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Borders Books Music & Cafe - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Coffee & Tea, Books, Mags, Music and Video [Edit]
2817 N Clark St(between Broadway St & Diversey Pky)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 935-3909
- Nearest Transit:
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Diversey (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Borders Books Music & Cafe
Review Highlights
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"It's easy to access and has a great selection." In 4 reviews -
"I always find some great bargains upstairs and they also..." In 3 reviews -
"Be careful where you stand and which magazines you look at." In 5 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Jojo F.
12/29/2010
I took a walk here during lunch today to pick up a planner for the new year. Even though I'm in the market for a smart phone, I still like my tried and true planner. Like most places, 2011 planners and calendars are half off, so that's a plus. I am a fan of smaller book stores, but this Borders was beaming with a friendly staff, was within walking distance from work and had a huge selection of books and knickknacks.
Looking at the size of this location, I'll have to make another visit for the free wi-fi. It's huge! Rule of thumb with Borders: Use those coupons and look for the sales. Done and done. -
Review from Jenna S.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2009
This review is probably a little unfair, but I'm not enjoying this Borders during the peak of its renovations. I probably should have been a visitor long before this day, but I wasn't and now I just think this location is totally blah. I'm sure once they're finished, it will be an amazing five star location since it's really big and has a huge selection and a coffee place.
Right now, though, things are being moved around and everything is just super difficult to find. Everything moves from the first floor to the second and back again. I know everything will be dandy once they are finished, but for now this location is just OK. Skip it and go downtown. -
Review from Sarah E.
7/23/2010 10 Check-ins Here
I spend entirely too much time here, and probably too much money. And ya know what? I. Love. It.
This Borders is fantastic for a number of reasons:
+ The people watching is unlike any other (read Gizel's review, totally true)
+ The cafe is clean, great drinks, and I swear you can hear a pin drop. Perfect for reading your fresh new book or checking e-mail.
+ You don't look creepy for sitting in said cafe for hours on end while escaping your noisy apartment.
+ Staff is really nice, and always willing to help me and keep their comments to themselves when I'm "looking for that vampire book... what's the name? I dunno it's for my little sister..." But the book is really for moi....
The only downside to this location is the staff seems spread really thin. They are always very busy and seem a little stressed, but they are great enough to not let it affect their service!
Stop by this location any time, just remember to hush in the cafe while I'm there reading my "little sister's" vampire books!Listed in: Love Thy Neighbor, Chain Gang Afficionado
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Review from Jo W.
Updated - 6/7/2009
I think it's fair to update this to 4 stars based on my experience yesterday.
I bought a GRE prep book that I never even touched. I have since canceled my GRE exam. I wanted to return the book, but couldn't find the receipt.
So I called the store and asked what their return policy is. The employee first shot me down and told me no receipt = no return, and referred to a lot of return fraud. I said I understood, asked if there was a way to look it up by the credit card I had paid with or my Borders rewards card. She got really snippy with me, told me I'd need to speak to a manager, and hung up on me. Wow. (And considering I had been calm and polite the entire time - I was asking a simple question after all - I was even more stunned that she hung up on me.)
I called back and the same employee answered. I asked to speak to a manager. She wanted to know who was calling, I told her I was a customer. She said they weren't open yet (it was 9:15am), and that no one would talk to me. The ex-retail manager in me was stunned, and I asked if her if the staff was in. She said yes. I politely asked why it was a problem to speak to someone if they're there. She got all huffy and put me on hold.
A few seconds later, Jeff the manager answered. He was SO beyond helpful and nice with my book return question, and when I gave him a heads up on the employee who answered the phone he was stunned and very apologetic. He told me my options, and told me when I came in to ask for him. When I came in later that morning, he was SO nice in person, helped me out, and apologized again for the service I received and assured me it had been addressed.
When I went back to the register a few minutes later to purchase more books, the cashier was one of the nicest I'd had there in recent memory.
I hate bad customer service - it's a pet peeve of mine - but Borders totally stepped it up when I politely brought it to their attention. Kudos to them.Listed in: For your stalking pleasure., Apparently I think I'm…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/7/2008
Hmm, I'm on the fence about you Borders. While I usually always find ways to spend my hard earned… Read more »
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Review from Kate P.
2/2/2010
Let me just put it out there, I'm not a fan of big corporate bookstores, like this one. I'd much rather support the local book sellers, however, when an author that I really admire does a reading here, I show up, buy the book and have a fantastic night none the less.
