chair of B&N and read for hours. First, buy the darn book and second, I have better things to do. I miss everything about the old B&N. The obvious reason is that the space in the former location was bi-level and big including Starbucks and restroom. This one has neither. While this B&N serves the main purpose of still existing (what can I say, I love physical books), there are some positives. Although it's smallish, the layout is attractive and there's a good inventory of books by category. It's likely you may not find a specific book, but if you're there to browse, it is also likely a purchase could be imminent. I think some folks have issues with accessibility and judging from the entrance stairs, I could see why. (BTW, there's a kid section downstairs). Overall, I appreciate having a B&N in the area. It doesn't resemble the one from the past, but it works for me. Things are changing everywhere--sign of the times. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I cannot believe the young person behind the counter was cleaning a cup and straw, she said because someone used it. Was she actually putting it back to sell?Once a customer, for whatever reason has used the straw, you cannot put it back. She can't sanitize the straw. She actually told us she was cleaning it, so she couldn't help us check out. Then, she actually asked if I had a problem, with a defiant tone. Yes, I have a problem with someone cleaning their supplies instead of helping the customer. The health department should be aware of what their staff is doing. read more

Beautiful place in a beautiful location. Take a date here after hitting one of the trendier restaurants or cafes. Get a sense of what her or his interests are. Go to the little cafe on the second floor. You know the type; the cafe that's in nearly every Barnes & Noble. The store is clean. The customer service is fine. The layout is fine. Go. read more

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I approach this review with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I am absolutely *thrilled* to see a new location for Barnes & Noble. It was not that long ago that the bookstore industry as a whole seemed on the verge of collapse with a brick and mortar ship dedicated to books looking like it would become a relic of the last century. However, Barnes & Noble has managed to buck the trend (partly due to its new leadership which you can read about here: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/07/1161295820/how-barnes-noble-turned-a-page-expanding-for-the-first-time-in-years). It has begun opening new stores and relocating others all in a strategic shift to revive the brand and keep it moving forward in the 21st Century. This location used to be a Barney's clothing store and the big glass windows in the front give that away pretty quickly. The result however is a very bright, modern and welcoming looking store. This is not the B&N of the past where there were tons of corners and places to sit and read books, and there is no cafe in it like the Park Slope location. This location feels almost like a "mini-B&N" focused on getting in, grabbing what you want/need and heading out with minimal fuss or muss. To some, this will be a detriment, to others it will be a strength. Your mileage will vary. For me, I had no problem with it since I was never one of those customers who spent ours in a B&N. I'm more of the type who wants to get in and get out fast, and this store pushes you towards that type of interaction. The store has two levels, with the lower level dedicated mostly to kids and YA content while your more typical offerings are found on the first floor. The layout is nice and the shop is clean and tidy but if it gets crowded you will be carefully scooting around people so as not to bump into them so be warned. Also, there is no rest room (unlike the Park Slope location) which I found an unfortunate choice. Overall, I liked this location. It would not by my "go to" B&N but I am very happy the neighborhood has one now. Worth checking out at least once. read more

Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this location. It's very modern & not the Barnes & Noble that I'm sure most including myself are used to. The selection for what I was looking for is VERY small. They had 5-6 books on the topic, whereas other B&N have a larger selection. There isn't a cafe / Starbucks or any seating. You may find a chair in odd places here & there but let's be honest who would want to sit where these chairs are? It's just not the B&N feel. If I'm in a hurry this would be the place I would go to however if I'm not I would definitely visit another location. read more

Barnes & Noble - They finally opened their new location.... - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The security here followed me around the store and looked at me as if I was a criminal for, get this, looking at the books and reading them. I don't know if it was because I'm a brown woman, but I'm pretty sure the security and staff thought I was stealing. Heard one of the staff members whispering to security RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME and glaring at me like a hawk. Wont be returning here unfortunately, did not feel welcomed. What's funny is that they didn't care at all about the white tourists browsing the store. If you're a person of color I'd advise you to avoid this location. Union square is much better imo read more

