Looks huge from the outside, but when I visited, I realized that the upper floor is actually used for corporate offices, so the bookstore itself is smaller than it appears, means regular typical size. Still, I really liked the overall vibe here. There's a good selection of books, along with toys, games, gifts, vinyl, and other things to browse. They also have a café, which makes it a nice place to grab a coffee and spend some time looking around. Staff was friendly and helpful during my visit. Overall, a nice and relaxing place to explore, especially if you love books or just enjoy walking around a bookstore. read more

See all

This review isn't about the books, it's about the taste, because the Starbucks workers need a raise. Staff was good, and I ordered a Mac and Cheese and a juice, out of pity of my wallet, and I got a nice meal, overall, pretty nice read more

Still great to buy books. Sit and read either coffee in cafe! Still nice to but and read books! read more

See all

I love This Store! The staff are so Kind, and The Selection is amazing! and I love to shop here! Just an amazing store overall.

Barnes and nobles is the best place to chill out. Whether it's to hang out, eat, figuring out what to do, planning ahead on meal prepping or deciding on where to go through the resources and books - thd possibilities are end less. read more

Great bookstore with a nice range and selection of whatever you are interested in. There is a coffee shop inside and staff is friendly and prompt when I needed help locating a specific book. Lots of parking in the front and easy to get to right from the highway. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Staff is great and always make the right drink though my drinks are very simple. I am just surprised there is 1 dude that comes there constantly and stinks the entire store. He always occupies the seat with an outlet (already minimal amount of those in the store) and he just sits there the entire day, I see him mostly sleeping at his computer. Looks somewhat disheveled and like I said, personal hygiene is quite questionable. I'm surprised nobody said anything to him, this isn't even funny, how am I supposed to enjoy my coffee and a muffin with this dude smelling so horribly? Today the entire cafe area smells bad. The place would be packed but seats around him would stay empty. Go figure... I wouldn't be surprised if he sleeps somewhere outside by the door and waits till the store opens. read more

The number of books to find here are spectacular. The books are at the right price. The attendants are super helpful. Won my attention overall. read more

This is a super nostalgic location for me, I spent my high school years hanging out here because that was the cool thing to do for us nerds. There's a huge parking lot so that's never a problem. When you first walk in they have clearance books in boxes to sift through. Sometimes you can find some goodies. To the right as soon as you enter is the Barnes and Noble cafe, which is super great too. Lots of seating and awesome food options along with their regular menu. Aside from that it's your standard B&N. Tons of options, music store towards the back and children's section on the second floor. I remember just picking out books and plopping down right on the ground and reading. The staff is friendly and helpful here though now they have computers everywhere if you need to search the location of a book. Hopefully this location stays here for a while, it's a great spot for anyone to spend an afternoon looking for a great read. read more

See all

I don't really come here very often, even though I pass by it pretty regularly on my way to where my birth mother lives nearby. I've never been crazy about driving on this stretch of Rt. 3, and the shopping complex where the Barnes & Noble is located is a migraine-inducing maze of interlocking chain stores, twisting roadways, restaurants, crowded parking lots. But a few weeks ago, my birth mother treated me to lunch at the Shannon Rose (which is in the complex, and is worth checking out), and asked if we could stop here afterwards, as she wanted to buy some magazines. I had no objection. In truth, if you're coming off of Rt. 3, the Barnes & Noble is right there, so you avoid having to jockey your way around the inner recesses of the complex itself. Parking is fairly straightforward. Inside, the store is large. Maybe not as large as the location in Paramus, but large enough. Two floors, fully stocked with a wide variety of books. I found the selection to be pretty good, reasonably eclectic. When I went to the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, NY, some months ago, the DVD/Blue-Ray/CD section had become non-existent, just a sad expanse of empty bins and shelves, which I found disturbing. If you're shutting down that section of your store so completely, it doesn't bode well for the future of the store itself. The Clifton location still sells its DVDs/Blue-Rays and CDs. The selection isn't extensive or provocative, but it's still here. It still exists. At the risk of sounding anal retentive, I'll have to say that the only off-putting aspect of my shopping experience was when I had to use the men's room. It's relatively clean, but the main door to the bathroom remained wide open, obviously by design of store management. Outside the door, almost directly in front of it, some older kids...maybe they were teenagers...were engaging in typical older kid/teenager style antics and horseplay, engaging in said antics and horseplay loudly and with gusto. Now, I have no problem with teenagers acting like teenagers...I was one myself, way back when...but it wasn't really conducive to a relaxed, meditative experience on the porcelain god. Management--- what's the problem with keeping the bathroom door closed? Please...The locations in Paramus and Poughkeepsie keep their bathroom doors closed. Why not you? As Barnes & Noble stores go overall, though, it seems to be doing relatively well, which is gratifying to see. I've never been a big fan of chains, but, as I mentioned in my review of the Poughkeepsie location, it's a chain selling books, and that's a good thing. I'd rather see a chain selling books survive than I would a chain selling crappy food, or junk that no one really needs. It's not as good, in my opinion, as the stores in Paramus or Poughkeepsie (they keep their bathroom doors closed, for one thing), but it's pretty good. I can't say I'll be back anytime soon, but I'll probably be back. read more

