This place in this trying time has got it correct. From the slight wait lines in front of the store to the care they take to make sure everything is cleaned before you use it. add that and some of the fully stocked shelves and you have a combo others should aspire to be like. Trader Joes thanks for doing it correct and being a great example... read more

My favorite location in Santa Cruz County. The staff is always friendly, helpful and you can tell them enjoy the work environment. Best time to come is early morning or late evening. If you come Sunday late evening you might not find some items until midweek when they restock. read more

Love this trader joes. All of the staff are very friendly and helpful and always in a good mood. The shelves are always stocked. Favorite place to shop they have everything you need. read more

An awesome store! Most of the food there is organic and is super healthy! It is more on the expensive side but I wouldn't say by a lot. I come here almost every week! I would definitely recommend this store! read more

I popped a Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup into my mouth, and let it sit there to soften -- as one does -- then chewed into it without a thought. Then I noticed something wrong. Why is there something chewy in my soft peanut butter cup? I started gagging, as I realized there was a fibrous, unidentifiable THING stuck in my back teeth, bridging the roof of my mouth, mixed up in a sticky sludge of melted chocolate. I ran to the sink to pry it out, spit it into my hand, and washed it off. What emerged was a large, tangled piece of paper or sacking. Some bit of rubbish lying around the factory had ended up stuffed into my peanut butter cup where the peanut butter should have been. When flattened out, it is more than three inches by two. I contacted Trader Joe's online, but received no direct response (or apology) from them, as they immediately turned the matter over to their supplier, ConAgra. ConAgra demanded several times that I phone them rather than discuss the matter in e-mail, which I refused to do because I know they want to avoid a written record of the food adulteration. It took many e-mail exchanges for me to get an assurance I would be refunded. Have you ever wondered why TJ's has such a generous return policy? I could have taken the adulterated food back to Trader Joe's and gotten a refund there, but they would have taken the evidence and binned it. They don't want customers to pursue complaints beyond the store. What TJ customers need to know is that TJ's takes no responsibility for their store-label goods. Most of their food is supplied by ConAgra. So ignore the folksy, pirate-themed, "natural food" atmosphere of the stores, and be aware of who really fills all those packages. This isn't my only experience with bad food from TJ's. At Christmastime I suffered through a case of "food-borne illness" (the official name for food poisoning) from a bottle of Trader Joe's fresh carrot juice. I know that was the source of the illness because my spouse and I had eaten the same things for four days straight, due to the long holiday weekend, except for that juice. I was violently ill for a full day. After that I stopped buying their juice but continued to shop at TJ's. After this episode with a foreign object in my food, however, I am through with Trader Joe's forever. read more

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Well I love this place and it's assortment of attractive employees. There are many a thing here that are so much cheaper than anywhere else. which also brings many a thing that I can find for the half the cost *cough*produce!*cough.... but all in all, I find myself here several times a week because I'm either too broke or too cheap to ever make one big shopping trip, I have to ease my shopping into little daily trips to various stores, ala european style or something, so that's it's not so painful to make a one hundred dollar transaction, I'd rather make ten, ten dollar ones :) Anywho, I love trader Joe's, I lovingly call it Trade My Joe, the J being silent of course. A normal trip here goes a little something like this: I wrote some lines about it, like to hear it hear it goes. I start by looking at the orchids and thinking if I need another one (best place for orchids!) followed by a quick browse of the produce section for those few things that really are a good deal. Bag of blood oranges for a dollar 99? Of course I can do that, come with me fellas. Off to the eggs if I can get around the negative two mile per hour shopping carts sloooooowly gettin' to that there sample stand. Hint* Always use the hand basket and not the cart, if you use a cart you'll be stuck in traffic for about 3 years. No more , no less. Now grab those eggs, we all need eggs! And these are the best price in town. IN TOWN. I've checked, because I'm insane. That's that. Did you need pasta? yes. you always need pasta. It's a rule of mine to just buy a bag of any kind of pasta any time i'm in. the sauces and the pastas are cheap and interesting. Many different shapes, sizes, and colors! Tortellini? yes, you and I will be going on a date tonight. Oh goodness, look at those lines! Well you might as well get some wine. I mean, it's two bucks. you'd be foolish NOT to, we all need wine. While you're in that aisle, double check in your foggy memory what exactly is LEFT in the alcohol cabinet or shelf, and stock up. Let me just say, there's a vodka in there that is pretty good, and pretty cheap. I won't say what it is because then you'll all rush out and get it, and it's already hard to get as that little section goes empty ten minutes after it's stocked. Yep, I like this place, and if you made it this far into the review, thanks for reading it :) read more

