Rude staff, that are not very knowledgeable about books. They are unwilling to help find books as well. I love bookstore. They normally have the best service. Usually those who work in bookstores do so becasue they love reading. They are some of the best people in the world. NOT HAPPENING HERE! I asked 4 employees for assistance before someone would help me find a book. Most were just standing around looking. Not helping people. Also,The some aisles are too cramped to allow wheelchairs to go though. I would guess that they were about 2 feet wide. The cafe does not accept credit cards what is up with that? read more

With bookstores closing these days, this one is still open. Not only is this a book store, but this place serves as DePaul's book store. DePaul textbooks are located in the basement level along with DePaul apparel and school supplies such as backpacks. Barnes & Noble books are down there as well. Upstairs you will find a pretty decent size children's section of books, games, and stuffed animals. There is a section dedicated to Nook books and accessories, and well the rest of the store has books. There is also a section which sells greeting cards, games, and you can find all sorts of things like umbrellas, rain boots, godiva chocolates. This is your one stop shop for a gift for someone, a book, in fact you could probably get your entire shopping done for someone here as there are many unique things to purchase besides books. Also, within this store is a Barnes & Noble Cafe which serves starbucks coffee - they have a variety of food to purchase as well as breakfast and lunch items, and pastries. They do NOT take Starbucks giftcards. There is a whole area within the cafe area to chill out, read, study, have a meeting, etc. read more

This review is solely based on the cafe section. I know you can't judge a book store by it's food, but it's my civic duty to inform the public. Don't get me wrong, the books are fine. Downstairs is the textbook section of the store, for those of you who need any office supplies or DePaul memorabilia. B&N Cafe, you've had some hits and misses. Muffins: A- Good choices that sometimes need to be blotted. Brownies: B- Where's the flava? Vegan Options: A+ The cookies (although prepackaged) are mouthwatering. The Soul Food meals are downright yummy. Veggie Wrap: F Big disappointment. It's hard enough finding a decent wrap around these parts. This contains an obscene amount of iceberg lettuce, a flavorless dash of pesto spiked oil and cold, dry grilled veggies all encompassed in a bland tortilla. SAVE YOUR $ AND SKIP IT. Drink and Pantry Items: A Selection makes up for some of the shortcomings. No Starbucks gift cards. Card transactions require signature. Cool staff that keep the line moving without major order pressure. read more

I take classes at DePaul so it is great having this bookstore in the building. Barnes and Noble has done such a better job running it than when it was just the campus bookstore. There is a great selection of books and magazines with a friendly knowledgeable staff. If you are grabbing a mocha in the cafe before class, be warned that this is not really a Starbucks - they just serve starbucks coffee and the service is much slower so give yourself some extra time before you need to be in class. read more

To be honest - I don't really shop at this Barnes & Noble, BUT I do spend quite a bit of time in the cafe here and really appreciate the good coffee drinks they serve, the fact that they have fountain soda, and the array of yummy eats (Cheesecake Factory desserts, and a good selection of savory snacks, soups, candy etc). They usually always have open tables, they are usually always clean, and you can sit and hang between classes reading without anyone hassling you...plus if you are sick of reading Criminal Law, borrow a few trashy magazines from the stacks and return them before you leave (I don't know if they condone this "library" practice, but they never seem to have a problem with it!) If you are in the area and need a place to grab a quick snack or sit for a while - definitely worth checking out! read more

I wish I could give it 0 stars and put them out of business. The people there,are so lazy and ignorant. I was there the other day and ask Lee a question and he didn't show me where the dictionary was. He was so lazy he didn't want to show me I stead I had to ask someone else downstairs and they were ignorant too. If u don't like your job leave and go so palace else. read more

I'm kind of slow - I didn't realize this B&N had a downstairs until a couple of weeks ago when they told me to look for a book downstairs. I thought they were joking. My stupidity aside, this is a pretty good bookstore. It's smaller than most B&Ns but I still find a way to waste an entire lunch hour in here when I need the break. They could beef up their magazine selection a bit but otherwise, it's pretty decent. The staff has always been very helpful and friendly and even when there's a line to pay it moves fast. read more

