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Borders - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Books, Mags, Music and Video [Edit]
200 King St(between 3rd St & 4th St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 357-9931
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jonny S. said: "Smack dab in the center of Haight-Ashbury, Amoeba Music is an absolute institution in the Bay Area. It is a HUGE music store: A place where you can get lost for hours on end. I certainly do. Obviously, they have every conceivable new…" read more »
89 reviews for Borders
Review Highlights
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"There's a Seattle's Best Coffee shop on the Townsend side..." In 9 reviews -
"The travel section was definitely impressive." In 3 reviews -
"Otherwise, this is my favorite Borders Cafe." In 18 reviews
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89 reviews in English
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Review from Luis C.
10/10/2010
CLOSING. Last day will be Saturday October 16th. It was never as popular as the bookstore near Union Square. But it had a nice Seattle's Best cafe inside and pleasant customer service.
It's gonna be replaced by an upscale bowling alley chain to open in mid-2011: Lucky Strike Lanes (http://www.bowlluckyst...) Its first northern CA location. I think it'll be very popular for corporate events. And maybe a future YEE.
It was not the bookstore's decision to leave, the building mgmt decided not to renew their lease. I'm glad that I don't live in that building since apparently residents and retailers have to endure unnecessary drama. http://www.socketsite....Listed in: CLOSED, out of business,…
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Review from Fannie S.
10/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My cheapskate ass says, get yo ass to Borders for their 40-60% off on items. Granted, it's mostly 40% off on books and DVDs, fixtures are 50% off and some miscellany are 60% off.
I'd stick with getting some books. Their DVDs were overpriced to begin with, and even with the 'discount' it's not much of a bargain.
Their stationery, or rather what is left of it, and postcards and greeting cards are worth a gander too.
The layout of this store always bothered me, and it's only worse with its impending closing.
Staff = friendly enough, but let's be honest, the place is closing, so morale is pretty low too.
According to the signs posted on their doors, today, only TEN days left.... -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2008
A part of me is bitter that I have to pay 10 dollars just to use internet here, but a part of me is running around in circles, with sheer excitement, that I've been so productive tonight.
I've been going to Borders since middle school. It's one of the few places that used to make my family mellow. We'd go our separate ways. Find our special aisles. And just sit and read.
I especially love that places like Borders could care less if you lie sprawled in their aisles for hours with some self-help book, or take huge stacks of magazines to their cafe area, and end up walking out - having bought nothing.
I appreciate that.
Of course I always end buying AT LEAST SOMETHING here, but I love that I can really take the time to browse and explore Border's aisles, without feeling watched or pressured.Listed in: Bookstores. So what's up.
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Review from David D.
Updated - 9/23/2008
I dropped by to pick up a copy of "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz, because my new company's core values were based on it. The store had a half dozen copies in stock, and for $14.05 I walked away with mine.
That Borders Reward Card appeared to be a heavy promotion attached to a skimpy 3% discount, assuming a large volume of purchases (a $5 reward for every $150 in purchases).Listed in: Mission Bay
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2008
SOMA is a hotbed of technical innovation.
While I have been sequestered in the financial services… Read more »
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Review from Adam X.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2008
I haven't found this kind of service in many retail establishments. It (with a grain of salt please) compares to... Nordies, Gary Danko, the Clift, Whatever; simply because I truly believe the people here would do just about anything to make sure I was happy. And you know what's really cool, they're wearing ripped t-shirts instead of formal attire and the service is just as good!!!
Awesome store, Awesome service. -
Review from Sooj O.
New York, NY
12/5/2007
Sigh. Serious readers don't believe me when I say that back in the days Borders used to be a very serious good bookstore (this soooo makes me sound like an old fogey).
And you can still see the remanants of the chain that once was. For instance, I stumbled across David Perkins' History of Modern Poetry and also noted that Helen Vendler has a new book on Yeats. Yet, their poetry section was seriously lacking compared to five years ago when I could go to a Borders poetry section and spend three hours facing a wall of poetry books, many of which were not available at other stores, particularly Barnes & Nobles. They didn't have Transtromer, or Christian Ingerson.
Then, I went to the fiction section (you have to understand: bookshopping is a very serious venture for me...it literally takes me hours. Unfortunately, I was a bit tired as I had spent three hours the previous evening at the Union Square Borders, initially going in to look for a book for work which I couldn't find and then gettting drawn in to various different sections of the store, so I only spent two hours at the SOMA Borders tonight). I had to shake my head. Their Henry James and Balzac selections are seriously lacking. And how could they not stock all the W.G. Sebalds and Roberto Bolanos?