I am a dedicated Trader Joe's shopper. When visiting the Santa Cruz area, I visit the one downtown. Since I am closer to the Capitola area, I hit up this location in Capitola. Parking is a little difficult. But if you are patient, a spot will open up. Like another poster mentioned, this place is a madhouse. They were restocking like crazy. I asked a simple question of one of the workers: Do you have anymore flat bread? He snapped at me: Do you see any on the shelf? Very rude. The cashier didn't give the normal friendly chat. Just rang up my groceries and handed me the receipt. Really??? When I went outside I told my husband they are so uptight and rude in there! His reply, yeah, I can feel it oozing out of the store... The rudest most uptight TJs I have EVER been to. read more

The parking is stupid here... seems to be the case with all Trader Joe's everywhere, all the time, forever. That being said, the folks that work here are very helpful and friendly. Standard offerings...as with all TJs... my favorites being: Frozen breaded eggplant slices Frozen pad thai noodle bowl Frozen lemongrass chicken rice bowl Chocolate covered pretzels Chocolate covered dried cranberries Vahlrona dark chocolate bars Chocolate Traveller dark chocolate tins for your purse/glove compartment Woven wheats crackers Vinta crackers Cracked pepper water crackers Pizza dough Red pepper tomato soup in a box Spicy black bean soup Organic chicken broth in a box (better deal at Costco) Tasty Bite Indian entrees (some are really high in salt though) Sundried tomato pesto Regular jarred pesto Fresh tomato sauce in a little box Organic tomato sauce (better deal at Costco) Masala simmer sauces Natural nut butters (better deal at Costco) Black pepper cashews Thai cashews Marcona almonds Dried fruits Diet Hansens sodas Honey whole wheat pretzels Low fat bean dip Tofu "egg" salad Hummus (but really it's easy to make your own) 2% Greek yogurt Mediterranean yogurt cheese (only if you don't wanna go buy real labneh at an M.E. grocer) Puffins cereal Kashi Go Lean cereal (better deal at Costco) Autumn Wheats cereal (better deal at Costco) Soy milk Chevre Proscuitto (better deal at some Costco) Sicilian chicken sausages Niman Ranch meats (better deal at some Costco) Chimay Belgian Ale (blue) Eye of the Hawk Beer (Mendocino Brewing Co) Whole wheat English muffins Middle Eastern flatbread (consume or put this in the fridge right away - it's very quick to mold) Earth Balance butter-type spread Regular butter Dr. Bronners soaps Pelligrino sparkling water (better deal at Costco) Organic tofu (better deal at Costco) Soy Vey Teriyaki Sauce Brown rices (better deal at Costco) Whole wheat pasta (better deal at Costco) Whole wheat couscous ....to name a few.... Avoid the produce at most TJs.. it's just not that great. I've not had the best luck with their frozen fish either - except for the shrimp. Enjoy! read more

I'm a big fan of Trader Joe's store all over the place. Normally, I give TJ's a solid 4 to 4.5 stars. This place I give a 3.5 stores. It is a lot smaller than most Trader Joe's (even compared to NYC locations) and thus has a smaller selection of products across the board. Ben B., one of the managers, is the coolest and nicest guy on the planet though and I'll go here just to experience the amazing customer service I receive from him and his team members. read more

I've always loved shopping here. They have a wide variety of things, but more importantly the EMPLOYEES ARE WONDERFUL. Always friendly and helpful!!!!I've never had customer service like this!!! Also they are the only store that is taking this pandemic seriously and I'm a caregiver to a severe high risk client and I cannot tell you how much that is appreciated. read more