I hate giving any bookstore a bad rating, but this B&N is not fun. Not only do you have to deal with a lot of traffic of people coming in and out of school. But on top of that, they don't take Barnes and Noble giftcards (sucks), and the selection is mediocre at best. They have a decent discount section though, and browsing that is a good way to burn time in the Loop. I also give props to them for having a ton of seating in the cafe area, but don't count on finding a seat during rush times of the day! read more

I love Barnes & Noble... just not THIS Barnes and Noble. It's a bit small... fine... I found the birthday presents I needed for two upcoming kid's parties. But get this... for some reason, because they're connected to DePaul, they cannot provide gift receipts. All other locations in the world can do gift receipts but not this one. The clerk totally agreed that it was a stupid rule and suggested I let them know on the bn.com website... she figured the more people who did, the more likely they'd change it. (I bet it's a really fun place to work in December!!) read more

Not impressed...stopped into to buy book...however needed to use bathroom but they have only 1 key and it was being used. The lady at desk was very rude about it like she was tired of being the "boss" of the bathroom. We waited for about 10 minutes and the key had not returned. Nature was calling with a loud ring tone so we hightailed across street to Chipotle...no key needed. We decided to buy the book online. Barnes and Noble should have a facility as customers who browse and buy books should be able hit the potty en masse and not have to wait for the one key to the throne. read more

Was in the loop doing some christmas shopping and decided to check out this location. Decent Barnes and noble. Just decent. Small selection, and pretty cramped compared to the Webster Av. and Old Orchard stores. You need an ID and have to wait for a key to use the restroom. Also the staff is so bland here. They seem aggravated when you need help, including those working check out do not even acknowledge you. I'll stick to the other locations. I'll return only if I'm walking down State St. and looking for a new release. read more

Don't really care for the bookstore, as a DePaul student I only buy some of the textbooks from downstairs. Like all textbooks they are overpriced, about 100-150% mark up on the price that you would pay on Amazon. Main reason for my negative rating is the Cafe. This place is SLOW! It is supposed to be a Starbucks but it does not even compare. I went there 3 times, and each time I had to wait nearly 10 minutes for regular medium sized coffee. Not quite sure why people go here if there is a regular Starbucks about 30 feet down the street. read more

Location: great because it's near the shopping area so you can come here and relax/take a break from shopping.

This B&N is a convergence of several characteristics you could hope to find at any public shoppe in the Loope. Working from the outside in, 1. E. Jackson is a prime location. The building exterior, although belonging to DePaul, is modern and impressive. The well-maintained plaza is a good place to meet up with friends, co-workers, professors, etc. The same goes for the interior cafe (not reviewed here because it's a separate business). The bookstore, upstairs and down, is built for perusing. Although the place is often noisy and bustling, B&N still offers a variety of comfy chairs to its customers. It stocks the standard B&N fare, as well as DePaul books and swag, and maintains substantial sale shelves. Of course, big box bookstores like this are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but if you're within this B&N's radius and you have a literary need, you should check it out. read more

Good place to grab a coffee and read a book, get some work done, or do some homework if you are a Depaul student. Sometimes you might see some creepy ppl beaware of your belongings. Depaul center has more places to eat. A lil loud. If you wanna go somewhere a lil quit, 1 block away you may find the public library. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As usual it is super expensive for a chain bookstore. One thing I do like about it is the close proximity to school and the fact that there is a textbook section. Sometimes the books there are cheaper than Beck's Bookstore which seems to have a monopoly over textbooks in the Chicago region! Another gripe about it is the "cafe." Apparently it is a Barnes and Noble Cafe which "proudly serves Starbucks" and not a Starbucks inside of a Barnes and Noble. They do not take Starbucks gift cards and I was seriously upset about that. read more