Last night Joshua Ferris was the guest of honor. He did a wonderful reading from his new book, "The Unnamed." He was really down to earth, answered all guest questions in a very humorous way and was really personable during the signing of the books.
The most funny part of the night was after the reading when I went to the bathroom, my newly signed book set off the alarm, but when I showed the attendant my receipt, I was waved on through. After narrowly escaping that incident, I didn't want to get tackled on my way out the front door for shoplifting so I had to have one of the front service people deactivate my book. Other than that, it was truly a wonderful night for an artistic activity.Listed in: Literary Fixes
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Review from Katie F.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
As much time as I spend here, I would recommend avoiding it on Saturday afternoons. This past weekend I asked for a large, custom iced tea. Every time I order it, the workers tell me "You know it will take an extra 5 minutes, right?", which is fine. I have had plenty of positive experiences there, with a lot of considerate workers, but today was not going to be one of those days.
I put in my order, and sat down. Half an hour later, I still didn't have my tea. The whole time, the three baristas were laughing, talking loudly, and generally socializing. Which is absolutely fine in my book, as long as you get the job done too. I went up to ask about my drink. The girl there didn't even pretend to look sheepish and said "oh, I think I threw out your drink ticket. Let me make you a large". Me "Uh, I already bought a large." Her: "Oh." No refund, or offered cookie, or some little sign of "I clearly didn't do my job, and I'm sorry." Maybe I expect too much? It just was an unpleasant experience. And then, when I did get my tea, they were out of cup lids. When I asked, the girl was like "Yeah, we're out." Not going to replace those either? Not a shock. -
Review from Chiara F.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2007
I stopped buying books from Borders, B&N, and other chain bookstores once http://Half.com and Amazon came around. However, I occasionally come here to skim through books and find out what new and/or popular books are out there (so I can run home and buy them online, haha).
Their cafe is great. It's very cozy (especially in winter) and their food selection is nice. I also like how their cafe employees don't kick you out if they feel that you've spent enough time sitting at one of the tables. You could sit there all day with your laptop and a hot cup of coffee on a cold winter day and they'd totally leave you alone. That is very cool. -
Review from Don W.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2008
This place is one great swinging singles spot.
If you're looking to meet Mr. or Ms. Right, don't bother cruising the bars and clubs, forget about joining a coed volleyball league, save some money and skip e-Harmony, just peruse the over-stuffed racks and bulging displays at the Borders Books on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park and you're sure to find the perfect subject to take home and cuddle up with.
Picking a classic here, though, is not a task for the timid or for the uninitiated. There's no sending over a round of JagerBombs to break the ice, no spiking the ball to show off your prowess, no photoshop to erase those fine lines.
My advice to is to begin your search wandering the many racks of magazines. It's a non-committal means of settling in and a chance to build up your courage.
Be careful where you stand and which magazines you look at. You will be judged on your choices just as you are judging everyone else based on their choices. Ladies, grab a copy of "On Our Backs" and the Grrls will love you, but the guys will assume you're not a member of their book club, although some may just think you're into the same kind of porn as they are.
Likewise, guys if you hang around the sports mags too long, you're likely to turn off every women with a brain. That would be ashame because bookstores are your chance to meet a woman of substance, a literate woman, a woman with some earning potential. Plus, you risk attracting the type of girl who writes, "I LOVE the Cubbies," in all of her dating ads and that just means she'll want to tag along when you want to go watch a game with the boys.
There are two standard ways of cruising at this place. The first requires a great deal of acting and improvising skills and is not recommended for the beginner.
Approach someone based solely on their physical attractiveness and either feign interest in whatever subject matter they're reading or quickly size them up and play into their fantasies.
For instance, let's say you see a lovely blonde in the mystery section. You can either say something like, "Oh, Agatha Christie, she's my favorite," (which by-the-way is a little weird if you're a guy) or you can do something like put your cell phone to your ear (make sure the ringer is off) and as you walk behind her say something loud enough for her to hear like, "Yes, Mr. President. I understand Mr. President. I'll get right on it, sir." Then, stop, grab any book, turn and say hello. When she asks you what you do for a living, hesitate, stumble a bit and then tell her you work for the State Department. She'll be all yours and when you don't call her for a few weeks you can tell her you were on "assignment."
The second cruising method might be more appropriate if you're into finding a long-term partner who you can spend Sunday reading with at Starbucks and not talking to.
Choose your mate by genre.
It's an easy two-step process. First, decide what qualities you're looking for in a significant other. Second, hang out in that section of the store.
