Just for starters, I have never made a Yelp on any grocery store. I had to write this review on my experience from last night shopping at TJ's in Irvine off of Campus. My husband, and I, along with our bestie had walked into this TJ's for some bottles of wine for our Friday evening plans. After spending some time in the store, we were helped by the amazing AIDEN! Now we have been coming here before and we have never been told welcome back or anything along the sorts. AIDEN went above and beyond to assist us and answer our silly questions about the products. Thank you for that AIDEN. After we waited in line for a couple mins. AIDEN opened up a register as he saw the lines were growing and assisted us for check out. Now here's why I am writing this. AIDEN remembered us from our previous visit which was a few weeks prior when the England/Mexico World Cup game was on. I was super impressed as that made our day. The kindness of soul to help us out and w a smile and engaging in a healthy conversation made our last min shopping experience one to rave about. I was also VERY surprised to see how many plants were on the floor that late at night. Usually all the great plants are taken by the time we make it to the store after work. Thanks for selling us the Chili Mangos AIDEN!! read more

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Nice Trader Joe's in Irvine near the UCI Campus. Typical TJs layout and offerings. The staff as expected were very helpful and friendly! Parking was easy, large lot with 30 minute limits. read more

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Stopped in for some easy snacks for finals week. Was looking for the Fromage Pave cheese but no luck. Picked up some essentials, store was not very busy so we were in and out in a flash. Cashier was fast! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

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Convenient location. Surprisingly not that busy. Also, surprising, they are behind with their stocking. Store is tidy. Appears to be one of the smaller TJs in the area, so they may have less variety than some of their other locations. I have been good with my egg situation as I have been rationing them. However, today I meandered to the egg section here. Lo and behold, just as social media and the news have reported, not an egg to be found. Egg hunting come early this year (in February). You don't have to wait until Easter! read more

Trader Joe's - Nada - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

First time coming to this location. When my friends are visiting from oversea, it's our tradition to go to traders Joe! They love getting their shopping bags and snacks as well as some food items! Love it read more

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Nice Trader Joe's close by UCI...They are always fully stocked and organized...The service is great...The ambiance is chill. There is a great selection of fruits and breads. They are always busy and crowded but the shelves never being messy. There is a parking outside but its kind of packed. read more

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Yvette and Steven went above and beyond for me today with locating an item that is usually out of stock! Thank you, Yvette and Steven!

Trader Joe's is conveniently located in the University Town Center (UTC), across from the main campus. When I was in college, it was such a convenience to walk across the bridge to grab a salad, drink, snacks, or something from TJ's on the go. It had been awhile since I've last stopped by, until yesterday afternoon. It was so convenient since I was at UTC, and wanted to grab a few household staples to restock. Everything we needed was here, of course, and as always, the employees are always so kind. The store is a bit on the smaller side, as compared to other Trader Joe's locations, but everything is there. We always love how there are flowers located both in front of the store, and right at the inside entrance. The flowers here were not as fresh as other TJ locations, but they were okay. read more

I have shopped at this exact store for 10 years. In the past, if I have purchased products that are bad or damaged they are taken back without questions or harassment. Today I took back an orchid that I purchased that had a broken stem. I was advised that damaged flowers are not returnable. I know this not to be the case because I have taken back Flowers over the last 10 years that are damaged. It is widely known that Trader Joe's has a reputation for selling some products that are bad, expired, and damaged. I was very disappointed in my experience today as a long-standing patron of this facility. Because it appears that the policy is applied differently by different people on different days. read more

Oh man! This place is great--the people--the work enviornment! The store is so cozy! has a LOT OF YUMMY FOOD--not a ton of vegan meat options. read more

People are very helpful here! This Trader Joe's gets super busy and very fast. But the cashier folks are always smiling and being proactive. Specifically, Briana and Irina were so kind and helpful to me. Watch out for their seasonal items as they can sell out super quickly. Also, careful with some of these items because they do unfortunately contain seed oils and canola oil. Other than this, super quaint and cozy store. Reasonable prices too!! Expect to wait as there is no self checkout. read more

Stopped here as we had some time to spend while waiting for our reservation at Breakfast Republic next door. Loved the seasonal Christmas items that were in and bought Stollen, hot cocoa snowmen and other festive items. The pre packaged meals look delirious but I avoid them as it's hard to find items that do not have vegetable, seed and palm oils. Something I recently learned is that every TJs has a stuffed animal hidden in the store. If you kiddo finds them they can let the cashier know at checkout and they get a treat! read more