Most of the time, I love the food they offer, but I do not like the return attitude. If you have to return anything, like I did today. I returned a chicken that was disgusting and smelled bad, he did not apologize but asked why I brought it in and next time to leave it at home (like he would of believed me that I bought a bad chicken). Gee I bought it yesterday and it smell like s.... and then he said do you need to buy anything and refunded the money. Hey an apology that I had to pay for the gas to drive back and go out of my way again. Gee, if I had to leave it at home why did you sell it in the first place. This is the second time, I had bad chicken there. Also, when I bought flowers and they were bad I brought them back and they left them at the counter and the guy must of thrown them out and then the guy went on break and then he said go shopping and let them know. I went shopping and when I was at the checker they acted like I was making it up that I brought them back. Then I had to wait until they figured it out. Hello I have two master's degrees and do not think I am going to steal your flowers or make up a story to insinuate this is by attitude is not acceptable. SO bad on returns. But most of the time, the food is good and the products are. But they need to improve how they handle a return and stop the attitude and apologize. read more

This Trader Joe's is where I do the majority of our household shopping.  I feel like I always walk out with a cartful and don't spend over $100.  Sometimes the product and meat is too packaged and doesn't seem as fresh.  The staff is especially nice and helpful and I do love that they are always willing to help out the schools.  The store is clean and they will find you what you are looking for.  I also must say the samples here are pretty amazing - it's like a mini meal of deliciousness! read more

Trader Joe's are pretty similar anywhere you go, but I'm giving special note to the world's friendliest cashier here. Normally, I'm not a fan of fake chattiness, all for the sake of customer service, but the guy who was our cashier on the day we were here was so stupendously honestly sweet, funny and nice that I have to give him a cyber high five. read more

If it's all about pricing for you, maybe that's enough. For me, less packaging (environmental protections), more local choices (fruits, vegetables, cheeses) and fresher, sustainable meat choices would be a draw. Agreed, the staff is AWEsome. Meanwhile, I'll stick with the farmers' market and other grocers in my neighborhood. read more

I like Trader Joes but I am not happy with the produce packaging and what is with their own brands. Makes me question where they buy them. The staff is helpful but often seem more interested in there own conversations. read more

Spottier selection than at other Trader Joe's I've been to (no lasagna noodles?), but generally good. I got a very helpful hint from another customer on the Trader Joe's guacamole which she *guaranteed* would be good...and she was right. read more

I was always under the impression that because Trader Joe's sells organic food they were expensive like whole food. THANK GOD someone told me that they were NOT. I ended up cutting my grocery shopping from 110 to 65 bucks! Trader Joes! You rock! My only complaint is that I have to go to the normal store to pick up yogurt (I have not had any good luck with the yogurt from Trader Joe's :( ) and some of my cleaning supplies (Come on! Just sell Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, please?). Alcohol is SO cheap here though, I LOVE IT. read more

This place is large clean & friendly. The staff are really top-notch. They're personable helpful knowledgeable and attractive. They make shopping a pleasure read more

I was so excited to meet Ted, our local crew member in the wine department. He steered me to a limited buy from Rabbit Ridge. It was a great tasting wine for $2.99! I bought 6 cases for a wedding next year. I would buy more to enjoy until then but it's gone now. He has since recommended white and roses. He's the best find in the wine section so far! Thanks Ted! read more

Trader Joe's is awesome! Great prices and variety of cheeses, and I really save money by getting about 1/2 my groceries here. The prices for dairy, nuts and pasta are fantastic & you can always find some delicious desert-y goodness to take home too! Actually, my only complaint is my fellow customers! How so many stressed-out, self-absorbed people end up in the same place at once is mind boggling. I can almost guarantee running into at least a couple angry people who seem to think noone else should be in the store & who act like they're driving their cart in a Mad Maxx movie. Other than that I LOVE TJ!! Maybe some of these people need to switch to decaf - relax people, it's just grocery shopping. The 2 buck chuck will still be there when you get to the wine isle! read more

