Barnes & Noble

Great selection with plenty of places to sit down and read. Also has a nice cafe area.

I won't say much about the books since most people have been to a Barnes and Noble. You've got your standard bestsellers and mainstream selection, and if for some reason you ever need to special order a book, they're good about doing that for you. But I love studying in the cafe. It gets really packed on Sundays when everyone from GW and Georgetown is in there cramming for Monday, but it's far away enough for me to be an escape from campus. It's not like Saxby's, which is always full of only students from Georgetown - here there's a mix of tourists, and people who live and work in DC. Good way to get away from the "Georgetown bubble."

I actually have had dates here before in the cafe. Great first casual date idea: have your coffee in the cafe, then browse the books. If she sees something she likes, you've got your first little surprise for her right there. Boom shaka laka!

This is a good sized store with a solid selection. It's good alternative to the bookstore if/when you need it.

The best thing about the B&N is the view from the cafe window overlooking M Street on the second floor. The Starbucks seating/reading area upstairs is fairly large and overlooks M Street. However, its popularity often renders it difficult to find a seat and enjoy your coffee and magazine without being disturbed.

If you have some time on a quiet day to relax and are craving a cup of Starbucks, this can be a great retreat. Other than that...just another Barnes and Noble.