What happened to the Borders I used to know and love? I used to spend hours looking through university press books across numerous sections: politics, philosophy, poetry, translated fiction, art, architecture. And now, it's like a slightly more serious Barnes & Noble. Granted, their Ancient Greek and Latin section is still the best and they still have a good philosophy section. But it's a shell of what it used to be.
I rue the day that bookstores decided to carry chocolate and gift items (I saw the most ridiculous miniature bathroom sink that was ostensibly a paperclip holder). If I want cheap chocolate and ridiculous novelty items, I will go to Walgreens, thank you. I am at a bookstore because I want books.
Borders: you are not what you used to be, not in the least.Listed in: Bookstores SF
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Review from LADI DA A.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2007
Borders...
Thanks for allowing tons of folks from the nearby school sit at your cafe and take up seats for hours and hours.
I know, we never really bought any reading material. I tried to make up for it by buying tons of hot chocolate and pastries.
I will remember to shop at your location when I need calendars and books. You are a cool bookstore. Thank you. =) -
Review from Katie Anne N.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2010
This is a nice location. Right next to Safeway. Convenient parking (during the day). This Borders is ginormous. Dual level. Hard to find the sections though. A bit scattered. BF and I went here to find travel books on our next vacation to Japan. The travel section was definitely impressive. You could find about 15 books on each country/destination. Including a section on maps as well. I told my BF to close his eyes and point to a section and that would be our next trip!
Also check out the "employee recommended" section. Lots of interested choices and most are all great reads. -
Review from Aspasia s.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2006
Although my preferences in bookstores remain towards the cozy divey boutique nooks such as City Lights, Green Apple and the many rustic bookstores in Berkeley, Borders is my favorite in generic new books shopping. It's like the Safeway for books.
This location is conveniently near my home, easy parking and has a nice huge space; though I was disoriented for a while in trying to fathom their system of organization by genre. I enjoyed the smell of new books, it reminded me of back-to-school shopping when I was a kid. The smell of new books gives me a sense of cleansing, renewal, a glimmer of hope and possibilities of Ace'ing myself into the next school year.
I liked their summer books section which seemed to be curated tastefully, catering to a wide range of readers from intellectual to shallow easy reading, to the classics.
I dropped by in search for a single book (Singularity by Kurzweil) and left with over $50 dollars worth of books. Fashion, books and high tech stores are dangerous addictions that can dent your "books".Listed in: food for the intellect
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Review from Eric W.
2/20/2007
I'll give Borders four stars for the following reasons:
1. Close to the highway (the last stop, as a matter of fact)
2. Open late
3. Plenty of free, safe parking
4. Restrooms unlocked
Because of all of these, this Borders is my usual pitstop before hitting the clubs downtown. Also, at Hot Import Nights, it really saved me from having to use the horrid port-o-potties.
When I worked briefly helping the sales staff at the Beacon condos next door, I would often drop by here during lunch or after work to read magazines. As far as the selection of literature here compared to other stores... ha! Eric, picking up a book? That'll be the day.
Does anyone remember the episode of the Simpsons when Mrs. Crabapple was calculating grades, and a pleading Bart mentioned, "Before handing out grades, Mrs. Crabapple, I want you to know that I'm returning my books in perfect condition... some with the original plastic wrapper still on it!" Yes, sir. That was me. I haven't honestly read a book since the 6th grade. -
Review from Jen D.
3/7/2008
I have always been a B&N person... Coming to this Borders was probably the 2nd or 3rd time in my life...
This location is large, but still seems to be lacking... TERRIBLE Asian-American Studies section...
Friendly staff... Cafe in the back... Lots of comfy chairs around the store to relax and read... -
Review from Kim G.
Falls Church, VA
8/16/2006
Thank you for being there for me Borders, through the good times and the bad, when I was studying all my life. Long ago, I fell in love with a barista in Tysons but now those days are gone (they moved to a less intimate location) and I have you on King St in SF., constantly giving me parking spots night and day, and only one ticket when it was hailing outside-was hell freezing over then? I've consumed your coffee, your books, your stationary and magazines, and you never complained when I didn't buy anything to give you something back in return. Nor have you resented me for going to Amici's around the corner if I happen to get bored with your goodies, and bringing in outside food. Sometimes you even let me sit at the big round tall table to focus and people watch simultaneously.
you rock my literary world,
Lil Kim
p.s. Validation for the garage with a purchase of $30 of books or $5 @ Safeway -
Review from Tyler W.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2007
Aside from the crack head who caused a ruckus, this is a great place to meet someone and "talk shop" - be careful though, people with press ears abound :)
The Chai Latte here is much better than it's bastardized Starbuck's cousin. The staff was a little rude, but my belief is that it was inadvertent as they were very nice except for one comment.