Its a commercial bookstore but since the demise of independents, we have to appreciate any bookstores at all (Borders was better but its largely gone; B&N is downsizing from what I hear). Housed in the DePaul campus building, it is a little different feel than most, with very tall ceilings, a confusing layout to fit the building space, a larger cafe for the students, and an open connection to the school building, but it has the basics I would usually need, including nice selections of local Chicago books that are highlighted on their own table. Sort of a small check out area but it hasn't been too crowded the hours I was there. read more

Great location. I'm sure it's very useful for students (the student bookstore is downstairs). Decent cafe with lots of seating (though no wifi options if you aren't affiliated with DePaul). Be careful though - I frequently get harassed by homeless people while sitting here (definitely don't leave your stuff unattended!!) The biggest question, however, is why on earth can't they provide gift receipts?? This is ridiculous. Also, know that if you're buying a gift at this location, the recipient has to return it to this location and not to any of the other Barnes & Nobles in the world. Also, the selection isn't great and the tables up front rarely grab my eye, meaning I spend less here than at many other bookstores. But maybe that's not such a bad thing after all... read more

Staff is always sweet. I miss how they used to have the downstairs area filled with tables. Now its all Depaul gear/staff area. The only option for seating is the cafe, but thats usually hard to find a table because the tables are ALWAYS FILTY with spills and food/crumbs on them, sometimes ppl are sleeping at the tables, and sometimes there are homeless ppl who hangout at the tables who don't bring the greatest smells. Everyone deserves to be here, its just that, if Barnes and nobles can't keep up with the cafe table cleanliness its kind of pointless to have it there. Sometimes you will find people who bring outside food inside of barnes and noble lounging at the tables and they will eat it there, which causes all kinds of pungent smells are filling the air I wish the seating areas were more inviting. The best part about the old downstairs seating was it was always clean, unlike the current seating options. I feel like B&N doesnt want their customers to lounge and read there as I noticed they got rid of couches and other chairs that used to be placed around. o Its a little disappointing. If barnes and noble has one great thing about them, its the staff's great attitudes, just the decision making in the lack of available seating needs a little assistance. read more

When compared to other BN stores, I find that this is one of my leas favorites. Perhaps it is the campus bookstore hybrid that they are trying to create, but I find the store's layout confusing and selection limited. Its central location also means that it is usually very busy. You usually know what to expect from Barnes & Noble. This store is an exception. It's not a true BN, and as such I usually try to find my books elsewhere. read more

I came in here expecting the usual when I go to any bookstore: to be tempted to walk out of there with so many books in hand it would look like I thought supporting the book industry were a charitable gesture. Instead, I spent nearly 30 minutes wandering around this store, struggling to find titles that interest me. I don't know what it was, but none of the books were leaping out at me. When I walk into the Borders up the street, or other B&N stores, there's always a number of books grabbing my attention, saying "C'mon James, you know you want to.... c'mon baby, you know you need just one more book!" Instead I felt like a gay man in a straight gentlemen's club. A position that I don't like being in and have been one too many times (which equals once, which subsequently equals once is enough). In addition to non-tempting merchandising, the store was abuzz with people. It's the crossroads of DePaul, it seemed. Kinda like the St. Louis of bookstores (hey, how's that for a 4th grade social studies reference!)? At first I thought all these people would add energy and excitement to the store. But instead, I felt frustrated and afraid someone was going to knock into my giant backpack filled with camera accessories and a laptop. I bought a travel book for my upcoming road trip (check out the blog: http://westbynorthwest.wordpress.com) and was very disappointed to see they charged my ass full price. After the Stroger Tax (for non-Chicagoans, that's our County President's name who increase the sales takes by a full 1% to catapult Chicago to the highest sales tax in the country) - it all came to $30 and change. Not really sure that it's B&N's fault or mine for buying a title that probably doesn't sell well enough to be discounted, but still, in this economy, I really appreciate the gesture of a deal. Even if it is only a little bit. I checked out the magazine section and was disappointed in the photography magazine selection. Again, nothing really grabbed me and although I was tempted to buy one of them, I resisted. Also, I didn't really see any of the great photography zines, but, maybe they were buried. Which brings me to another point - one of the zines was stacked, upside down. I did them a favor and turned it upright. But, when you combine that observation with the fact that I had to watch my step so that I didn't slip on the dozen or so subscription slips that had fallen on the floor, let's just say it didn't bode well for the overall rating of this establishment. I did notice the giant cafe and may find myself returning. But like another reviewer said, nearby cafecito is a lot more fun. Moreover, I love book stores, but I will find myself looking for other options rather than return here. read more

