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Borders - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Food Coffee & Tea Books, Mags, Music and Video, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
120 Sunset DrSan Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 830-1190
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Borders
Review Highlights
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"...the latest books & enjoy a cup of Seattle's Best Coffee." In 5 reviews -
"...you not love a place with comfy chairs and tons of books." In 3 reviews -
"browsing books and magazines." In 7 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Aivy C.
10/18/2010
My best friend is a fan of Tucker Max's "literature", and for his birthday on Friday night, I ordered the newest title off of Amazon a couple of days prior. Unfortunately, in my rush to leave the office, I left the book on my desk about an hour away in San Jose, so I needed to find another copy of the book and fast.
Luckily this place was close in proximity to my date's house, but in the interest of not wasting time, I decided to call in first and see if they had the book in stock.
"What title are you looking for?" the friendly gal on the phone asked me.
I paused. "Um... Assholes Finish First."
I could totally picture her stifling a laugh on the other end of the line, but nonetheless they had the title in stock.
It was a little embarrassing to have to repeat the title once I got there considering I was standing directly behind some old ladies, a middle aged dad and his grade-school kid, but they were beyond efficient and professional considering the whole exchange took place in under 10 minutes (from phone call to pickup).
Located in the same complex as Whole Foods and Target. -
Review from Sun E.
Bay Area
3/10/2010
After the last experience here a few months ago,
we won't return.
Nope.
It is too bad because we used to really like this store.
That last visit...
A young-ish staffer approached me right after I walked
through the door.
Staffer had clipboard in hand and told me the store was
offering a raffle for free books.
I kindly declined to sign up for the raffle a few times over,
yet she just would not take a nice no for an answer.
Bad
Sign.
So, I gave into her pestering and signed up for one of
the many to-be-raffled books. I had a gut feeling something
was fishy. I figured I'd wait and see if my suspicions were right.
I signed up and gave wrote downmy email address. Yup.
Whadda ya know...in just a matter of days, a Borders email
bopped into my in box.
Wow...the email was to alert me that the book I'd "reserved"
was now in stock.
Hmmm...I did not RESERVE the damn book.
The staffer twisted the truth juuuuust a smidgen.
Not cool.
Lame.
During that in store visit, I browsed while the handsome man
searched for a needed book.
All I noticed was that the books sure were spendy.
I really was not happy to be there- that raffle thing pissed
me off.
I told my husband I thought the books were very over-priced.
He agreed.
We went to another store and found his needed book for
over $2 cheaper.
Yay! -
Review from Miika m.
12/10/2009 1 photo
*blinking the sleep out of my eyes.
I had to follow a certain someone out to San Ramon and while they were busy pursuing the requirements for a higher education, I was able to browse, relax, and sip away at my hot drink here.
I'm slowly yet surely being wooed by the dark side of the bookstore wars and falling in love with Borders over BN. Why? Let me state the ways:
1. Border's Membership is free. BN charges $25.
2. The more you buy at Borders, the more $ you earn. I earned $5 after being a member for only three months and happily put that toward a new book.
3. Seattle's Best is the resident in supplying the heavy-lidded with smooth caffeine. I am in love with their caramel lattes and I am witness to their lovely mint hot chocolate, which comes complete with a little chocolate wafer. Your coffee purchases also add up toward your Borders Rewards.
4. Great selection of books as well as stationery and cards.
5. Massive mailing of 30-40% off coupons to your email address.
This is a nice Borders, with attentive staff and a pretty large cafe area. Be sure to get here early if you want to utilize one of the many large comfy sofa chairs. And remember your iPod if getting cozy. I was sitting next to a table of 12 teeny boppers with the audible decibels to match. Free WiFi but no outlets were visible.
Located in a busy strip mall that also encases a Target and Whole Foods. Be prepared for the Chevron crowd across the street during the mad lunch rush. No competition when faced with the fuel driven. -
Review from Monica L.
3/19/2009
I've been spending a lot of time in this store in the past week and have been able to find pretty much everything I want here. The store is big and organized to find books easily. They also have a decent sized music section and cafe area where the drinks are pretty good.
Great location with easy parking in the same shopping center as Target. -
Review from Tam F.
11/20/2008
I don't know what it is exactly that makes me like B&N better than Border's, but I just do. I really prefer old mom and pop type bookstores and sometimes get lured in by the cheapness of books at Costco and the convenience of Target, but when I need to get something in particular and don't want to go too far from home, I end up at this Border's.
This place is fine. A little better laid out than the location in Milpitas but still not as well put together as I think it should be. Customer service is hit or miss, but I do love the coupons that come through my email just in time for the holidays.
