Barnes and Noble Cafe

I did not end up working at Starbucks today, but I'm sure you're tired of reading about k-cups for a little bit (I'm expecting a package from Green Mountain, so you're sure to hear more about the new varieties I ordered and the ordering process very soon)!! With that in mind, I decided to blog about one of my other favorite cafes. As a general rule, I love the cafes in Barnes and Noble bookstores. They have always been invigorating and relaxing for me. I cannot place exactly what it is about the atmosphere, but there is something intangible that no other cafe really has. It is my favorite indulgence to buy a book or magazine and relax in the cafe with a beverage and dessert. The Barnes and Noble cafes "proudly brew Starbucks coffee" and yet offer some unique items not available at Starbucks locations, such as the Toffee-nut latte (one of my favorites).

When I lived in the Boston area, I loved going to the huge Barnes and Noble in Kenmore Square that served as the official bookstore for Boston University (where I was going to graduate school). Now that I live in Lubbock, Texas and am working on a PhD at Texas Tech University, I can often be found at the Texas Tech Barnes and Noble bookstore cafe (usually surrounded by a mountain of work, a netbook, and a venti drink!!!).

The cafe in the Tech bookstore is more spacious than most B&N cafes. Many tables are located near power outlets and ethernet ports, though the campus wifi is also available (affiliation with University required). The food is delicious and they have a fairly wide variety, from muffins and bagels to salads, fruits, sandwiches, and desserts (plus more). Also, the lunches are amazing. For under $8 you can get a bowl of soup (You have to try their amazing Italian Wedding Soup or their fabulous Chicken Dumpling Soup, though I do have several other favorites), a grilled sourdough pretzel (I love the Asiago), and a venti latte!! This is a complete steal! If you paid full price for the latte, this makes the soup and pretzel under $2 each! It is a hidden gem in the student union because most people do not know about their combo lunches and that it is only an extra dollar to have a venti latte (some of which cost close to or over $4 a la carte) compared to a venti iced tea of coke. The atmosphere is not overly crowded and the staff are amazing!!

I've discovered that it is wise to be nice to your baristas!! Too often people are rude to them and I find that when I smile and ask how they are doing, the most common reaction is a mix of shock and gratitude that someone cared. Most of the people working there know me and help me out, like seeing me back in the line and double checking that I'm getting my usual so they can get it started or bringing my lunch to me at my table (the manager of the cafe has even taken special requests from me about what soup will be served on certain days)!!!

My take-home message about the Barnes and Noble cafe at Texas Tech is that the food is delicious and reasonably priced and the people are excellent at customer service, though their reactions to my friendliness show how under-appreciated they are! If you are at Tech, stop by the Barnes and Noble, but no matter how rushed you are please have a smile for my favorite baristas!!!