TJ ROCKS! Everything one would expect from a Trader Joe's. Great selection of food at very good prices. Friendly and helpful staff. Free samples. They even had Saint Nick show up. Very impressive. If Saint Nick goes to this Trader Joe's that is saying something. I've been a fan of Trader Joe's and will continue to be with the quality of food and service I get. read more

I've been a fan of the Capitola Trader Joe's for years. It's just over my back fence. It's the just the right size and easy to navigate. I remember back when it was smaller. I especially am fond of one of their employees named T.J. Appropriate name! :) He's usually in produce, but can be seen in other areas of the store, as well. He epitomizes what a store representative should be. Friendly, outgoing, caring and competent. I hope he never leaves. I also like Marni who is one of the women who make demo food in the the little kitchen. She's recently back from a 3 year stay in Hawaii. So glad to see her again! I get so many meal ideas from those demos! I make at least two trips to Trader Joe's a week. And, I always come out with more than I intended to before walking in! I love trying new items as well as the old tried and true. They also have the best return policy around! I rarely have to return anything, but when I do, they're very gracious about it. Their stuff is guaranteed, after all! :) I'll always be a faithful shopper at Trader Joe's! read more

Best grocery store !! Organic and way cheaper than whole foods! Love it. I highly recommend if you haven't gone yet! Downside: sometimes lines get long; lots of uptight people. read more

I can't say enough about Trader Joe's, everyone, always seems so happy to be there. And I mean everyone, employees and customers. I'm always surprised how affordable the majority of TJ products are. And every time I go down the frozen isle, I find some new yummy thing to eat. All smiles here. read more

Recently moved to the Santa Cruz area and therefore had to find some new stores to buy my groceries from. I've shopped at TJ's in the past but never regularly. Shortly after moving to the area, I found myself frequently shopping at this location. Prices are fair, options are good, and the workers are always smiling and happy to help. Great location. It's my go-to now. Shout out to Jessica, who is so full of life and always happy to talk to her customers. Definitely an asset to this location. read more

How can you not like TJ's? They have great products and great prices. If you are a lil' snackish there is a sample booth in the back that always has a nibble and a beverage. The meats always have great deals, like pork tenderloins and marinated tri-tips for about $4.95. Their frozen foods/dinners are actually not terrible for you or your wallet. They can save you if you work late or are too tired to prepare dinner at home and are really tasty. Make sure you grab some good wine for under $10 also. Their Epicurio wines can be great as well as the imports. I personally like the Lachefereau Vouvray and the Valeras Cote du Rhone Villages. And how can you not love a grocery store that discourages plastic bags and encourages bringing your own. Drop the bag people! You can enter the raffle and win a $25 gift certificate just for bringing in your own bags. Sweet! read more

Another chain, but I feel like certain things need to be said in order to the dear people of TJ's. Why are you always out of the 99% beans rice and cheese burritos? I really love this location for the super helpful employees and I love TJ's so default 4 stars. I am hopeful for them to move this location to a larger spot eventually. read more

Customer service is amazing here. I love this place. This review is for Cooper and frank!! I wanted shrimp tonight and I needed horseradish to make my mom's secret sauce. They were out of it and I was so bummed and ended up getting their pre-made cocktail sauce. As frank was making me laugh while he rang me up at the register, I was just turning around to leave the store and Cooper came running up to me telling he found some horseradish in the back!!! Thanks frank for the laughs and thanks Cooper for making my shrimp that much better tonight. These guys need a giftcard or some sort of raise. The crew here is awwwwwwesome read more

I went in yesterday to buy some seafood. It's nice that they enforce 6 feet social distance and sanitize the shipping cart. I felt safe to shop there. read more

I would like TJs corporate to stop making weird frozen hor d'oeuvres that once you get them home and cook them, they are inedible. And I don't want to admit that their oranges are good because someone might buy them all. read more

A very nice Trader Joe's. We just happened to be in that area and picked up some wraps for a snack. Those were excellent. A Trader Joe's I go back to. read more

