Trader Joe's

I appreciate the whole European market feel. I'm not a fan of those cold-war style, wide-aisled, fluorescent-lit ancient chains. At TJ's, you can start to figure out which brands are good and which...
Published by Amy C. More

I appreciate the whole European market feel. I'm not a fan of those cold-war style, wide-aisled, fluorescent-lit ancient chains. At TJ's, you can start to figure out which brands are good and which - not so much. But it's all pretty cheap, so who cares. BUT Why oh why - do these people with these carts and some gaggle of hipster-bred children think it's okay to park their carts perpendicular to the cheese so they can enjoy their sample of raspberry vinaigrette - like it's the best thing that's happened to them all day. And then they're so put out when you say "excuse me." Perhaps I should be a little more zen in life. And I will - elsewhere. Perhaps the yuppies could be a little less self-absorbed and consider that some shoppers are in a rush at the grocery store.
Published by Amy C. Less

Trader Joe's is rather small for a grocery store but it has heart and depth. The focus here is on fresh healthy products for a cheap price. The alcohol section here is known for its great...
Published by M G. More

Trader Joe's is rather small for a grocery store but it has heart and depth. The focus here is on fresh healthy products for a cheap price. The alcohol section here is known for its great selection and discount prices. Fruits and vegetable are not as appealing though because most are wrapped and sometimes look very beaten up. The deli and freezer section contain a selection that includes German ham, Irish butter, and Mochi ice cream. While some household products are available, this store focuses mainly on food. Service is very helpful and efficient but it can be difficult to shop here because invariably I need something that they don't carry.
Published by M G. Less

I gave it 4 stars because it's got some stuff you just can't get elsewhere: organic meat and chicken for regular-people prices, nuts and cheeses and jams for a fraction of what you pay at the Food...
Published by Iris F. More

I gave it 4 stars because it's got some stuff you just can't get elsewhere: organic meat and chicken for regular-people prices, nuts and cheeses and jams for a fraction of what you pay at the Food Temple (Whole Foods). And some nifty stuff that's just unique, like the nut flours and simmer sauces. Also wine at the best prices in town. Service is caring and cheerful, and they don't make you carry membership cards, which I give them points for . And the free hot coffee and samples can perk up your after-work shopping experience. I haven't liked their house brands of most prepared-type foods, though. For example, frozen stuff: I've actually thrown away their burritos and tamales, because they just tasted kind of boring and blurry. And their house brand cookies would be ok to bring for a scout troop snack, but not what you'd want to serve if you had friends over for a really nice tea. The house brands are just blah, so don't put your expectations too high. Produce is more expensive and worse than Safeway, and you have to buy their little plastic packages of it. And their parking lots are in the running for the worst-engineered in the city.
Published by Iris F. Less

Even back in the late nineties this place had the latest organic, natural, health food. And now, since it does a good job of following the trends, it has more selection than ever. Sometimes it...
Published by Becca C. More

Even back in the late nineties this place had the latest organic, natural, health food. And now, since it does a good job of following the trends, it has more selection than ever. Sometimes it doesn't have everything I need, but most times I am completely satisfied. I love the attitude of the employees and the great food. They take things out of circulation if they start to decline in quality. THAT'S good business. Their buyers taste EVERYTHING so most, if not all, products are good. And affordable delicious food is a godsend for those with simpler budgets.
Published by Becca C. Less

For the not-so-affluent, Trader Joes offers bottles of wine for $3, that are actually better than some offered at triple the price, cereals and chips that undercut the prices of "health stores" and...
Published by Ball-Romney D. More

For the not-so-affluent, Trader Joes offers bottles of wine for $3, that are actually better than some offered at triple the price, cereals and chips that undercut the prices of "health stores" and lots of things that make cooking well rounded meals easy. It's probably the best place for many university students to shop because of this. They have lots of prepackaged foods as well, but again, more interesting and less expensive than the fare of regular grocery stores. I'm often surprised by what they have that I would like!
Published by Ball-Romney D. Less

Alright, I know some of these titles are getting kind of lame. I just can't help it. Back to the point, Trader Joe's is a great place to go grocery shopping. I think of it like Whole Foods goes...
Published by Amy T. More

Alright, I know some of these titles are getting kind of lame. I just can't help it. Back to the point, Trader Joe's is a great place to go grocery shopping. I think of it like Whole Foods goes cheaper. I like to go there, but usually find that I need to go to Safeway to pick up the rest of the supplies for the week. My favorite buys there are Cliff and Luna bars (which are usually about a buck each), their premade salads which are great for taking to lunch (the Chinese chicken is a fav) and Trader Ming Soyaki (sounds stupid but is REALLY good--try mixing it into a turkey burger, and you almost forget you're eating just turkey). There is a small parking lot attached to the one in the U-district. Sometimes it gets pretty busy, and you made need to wait, but at least its available.
Published by Amy T. Less

I love Trader Joe's, they have interesting new foods to try out and a generally fun store to shop around in. The prices are reasonable and the employees are always very nice.......my only contention...
Published by shannon k. More

I love Trader Joe's, they have interesting new foods to try out and a generally fun store to shop around in. The prices are reasonable and the employees are always very nice.......my only contention is their parking lots! I do not drive a large car and it still takes manuvering to avoid hitting a cement post. I say enjoy the shopping but park on the street.
Published by shannon k. Less