Trader Joe's

One of my go-to spots for when I'm going to get groceries! Even though it's a little out of the…read moreway, it's always been very easy to go in and get out without any issues. Their self check-out lines are normally full so when checking out with staff, they are always very friendly. I also love grabbing pastries or donuts whenever I make it in the morning. I'll be here the next time I get groceries!

Where's the 0 stars button? Cmon yelp get it together…read more Ask a "manager" , old white brunette with curly hair and nasty , condescending attitude a question about umbrellas. All she did was point and make a rude remark as if every can see the umbrellas they display on top of their fridges? Do not come here. Target is less than 2 mins down the street

Pastries

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Aisle 17/18 milk spilled but nobody cleaned it up for a long period of time...

Sprouts Farmers Market

3.8(158 reviews)

0.4 mi

I shopped at Sprouts today for my daughter. I couldn't find the 4 items she sent me for. I found…read morean employee, Mekki, who walked me around the whole store and found all the items for me. She couldn't have been more helpful. I think the service industry lacks in Santa Barbara but she sure changed my mind. Give that girl a raise!

Another Frank sighting. An old woman almost forgot a few items she paid for. Rather than politely…read moregetting them Frank embarrassed the woman pointing out her stuff and explaining she forgot them in front of customers and staff. Whose uncle is this guy? Apparently he can't do anything to be laid off or fired? If so please get someone to teach him to treat staff and customers with some level of respect rather than being a nuisance that gets paid to be a nuisance...

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Albertsons

2.9(46 reviews)

0.1 mi

Incredibly nice experience when I was looking for some skirt steak for an asada I'm doing this…read moreweekend. The gentleman and I went over different marinades we use, salsas, and other meats he uses so he has something for everyone. 10/10 to the staff! Overall, incredibly easy experience and definitely my grocery store of choice! Especially since there are so many goodies located nearby!

Luis was helpful when I was struggling with a self checkout register. This store is stocked and the…read morestaff will point you in the right direction to jello! :D Also, always clean when I come in.

The deli space.

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Organic produce section.

Santa Cruz Markets

4.2(35 reviews)

0.4 mi

One of my favorite local grocers - esp for their marinated meats, ceviches, salsas, and spices…read more Their shrimp ceviche is simply the best and sell out often! I've tried many spots and even a place like the Lure Fish house can't compare. Theirs is honestly flavorless compared to Santa Cruz market.. Their guac is also delicious! I come by here regularly to shop for pho spices individually, and a couple staples like cilantro, green onion, and limes. The only thing they don't have is cardamom but I visit Oriental Market for that. Also their bean sprouts are the best in the local area. I've checked sprouts, Ralph's, and even Oriental but they always are watery.. i think they don't store them right or receive the shipment properly. Santa Cruz has the best ones but you'll have to come when they are fresh! They are the best local Mexican market in Goleta imo!

This used to be such a great store before they sold. The workers are extremely rude and don't care…read moreabout you whatsoever. Makes me so sad because it was so nice before. I doubt I'll ever go back in there like so many others are doing for the very same reasons. The food quality has also gone downhill. Older looking produce so old looking it has wrinkles all over it. Do yourself a favor and pass right on by this place.

Note the new parking along Hollister. All the better to visit the Market. And much more safe for cyclists.

Peruvian beans, tortillas, green salsa, Mexican cookies, etc:-)

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Marinated meat for a bbq on the backyard

Ralphs

2.9(64 reviews)

1.3 mi

The store over all is great. The deli is great…read more The sushi bar is real good. The deli prepared hot foods are less that great, except the chicken is ok. The sweet and sour chicken is best described as dried golf balls marinated in sweet and sour sauce. The onion rings are like deep fried shoe strings.

dont shop her the bathroom are never clean it looks like its been deprived from cleaning.and the…read morebest part of all as i was leaving the restroom i saw a rat run across to the room thats by the bathrooms so that means there is rat dropping all over the produce.dont shop here nasty disgusting .

SO MANY BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS!!!

Package

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Tulips

Isla Vista Food

4.3(100 reviews)

2.7 mi

Hidden Gem of IV I…read moremiss living in Isla Vista only because I miss the Food CoOp. They are always so friendly and have the best food. They carry everything from quick grabs such as sandwiches and salads, to specialty hot sauce and dietary friendly food options. Become a member and you will get their news letters to keep up with their community and events.

I'll support the IV Coop till I die. Not many places on earth where you can buy an 805 and salt and…read morevinegar chips and take it to the beach. Sad I went later on in the day this time, if you go earlier, they are usually more stocked up on their prepared foods made in-house! I like trying their different wraps/sandwiches and hummus dips. The staff are always kind. A college favorite but also a lifetime favorite

Refrigerated display packaged deli meats and cheeses. To the right, there is a shelf stocked with a variety of wine bottles.

Local farms eggs

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Smart & Final Extra!