My last visit...was my last. I used to come here when I was having a bad day and needed a pick me up. They knew me by name too. Last visit not only did they make my drink wrong 2x, but the manager, Brenda decided to lie to me saying she made it right. . That was my last straw. So I asked for a refund. They gave me cash when I paid with a credit card. I don't deal with a business that lies to their customers as easily as breathing. God forbid someone has an allergy and they decide to lie to them... Yeah, doesn't look good. read more

I really like this store and hope it doesn't close since it seems like a lot of bookstores are closing in the area. I guess I'm getting old because I still like to read an actual book and not download it. This Barnes and Noble is pretty big and has a Starbucks inside with a large sitting area. I like history and cooking books and both sections have ample selections. The children's section is large and easy to navigate as well. Whenever I have had a problem finding a book the staff has been friendly and helpful and they also usually have plenty of cashiers. Sometimes it's nice just to go there and look around even when you don't have any particular book to buy. The parking lot is large especially now that the sports authority has closed. Hopefully this location stays open for a long time. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

See all

I've been going here since I was a kid. Never got rude staff until today lol. I ordered a chocolate chip cookie and heard the cashier just say "chocolate cookie" only. To make sure I didn't mis-speak I asked "sorry, did I say chocolate or chocolate chip? I just wanna make sure" and he says "what? It doesn't matter. It's the same thing. If it's wrong I'll get you the right one." Like bro what?? Lol I'm trying to make your life easier. Also, the employee who made my drink was the only person not wearing a mask. Not sure what B&N's policy is for it's staff now but I found it strange since all of the other cafe and bookstore employees were wearing a mask. They also just made my chai latte look like a straight up cup of almond milk lol. 100 percent sure nothing will happen from this 1 review I leave but figured I'd write it anyway since I feel like I should've just made the extra 2 minute drive to Starbucks across route 3 and would encourage anyone else to do the same lol read more

I just wanted to give a huge shout out to cashier Natalie (says on my receipt). She was so sweet and patient with my large quantity of things! read more

Location is key for this B&N store. In the heart of the Clifton Commons, this bookstore is constantly packed. The couches, desks, and tables are always full. The associates are friendly & helpful. The store is kept as clean as possible, when you have about 100 teenagers/kids running ramped through the store. P.S. The Starbucks set up at this spot is a tad understocked though :( They only carry sugar free vanilla & hazelnut syrups, so no skinny cinnamon dolce lattes are found here .... read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

A solid book store. I stop here because it is conveniently located on my way home from work. They have a large quantity of inventory and I almost always locate what I'm looking for here. Prices are adequate, but the books are often cheaper on the B&N web site. Things are well-organized and easy to navigate. Staff is helpful and the store is clean. They have some interesting imported/foreign magazines that I haven't seen elsewhere. I know some folks who purchase their vinyl here, but I can't wrap my head around it, given the higher prices than your local independent record shop. The checkout line can move slowly and be understaffed at times. Regardless of these drawbacks, 4 stars because they almost always have what I'm looking for in a pinch. I also have their educator card, which provides me a discount for acquiring materials for my students. read more