I would go back, although I'm not a big fan of the location. -
Review from Charlene E.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2006
I like this Borders for one, no make it two main reasons: First, the cafe has its own separate entrance - doing away with the necessity of walking thru the bookshop. Second, the staff at the cafe remember my flipping drink order!!!!
I loves me some Borders. -
Review from Hooria T.
10/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I love Borders and am sad to see that this store is closing. It's a huge store and in a great location across from AT&T park. Since they're going otu of business, they've been featuring 40-50% off pretty much everything in the store for about a month now.
You can get some of the same books as other Border stores for half off at this location! What a deal! The quantities and selection are a bit limited now since people have picked through most of the inventory, nevertheless, it's still worth a stop if you're in the market for a particular book, DVD, or CD.
They will be closing doors in the next few weeks so hurry on in! -
Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2007
Sometimes I confuse Borders with a sit-in, because I've never seen so many people on the floor.
I suppose that most stores try to discourage this behavior by not having chairs, the theory being that if chairs are around, people will sit down and read it there. Speaking personally, I'd say that Border's is much more pleasant than my apartment, and I'd rather read a book there. It has all the benefits of the SF public library system without the bums bathing in the bathroom and surfing porn on the computers. And there's pleasant music. It's pleasant.
The coffee is horrible. "Seattle's Best" Best what? It tastes like muddy water steeped in battery acid. I think that the worse the coffee, the more they have to doctor it with chocolate or sugar or caramel or cocaine. I have no idea why they dropped Java City for that crap. The only time I got coffee there, though, I observed the following dialogue, which in many ways redeemed this coffee kiosk:
"Customer" (I use quotes becuase this guy had no intention of buying anything:
"Can I trade these 30 pennies for a quarter and a nickel."
Counter Person:
"What makes you think we do that here?"
OMG that was the best diss ever. I really had to stifle a laugh there. Also it's not good to laugh at libraries. And don't get me started on people talking on cell phones at Borders.
When I buy books I usually buy them here, because I feel so guilty about reading things all the time and not buying them. They are usually clean and good-smelling. One time I tried to return a language CD there and the reluctant-to-accept-returns manager said, "Why do you need to learn Urdu?" In my mind I had to agree, which is why I still wanted my money back, you dick.
I also like it because authors don't seem to give readings there very often. I hate authors' readings. IT'S A BOOK - shut up and let US read it. Authors' readings bore me to death. Leave the book tours to pity-us-and-give-us-your-business indepenent (read: we don't pay our employees anything, but stay in business by taking advantage of their and your good intentions) bookstores. Gimmie corporate chains anyday where you can use the bathroom, browse for hours, and be left alone. -
Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
1/20/2008
This is one of my favorite Borders stores as it's so close to the CalTrain station. Whenever I needed a book I'd get off the #10 Muni a few stops early and walk to the store. One block later I'm hoping on the train with my books.
I also like the San Mateo store. -
Review from Denise M.
3/24/2008
Books are so expensive nowadays. I find them much cheaper online. I live near this Borders store. While I rarely buy books from the stores anymore, there's still nothing like actually having the book in your hand - reading the back cover to see if the short description is enough to grab your interest.
This store is small, but it still has a nice selection. Comfy chairs (that are usually occupied) are dotted throughout the store. There's a Seattle's Best Coffee shop on the Townsend side of the store. Good mochas.
Honestly, the only reason I go is because it's here. I buy from online sources - but when I have had to buy from the store, the service has been friendly, and I always find what I need. If you sign up for their book buyers membership, you get some really good coupons via email. -
Review from Arissa C.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2007
This is one of my favorite bookstores- Its close to Philz and my haven from the mad cattle rush when Giants game lets out.
There's always a bargain for books and DVD's or just listen to the wide selection of music. Moleskine notebooks here 14.99- I've seen them go as high as 21.00 ! Other bargains include $1.00 cards- at least the last time I was there!!! Wonderful selection of stationery as well :-)
I do like the lounging chairs and the step stools dispersed around each corner and reading is highly acceptable here. I often find UN-RETURNED books on tables- it would be nice for people to bring them back where they found them...