I've been to this location 3 or 4 times since the move to Atlantic from Court St. The best thing I can say about it is the temperature control. The A/C is aggressive in the summer and the heat is on high in the winter. It's ok to buy a magazine or a very recently released book, but not much else because the selection is small and difficult to navigate. I came in today and their security person walked directly past me 3 times in about 5 minute period while I was browsing the non-fiction section. When she wasn't walking past me, she was staring directly at me. It was way too aggressive and unpleasant. Management needs to know that this is not how you should treat someone who is actively trying to make a purchase in your store. There are way too many other options. read more

I was just in this store. First time I've actually been in a book store in over 2 years. The mask mandate has finally been lifted. This is my gripe. I sat down just to read a few pages of a book that I was planning to purchase, when an over eager employee comes over to say there's no more sitting in the store. Ok, no problem. I'll order the book on Amazon. Epic fail. Remember your business is selling books to people that like to read them. That means touch them, and fall in love with the process of buying. No thank you! read more

Interesting and great place to buy books, mangas, light novels, and other series from here. The staffs/crew members could be a little more welcoming and positive. There's a lot of books I would like to check out and order. This place is quiet most of the time. Pretty peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. read more

One of the women were rude and it rubbed me the wrong way. She told me I couldn't read on the floor / which I wasn't. I was looking at books on the bottom shelf and wasn't feeling well so sat so I could find the book I was looking for. Then I went to ask her about a book I didn't see and she was just rude. Considering that B&N barely exists / didn't even realize I was in one! But their prices are ridiculous and I can't support it. I'd rather go on Amazon and get it significantly cheaper for better customer service. Also the layout of books is not easy to navigate whatsoever read more

Wonderful experience here. Came here yesterday so my daughter could have some quality time with grandma. The ground level is adult books, and the second level is the children's area. The staff was incredibly welcoming and pleasant. It wasn't very crowded when I initially arrived, but it picked up toward 5PM. This is a wonderful place for adults and children. They also had some wonderful sales going on. Lastly, by the entrance they have a bunch of children books for a whooping $6.98 I will definitely return! read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Incredibly helpful staff who helped me find the books I was looking for and also gave me recommendations that were really useful! I will be coming back here again. Great deals too. Love to support a brick and mortar bookstore! read more

Not accessible. No way to get into the downstairs kids book section if you have a stroller.

The Barnes & Noble on Court St. in Brooklyn is my local bookstore and I want to keep it that way. I know what has come out by walking past its windows, and I support it by buying books there when I am getting a hard copy. Great service, always. read more

Support your local bookstore even if it is a giant chain. If you don't this store may get replaced with some horrible store or bank or something. Thank you b&n for your community events and getting people a nice place to​ hang and read read more

Lots to like in this B&N. Yelp says this is Brooklyn Heights, but I feel like Court and Atlantic is more Cobble Hill. Does it matter? Perhaps. I strongly prefer a local, independent bookstore over chains but in such a dwindling industry, I'll take any brick and mortar bookstore. Hence, here we are. I like just walking around this multi floor bookstore. Don't feel pressured to purchase. It's a great spot to kill some time, or a great rainy day activity. You can walk around alone, but not feel lonely. There is a restroom here, which is good to know. read more

I have been shopping at this B&N location for almost 10 years. They have a Great store and service. Just called this afternoon to request if they could hold Two magazines for me and was told No !!! I don't understand why you can hold/reserve books but Not magazines. Just goes to show all good things come to an end. As a disabled person I was always sure that this B&N location could be counted on as my one and only go to Bookstore. So much for high praises. Amazon here I come !!! Like if B & N cares about losing 1 customer.... read more

Previously the location was a Barney's. In the renovation they removed handicapped access to the floor below and only make the freight elevator an option- for which one needs a staff person with a key to escort you. And try prying someone away from the cash register to assist. So not only won't I go back - I can't go back. Shame on them. read more

I confess, although I spend tons of time in Barnes & Noble stores all over, I hardly ever buy anything from them. Some might call me a bad customer. Others might call me a "worthless human being," a "freeloading jackass," or "the family disappointment." In any case, my actual book purchases take place at independent bookstores, garage sales, and online. I come to Barnes & Noble primarily to kill time. At this location, there's always something I can read for a few minutes, or several hours as my girlfriend takes inventory at the Teacher Store over on Livingston. Unfortunately, there are no seats anywhere to be found in this two-story store. You're stuck with the floor, or a footstool if you're lucky. This is sad, because I like to sit down when I'm freeloading. Also, the bathrooms are completely filthy. read more