Oh, and they have a great Twilight display which I was grateful for since daughter's 12th birthday is tomorrow! -
Review from Courtney S.
San Ramon, CA
12/28/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I did all my Christmas shopping (which wasn't much) at this Border's Books and Music in San Ramon. I love this place! Every time I go in I feel like a kid in a candy store. All the shelves stocked with books; the smell of coffee (which I hate) wafting through the air; all the manga (yes, I'm into manga). The staff are so friendly and helpful. With a store this large you'd think it would be hard finding someone to help you out. Not so, in fact, there is always someone around to help. Then, there's the friendly computer to help you find your tomes...
All-in-all you will never get me to say an unkind thing about Border's, and this one especially.Listed in: Where You'll Find Courtney
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Review from James S.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
One of the better Borders I've been to in the state, yes I state the state because i am originally from Los Angeles and the ones down there vary in staff performance, environment, stock, etc.
This place scored pretty good in all categories.
No complaints over here and if I have any studying to do while I am up here, I can see myself finding a spot than opening up a book and get some work done. -
Review from pantera w.
Danville, CA
8/9/2010
Been coming here for a couple of years. Studied for a couple of months for exams here with coffee and their outstanding apple pie.
Comfortable leather chairs for sitting while browsing through mags/books.
Nice high ceiling give it a very open feel. Great staff especially behind the coffee counter.
Good selection of books and mags. I usually have a discount voucher through their free membership. I had been a member of B&N, but let it lapse as I found it just wasn't worth the money.
Now has free wifi but it doesn't seem to connect to iPods/ pads.
Only regret is they got rid of the buffalo chicken sandwich which was legendary. -
Review from erica G.
Fremont, CA
5/15/2007
Okay, okay, you've caught me... I love this place. I mean, how could you not love a place with comfy chairs and tons of books? I could sit in the chairs and read books all day, but alas, I actually have to show up to work! There have been days where I've gone to pick up books for work and ended up sending close to 4 hours there, looking at books both appropriate and inappropriate for work... *Get your mind out of the gutter*
I love this place so much, I'm considering having the city of San Ramon lift the store by crane and drop it in my back yard.Listed in: This is My Town, Public Restrooms
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Review from jfadslk f.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2009
This is one of the better Borders I've been to, and the perfect place to go when it's a rainy day or a hot, hot summer. With its vastly large, well-organized book selection (other than not carrying certain SparkNotes items), comfortable cafe area, and good beverages and food items, I can easily spend two to three hours here without getting bored. Plus, with the Yogurtland that's coming in soon, there's more incentive to drop by.
The book prices are considerably cheaper than their rival, Barnes & Noble, and you can find coupons easily online. Though they have a large selection here at Borders, sometimes they grow short of some of the more popular books, like SAT, ACT, and AP test prep books around springtime.
The staff is always helpful, though they should hire more - there is always a shortage of staff at the Information desks whenever I am there, so I knocked off a star for that. This is definitely worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Eric S.
Berkeley, CA
7/11/2008
Used to be a regular at the cafe. It gets crowded at times with high school study groups. But the staff is friendly (though there's a high turnover), the coffee good (I only ever get black coffee...), and they seem very liberal about people hanging out for long periods of time reading books or magazines they probably won't buy. For the most part, I would usually just get a large coffee and try to work as long as my laptop batteries would hold out.
It's a shame these cafe/book stores are struggling so much. -
Review from Kat R.
Livermore, CA
Updated - 4/9/2011
We have received an official closing date. This location will be closed on April 17th at 5pm. The doors will close at 4:30pm to accommodate for the flood on that final day of sales. Everything is on sale, including book cases, some for as little as $15 a section. Once again, there are no bathrooms available, all sales are final, and only cash and credit cards are accepted.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2011
This Borders is not closed yet. I work at this location and we will probably be open until the… Read more »
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Review from Henry S.
Dublin, CA
7/28/2009
This is a great place to go after you've just stuffed your face at Whole Foods. I usually like hanging out in the periodicals section and grab a stack of magazines and sit for an hour catching up on the latest and greatest in log home designs, low riders, street trucks, world travel, guns and amo and yes....sunset magazine.
This borders has a large cafe where you can get a drink and bury your head in a book....or magazine in my case. -
Review from Larry G.