PS- I still havent gotten any coupons in my email yet- but its suppose to be 30% off on new releases... -
Review from Amanda H.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2005
I can seriously spend all evening here as a home away from home...Or just to remind me that there is more to life than going to restaurants, clubs, or bars.
I found some amazing gifts for people here last night and I recommmend buying the gift wrap sheets instead of using their free one's.
I guess my favorite thing to do here is brouse until I find that one intriguing find that I can later give to all my friend's as a 'must read.' Oh, and you can always bump into me in the travel section. :) -
Review from imelda j.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2008
I totally forget this place is 2 blocks from my work!
I remember last year I hit up this place so many times in a month I'm sure the employees wondered why I didn't get everything all at once instead of going in every other day!
There were a couple birthdays during the same month and I came to buy some gifts and/or cards. And when I couldn't figure out a good gift, I'd just buy a gift card for them.
It's nice to have a decent book store that has a wide selection to choose from in case you're waiting for your train to go home or want to pick up a book during your lunch. Or else, you'd have to resort to going to pick up a magazine at Walgreens or some magazine inside the Caltrain station. Ugh.
The employees are always helpful (A former coworker of mine actually works here so it's all good) if you look lost. It's spacious so you don't feel crammed like the Borders on Post on Union Square. There's spots to sit and when I've gone in, it's fairly quiet and empty which is good if you're looking to read the first few pages of a book or not feel like you're climbing over folks when walking through the aisles.
Great place to go if you need to buy a new dvd to watch tonight, a book for your ride home on Caltrain or Muni or to buy a last minute gift for that person who you just realized has a birthday tomorrow. How could you go wrong with getting a gift card at Borders??
4 stars!Listed in: Places that keep me going in…
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Review from Caroline E.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2007
Oh, Green Apple Books, baby, no, don't be mad. This totally isn't what you're thinking. I know what this must look like, but you've got it all wrong. Me and Borders, that was totally just a one time thing. C'mon, sheeeit. It's not serious, baby, you've got to believe me. Borders was a cheap fling --- an empty thrill. We were just lonely and desperate, and we reached out for each other in a weak late-night moment of irresponsibility and abandon. I don't love Borders; hell, I don't even really know Borders. Not like I know you. It's over with Borders, sweetheart. I promise. You know I love you, Green Apple, right? You know that you and me are forever, baby.
(Yeah, Borders, honey, I had a really great time. You were *just* what I needed. Let's do it again one of these nights after work. I'll give you a call...) -
Review from Natasha S.
Washington, DC
7/26/2010
Love love love this Borders!
The border's cafe is good. The book selection is good. The store is clean and easy to navigate. The employees are super nice and helpful.
A winner in my book. -
Review from Miriam W.
5/29/2006
I'm not sure what they put in the kool-aid here, but the employees are some of the friendliest around. The first one I encountered cheerfully showed me to the baking section and recommended several titles on our walk there. The next one helped me find my top choice (it had somehow eluded me on my initial search) and then told me that since I had an interest in food I might like to know that they hold cooking demonstrations at the store.
When was the last time you managed to get one, let alone two, bookstore employees interested in your personal biblio-quest?
The selection here's huge. I can't find a single reason not to return! -
Review from Jessica d.
Sausalito, CA
11/10/2006
I walk by here all the time and probably stop in once a month. Their CD prices are a little high and they don't have an extraordinary collection... but it IS a bookstore, so no points off for that. The cafe's awright. Saw a dude rolling joints in one of the armchairs by the window yesterday.
Oh - the books? Yeah, they have em.Listed in: My Old Hood
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Review from H K.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2010
It is too bad that this Borders is closing soon, sometime in October per store clerk when I inquired recently. It makes a good hangout place before and after a Giants game.
That means there is a closing sale. A couple weeks ago I got a DVD box set at 40 percent off. I will see if the discount amount has changed tonight before attending the ballgame. -
Review from Jessica D.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2006
Gi-normous store. A lot of space and some of it is filled with various periodicals, books and book accessories (think book-lites, etc.). The coffee shop inside of the store is a nice spot to chill and mull over some literary works while doing a bit of people watching between pages.