Great spot with story time for kids. OH YEAH, there's a Starbucks inside too. I like to come here for my books and novels. It's convenient and close to the neighborhood Trader Joe's and local movie theater right next door. read more

Barnes & Noble - Out front - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came to this store looking for a specific book, asked a gentleman in the store and pointed at me where i needed to go to find it. i had to ask again because i couldn't find it. Finally i did and came to register to pay and on my way. i had to return the book a few minutes after because it wasn't the correct book. when i came back to the store this same gentleman was by the door and i asked him a few questions about the book. he would not help me, i handed the book to him and he would not grab it or touch it. i proceeded to the register to return the book. i was next in line and the gentleman was the next person to help me with the return. as soon as he saw me in line he made himself busy not to help. the other register help me with the book and at the same time she was helping me, the gentleman called for the next in line. this gentleman is racist and would not help costumers like me, dark skin latino. it is a shame that we still encounted people like this to service others. Shame on him !! read more

3 stars is completely correct. Needs some updating. They should make the cafe bigger....very crowded and hard to get tables. Or install long communal tables (I like this idea much better). Cafe is upstairs, escalators broken. And the cafe side was warm as compared to rest of store. Fine to work for a bit. Not much else to say. read more

The bathrooms have become skeezy, and it is more a place for people to hang out than to search for books - their selection is not great.... Though I am a physical book lover and love nothing more than to spend time perusing a bookstore's shelves for purchases, B&N has become just a Starbuck's shop where you read a magazine or do your homework/research/surf the web on their dime. There are never seats any longer for those who truly want to have a drink or snack due to those who spend all day using their wifi and staying hours after having one cup of coffee. I now have to go on Amazon.com to find the books I wish to read since B&N's selection is so sparse - especially if you are not picking up the latest best seller. I feel sorry for the loss of the book and mortar bookstore, it is B&N's own fault focusing on the nook (which is now falling vs all the other better e-book devices and tablets on the market) rather than working on their stores. Or perhaps I am just an anachronism and am getting swept away in the digital tide . . . read more

Look i tend to read all my books on my iPad, but B&N stores are still the best! Even though they were very busy, there was plenty of staff to help answer questions and help check out. The selection was very broad. There's something for people of all ages. The cafe (ahem, go upstairs) is also a great addition, if you want to sit down and read your latest purchase along with some coffee. If your looking for collections and series, Barnes and Noble is the place to look. Overall, I definitely recommend this store. Recommendation: If you need to buy a book and you want it cheaper, let the rep order the book from their warehouse. You would save about 50% of your expected purchase. How do I know? B&N rep told me and wow, he save me a fortune. Great job! read more

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My friend and I went to this Barnes and Noble location to look for a toy for someone and when we tried to tell an employee that it was broken, she was very rude and she dismissed us. I would not recommend coming to this location if you are looking for help from employees. read more

This new location is beautiful, bright, but boring. It lacks the charm that the Court St location has. I could care less that they no longer have a Starbucks, but everything feels too sanitized and angular. read more

Just not welcoming. I guess B&N's new mode is we want you to get out of the store as fast as possible, don't even shop, you must know what you want as soon as you walk in the door or be ready to be moved around constantly because of how small the space is. The selection is so small now. I really really hope that this is not the direction all B&N's are going. I won't be shopping here as much as the old location. read more

It's a B&N, my girlfriend and her friends frequent it often to study, I visit or accompany her once and a awhile. Staff and security: The security guard was more interested in getting us out of the store when my friend had just lost his phone in the cafe upstairs. The staff coordination and quality is not up to par with other B&Ns. read more