Great location, but the remodel is hideous. I don't understand why they put offices on the 2nd floor when people can work from home now. It ruined the entire look of the store. Everyone around me agrees that it looks like garbage. They got rid of all this cool stuff to put these ugly offices. read more

I love this Barnes and Noble. They have a used book section you don't hear that about B and N doing that. Also they have color coded stickers marking down the prices even to 75 percent. I got a book on Angels for 2 bucks and used being eco friendly. I have to come back here. read more

I'll only go here if I need to go to B&N and if it's during the middle of a weekday. It's just too crowded for me during the weekend and on some week nights. This B&N has a nice floor layout with two levels and a nice cafe area. Also, the staff there are quick with pick-up online orders. There's a large parking lot that customers going to B&N or Party City can use. Takeaway - not bad, but it gets crowded. read more

Sadly, this store is a shadow of it's former self. Empty offices on second floor, now inaccessible to customers, makes this store look shrunken and pathetic. The remaining first floor space is a scaled down version of all departments. Selection is sparse. This store unfortunately looks like it's on its last legs. Thanks for the memories, but the spark is gone. read more

I'm a bit of a book nerd...love to read, but I haven't quite gotten into the e-reader yet-I just would rather have a book in my hand. I try to patronize used book stores when possibile, but they are few and far between around here so Barnes and Noble it is most of the time. Of all the BNs in the area, this one is my favorite. They have a vast assortment of books because it is such a large store and it is always well organized and very busy. Great selection of History/Current Event books here and a great magazine selection as well. The Sports section isn't as good as some of the others in the area (Livingston and Morris Plains are better). If you're one of those people who like to use Barnes and Noble as a library-there's lots of seating here, though it tends to fill up since this place is always busy. The staff here are very helpful if you can't find something. And the Cafe-yeah, I know they are basically the same everywhere, but the folks working here always seem to be in good moods. Makes for a better cup of coffee... read more

Most everyone knows Barnes and Noble. I think this chain is probably one of the only remaining bookstore chains around in this area. This store is probably the largest one in this area. Its huge. If you ever need a book, you'll most likely find it here. The selection is large. There is also a DVD and a CD area where you can purchase music and movies, towards the back of the store. There are two floors to this store, with a Starbucks cafe near the entrance. There is a large amount of seating near the cafe, but it gets very busy, almost all the time. As such, at times its hard to find seating. The parking lot is shared with the movie theater and Sports Authority, and while it is quite large, there is again difficulty, at times to find a space, due to overcrowding. Overall, the layout of the store is pretty decent and it has a large selection of books, movies, and music. read more

Barnes & Noble - Barnes & Noble storefront - Bookstores Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

I had the oddest and somewhat disturbing experience here the other day. I went to customer service to check if they had the book titled "Fresh off the Boat" by Eddie Huang (don't judge and it's a gift). This is how it went down: Me: Hi, I'm looking for a book called "Fresh off the Boat". Do you have it in stock? Employee: Let me check. (Types it in) hmm, I can't find it using keywords. What is it again? Me: Fresh off the boat (I'm enunciating each word now.) Employee: hmm, no. Can you spell it? Me: (are you f*ing kidding me, spell it? Ok calm down. Maybe English is a second language. I always thought all the employees here had to be English majors or bookworms. Also, if she's an immigrant doesn't she know this phrase? I've known this phrase since age 5. How ironic if she herself is a FOB.) F-R-E-S-H.... Employee: let me turn the screen to you (continues typing) Me: no, OFF not OF. O-F-F and BOAT starts with B not V. (Now that is just plain dumb.) Employee: ah, it's by Huang? Me: YES! That's it!!!!! Employee: it's located in the Biography section. Look under H. Me: thanks (sigh) What has happened with the education in America? Why hasn't a self service kiosk replaced her yet? read more