San Ramon, CA
Updated - 2/21/2011
Store Closing Sale. Calendars are $1, cards are 40% off, romance books 30% off and all other books 20% off. 20% off retail price is not much discount. I have never seen this place so crowded with so many people, and so messy too. Sad everyone is here only becuz it's closing down. Wild kids running around, books all over the floor, things turned upside down on the shelves and on the tables. Too bad Borders is closing this store. Generally a good concept to have a nice bookstore, but doomed to fail cuz it's too large of a store to support from mostly just book and magazine sales. I guess I'll have to go to B&N now to keep up on the periodicals.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2011
Across from Target on Bollinger Canyon, lots of parking out front (tight spcaes), but finding a… Read more »
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Review from Jenn T.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2006
I love big bookstores because I love getting lost in the aisles of books. I never visit the music/movie sections though, that's not why I'm in a bookstore, but I will sit down for a cup of coffee... though I'm not too excited about the Seattle's Best Coffee being served in Borders Cafes... we will see if they can change my mind. I'm still a big fan of Peet's (for brewed coffee) & Starbucks (for espresso drinks).
Anyways, this Borders is like most, except with a seemingly expanded cards and paper goods section.
Sign up for Borders Rewards, it's free! -
Review from Erin Q.
San Ramon, CA
11/28/2009
I never knew this Borders existed because I always frequented the one in Pleasanton; stoked to find one so close to home! Perhaps the push for holiday sales, but I was greeted at the door with a flyer outlining all of their sales and also another slip for free shipping from http://borders.com in case they didn't have what I wanted in store.
As I was searching for the latest book for my book club, another employee offered his assistance locating it. After finding the book I asked about a game (SET, I highly recommend it) in their flyer I coudn't find, he searched but couldn't find it either at first. A few minutes later he ran up to me with it...a 50% off sticker affixed to it! Props to Wes! The lady that checked me out was also very pleasant. My only qualm was the 25% coupon that had lured me into the store in the first place was for online use only...oh, well I guess their service made up for it this time and I will look more closely at their emails next time. -
Review from Anna I.
Castro Valley, CA
4/3/2009
Since I had some extra time, I popped over to Borders today to get my next book club book. I tried to find the book on my own, without luck. No biggie, I just go over to the information desk, right? When I get there, there are already 3 people in line, and the one person at the desk is on the phone helping someone else.
After a few minutes of waiting, I spot a computer terminal where I can look up the title and hopefully find it. I say "hopefully" because although I can find the book in the system, the store inventory check tells me it *might* be in the store. Okay?! Either it is or it isn't, what gives? But that's not the store's fault.
Fortunately I'm able to locate the book. Phew, I won't have to stand in the line for the info desk after all! But wait, there's a huge line at the registers! And there's only one person at the register! And she has a customer who requires a lot of help! Aargh!
After a good wait, she tells us that we can also pay at the cafe. So off I go. But I should have known better. At the cafe they do drinks, not books - especially not books with discount coupons. Another long wait, despite the shorter line. Finally I had enough and took off without my book. I had wasted enough precious minutes of my life that I'll never get back.
Clearly this Borders location doesn't believe in adequate staffing. And honestly, I don't mind a little wait, but 15 minutes? Whatever, I'll just take my business elsewhere. -
Review from Lea B.
Livermore, CA
7/23/2007
I've only been to this Borders a couple times, so the review is mainly for the Harry Potter book 7 release. We dropped by at 1:30 a.m. (on our way home) and found that there was still a line, but it wasn't that bad, so I hopped in line. It moved super fast, and all the employees we dealt with were helpful and hospitable, even though I'm sure it was probably one of their busiest days ever. I salute you.
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Review from Jackie R.
2/24/2009
This place is right in the same shopping center as Target and Whole Foods and near the Bishop Ranch business park. It's right off the freeway too and one of the places in the area that is open late, so star for that. Other than that the coffee is sub par here and the coffee shop area isn't inviting, very spread out and always crowded. The layout of the store is nice though and I love when we get coupons in the mail. I also enjoy reading magazines here and they do have good deals on books.
Listed in: When in San Ramon...
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Review from Scotty D.
this place is friggin huge! i love the selection of cookbooks, music and dvd's. also a great place to meet pretty cool people as well.
i went into borders last night on a mission for a dvd. i was looking for the party with peter sellers. this movie is a comedy classic and the odds of actually finding it in a store are rare. well i tried anyway and i looked in the comedy section under p but to ny dismay no luck. well i thought i would ask the information desk in case and they had 1 in stock so she took me over and she did the same thing i did and no luck. she said she was gonna find this for me and searched the entire selection of p because she knows how things can get misplaced. well within minutes she found it for me under s. i was so excited and thanked her for her help. i seriously left the store with a huge smile on my face. this is my new go to place when i want to buy my favorite movie, cd or cookbook.Listed in: I Love the Tri Valley East Bay
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Review from Dani N.