This is a review for the new store, which recently moved to Atlantic from Court. This new location doesn't have an elevator open to the public, but it is on two floors. There is one elevator tucked away, which only works with a key. Every time a person needs to use the elevator they have to flag a B&N employee. We discovered this from an unpleasant woman working at the store when we realized we couldn't walk downstairs with our non-walking baby and stroller to go check out the early reader section. The B&N employee was clearly annoyed by our inquiry as to whether there was an elevator and if we could use it, she was curt and unpleasant. It's not our fault if this place is poorly planned and managed, and customers should not be made to feel bad about their need to use an elevator by an employee. There are more welcoming bookstores with great children selections nearby. And good luck to people on a wheelchair. The main entrance is not accessible, there are some steep steps to go inside. If one cannot walk they have to enter from the *unmarked* side entrance. Management should clearly mark the side entrance as accessible from the outside, and open the elevator to the public. read more

First thing's first - They have free Wifi. The periodical section of this Barnes and Nobles is the best I've seen in recent memory. They have magazines that I thought were only sold in England and Japan to list a few. They do have textbooks here as well but a very limited selection compared to the old Manhattan location. Upstairs they have a children's section with an area to read to them as well, along with a Starbuck's with seating for about 30. The bathrooms in my experience have remained relatively clean, so even if you're in the area and you need to evacuate your bowels this is a great place to do so. If you go up the elevator, to the right there is a deeply discounted table of all manner of products including Magic the Gathering sleeves. read more

Love that it still exists! Would visiti anytime just to look at books and walk around the store.

Amazing staff! Allison in the cafe is the best! Phillip too was wonderful all around. The store was cleaned and organized:)

The place is fine but much of the staff are pretty poor at customer service. I have gone there numerous times with a toddler. The staff constantly and very rudely yell out no sitting on the floor - its kids section in a book store... what do you expect? I understand the rules made by B&N so I dont blame the staff for that but they could be pleasant instead of yelling... especially when no one is actually sitting on the floor. Just an overall poor experience. read more

Came here to find a new book to read, something that will help me to my journey in becoming a better person and work through my challenges in life. My mother told me about a book she thought would be worth reading and it is called " The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success". I seen only one employee around at the time and she seemed really busy so luckily there was a computer for us to look up the location of the book. Once it showed where to go it took me less then 3 minutes to find it. When i headed to the check out line it was a little cluttered with tables and books but not a really big deal. Once the check out lady told us our price she asked if we have a Barnes & Nobles account and reply with a no she told my mother it was $25. which comes to the end of my review, not a bad store clearner and a little more quiet compared to the stores in the city. read more

To User Roseanne W: Your review was lame and hateful. I'm sure all the "young punks" and "ghetto trash" you speak of would never type "Really did felt" and I'm sure they know the difference between "your" and "you're". If you foolishly choose to go into a huge bookstore that's A: on a busy street and B: near a fair amount of schools, at a busy time at THAT, what are you expecting? Why not take your snotty behavior and elitism down to Book Court? Better yet, go to The Strand, where the employees will snarl their responses and brandish their fangs at you. But anyway. I love this store. It does get crowded, mainly because people come there to kill time til their movie starts, but they have a great selection. I do wish that they would get more chairs/seating. Besides that, they're pretty nice, they open until 11, and they have a Starbucks. read more

Alright, who doesn't love Barnes & Noble? If you don't, then you're illiterate. That said, who doesn't love this location? ME ME MEEEE!!!! I agree with Dan R. completely. This B&N location is huge, very huge and that's fantastic! However, it's sits right next to a giant movie theater on Court Street. A theater that's always packed with loud kids and adults who have never heard the phrase "indoor voices." Usually, these moviegoers purchase their tickets, then, to kill time, stumble in next door to B&N until their movie starts. Now, just imagine, you're sitting there, reading a passage from a new book or flipping through some gossip magazine or typing away at your laptop having a cup of coffee, then BAM!!! 20 kids walk in laughing, screaming obscenities and running up and down the isles talking about how Hangover 2 is about to be "f*cking ahhhhmazing." "......Hey kids!!! You know what's 'f*cking amazing'? Reading this pimp article in the techie journal! So STFU before I will be forced to shove that slurpie down your throats and smash those 5 guys burgers you're sneaking into the move theater in your faces!!!!! K? Thanx!" Vent over. read more