I'm hopeless. I admit it. My idea of a good time is going to college bookstores and poking around to see what's being assigned for the various classes. The DePaul Barnes & Noble is perfect for this because I can kinda do it undercover. :) On a recent trip, I actually laughed out loud when I saw an endcap that was displaying nothing but surgical scissors and stethoscopes and other med student sundries. It's not exactly your hometown B. Dalton, if you know what I mean. Seriously, though, if you're not a current student but you're looking for test prep materials or any other academic-y book (especially legal or medicinal) and don't have time to order from Amazon, give this place a call. P.S. The cafe stocks all kinds of ready-to-eat meals (for co-eds on the go, I guess), and a good portion of them look to be vegetarian. read more

This is the only large bookstore left in the downtown area, which is rather a pity. You will mostly find what you are looking for, but it isn't the best Barnes & Noble I've been to. It will, however, serve your immediate purpose. It's attached to the university center, so expect a good deal of college goers here. The staff is helpful. read more

I am so happy the have this place near work! Is is weird that I like the food? They get wraps (jerk tofu and tofu steak) and salads (they had a dill tofu salad Friday) from Soul Vegetarian East, which is really, really, cool. I got the jerk tofu, and while it wasn't as spicy as I hope, it was good, healthy enough, and totally filling. They are probably a dollar or so more than a Potbelly's. They have other sandwiches and salads there too, and pastry items too. I was worried it would be really crowded, but there were a lot of empty tables, and I got some magazines and leisurely ate my lunch and read. A very relaxing and yummy lunch hour! read more

I'm so not impressed with this Barnes & Noble not because of the book selection or ease to find a book. I found the book that I wanted right away. The reason why I'm unimpressed is because when I got there I thought I was gonna be able to just use a bathroom. I had been walking from the Shedd Aquarium and when I asked the first employee she rolled her eyes at me and was extremely rude. And once I told her my situation she said I would need a photo Id and was to be escorted to the bathroom and an employee would wait for me outside. So I just bought my book and left. read more

Nice place. But I still prefere Half Price Books or other locals. Still it has a nice selection of books, board games, journals And other nice stuff you probably dont need but its cool any way. Good place for the loop. read more

Where have all the bookstores gone, long time passing. To paraphrase a Peter, Paul and Mary song. Barnes and Noble so glad you're still here. read more

Not the biggest Barnes and Noble, but its got a nice bustling vibe and a very large seating section for the cafe area. Its a nice place to grab a coffee (or tea in my case) and sit for awhile, maybe read a magazine. Its filled with students meeting or discussing. I love bookstores in general, but its nice to see a place like this that works so well in the downtown environment. Most large bookstores are stand-alones or out in the burbs. This place has done a good job with integrating with the little loop micro-neighborhood and really anchors this section of downtown. read more

We're normally Barne's fans, and I get there are a lot of people around trying to use your damn restrooms, but it's a whole hour until you close this store, and after paying for your overpriced books and overpriced coffee, I would expect to at least be allowed to take a pee. It's just one of those "we're downtown we make our money anyways" kinda store... The worst is that the girl at the reception was super rude... Never again :/ and they don't even price match their own online store... I had to keep the half drank coffee for obvious reasons, but I returned the books... Amazon I suppose :3 oh yeah, and there was no WiFI either... read more

Couldn't find prices on the merchandise I wanted and the checkout lines were too long to want to deal with. However the staff is kind and it's a community hub. read more

