B&N has changed a lot over the years but it's still ultimately a pleasant place to shop for a book. In college my friend and I would come study and drink Starbucks while curling up in the comfy leather chairs and taking advantage of the air conditioning in the warm months.
I've frequented Barnes & Noble less and less over the years but I still enjoy my annual trip to redeem the inevitable holiday gift card. The west side location is much larger and more welcoming than the east side so I make it a point to come to this location when I'm able.
I often end up asking for help finding a book, especially if it's a new release; there are several tables and end caps new books can end up. This most recent trip was no exception. There's now a large help desk along the front wall and the person I talked to was able to locate my book in a few minutes. I had walked right past it as it was on the bottom shelf of a small display in the front - my brain incorrectly assumed the books under the table would be extras of the ones up top.
My only complaint with this location is that the registers are perpetually understaffed. Whether I'm there in the middle of the day or prime shopping time on a Saturday I always have to wait in line. Every time. There have been multiple occasions where it's taken me longer to check out than to decide on my purchase. Not ideal.
That minor inconvenience aside it's a fun spot to peruse for almost any book you could want.