When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Barnes & Noble
Why Barnes & Noble is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Barnes & Noble stands as the largest bookseller in the United States, with approximately 600 retail stores nationwide, making it a widely accessible and popular venue for meeting up with friends and fellow book enthusiasts. The stores offer a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere with spacious layouts highlighting an extensive collection of books, from bestsellers to niche genres. Over recent years, Barnes & Noble has revamped many locations to introduce a contemporary aesthetic that includes comfortable seating areas and expanded food and beverage options, such as Starbucks cafes, creating an inviting environment conducive to leisurely browsing and socializing. Additionally, many locations host events like book signings, author talks, and reading groups, further enhancing the experience beyond mere retail. The chain’s commitment to placing books and readers at the center fosters a shared cultural space ideal for connecting over literature and learning. Their integration of digital offerings, including the NOOK eReader and an online platform, complements the physical stores, providing versatility in how customers engage with books and media. Barnes & Noble’s enduring brand legacy, coupled with its evolving store experiences, makes it a prime destination to meet friends, explore new titles, and enjoy a vibrant, book-loving community.
Here's what people think of Barnes & Noble
As of recent, Barnes & Noble holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1831 reviews.
Customer reviews of Barnes & Noble reflect a generally positive sentiment, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1800 reviews, indicating widespread satisfaction among visitors. Positive feedback often highlights the vast and diverse book selection, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and the comfortable store environments that make visits enjoyable and conducive to spending extended time browsing and socializing. Reviewers frequently mention the convenience of having food and coffee available, which enhances the experience and encourages lingering in a relaxed atmosphere. The chain’s events and promotional activities are also well received, bringing added value to the shopping experience. However, some negative reviews point to occasional inconsistencies in customer service, limited availability of certain titles in smaller stores, and concerns about pricing compared to online competitors. A few reviews note that some locations could improve store maintenance and update their inventory more regularly. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus portrays Barnes & Noble as a reliable and cherished bookstore that continues to adapt and thrive in a digital age. In conclusion, the reviews suggest that Barnes & Noble successfully delivers a balanced combination of quality products, engaging atmospheres, and community-oriented features that resonate well with customers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steven Vinther
The only place to find such a big selection of magazines these days. Love that they let me just go in a check em all out. Buy or not buy. They're always very polite and helpful.
CC Pearl
I’m really disappointed. This security guard was very disrespectful to me and clearly enjoyed treating me that way. I went to the store at 6pm on Sunday 6/22/25 because I didn’t realize they closed. I went up to him and asked if they were closed he said yes. Before I could even say that sucks this person interrupted me every time I said a work four times in a row. I finally raise my voice to call him out for interrupting my every word and he responded by saying you’re welcome. I asked for his name and he refused to give it to me which is why I took a photo. It’s clear to me this security guard was on a power trip. And I don’t think this would have happened to me if I didn’t happen to be a Black woman with a pride bag on my arm. I will not be going here unless there is some form of action taken against this employee.
Eats !
Although, Lloyd Center intself seems to be struggling to have people inside, Barnes and Noble still had quite a few people inside, and that place didn't just have books. It had magazines, calendars, writing utensils, mugs, & a cafe, which serves Starbucks coffee. The workers there were friendly and happy. I made it out of there with a mug :)
N H
Despite being a corporate chain I’ve found the employees have been far more friendly and helpful than any local bookstore. I’ve had multiple instances of employees going out of their way to find what I was looking for at this location or another. Solid sale section is also a great incentive to check them out.
Ariana Lewis
every time i come here, the workers are so helpful and nice. I have never came and someone didn’t go out of their way to help me out! once I looked for raccoon related items for a birthday, and a worker walked me thru the whole store to find something. the team at this barnes n noble are so sweet that I always come back :)
How to reach Barnes & Noble
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Why Barnes & Noble may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Barnes & Noble with your friends?
Barnes & Noble is an excellent gathering spot for friends and family looking for a venue that blends relaxation, intellectual stimulation, and social engagement. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse amenities, and spacious layout, this bookstore offers more than just books—it creates an experience conducive to connecting. Whether you want to discuss the latest novel, share a coffee, or attend a literary event, Barnes & Noble provides an inviting, comfortable environment that encourages lingering and conversation. The store’s design fosters community by including areas specifically tailored for groups to meet and collaborate. With a rating of 4.4 from over 1,800 reviews, it’s clear many visitors find it an ideal place to spend quality time together. The combination of ample seating, welcoming cafés, and vibrant programming ensures that visitors have plenty to do, making it a perfect spot to rally with friends, support each other's interests, or simply enjoy a day out in a cultured and friendly setting.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Barnes & Noble?
Barnes & Noble offers a rich variety of activities that cater to diverse interests, making it an ideal destination for group meetups. First and foremost, of course, is the joy of browsing and discovering books. The store stocks over 1 million titles, including physical and eBooks, spanning every imaginable genre to satisfy everyone's tastes. For those who love technology and reading, Barnes & Noble's NOOK eBook reader and audiobook services provide additional ways to engage with literature together. For families, the children’s area is revitalized with activity tables and a dedicated story time space, making it fun and educational for kids and relaxing for adults. The café is another major attraction, serving coffee, snacks, and baked goods amid cozy seating areas equipped with convenient power outlets. Furthermore, many Barnes & Noble locations host frequent events like author talks, book signings, and community gatherings that provide unique group experiences and opportunities for intellectual discussion.
Why is Barnes & Noble perfect for a group meetup?