This location is on the smaller side for B & N's, but what can you expect its in the heart of downtown. It's convenient to get to with public transportation and has a helpful staff. Not the easiest places to park and if you are not a De Paul student you have to get a key if you need the restroom. read more

This is a Barnes and Noble COLLEGE store (attached to the Depaul center) so if you need to make any returns it can only be made at a College store. I made the mistake of buying a book here and not being able to return it at a normal Barnes. This location boasts a nice sized cafe that is always filled with college students, tourists and sometimes some shaddy looking folks who hang around the Harold Washington Library close by. read more

I really like having a big bookstore at this location. It's much better than DePaul's old bookstore! They've recently expanded their inventory and their fiction section is surprisingly big. If they don't have the book you're looking for, they can get it in about a week. They also host author book signing events. DePaul staff & faculty get a 20% discount on all regular stock, 10% on all textbooks. I don't think students get a discount. There's a coffee shop (fake-Starbucks) which has decent muffins and other food items, but the line is usually long. read more

It's not a real B&N. Super tiny-not many books. My main gripe is with the cafe and seating area. I'm not a Wi-fi camper-if I go somewhere to work I'll buy at least one drink an hour. So I bought a mocha and sat down with my computer and tried plugging in my laptop. The outlet was turned off. So I tried to get online. This is the worst Wi-fi I've ever used in a cafe. They might as well not even have Wi-fi it's so bad. read more

Seriously??? Went here to shop for books, buy some coffee, spend some money. Needed a restroom in the process. No restroom ... had to wait in line (for 3/4 of an hour) for a restroom. Key never came. Finally gave up. What kind of lousy coffee shop doesn't have a restroom??? read more

This is not my go-to bookstore by any stretch, but I feel that I am not in a position to throw stones, given the slow (and by all accounts steady) withering away of brick-and-mortar booksellers. With that being said, I still pine for the closed Borders on State Street. I understand that this B&N is a campus bookseller but it would be nice to have the new releases more prominently displayed, versus coming through the doors and encountering the large cafe area smack at the beginning of the store. I came on a mission, looking for a specific title on my most recent visit. When I went to the small customer service area toward the rear of the store, the first woman looked it up on the computer, then told me that the title would be found, alphabetical by the author's last name, in Literature/Fiction. This was not the case, prompting me to go up to customer service once more. By then a different employee was working the computer. When I explained that I could not find the title that I was looking for on the shelf, she went not to the shelf that I was directed to at first, but to the new releases section. Why the first employee couldn't tell me to head to the new releases--as it is a new book--is still a mystery. This is not a store that invites browsing (lucky for me I have Open Books to fill that void, with all proceeds going to a good cause, no less). I was relieved to make my way to the checkout counter at the front of the store and pay. read more

I really like this Barnes and Noble. I would be lying if I said I didn't get the majority of my books off of Amazon now, but there is something about being in a book store and opening a book that is an amazing experience. The smell of the pages and the atmosphere is not something the online atmosphere can replace. One of the reasons I have spent time here is because I attended DePaul University and spent many times at the Starbucks studying. I like the layout of the store because it is so neat and organized. I also like the helpful employees who are there for any questions you have. The location is tops as well. When you go a little farther inside the building you are surrounded with restaurants and DePaul's facilities. Overall, it is very nice. read more

So I special ordered a book here to support a city store instead of ordering online. I gave them the title and author and had the isbn number ready. They order me the book = yay. I go to pick up the book only 2 days later, super fast = yay. Go to buy book, wrong book but with the same title= boo. Then when I try to reorder it they tell me it is unavailable. Sigh. I guess that's why they invented Amazon.com, which is currently shipping my "unavailable" book. Boo B&N, boo. read more

When I took a summer course at Depaul - it was super convenient that the bookstore was right next to the building and it was a Barnes and Noble, too! I was able to pick up my textbooks and even some books for some light reading, as well. read more

The Starbucks in this Barnes and Nobles offers free wi-fi. It's a comfortable location to study. Otherwise, the B & N has a good selection of magazines and books. The foot traffic is pretty heavy, but there is ample seating. read more