I was so excited to see Barnes and Noble back in Brea, and in the same mall that Borders was in! This location has a smaller footprint than most Barnes and Noble, but it also has a newer layout and atmosphere. I think the main difference in size comes from the album/movie section, which makes sense, as I think most people who buy a movie are going to buy the streaming version, and albums are only for a small niche group, although it's a blast from the past for me to flip through albums. I was bummed as I was looking for Toto, but they didn't have any. When we arrived, there was a good-sized line, and only one person was working. Not good. However, when we were done looking around and went to pay for our purchase, the line was gone! They had a book signing while I was there, and I felt bad for the guy because I had no idea who he was. It was for a Christmas book, and it was July, so nobody was interested, although the place wasn't that busy for a Sunday afternoon. Still, this location has most of what you expect from games, puzzles, cards, stationery, and, of course, plenty of books. There isn't a coffee place inside either, but there's one right next door, so that's pretty much covered. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Brea, California

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A nice and what I think is a new Barnes & Noble shop in the shopping plaza. I haven't seen such a nice layout for a bookstore in a very long time. I'm glad the interest in books are still a thing! They have an incredible selection of books here and much, much more. All their new selections will be up front, in their displays. Everything is very tidy and organized here. Staff will greet you as you walk in. As this location is bigger, I feel like it would take more than one visit to really see everything. They also have some cushioned seats throughout the middle of the store, which could be convenient if you want to take a read of a book that you do find. I was hoping to find their bargain book shelves, like their other locations, but didn't see one here. I like those, because often, I will find something. So, was a little sad they didn't have one here. But, lots of board games, puzzles, and also Lego sets. There's a good amount of parking, though you may have to park at a distance, depending when you are here. But definitely worth a visit! read more

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My 3 stars isn't necessarily a bad thing. What i enjoy about Barnes and Noble is going in, grabbing an interesting book or two, and sitting down at the cafe and seeing if I like the book. This location doesn't have a cafe and very limited options when it comes to being able to "lounge" while you check out some books. I understand this is a smaller than average location, but for me it just makes it less enjoyable and harder to look for new interesting finds. It's very modern inside, just missing that cozy lounge vibe that most bookstores tend to have. read more

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My daughter was so excited when this Barnes & Noble opened last fall. She loves books and frequents this store quite often. It is beautifully laid out and well-organized. The employees that we have encountered are all so friendly and seem genuinely happy to be working here. I do have to say that most of the books are less expensive on Amazon, but you can't beat the nostalgic experience of browsing through a bookstore and making purchases there. read more

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I think the layout of this place is great considering the smaller space compared to other B&Ns. Seating available in each alcove/nook, which are clearly labeled according to genre of book. Plenty of toys/games, and picture books in addition to novels and nonfiction. A decent selection of greeting cards as well. Brightly lit, clean, lots of natural lighting at the front of the store through the wall of windows. As others have mentioned, there's no cafe here but there are places to sit and browse (and a Starbucks next door if you really need a beverage or snack). Single stall all gender restrooms available for customers. Helpful staff. read more

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It's so cool to have Barnes & Noble open in this plaza--especially since there used to be a Borders here close to a decade ago. It saves me a trip from having to drive to the B&N Fullerton location. :) Barnes & Noble is what you expected but this new location seems to have all the new hits (tending books) up front, shelves by the entrance, all mixed so not by genre. There was a bigger crowd than I anticipated, or the store footage is smaller, whether from avid readers who like touching a real book (no eReaders) or the influx of holiday shoppers. Regardless, it's great to see people enjoying books. I wish there a few seats to make the area cozy. The place is very new -- not sure if I missed the "map or layout" of book genres or I still need to check out more so I can memorize the sections. One thing for sure, no discounted (or layaway) books yet. _^,^_ read more

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This is the smallest B&N I've seen. I like that it's new with modern decor, but I don't care for the layout of the store. It looks too cramped and feels like a maze navigating through the store. Most other B&N locations have an open layout where you can see the entire store upon entry. This one felt blocked as soon as I walked in. I would prefer to see more independent bookstores open up over a chain giant, but I guess it's still good that any bookstore can open new stores given the fact so many have been taken over my digital media. Parking at this center has always been bad but now it seems worse. I will just continue going to the one in Fullerton which has much better parking. read more

So excited for this new bookstore! I've been complaining for years that there are no bookstores close by and was devastated to see the one at main place go too. I walked around the day before the grand opening and the store looks so great! I especially loved the Miyazaki display in the manga section, and the gorgeous clothbound books and special editions. Staff seemed nice as well. I didn't see a customer entrance to the second floor terrace, but I'd love to know what's up there! Hopefully it's not employees only. Minus one star because there's no cafe :( read more

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We're back Finally another bookstore in the area. And it's fantastic. Maybe it's just the first day glow, but I loved the layout, vibes, and friendliness of the staff. It's has all the benefits of a Barnes and Noble, but it's also unique enough to have its own identity and feels designed for the community. It's not the biggest B&N, but the selection is well curated and they make the most of the available space. This definitely feels like the next iteration of B&N stores. read more

I liked this new Barnes & Noble! There was a wide selection of books and the service was amazing. The staff were willing to help with whatever we needed. Very good value, the quality of the books are top-notch! Very clean and modern, this is one of my favorite bookstores! read more

Barnes & Noble - Large selection of books and comfy chairs to read in - Bookstores Near Me - Brea, California