Solid Barnes & Noble that gets crowded. Nicely laid out and pretty good inventory of books, games, puzzles, music and dvd's and so much more. A few minor complaints: when calling about a book, I was hung up on and put on hold for about 15 minutes. That's crazy. Second: they don't match their online prices. Do we see why bookstores are going out of business? read more

This fairly decent sized Barnes & Noble is conveniently located off eastbound RT3 in the Clifton commons shopping plaza. It's two floors filled with books. Starbucks is inside on the first floor to keep you from falling asleep. The second floor is children's books and reading area with Thomas the engine play table area for younger readers. There's also the nook area to checkout their e-reader and tons of accessories for it on first floor. They now have the store search computers to help you locate whatever you're looking for. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They will also order items out of stock and notify you once they arrive to come in to pickup. Parking is plentiful here & they have free wifi also. read more

Barnes & Noble - Search the store computer. - Bookstores Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

See all

I have met this employee who went above and beyond to help me and found books for me, her name is Xiara Very grateful for your assistance read more

I spent a half-day there three days ago, since I had to kill a lot of time - and most of the employees were very pleasant (especially the manager who looks like one of the police detectives from "The Wire", plus the guy in the record department and a really friendly young guy in the café named Rob). The store is large and it has two floors. In terms of the selection, "local interest" (NJ/NY) was particularly good. In addition to coffee (typically generic), I bought two cookies for a late lunch (yes, I was certainly watching my carbs & nutrition) and they were sinfully-delicious (chocolate chip & peanut butter). All of the food looked good, including the soups. read more

One of the few remaining Barnes & Noble stores in NJ. It seems these are closing every time I turn around. Don't believe me? Take a drive down Route 17 and check out the weeds growing around that old location. Sorry B&N, you can't beat Amazon's prices. Yet somehow, for some reason, this store is always busy. Fortunately, the checkout line moves pretty quickly and they share a parking lot with Sports Authority so finding a space isn't an issue either. The only real issues are the prices and the lack of customer service. The "30% off" on new books only applies if you buy the membership, but if you do the math, Amazon offers the same discount on new books without needing a Prime membership. As for the lack of customer service, no one ever seems to be asking the customers if they need help finding anything. At least for me, I'd rather stay home, avoid the Clifton Commons and the long lines and pay less for the same thing. read more

Full disclosure: I LOVE this Barnes & Noble, it's close to home and I get lucky and one thing I was disappointed that once I found out they were going to be one floor, I was so sad to hear. This building is STILL two floors, the second floor is going to be corporate offices and all I can say is the silver lining is it's STILL there and I STILL LOVE that place and the staff there is friendly! read more

I absolutely enjoy coming to the Barnes & Noble in this location! Pros: Friendly employees, a wide range of book options, clean store, an abundant amount of sitting areas, and an overall welcoming environment! Con: Lack of power plugs for charging electronics. read more

I go here often. The workers at the cafe know me by name. The atmosphere here is calm and restful... unlike their paramus store. I would highly suggest coming to this Barnes and Nobles. read more

No matter what time you happen to stop in this place (opening to closing) it is always busy. You can never find a seat or just anywhere to settle down. It's a pretty big B&N too. The book selection is very good. The people watching is even better because who really goes here and actually buys a book? Maybe have a coffee, check out the magazines and chuckle at all the young kids. The staff from what I hear is friendly and I have not, to date, had to ask for help. Good: Magazine/book selection. Even have a music dept. Bad: Always busy and no where to sit or relax. read more

HORRIBLE STORE!!!! Just left this store very disappointed. Couldn't find book I was looking for. Look around for sales associate. no one around. Went to Info desk, waited 10 min, no one again! Went to register for help. Waited another 10 min, long line, only 2 people working. Couldn't wait any more. Didn't buy my book, I guess I have to buy book somewhere else. read more

