This Barnes & Noble is the best chain bookstore in San Francisco. Their selection of books is HUGE. Subjects,for example, include biographies,business,fiction,romance,science fiction,poetry,science,history,psychology and travel. Check out their Chinese History section. Lisa Ling will be pleased. The selection of foreign and domestic newspapers and magazines is outstanding. Don't forget the HUGE selection of CDs and DVDs. There are children's books and toys,plus plenty of other unique gifts,such as canvas book bags,bookmarks and coffee mugs from the cafe. Don't forget to stop by the Starbucks and Cheesecake Factory Cafe. There's free parking in the garage with a validated ticket from Barnes & Noble or Cost Plus World Market. The location is beautiful with a view of the San Francisco Bay. The store's service is exceptional. If you go to the Customer Service Desk on the second floor,Michael will be there to help you. If he's busy,he'll call another employee to help you. If you're not in the mood for coffee or cheesecake,there's a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream stand across the street on Fisherman's Wharf.Even if you don't buy anything,you'll have a good time at this Barnes & Noble.

PROS:Friendly,knowledgeable staff,large selection of everything every Barnes & Noble should carry.

This Barnes & Noble carries a large selection of books on every subject;including fiction,history, physics,travel guides and anything else you might want to add to your library or give as a gift.Check out the Chinese History section. Lisa Ling will be pleased. Don't forget to check out the biography,business and romance sections. The selection of International and Domestic magazines and newspapers is fantastic,not to mention a Starbucks and Cheesecake Factory cafe. Don't forget about the extensive selection of CDs and DVDs,as well as toys for the kids,plus plenty of other unique gifts,such as canvas book bags,bookmarks and coffee mugs from the cafe. This is also San Francisco's best new bookstore;not to mention San Francisco's best chain bookstore.So forget about going to any of San Francisco's four Borders:Come straight to Barnes & Noble. If you go to the Customer Service Desk on the second floor,you can usually expect Michael to be there to help you. If he's busy,he'll call another store employee to help you find what you need. Parking is free in the garage with a validated parking ticket from a purchase at Barnes & Noble or Cost Plus World Market next door. The location is beautiful with a view of the ocean.If you're not in the mood for coffee or cheesecake,there's a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Stand across the street on Fisherman's Wharf. You will not regret stopping by this Barnes & Noble;even if you're not buying anything. Ask about the Barnes & Noble Readers Advantage Program and the Barnes & Noble MasterCard.

For all their space, they really don't have a very deep selection. Most of their stock is recently published - which means you can find your favorite bestsellers of the past two years here, but forget about finding any in-depth non-fiction or small press books. The atmosphere is depressingly chain-like and corporate.

PROS: cheapo bestsellers and tons of old Danielle Steele
CONS: I feel like I'm selling my soul here

I go to this Barnes & Noble to read books if not buy them. They used to have lots of cushy chairs - but they don't anymore. So, kids section is the only place to read now

You can always have the same high expectations of any Barnes and Noble. While this store is large enough to house a small cafe, there is still a small collection of books compared to a typical Barnes and Noble. B&N always has some great deals regardless. I was about to buy the entire Douglas Adams Guide collection for just $10!