It is seriously impressive how friendly the employees are here. It's also equally impressive how crowded the parking lot can be. (There's a meme online somewhere about the consistently tiny parking lots at Trader Joe's locations!)
I've never crunched all the numbers, but I'd guess the average price for an item at TJ's is $3-$4. It's pretty affordable, and as this location is close to campus, you can usually find many students here. In the summer and on winter break, the lines are significantly shorter!
Don't forget to grab a sample of their featured food for the day and a mini cup of coffee at the back of the store. It's so fun to sip and shop!
I love the variety of items you can find here. Not only will you find the traditional produce, dairy, meat, dry goods, and alcohol sections of a grocery store, but you're sure to find some special treat that only TJ's makes. Be it cookies, candy, snacks, or novelty breakfast items, there's always something new to try.
Here are several items I'd recommend if you're overwhelmed by all the options or if you'd like to try something new:
--Bread:
-CIABATTA loaf (airy and crunchy perfection)
-HALF-BAKED loaf (bread you finish baking at home...warm and toasty)
-PRETZEL ROLL (deliciously soft)
--Desserts:
-COFFEE ICE CREAM (the strength of this flavor packs a satisfying punch, super creamy)
-LAVA CAKES (frozen, but rich and luscious after microwaving)
-CHEESECAKE (get the assortment and love it all)
-CRISPY CRUNCHY CHOC CHIP COOKIES (these little delights are perfectly crunchy and come in a large container, and I can't ever eat less than 20 at a time)
-DUTCH KRINGL RING (found in bakery section, a beautiful wreath of pastry dough with a fantastic filling, warms up beautifully in the oven)
-GONE BANANAS (chocolate covered banana slices, a great substitute for ice cream, if you're trying to be healthy-ish)
--Coffee:
-TANZANIA small batch coffee (perfection; unique, strong flavor without being burnt or mediocre)
--Snacks:
-Sour Cream and Onion Puffs (for only $2, you get a huge bag full of airy, well-seasoned goodness, perfect for watching movies with)
-Organic Mini Peanut Butter Crackers (like a healthy version of Ritz Bits sandwiches, and the box holds more than it appears to)
--Breakfast:
-CROISSANTS (frozen, both chocolate and almond varieties, let rise on your counter and bake! Superbly flaky)
-PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS (refrigerated, available only during pumpkin season, but they're soft and come with pumpkin icing)
Eggs were $1.29/dozen...now $1.79 over the years I've lived here. Still the cheapest price I've found in Davis. Enough said.
If you have kids, be on the lookout for Davis the Duck as you shop. When they locate him, let the cashier know and they'll get a lollipop or stickers!
As this is Davis, don't forget your reusable grocery bags.
They have several mini shopping carts for your little ones to use to "help" with the shopping. Just watch your heels! read more