I usually shop at the Trader Joe's on Front St bc it's closer to home, but shopped here today bc I was in the area. It's a late Saturday morning Labor Day weekend and the heat is rising. The line is moving steadily. As I waited I was SO pleasantly surprised when a crew member came out with a shopping cart filled with bottled water and offered to the customers waiting in line in this warmer than usual temperature. That alone showed your consideration for your customers. THANK YOU TRADER JOE'S!!! The shelves were stocked and I can see crew members continuously replenish the goods. The store was clean and the checkout line was fast and efficient. I also appreciate that Trader Joe's isn't charging customers for grocery bags at this time while many other stores are. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!!! read more

Love coming into this store, best place for some good quality snacks! 3 stars because of the less than satisfactory service I've gotten more than once. "Debbie" seems to chose who she wants to be nice with and after a couple of visits she is unpleasant when checking out my items. read more

my favorite trader joe's! great parking lot, spacious layout. i never feel rushed here thanks to the fact that there's a ton of space to walk around and enjoy shopping. the flower selection is also so nice. lovely staff read more

During a difficult time for us all, we are doing our best to keep exposure at a minimum, while still needing to go out for the necessities. Trader Joe's is going above and beyond other markets in the area. I felt nervous to go and do some light shopping yesterday, but as soon as I arrived at Trader Joe's they had an employee stationed at the front door offering hand baskets or carts in which she would wipe down with a sterilization cleaner. The amount of people they were allowing into the store seemed to be controlled, they were stocked well and I got most items on my list, I also noted employees wiping down surfaces throughout the store and cashiers wearing gloves. I appreciate the store doing what they can to bring ease to my shopping experience. Thank you. Stay safe and wash your hands. read more

I've never met a Trader Joe's I didn't like. The TJ's in Capitola is no exception. I like this location a bit better, not quite as congested as the downtown store in Santa Cruz. They had all the must have's for a Valentine anniversary; a nice assortment of wines from around the world, the ever popular cocoa dusted truffle's and some really special anniversary cards. True story-Bob and I had to go through the line separately because we both purchased anniversary cards we were trying to hide from each other! read more

I love Trader Joe's but this one wasn't so great. It was a zoo in there. After you finally find a parking space, it is so packed in the store that you are constantly bumping into people because people had NO manners there at all and don't care if they ram right into you. After you get what you want, they only have 1 line for 15 items or less. They should have at least 2 if not 3 because 3/4 if the people had less then 10 items and some people had full cart fulls. It took about 30 minutes just to check out and I had 3 items. I would have just went to a regular grocery store but was replacing items I used of a family members, so had to replace with the same exact item. The checker that I had was extremely slow, (maybe he was on something) and had no sense of urgency at all. read more

We love shopping at Trader Joe's. I recently began paying closer attention to my diet, and my wife decided to start doing most of her shopping at Trader Joe's. It is easy to find nutritious foods that are easy to prepare. They are also delicious! We have a whole bunch of favorites now, and she does the bulk of her grocery shopping there. I highly recommend it. There are very few things we have tried from there that we don't really love. read more

I have recently discovered a spinach salad sold here that has some sort of creamy-tangy-tan-colored dressing in a little sealed pack inside of the spinach bag. Also included are candied pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles. I did not realize this until tonight as I was preparing what was to be a fairly bland spinach salad. My exact words as I pulled my prize out were, "what's this? no way.,, Nice! Rock on, Joe's!" I haven't felt this stoked since I pulled my glow-in-the-dark crunch-bot out of my Captain Crunch cereal box back in 84! Remember the Crunch Bot? The Cap'n flew Crunch-bot into outer space to fight the Soggies. The Soggies were hell-bent on taking the crunch from your cereal by shooting milk at your bowl. They all served The Sogmaster; another robotic giant with powers comparable to Crunch-bot, but evil. Crunch-bot totally kicked his ass. But seriously, I wasn't worried that he wouldn't. read more

Lots of organic food, friendly and helpful staff, even good music. And they are reportedly gearing up to use less plastics.