When it comes to a huge retail chain of booksellers I prefer Borders over Barnes & Nobel but I still would rather go to a kick-ass place like Green Apple in the Richmond and get exactly what I want from people who read the books they sell. -
Review from Green Y.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2009
They lose two stars, here is why:
1. I was once there with two friends, and two toddlers. There was an "I thought she was with you" "No, I thought she was with YOU" moment between my two friends regarding one of their toddlers, and immediately the three of us split up to comb the store for the runaway baby. I got to the front of the store, saw, an employee standing near the doors and said "A baby is missing, can you please lock the doors?" He stood there and just stared at me. BORDERS HAS A CHILDREN'S SECTION! That means all employees should DEFINITELY know what to do if they are alerted that a kid is missing. His lack of help was horrifying. (We found the kid on our own.)
2. I've been going to this Borders for the last five years. The bathrooms have always been FILTHY. Horrifyingly disgusting. I've gone into Borders during the week, weekend, morning, evening, afternoon, all different times. But the bathrooms are always in need of a major cleanup. Earlier this week I stopped in to wash my hands and seriously, it looked like someone had birthed a baby on the floor with all the blood stains in the stall. The rest of the store is so clean, it's a shame they can't keep their bathrooms the same way. -
Review from Dave L.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2008
I've always loved books. Nothing like browsing a bookstore and finding some hidden gem. Used to go to the public library but the gems there usually had something disgusting on it. Now I go to the new version of the public library and buy interesting books on the web. Used to like getting that instant fix when you bought something in a store but the only thing I've ever bought in this Borders is coffee. I guess that's my library fee because I tend to go to the travel section often and skim the travel books to my next destination. Too bad they don't have a better coffee shop or I'd end up there more often.
For an in-city bookstore, I really like this Borders. But compared to some of the bookstores in suburbia, it's not as inviting and cozy. The Barnes and Nobles on Stevens Creek makes me just want to grab a book, sit down and enjoy. This one is alittle more utilitarian.
PS. The real public library branch down the street has absolutely nothing of interest in it. -
Review from Matt G.
6/21/2006
This Borders @ Mission Bay is a great location. Although this store is slightly smaller than Union Square. It is a nice,cozy store.
The staff is more friendly, helpful and entertaining at this location.
When I grew up, Mission Bay had nothing. Now they have a new Ballpark,safeway,borders and more busineses on the way. Mission Bay was ghost neighborhood. Now it looks like the idea neighborhood
With the new public library opening in July, how it affects the loyal Borders' customers. -
Review from Autumn K.
5/19/2010
I'm here a lot. Like: a lot a lot. It's close to my house, they've got a ton of things I want, and this reading thing is really awesome once you get the hang of it.
They always have what I want and when they don't, they order it for me in-store, pay for shipping, and it magically appears at my house within days. Magic!
Dear nice sales associate who ordered "The Wonderful Happens" for me the other day: You were incredibly helpful and made this loyal customer feel very well taken care of. You deserve a raise. And Employee of the Month. Tell your boss that. In fact, have him/her call me and I'll tell them. -
Review from Lulu B.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2006
This Borders location is great! It never seems crowded, well stocked, and quiet. I could hang out in here hung over or looking for some soul searching in the middle of my hectic work day. The staff always friendly and engage in interesting conversations. I appreciate hardwork and good service wether it is a chain store or an independent store.
Books, music, coffe, stationary, and periodicals in one! Leave me here all day! -
Review from Johnny O.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2007
If someone told me ten years ago there would one day be a Border's here...or for that matter furniture stores selling $7000 sofas, I would have thought they were smoking something. Something they probably purchased at the exact same corner where Border's now sits. Borders Corporate, if you're listening, thanks for coming to the neighborhood and classing it up!!!
More book and furniture stores, less liquor and check-cashing stores is always a good sign. -
Review from Dan H.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/24/2007
When I worked at Mission/Spear I would walk to and from the Caltrain station, and on the TO leg I would invariably have to kill some time once I got there. Turns out, the Caltrain station is not right in the middle of "happnin' SF."
I believe this Border's may have saved my sanity more than once.
I had sort of heard of Moleskine notebooks, and this store happened to have a large selection of them... now I do as well.
I also have several O'Reilly pocket books, since they're reasonably cheap and they provided some diversion for when I was sharp enough to miss the 8:25p train. (Whoever put that train schedule together...)
My favorite things were the decent coffee area, the trouble-free use of restrooms [an order of magnitude better than the Caltrain station, 2 orders better than on the train], and the build-up of points on my Borders card from all of these waiting-for-the-next-train purchases.
I never got hassled for just wandering around the place obviously killing time, and I think every employee I ever had to deal with was completely pleasant. If their schedule tracked the Caltrain schedule I would give them 5 stars for being there EVERY time I needed them. -
Review from Romy I.