Barnes & Noble’s physical layout and amenities are deliberately designed to encourage socializing and comfort for groups. The store’s new prototype designs showcase low-shelf configurations that open up the space, allowing better visibility and a shared experience among friends as they browse side-by-side. Large seating areas and table clusters invite book clubs, study groups, or casual friend meetups to sit and talk comfortably. The café serves as a natural social hub, offering an assortment of coffees, teas, and light food options that everyone can enjoy while relaxing. Ample charging stations for laptops and phones ensure guests can stay connected, work collaboratively, or simply relax and recharge. This combination of thoughtful design, inviting atmosphere, and robust amenities makes Barnes & Noble an excellent venue where groups of various sizes can come together effortlessly.
How does the community and event programming enhance your visit?
A distinctive feature of Barnes & Noble is its commitment to hosting approximately 100,000 community events annually, making it much more than just a bookstore. These include author visits, book signings, readings, workshops, and kids’ story times. Such events foster a strong sense of community and provide a common interest focus for friends and family to enjoy together. Meeting at Barnes & Noble can thus seamlessly include attending stimulating events followed by relaxed discussions in the café or browsing new releases together. This engagement transforms an ordinary meetup into a culturally enriching experience that appeals to diverse groups—from avid readers to those simply looking for an entertaining day out. The store’s welcoming policies, like being pet-friendly and family-friendly, further reinforce its role as a vibrant local hub for social interaction and entertainment.
What makes Barnes & Noble’s café experience special for groups?
The Barnes & Noble café elevates any group meetup by combining a relaxed atmosphere with delicious food and drinks, making it easy to spend hours in conversation or quiet enjoyment. The café serves millions of beverages and freshly baked goods every year, from artisan coffee to cookies, croissants, and sandwiches. This diverse menu means there's something to please every palate, catering to casual snackers or those looking for a substantial bite. The comfortable seating arrangements, including some large group tables and cozy corners, offer flexible options whether your group wants to chat or quietly enjoy a book. Power outlets abound, so guests can stay productive or entertained on their devices. This blend of comfort, convenience, and quality refreshments creates an inviting environment that encourages gatherings, discussions, and relaxation, enhancing the overall social experience at Barnes & Noble.
How does Barnes & Noble cater to families and children during meetups?
Barnes & Noble understands the importance of making space for families and children during meetups. Many locations feature dedicated children’s areas equipped with activity tables and story time spaces where young ones can engage with educational and entertaining activities. This setup allows parents and caregivers to enjoy their visit—whether shopping or meeting friends—while children have a safe and stimulating environment tailored to their interests. Special events such as children’s story hours or book-related activities provide additional programming that delights young visitors, ensuring the whole family feels welcome. Such thoughtful inclusions make Barnes & Noble a well-rounded destination where groups can include siblings, cousins, or family friends without stress. This family-friendly atmosphere supports intergenerational bonding and creates a communal experience for everyone in the group.
What distinguishes Barnes & Noble’s browsing experience for groups?
Barnes & Noble’s vast and diverse inventory of over 1 million book titles offers a remarkable browsing experience that groups will appreciate. Whether the group includes avid readers, casual browsers, or those exploring new genres, the store’s layout is designed to make discovery easy and inviting. The open-space shelving and themed “book theaters” encourage customers to explore books in immersive ways, showcasing titles from multiple angles and enhancing group interaction as people point out interesting finds or share recommendations. Furthermore, the integration of digital tools like the “See Inside” program, which allows previewing book excerpts, enriches the experience by giving group members additional layers of engagement before choosing a book. This environment fosters lively discussions and shared enthusiasm that can turn a simple shopping trip into a memorable social event.
Why is Barnes & Noble a great place for intellectual and cultural exchange?
Barnes & Noble serves as a cultural hub where ideas and creativity intersect, making it a perfect venue for intellectual engagement among friends. The bookstore hosts frequent lectures, author readings, and book club meetings that invite participants into thoughtful dialogue and reflection. These events often include Q&A sessions or workshops, providing interactive opportunities to deepen knowledge and share perspectives. Friends meeting here can use such programming as a launching point for stimulating conversation or continue debates over coffee afterward. The presence of diverse literary genres, magazines, educational materials, and even stationery encourages creativity and learning, making Barnes & Noble a supportive environment for both curiosity and cultural exchange. This intellectual vibrancy adds value to any meetup, transforming it from a casual get-together into an enriching experience.
How flexible and accessible is Barnes & Noble for different group sizes and occasions?
Barnes & Noble accommodates a wide range of group sizes—from a few friends catching up to larger book clubs or family reunions—thanks to its spacious store design and seating options. The store’s open layout with modular seating can be adapted to different needs, easily providing intimate corners for smaller groups or larger tables for more substantial gatherings. Additionally, many locations offer reservable event spaces that can host author nights or community meetings, enhancing flexibility for special occasions. Accessibility features and family-friendly policies ensure that everyone can participate comfortably, whether bringing young children or elderly relatives. This adaptability allows Barnes & Noble to suit various meetup objectives, whether casual, social, educational, or celebratory, providing a hospitable and convenient environment no matter the group’s size or purpose.
What unique features of Barnes & Noble contribute to a memorable group experience?
Several unique features make Barnes & Noble stand out as a meetup destination that leaves a lasting impression. These include immersive “book theaters” where customers can explore books in innovative displays, highly curated selections that cater to diverse interests, and a strong emphasis on community connection through scheduled events. The combination of a vast physical book collection with advanced technological tools like eBooks and audiobooks allows groups to experience literature in many forms simultaneously. The pet-friendly policy in many stores also makes it an inviting space for pet owners to bring their companions, adding warmth and personality to the visit. The constant blend of tradition and innovation—classic bookselling combined with modern social and digital amenities—creates a unique environment that guests won’t easily forget. This blend underlines why Barnes & Noble remains a favored place for friends and families to rally, connect, and create shared memories.