Say you're into cute nerds. Climb the stairs to the second floor and take a left. You'll find a huge room filled with computer and writing books. There are a couple of benches in the middle of the room, so grab a copy of C++ and wait. Everyone who enters this room comes alone, no pun intended. It's like shooting fish in a barrel.
If you're a guy looking for the motherly-type or if you're a woman who dreams of living on Wysteria Lane, the second floor is also for you. In the middle of the main room, on the south side, is the food and cooking section. Girls, grab a copy of Rick Bayless' "Everyday Mexican." He's a Chicago chef and suitors will think you like it spicy. Guys, go for Rachel Ray's "30 Minute Meals." If anyone asks, you can say you don't have much time to cook and confess you think Rachel's kind of hot. Women love this as it shows you lead an active life and that a woman doesn't have to have a perfect body for you to be attracted to her.
Like them neurotic and/or Vegan (is there a difference?)? Check out the health and medical reference section. A word of caution: If he or she is holding a book on communicable diseases, run.
If a sense of humor is your top priority, the humor section is in the middle of the second floor's main room. Pay close attention to people's eyes here. They my be laughing on the outside, but crying on the inside.
Stay out of the kid's section. Anyone here is either a parent or a perv.
If you're not meeting anyone in the stacks, grab a book ( you don't have to pay for it) and head to the cafe. Though people here have their heads buried in books, they're really only reading body language. One glance means no, two means maybe and three glances and you'll see more action than the protagonist in a Jackie Collins novel.
Oh, and if you're married or involved...they have a lot of books here. -
Review from Janet N.
Chicago, IL
10/14/2006
This is a great location--grab a smoothie, some lunch, some ice cream, a few pairs of shoes, and a book on money management all in one trip. They almost always have the book I want, and the people at the checkout counter understand us book junkies.
And the coupons, oh those coupons! For a book lover, getting a coupon every week is like a sex-starved pervert getting a discount at the local brothel. You know it's going to end up costing you in the long run, but you just can't stop yourself from going.
So if you sign up for the rewards program, buy yourself a sturdy bookcase! (And if you're a sex-starved pervert--get yourself tested, please!) -
Review from Anni G.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2010
It seems like for a long time it was Borders versus Barnes and Noble... who would come out on top for the ultimate, steal-your-money and provide sub-par coffee Big Chain Bookstore.
According to the Lakeview/Lincoln Parkers, Borders seems to have won out (see the now-empty B&N on Diversey) - and I must say I agree.
This Borders has three levels of well-stocked bookshelves, a helpful staff, and those wonderful 30% off coupons for their FREE (take that, B&N) membership program.
But I have to take away a star for the state of the bathrooms. I get it, they're city bathrooms, they're bound to be frequented by the homeless, but they always seem dirty and smell like urine, so I won't touch 'em with a 10 foot pole. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2008
This place is my bathroom put stop more often than not...I usually buy something when I have a coupon...the people here, not overly helpful. They have a good selection though and it's easy to navigate.
My one huge beef is that I use to work in a Borders and I know what a pain the graphic novel section is...it's constantly pawed over and rarely sells. Since Borders makes it nice and convenient to reserve your book online and see if it's in stock, that way I can run in, pee, pick/pay book and leave...everytime I've requested to pick up a GN that it says they have in stock I immediately get the "sorry your selection has been sold since our last inventory update" email. And everytime I walk in there just for curiosity's sake that same day to see if it's true, it is right there...where it's suppose to be in alpha numeric order. Laziness...drives me nuts... -
Review from Saralyn L.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2007
My boyfriend works here!
Yay boyfriend! (But more important, Yay Employee Discount!) -
Review from Joon M.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2007
I like this place a lot, but the whole chaine has become more corporate, less relaxed. Since Tower Records closed down, it's my #1 place to find a variety of magazines & dvds. The foreign film selection is pretty decent.
I really wish they had left the cafe's the way they were. -
Review from Stephen R.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2008
Oh. Borders.
I love you. Never leave. You give me such an electic mix of crazy that I cannot help myself but to return to your loving Diversey/Clark/Broadway arms.
Is it the homeless loitering in your bathrooms?
Is it the fat nerds reading the graphic novels in the cafe?
Is it the snotty check out clerk who gives me stank eye when I buy a book on Sarah Palin?
All three. But I love the LGBT and periodical sections. Borders is so much better than the B&N down the block, despite their own special brand of crazy.
And I read that Sarah Palin bio, you bootleg Borders cashier. And I loved it. Don't give me the stank eye next time when I'm making a purchase. Though I have realized they've replaced the Palin biography book on the table with an anti-Palin hit piece book recently.