My favorite Barnes and nobles for a few reasons, it's the closest one to me, they have a Starbucks cafe so you can sit, read and drink your coffee. It has 2 floors and very organized. The staff are very helpful and friendly. One of my favorite places to go. read more

My first time coming to a Barnes and noble in Clifton wasn't the best experience. I have been to others and they are amazing but, here felt different. Everything was pretty good besides the Starbucks interaction with an employee. I ask a question about a food that I didn't know the name to and ask if he could tell me the name. He proceeds to tell me there's a a sign with a name on it. I got closer and did see a sign but still didn't bother to go back and cross over two customers to read a sign for the dessert I wanted which he already knew what it was cause I pointed and called it a different name. He tells me there's a sign and that's what it meant for and proceeds to chuckle at me. So I go back to the sign and call it it's proper name. I know I missed the sign and all but it wasn't that big of a deal. I work in beverage as well as him and I would do something like that to a guess who missed a sign and didn't call something to it's appropriate name. It was just an bar. read more

One of my favorite places to pass time and relax. This is my favorite Barnes & Nobles in the area. The cafe is spacious and they offer a variety of drinks and food. The book selection is immense! They have everything well organized and easy to locate. Staff are friendly and helpful. You can also bring your dog but they just can't go into the cafe section! read more

Came into Barnes and noble to study for my exam and the manager followed me and my friends around the store like a creeper.

I've been coming here longer than I care to admit. I remember when it opened -- and I just saw a 15th anniversary sign near the front desk, so ... thanks for that, B&N. This particular B&N location hits all the marks. It's just a nice place to spend a couple of hours looking for books. It's well-stocked, so they probably have what you're looking for. The lot is big & easy to navigate. The staff will help you find whatever you need. It has coffee. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. It's a pretty popular location (heyyy Clifton Commons) - which means you're probably not going to find a seat. Oh wells, get your latte to go & walk around! That's my favorite thing to do. I grab my latte, and start my lap by going upstairs. First I hit up the cookbooks, right at the top of the escalator. I browse quickly through the wedding guides, then go across the balcony, past the children's books, to the huge fiction section on the other side. It's so easy to get lost up there, and I usually end up with an armful of books by the time I'm ready to go back downstairs. Ugh, my poor wallet. Once downstairs, I go through the new arrivals, the bargain books, the random toys (which is a great place to find stocking stuffers, btw), the huge movie/music section ... and I leave the magazines for last. If I'm lucky, there aren't too many people, and I can dump my jacket & bag & new pile of books on one of the benches while I browse. There is a huge selection of magazines, & most of the time I have to restrain myself from buying more than two. I try not to sit there & read them all, because where's the fun in that? Finally, I head to the registers. There's never really been a long wait - the staff is pretty good at adjusting to the crowds. Did I mention that the employees are very friendly & helpful? Even the Starbucks people are decent. It's just great overall -- no wonder they're celebrating 15 years! read more

This was just a typical BarnesAndNoble to me a lot of people sitting around reading books the store was very organised and the staff was friendly I don't have any complaints but I would've liked to have gotten some sort of coffee beside Starbucks I'm so tired of Starbucks This is my second time coming I have a place in the area and my son wanted to buy some books I was able to find little things here and there that I liked and was able to pick up Everything was good to go no complaints here I just don't see it staying in business for very long I don't know I guess it's just a weird feeling read more

It makes me happy to see that this Barnes & Noble has not closed. And of course, I'm always happy around books :). And you get plenty of them at this 2 floor B&N. It's easy to navigate through the different sections.I didn't see any employees around to help while looking for a book. The ones I did see, were at the register. The place is clean, books were organized, and they do have a Starbucks with seating NOT AVAILABLE. This area was packed and I'm guessing it's keeping B&N in business. I completely agree with a previous review, about people being here to do homework and trying to be in a"quiet area". And not moving. This isn't a library so I do not feel bad that the guy next to us had to hear our conversation. But it's a shame B&N could not match the prices you get on Amazon with the same type of books (Hardcover, paperback, Ebooks). Even their E-Reader is a disappointment. read more