Stepping inside of a Barnes & Noble is supposed to be a relaxing, leisurely experience. It's a perfect place to kill an afternoon, flip through some books, get some downtime. And if that is what you're looking for, please, for the love of God, look somewhere other than their Brooklyn Heights location. It's a pretty large Barnes & Noble by city standards, which is why it's that much more baffling I couldn't find one thing on my Christmas shopping list here. The doomed search itself was borderline frustrating. Forget the fact that this was the worst alphabetizing I've seen in a bookstore. More importantly, it's hard to shop anywhere with a ridiculous amount of people camped out in every aisle. It's not that there aren't enough seats or reading locations for customers (and I will get to this shortly), but the trend here is just to post up against the stacks. And bring five of your friends to do the same. I was hurdling people, leaning over people, invading the personal space of people just to scan the shelves. With the intent to actually buy things, mind you. There's a cafe in the back of the second floor. I've been to these cafes. Even in the most accessible Barnes & Nobles, these are hellishly crowded areas with lines of people carrying laptops just waiting to score a table. Only here, it was nearly empty, something virtually unheard of for these bookstores. Ironically, this is its biggest selling point. But, again, someone tell me why there were customers sprawled out on the floor when there's a perfectly good cafe waiting for them upstairs? It's a rhetorical question, really, because honestly, I don't care for an answer. Honestly, I don't care if I ever step foot in here again. read more

I remember when they were building the bookstore. I used to come in here when I was carrying my daughter and read baby books. A nice, big, clean bookstore. Staff is scarce, but when they're around, they're usually very helpful. Coffee shop on the upper level and free wifi. read more

3 stars because... 1) Staff doesn't mind when I'm sitting on the floor reading a magazine 2) It's one of the cleaner B&N's I've seen...I've seen others that have books laying out on the floor, on side areas, etc. 3) Large cafe area with actually friendly staff 4) Though this is a decent sized B&N, it's always packed. Always - Sunday mornings, random evenings, it's just always packed. This is the reason I sit on the floor and read. I can only assume this has to do with the law school being across the street and the always packed movie theater being right next door. 5) Um it's B&N, what do you expect? Books will be nonexistent in a few years anyways! read more

Depending on the time you go here, this place can be "relaxing" or "a nightmare". If you go really early, like before or during lunch time, this place can be pretty quiet on a weekday. If you go after school or on the weekend, this place is packed with wild children running around the 1st floor or 2nd floor, stupid young punks reading manga or Twilight fans sitting on the floor with their legs stretched out, ghetto trash that has nothing to do but kill time before the movie starts(its just right next door), or just to use the bathroom (which they cleaned up pretty good, compared to how it use to be years ago). I try to go as early as possible, on a weekday, before the Apocalypse hits the main doors. Once you enter the store they have tables set up for new releases, best sellers, local writers, paper backs, etc. On the right of the store is all the "nook" section, and on your left you can see more books, reference college books, moleskins, journals, and the registers. I like to browse around the tables, skim through the books, before I make my way up to the 2nd floor and continue looking for more books. I love it how the escalator takes you to the 2nd floor and right in front of you is the bargain section full of games, toys, and crafts. It really did felt like a "Jewish Heaven" to me, personally, since I'm pretty cheap when it comes to B&N (I see here on Yelp I'm not alone!). I normally hit up the cheapest books, read some manga, and continue with my day. Yes, I sometimes make a purchase here and there if I have the money or I'm desperately want the book or if I'm lucky enough to get a B&N gift card like I did last time. What I hate is that they have no seats for anyone to sit and read. So, it's like you have no choice but to plop your butt on the floor, lean against the shelves to read, or make a small purchase at Starbuks (2nd floor btw) and read through 5 books, a magazine, and a study guide. Also what bothers me is that their section of "Spark Notes" is completely used up! You can tell that many of the young punks got their free loading hands on it and chewed it all up! Some of the books are also used, or wore forced back into the shelves. May I ask, where are the staff workers? Why are they not keeping a good eye on their customers and their behavior? Why is it that the security guards act more busy than the staff workers here? In conclusion, not the best place to relax, unless your here early, have enough money for Starbucks coffee, and you actually have a seat to study/read in peace. read more