Ah, well. It is Chicago, after all. -
Review from Amy G.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2011
Closed for about a year
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Review from Ms T.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2007
There are a few things to understand here:
If you like books, spend a lot of money of books, you just cannot beat Amazon or a used book store. Paying half price or less for books when you are a book junkie is the ideal way to go.
Magazines are another kettle of fish:
I like to try out new magazines from time to time and Borders has a great selection of them. I'm able to browse the racks here and decide if I really want to buy a new glossy and if I like it enough to get a subscription. Also, if you can't beat looking at coffee table books on sale.
The cafe was okay a few years ago, I don't think its so hot now.
I go here often enough and find the staff friendly, and not pushy. -
Review from PJ C.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2009
This location of Borders is poorly stocked and, worse yet, has the absolute rudest, most indifferent staff.
No matter how convenient or big the store is, you can't retain customers when your employees answer any question or request with snark and rudeness.
I was a regular here for a long time, but after being treated incredibly rudely by a cashier when I attempted to return a gift, I'll never go back, and I'll tell all of my friends NOT to buy me (a big book lover who can read 2-3 titles a week) any more books at Borders. -
Review from John H.
2/23/2011
Taking advantage of their going out of business sale today, I got to stand in line behind a lady buying a book authored by Damon Wayans.
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Review from Michelle C.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2008
I used to come to this Borders a lot to study in the Seattle's Best cafe. I'd usually get there early, right when the placed opened, so I could have my choice of table. Things are quiet enough for me to get a lot done until about noonish. Then, bookstore customers with kids and random ranting bums start to arrive. So, if you need some peace and quiet to study, don't come here. Seattle's Best coffee is ok, but the food selection is really terrible. There isn't much to choose from, but I know this is improving. Now I think they stock some warm sandwiches.
On to the review for the actual bookstore. I love to find a great value. So, I'm a fan of the 3 for 2 table, though I think it has morphed into a buy 1 get one 50% off table. I also always browse through the heavily discounted CD and DVD racks. Sometimes you can find some really great items. -
Review from amy w.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2008
I really only go to this location when i have a hair appointment (aveda is across the street) or i'm shopping in the area. it's kinda far from the train station to make a trip just to peruse a borders .
with that said, their cafe has some really nice baristas. i always ask for my drink in a mug since i like to marinate with a book or a stack of magazines. my lattes and chais had the perfect amount of foam and she even stirred it. the barista has short trendy hair (maybe she works at aveda too??). -
Review from Linds R.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2008
Oooooh, Borders, my not-so-secret pleasure. I wish I was cool enough to buy all my books from local and/or used bookstores (I'm not), and I wish that I had enough self control to spend less than a paycheck whenever I stop in (I don't). The books aren't expensive, but I want to read them alllllllll.
My only gripe about this Borders and the chain book stores in general is that there is no parking except meters, and that can be hard to come by in this area especially. -
Review from Melissa M.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2009
I've been in this Borders a couple times the last couple of weeks and have varying opinions on the staff. Both times I was in, I went to the information desk downstairs. The first time a person was there and when I requested where something was, they sent me upstairs with very vague instructions on where to find what I was looking for.
The second time I went was a couple days ago and this time there wasn't anyone at the information desk so I used their self-help computer which helped tell me the book I was looking for was 'probably in the store' but didn't tell me where. Then an employee came to the desk and told me to go upstairs and to the left to find it. Not impressed.
Once upstairs, though, I was encountered by a very pro-active employee who actually came up to me when he saw the confusion on my face and asked what I needed, looked it up on his computer, and actually went to the section and helped me look for the book. WOW, they and other companies need more employees like that. -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2008
Hoo Boy. I never thought I'd be "one of those rabid adults" but here I am; I am in the childrens section, which is immediately adjacent to the Erotica/Sex section.
Explain to me what genius thought that one up?
One more reason to never bring my niece here. I personally might not object to the subject matter, but I'd really rather not have to explain some of the imagery on the adult covers to a two year old, Thanks. I think people go to prison for that.
Even though the Borders prices may in fact be cheaper, and the periodicals selection is better than those offered at nearby booksellers... it's also littered with some scary looking homeless charachters who are being glared at by whatever security person is at the door. As though Wolverine, Martha Stewart or U.K. Vogue might be shoved in pee-pee stained pants on the way out... riiiiight.
I rarely peruse, it is that uncomfortable.
Take your discount coupon, come in, fetch cheap item, pay, move out. Don't bring the kids.Listed in: Run for your Life!, Books Galore!