2.9(36 reviews)

2.9 mi

I've switched the majority of my shopping from Albertsons to Smart & Final, and it's going okay! I…read morelike the bulk aisle, and the option of restaurant-size containers for ingredients we go through quickly. They have items that aren't available at Albertsons that are new staples for me - some chopped salad kits, choco-covered snacks, and salsa brands. And they definitely have better prices on a lot of things. I really made the switch around Halloween, because the spooky seasonal candy here was wayyy cheaper than at other stores. Personally, I haven't experienced a quality issue with meat, dairy, produce, or frozen foods. So far, so good. The only thing that I've noticed to be lacking is a vegetarian frozen foods section - they seem to have the veg stuff all interspersed with the conventional stuff, which makes my shopping a little less efficient.

Terrible customer service. There is an older woman who I always have problems with as she is always…read morepassive aggressive and rude with zero knowledge of how to properly bag groceries. I had one of my bags split open while trying to pick it up, leading to a glass container smashing open on the ground. I picked up the large pieces and threw them away, then went back inside to let one of the employees know of the incident. She was extremely passive aggressive. I find this quite ironic given that she bagged my items. I had to go back to my car to find new bags to transfer everything into before I could get it into my car. By the time I was done, I came back to return my cart and I could tell someone had mopped the area, but there were still shards of glass that were very visible. Extremely disappointed in the overall lack of common sense displayed. I will add the caveat that this location always seems to be understaffed. No matter how many customers I see in the store, there is always only one register open, which, again, displays an extreme lack of common sense by management.

Front entrance

Produce

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Picking up some groceries

Isla Vista Market

2.6(46 reviews)

2.7 mi

•$$$

I love the newly remodeled market. It's very clean and they're clearly prepping to put the deli…read moreback in! The selection is great. Love that they have fresh produce and they're starting to bring in fresh sandwiched and salads. They also offer deviled eggs, fresh cut fruit, hard boiled eggs, fresh baked goods and a fresh selection of flowers! There's a pretty decent wine selection too. The service has always been great and I love having this little market nearby!

I am so grateful in for this business, providing fresh produce for students in IV…read more If you're ever in a position to do deliveries to dorm rooms, please post on the uCSB parents Facebook page. We would love to support this service for our kids.

Tri tip Sammie's for Deltopia weekend.

Desserts!!

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Really great lunch options!!

Vons

2.9(66 reviews)

2.0 mi

I don't typically take the time to write reviews for grocery stores but I had a notably exceptional…read moreexperience while visiting at 8am this morning. Workers were all awake and alert, and I was kindly greeted by three, one of whom helped me locate various items I came to buy right away. I was in and out of there easy peasy

Love this store and the employees are so nice! Such a convenient location with fresh and stocked…read moreproduce/items. The store is inviting and welcoming. Prices are decent as well considering the economy.

Security!!!!

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Norma from Floral is the best!! So talented !

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Jill L.

14 years ago

Love this Trader Joes. The selection is always great and they really keep up with their stocking. This is usually pretty busy and the parking is much better than the De la Vina store. I love all three of the stores but this one is closest to me. The Trader Joe customer service is always excellent and everyone is very pleasant. Trader Joes is basically where I grocery shop for my family on a regular basis and it's quite easy to run in if you are out of something unexpectedly. The only improvement to me would be if it was a larger store area. read more

Allbiz N.

5 years ago

I will NEVER shop at TJs anymore !!! They have really gone downhill. It's because of that nasty, foul mouthed drunken belligerent panhandler who they routinely let beg people for money with his guitar right outside the store! I heard him curse somebody as he was walking by, probably because theydidn't give him any money. I feel sorry for the families with their kids in tow who have to walk passed that. What a great example NOT! REPEAT: I will NEVER shop at TJs anymore !!! read more

Shirley J.

15 years ago

I love TJ and am here a few times per week. I think their hummus and chips are the best of all time. Wish they had a hot bar like Whole Foods for a quick lunch, but I always find great food at excellent prices here. I stock up on Cliff Bars here because of the good price. How can you go wrong with their wine selection as well. Just got a few bottles (my fav merlot) for a dinner party tonight with girlfriends. Thanks TJ! read more

Dr. W.

6 years ago

This is my favorite location of TJ's in SB. I usually dont have a problem finding parking which is one of the more stressful parts of grocery shopping in Santa Barbara. This store is large with tons of checkout lines so it rarely gets congested. The products are great but the one thing I wish would change is how they constantly discontinue things. read more

Katie D.

14 years ago

So friendly and nice. Oh yeah, and they have good food, too. I appreciate that they have a large variety of cheeses and constantly get new products. The only thing I don't get is why they consider baking powder to be a seasonal item? Huh? Also love that they stay open til 9:00pm. A gal needs her cheese fix at a drop of a hat, duh! read more

Jon H.

9 years ago

Love my TJs lots of their own products, great produce selection and lots of unique packaged salads, veggies, etc. Great Cheese selection,wine too. Prices are excellent. Lots of options for vegan/vegetarians !! read more

Sierra C.

113

3 years ago

Cashier gave me a lollipop because I told him I'm going through a break up. Trader Joe's employees are the only empaths left this world, Mr. Cashier you a real one read more

Janelle R.

15 years ago

THE best place to shop! I love their produce and the price on their eggs is almost always cheaper than everywhere else.

Ace V.

102

17 years ago

Found what I needed, employees were friendly, and the lines were short. Good stuff.

James S.

14 years ago

Just great service. As good as it gets at a supermarket.

Trader Joe's - grocery - Updated October 2026

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