Oakland, CA
3/31/2010
Borders is the lesser of evils in terms of megabookstores, but wouldn't you rather be going to a real bookstore? even the library, right?
FAIL
- The employees aren't allowed any choice in the book ordering selections or even how to order the books in any section despite input from customers. I asked one guy at one branch why it was impossible to find a book on one sport and he said that that's the way it is.
- total FAIL: corporate PPT declaring that employees need to recite canned scripts and bug me about joining "buying clubs" or accruing "points" It's not sales if it's a script. that's also why REI sucks.
- no matter how nice the store is, the cafe employees always look bedraggled, beaten down and jaded. something amiss is going on. could you please give them a little more control with the food selection or something?
great points:
- they stock the weirder magazines at the larger branches
- whichever MBA is involved in their youth manga marketing should be given gold stars. I avoid buying comics at Borders if there's a real comic book shop nearby, so I never do buy any at Borders, but they have a damn good selection. There are grateful teenagers out there in little towns that would otherwise be forced to read the Da Vinci code. wonderful!
- nice, convenient place to get wifi when you're stranded in the suburbs
- they're canadian! -
Review from Mark L.
Mountain View, CA
12/8/2005
Till something Else happens around the neighborhood, Borders has it covered so far as book & recording culture goes. It is hard to imagine who else might move in to compete with the territory, so perhaps they had it locked up, so far as new books go, til the new Mission Bay Branch Library opened...
I am not at all displeased (myself) with the magazine selection - in fact they have a considerable selection of music magazines on hand. For those who do like to listen as they shop they do have the options referred to by the Yelper above. And so far as books go, well, it is nice to have a place like this down in this neighborhood, since it is a Very large selection of new titles and quite a lot of the things which might be on Someone's GIft List. and having the coffeeshop there doesn't hurt the friendly factor any, either. -
Review from Maia B.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2007
This is mostly a review for the Cafe.
3 stars for a boring, soulless coffee-chain cafe. As big coffee-chain's go though, I have to admit that Seattle's Best Coffee is my favorite. I've found their coffee to be much more smoothly roasted and much less "burnt" tasting than Starbucks. As another yelper mentioned, better chai as well.
More plusses are the big windows, relatively comfy chairs, for-here cups, separate cafe entrance, and general lack of annoying music. There is an occasion asshole with a cell phone, but the atmosphere is mostly very quiet. Also, I enjoy the old-fashioned activities that are popular here: reading newspapers, writing letters, doing crosswords, and studying textbooks. In fact, I appear to be the only person here on a laptop.
Why only 3 stars then? Borders Cafe is lacking 3 important components to a good cafe: free wifi, personality, and fresh baked food. I can't rate it higher without these. -
Review from Darrin G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/15/2008
I don't really like Borders, but when I go there I pretty much only go to this one. I got a physics book + a magazine for only $15.00, I love when they have remainders, cause they're usually something I'd actually want to read.
I wonder how much longer book stores will be around? I don't really buy books, nor do I know anybody who does- to make a long story short they're antiquated, and the Internet is much more efficient anyways.
And, I browsed through the new Madonna book written by her brother- she must feel so betrayed. Who dare speaks about your madgesty?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2008
I like to go in and read the magazines. I've never bought anything here.
I feel really bad for the… Read more »
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Review from AccioSoyMilk ..
Richland, MS
7/18/2008
Like everything else around here, it feels much smaller. I've come here a couple of times to escape the crowd/heat/some relaxation time. The selection feels a little less varied, but there are many chairs to lounge in. I imagine during non-baseball season it's probably a great place to chill on a rainy Saturday or Sunday if you want some peace and quiet. You can see if you can find that book that the Mission Bay library might not have or the book you really want to buy after reading it.
The cafe seems pretty small and doesn't have much selection. The employees did not greet me, but I didn't want to buy anything from them anyway. I hope Borders is not bought out by Barnes and Noble! -
Review from Po L.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2007
Great Cafe, Great Location & Good Selection
Every time I've been to the cafe, which is a lot, I've found a table to spread out and crank out work. You can also find outlets to power your techie heart. The cafe provides sustenance with a smile and free samples of drinks and pastries (more so during the holidays).
Try not to get tempted by McDonald blaring at you through the huge windows. If you do find yourself hypnotized by the golden arches just do yourself a favor and bring some tape. That way you can save yourself some steps of eating the Big Mac and just tape it to your ass as that's where it's going anyway.
The book store is a good size with a selection to match. The knowledgeable staff is friendly and always able and ready to guide me to my selection(s).