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Review from Miriam B.
7/18/2010
By far my favorite Borders in the city!. The staff is so nice!. Love the location!.
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Review from Tiffiny B.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2007
This is my favorite bookstore in the city. When I lived in the area, I could easily spend a few hours browsing the book, magazine and music sections of this place. There's also guranteed to be either a mentally ill homeless person talking to themself and hogging an entire cafe table and/or a wannabe hipster with their iPod volume way too high acting obnoxious by standing in the middle of the magazine aisle and singing loudly to themself. See, instant entertainment. Outside of those folks, it's total yuppieville in there. The staff is always overfriendly, but I think it's because they're all hopped up on caffeine. All that said, this Borders is about 8 times better than the Barnes & Noble down the street, even though the Barnes & Noble has cheaper prices.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Sharlene K.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2007
I don't really do the chain book stores, but this Borders involves picking people up in the gender studies section. Yay for cruising in a bookstore!
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Review from Marley F.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2006
It's ridiculous what this place charges for books when you can buy them much cheaper at used bookstores or on amazon. However, I do like going to the cafe in Borders and spending a day reading.
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Review from April P.
6/30/2010
Great music selection. Who would've thunk it? Should've been me! oh wait, i did!!!! Hello! Borders Books and MUSIC! After the disappointment from Best Buy, we headed to this location down the street and found the cd we were looking for. Priceless!
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Review from Bill M.
8/23/2005 2 photos
This big bookstore is at Clark/Broadway/Diversey and is crowded with shoppers and browsers. Get a magazine, travel book, or just a coffee if you are into that sort of thing. Sample some music while you are waiting for your friend.
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Review from Dee W.
9/25/2005
Convenient spot for traffic - sometimes, I get confused on which street to exit on when I'm inside. I always find some great bargains upstairs and they also have a great selection of books on cd or books on tape.
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Review from Arlene A.
3/30/2010
Very, very nice! The staff is really on top of things here. Everything is neat and organized. It's a pleasure to come here and browse, the selection of sports related books is not only limited to Chicago teams (yay, for the transplant). Convenient to the 22/36 and 8 buses, there's plenty in the area to justify taking the hike.
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Review from Audra S.
Las Vegas, NV
7/7/2005 1 photo
Normally, I'm more of a Barnes & Noble girl, but I found that Borders is just as satisfying a book store as any. They have a vast of selection of books as well as music, and a good cure for any rainy day blues is to grab a seat on the floor or by the windows and ready your favorite magazine. They won't even make you buy it!
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Review from a w.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2005 2 photos
This is a great Border's location. There's three floors to browse through as you enjoy your cup of coffee. The only thing I find annoying here is finding parking -- it can be tough to find meter parking and Border's won't validate for the parking structure next door!
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Review from amy k.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2006
i will admit, i browse in here and then buy elsewhere, but what i absolutely love is the way you are entirely expected, even encouraged, to read something in the cafe you have yet to purchase. this is expressed to me by the "place books to be shelved here" area they have by the trash can and whatnot. so all those expensive magazines you can't afford or the delicious celebrity gossip rags? read them for free while enjoying a coffee.
the wi-fi, unfortunately, is not free, so stick to printed media. -
Review from Carrie C.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2007
I feel like writing just about the same review for Borders and I did for Barnes and Noble. Large selection, convenient location. I like the look it up yourself computers. The discount card is a nice little bonus for a book junky. Thanks guys, I really need a enabler. The coffee shop is Seattle's Best, which I have sorely missed since Starbucks bought them out. So really it's just one more literary crack house for me.
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Review from Jessica M.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2009
Good size store, lots of variety, and good deals/bargain books. Love to come here just for a coffee! Raspberry Mocha Kiss is delish! Mwaa!
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Review from Richard D.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2005
One of my favorite hot-spots. Grab a coffee and listen to music samples or just sit in the cafe for some leisurely reading.
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Review from Jennifer H.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2011
Heads up, this place is closed now. One of the many Borders stores in the area that are now empty. Sad.
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Review from Colleen Anne F.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2011
hope this place stays open since nothing replaces the feel of a real book! staff is affable and helpful. not the best selection of non-fiction but beats the wait for delivery.
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Review from mary b.
Madison, WI
4/25/2006
i love this borders. it is conveniently located on the #22 and #36 bus lines, so it's always a temptation for me to stop in after work and pick up books i really don't need. they've always got everything i'm looking for and their cafe is good, too. just don't try to find a spot on saturdays when everyone's working there.