San Jose, CA
7/11/2006
The book store portion gets a 5star review but their coffee shop is sub par. The coffee is way to strong and I am unsure if their barista's know how to effectively make their coffee drinks. That isn't the real issue. They do have t-mobile wireless, which isn't bad, I can deal with that BUT I HATE and I really mean hate their cafe lay out. It was one big circle of chairs and a few tables to the side. Really what it boils down to is I sit quietly with my laptop and books while some creepy guy pulls up right next to me and leans over my shoulder the entire time. Needless to say it is uncomfortable and awful. Oh AND they do not have any electrical outlets.
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Review from Audra C.
San Ramon, CA
2/16/2011
SO SAD they are closing this store! San Ramon is sure tanking!
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Review from Darren M.
San Luis Obispo, CA
5/12/2007
I love Borders- the aisles and aisles of books, magazines, and maps beg me to stay all day. And sometimes I do stay all day long. I pore over countless books and magazines, absorbing every possible bit of information I can get my eyes on. The cafe is decent, with some ok pastries and sandwiches. I will be back to Borders!
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Review from Mrs. C M.
Brentwood, CA
12/10/2010
Staff is rude and there are no power outlets to charge your laptop.
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Review from Tianqi S.
San Ramon, CA
6/7/2007
This is a great example of a good Borders store. A+++ on how clean it is, they maintain the facility very well. The book selection is also pretty good with a nice computer search. Multiple comfy chairs allow for countless hours spent eating away at books. The aisles are also nice and wide so you can just plant yourself in one and look for books and not be afraid of blocking someone's way (I know what you're thinking and the answer is yes, i am so fat that i take up a 3ft wide aisle.) No comment on the cafe seeing as i don't really care about it. Overall, good stuff
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Review from Michael B.
San Ramon, CA
10/25/2010
A great place to browse the latest books & enjoy a cup of Seattle's Best Coffee
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Review from Diana O.
Livermore, CA
3/9/2010
It's OK, the one in Pleasanton is better, this one is laid out weird and they have some limited in store selections... Prices are what you expect, store is clean and staff is friendly, plenty of parking but crowded in front due to the surrounding stores/grocery store
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Review from Robert R.
6/7/2010
I recently bought a book to complete the collection for my son's book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I originally bought the book at the Pleasant Hill location, but I had bought the wrong one. My son already had that particular book, so I had to exchange it. I went to a BBQ in Danville, and I remembered that they had a Borders Bookstore next to Target. So armed with a Gift receipt and original receipt, my son and I went to look for the missing piece of the puzzle. Luckily we found the book and we were able to swap the book at the register. The new book was actually cheaper than the one I bought so I have received change back. The gentleman at the register was nice and we were In and out in a jiffy. I am grateful that it was no hassle to exchange the book and I wanted to commend Borders for letting me swap the book at another store. I guess that's why I am a Borders awards member!!
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Review from Christine C.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2010
I would give it 5 starts, but lately they've been closing at 10pm on weekdays when it used to be 11. My friend told me she thinks they're cutting down on costs. Other than that, I come here a lot to browse books. Staff is always very friendly and they have a good selection of books, even though I never buy them because they're too $$. That's why there's Amazon! Also they got wifi not too long ago so I'm happy with that
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Review from Sean L.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/15/2010
It's fairly new, clean, and nice. They have the Seattle's Best Coffee shop right inside, and I like it better than Starbucks. It's fairly quiet, and you have nice plush sofas you can sit on and enjoy your readings (I found out that nearby Barnes & Noble's only have hard, wooden chairs.) Prices are pretty reasonable. Come here if you're bored and want to read some books... for free!
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Review from khristienne s.
San Ramon, CA
1/5/2010
I love this place. staff are polite and helpful. has a vast variety of books. peers coffee inside the bookstore. has couches inside to sit and read. they got recommended books for you with reviews.
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Review from y y.
San Jose, CA
2/16/2011
Really sucks that they're closing this location, as it was very convenient. Used to love hitting Whole Foods and heading over for magazines. I like the Pleasanton location but this one seemed to have a slight upper hand in the magazine selection department, which I appreciated. Will miss it.
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Review from hen a.
7/13/2008
slow saturday san ramon...borders seattle's best....browsing books and magazines....grab and go...vanilla coffee blend....read of road bike...bicyling....slurp slurp of blend coffee drink.....rattling slurp sucking noise....cautious of folks around...studying or reading....self just rest, read and slurp slurp slurp again....thick cold blended drink...straw sucking noise rattling loud....sweet, cold, creamy blend...removal of lid...tap and gulp of cream...fairly difficult drink to work to finish....bookstore, comfy seating and cafe combo....best for lazy sunny daytime passing....