A physical Barnes & Noble (B&N) location has arrived in Brea. I remember reading about it, and then seeing the long lines on IG as customers lined up to visit the store when it first opened. Parking in this plaza is simply not the greatest, especially since they are one-way parking lanes. It is not going to get better especially since the theater was closed down and more housing will be built in the back. There are shelves and items everywhere one looks, and not much in terms of seating, of course. It is more of a "grab & go" retail store and we certainly did see many customers purchasing items. There is a selection of books, legos, etc. It seems like it's doing well, as it is just more convenient to grab something at the store than wait for an item to ship to you, especially when someone needs something in a pinch. The restroom was a bit dirty, and one needs a code to use the restroom. There is no cafe inside of the store, but there is a Starbucks 2 storefronts down to the right - and that Starbucks does not even have any seating on the inside, only a couple of tables out front, where the sun can get really bright. read more

A bookstore in Brea!!! I was so excited! Specially the nice second floor was looking promising until you find out that the nice rooftop is not for clients, that there is no coffee inside and no space to sit. The AC is never working and the books are better price in Amazon or Target. Service is not the best. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Brea, California

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I was really excited for this B&N to open! I love just the whole feel of a neighborhood bookstore. This one is brightly lit, blond wood, very well organized, spacious ...but not the vibe I was hoping for. There were less than 10 chairs to sit. No coffee (a couple doors down is the Starbucks). There was a tiny little Lego area for the kids, but no where for parents to sit and supervise their kids. Will I still come to this store? Probably...I do have a membership. I might drive to the Fullerton one instead. read more

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Great workers always sweet and helpful!!!! Great book selections got books for everyone!!! read more

Honestly, I hate to do this and I know this isn't any employees fault and this is maybe at the corporate level but this store agreed to do book signings with authors that use AI either in their book covers or also in their work I'm not sure. It kind of rubs me the wrong way that they choose to highlight an author using AI, and the cover of the book could be perceived as offensive to indigenous people. The entire atmosphere of the storage just feels cold and everything is hardwood and it just doesn't feel like Barnes & Noble used to. I'd rather just drive further to the Fullerton one TBH. read more

Barnes & Noble - The AI book Brea Barnes and Noble had an author signing for. - Bookstores Near Me - Brea, California

I had the most appalling experience today (2/20/2026) at the Brea Barnes & Nobles with an employee named Mona. I was looking forward to visiting this location today with my 2 year old. As with other locations, there are children's areas for children to play in that have both books and toys. My toddler was playing with several miniature truck toys by one of the toy stands in the children's area while I stood right next to him supervising him. He was off the side and not in the way of people. An employee named Mona kept walking past me and my child MULTIPLE times and I noticed she was glaring at us. She then stopped and snarkily told me he should just be playing with one toy at a time. I'm not a confrontational person so I ignored it, although I immediately felt extremely uncomfortable. I go above and beyond for my child to not be a nuisance in public and knew we were doing nothing wrong. She then walked past approximately 15 - 20 more times, glaring at me and my child the entire time he was playing, and at one point let out a huge angry sigh. She then quit the pretense of walking back and forth, stopped, then yelled at me in the most aggressive and hateful manner that he needed to stop and should only play with one toy at a time. I was in complete shock as I have never experienced something like this before. I told her I was going to put away the toys once he was done and she needed to back off. She continued to berate me and I finally looked squarely at her name tag and asked, "Why do you have such a problem with him playing with the toys, Mona?" Identifying her name seemed to throw her off and she immediately mumbled something completely unhinged (and obviously made up in the moment) about him getting germs. I immediately reported it to a team lead who agreed that as my child was literally playing with toys in a toy section meant for children her behavior was completely uncalled for, and that she would report it to her manger. I'm truly appalled that someone so rude and with clearly zero customer service skills was hired at this location. To be completely transparent, as an Asian American female, I also felt extremely bullied and targeted and could not help but feel this was racially motivated. I was so excited for this location to open and it's saddening that it has an employee making this an unsafe space and will definitely be sharing what happened with my community. read more

It's fantastic to have a brick and mortar bookstore in the area again. No there is no coffee shop inside, but long gone are the bookstores with cozy seating and "third space" vibes so I'm just grateful we have a Barnes & Noble again. The other reviews complaining just don't know how to embrace something when we have it! I hope this store thrives so we can continue to browse and buy books in person. read more

Love having this Barnes & Nobles in Brea. Small but has an amazing variety. Great gifts. Staff is always nice.

I stopped today and was happy to see many people interested in reading. The place is nice and big with a little of everything. As soon as you come in front and center, there is a BIG display of Michelle Obama.'s book. I am aware that Melania Trump also has a best seller book. I looked all over the store in ln search of it, but was nowhere I. Sight. Disappointed to see the lack of equal opportunities. Would you care to respond??? read more

Disappointing and boring. This is a combination of a Walden Books and a Lego store. A number of books, but nothing interesting. Need a Lego set, super easy to find. They are on display everywhere. read more

Came here for my kids obsession with Needohs. Was able to get a few. They're kept behind the register. They also have a variety of other fidgets incase you are looking for some. Their kids section is so cute. I love the size of this mini Barnes and Noble. They also carry a variety of Calico Critters. Yes, I bought a few books too but the fidgets and trinkets are the cutest here! read more

Beautiful store!!! So happy for it to be 5 minutes from my house !! Staff were so nice and friendly and the store is so clean.

a huge variety of books and well presented. customer service was also exceptional! i'm not the type to purchase books but this changed my mind. however, the wait time to purchase did take a while.. read more

Everything is brand new & well organized! The only thing missing is a Coffee & Tea Bar but there's a Starbucks in the same shopping plaza!

it's a gorgeous location and the staff here are so sweet and helpful! very clean and organized 10/10