Located as one of the bigger locations within the University Center by UCI, this Trader Joe's is pretty big, with many different groceries and come very stocked! I saw different varieties that I haven't seen at other Trader Joe's, such as Curry Vegetable Packets and Snap Pea Chips (soooo good btw!)...and also their chilled blended fruit/vegetable drinks. The staff here are friendly and some seem to know the regulars here. Most customers here are UCI students and what looked to be people with lots of money...lol. Meaning some big spenders...but at TJs, it can be an addiction...but this store is a good place to shop or if you need to get a few things before heading to your next destination. read more

Who shops at Trader Joe's & is out in 30 minutes? Well if you're not, you're getting a ticket apparently. You can only park for 30 minutes. Restroom Sink needs a deep Cleaning Also, who decided to put the hand paper towels right next to the toilet & not on the wall by the sink ? They are literally above the toilet ! Ewwww every time it's flushed water splashes all over them ! Yuuuuuk ! Google it if you don't believe. Do better Trader Joe's read more

Trader Joe's - PSA There are only 2 smh @traderjoes - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

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I like this spot !!! Clean, organized, nice and helpful staff !!! Just the prices have increased like crazy read more

Gluten free muffins with pumpkin spice streusel, Dumplings and sweet buns and Korean glass noodle, White wine and Buffalo chickenless wings, These are a few of my favorite things! This isn't my favorite location. Parking spots have a thirty minute time limit. Produce quality could be better. They were out of a few things the last time I was here, no plantain chips to be seen. And as much as I like Trader Joe's, they miss the mark sometimes. Chicken Tikka Masala barely comes with chicken. I don't like the ube products. They had the worst tasting sushi of any grocery store; glad they got rid of that. But overall I enjoy most of their products. Produce: Teeny Tiny Avocados are the ideal portion sizes; better than leaving half in the fridge and for it to brown Frozen: Too many to name! Meat lasagna, seasoned waffle cut fries, mac 'n cheese are my three must-gets Bread: I'm always satisfied with their sliced brioche, Garlic Indian Style flatbreads, and everything bagels Desserts: Also a long list, I usually pick up cookies, Hold the Cone! mini cones, and a box of dozen macarons Spreads, sauces, seasonings: Speculoos Cookie Butter! Everything But The Bagel blend! Three Cheese Pomodoro! All smash hits Snacks and Refrigerated foods: Again, we'll be here all day At TJ's, it's all about quality not quantity. They don't carry a lot of products, so I end up going to other grocery stores. But if I have time I'll stop by for the few items I like. Gotta finish the song... when shrinkflation bites, When that product recall email stings, When I'm feeling sad (because I'm here for the millionth time and I still can't get my hands on a roll of their frozen kimbap) (and they discontinue my favorites like Joe's O's, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, and Gorgonzola crackers) I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery haul ⋅ UTC - Irvine, California - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

This Trader Joes is wonderful. It definitely has the feel of every other Trader Joe's, which is fairly small yet comfortableand organized. Outside has different varieties of plants that are fairly priced, nicely grown, and in the shade. i always like to take a peek at them to see what succulents or indoor plants are available to spruce up the aesthetics and to clean the air in my house. Though it is located in a busy area, it doesn't always feel crowded. Maybe it is because they're well staffed, and many of the cashiers are open. The staff is always welcoming and hard working. It seems like they have a good system of replenishing their products. Thank you to this Trader Joe's for being so consistent. Will def be back :) read more

Connor and Keila were truly the highlight of my visit to Trader Joes today! Their warm smiles made a difference!

This is a popular Trader Joe's location as it's right across the street from the UCI campus. There's a lot of traffic around the parking lot. Always be on the lookout for cars, bikes, and pedestrians! If you want to grab something quick, they have a lot of 30 minute parking spots just outside. If you're not familiar with Trader Joe's, they sell a lot of their own versions of famous brand name products. The quality is comparable and so are the prices. All of the employees here are nice, friendly, and helpful. Occasionally, I'll come here for some snacks, drinks, or ready-made meals. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

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great place w great workers but this review is for sophia the espresso martini by itself, not bad. but with ice and a splash of coffee creamer or baileys its perfect read more

Clean quick and always a vibe!! Customer service was on point super nice and accommodating

I'm deeply disappointed and frankly appalled by the treatment my 4 year old son and I received during a recent visit to this Trader Joe's location near UTC. My son loves coming with me to Trader Joe's ..not only because he helps hand the groceries to the cashier, but because the staff at every other location we've ever been to always acknowledges his sweet efforts and offers him a small lollipop, which is typically kept in the drawer for children. It's a small gesture, but one that builds customer loyalty, makes kids feel special, and reflects the warm, welcoming vibe Trader Joe's is known for. But this time, the experience was shocking. The cashier, Gage, asked my son if he had "found the anteater." My son, who just turned four and had no idea what he was talking about, looked confused and innocently pointed under the register and said "yeah, the anteater's there." Instead of kindly clarifying or showing any basic human decency, Gage dismissed him with "No, if you don't find the anteater, you don't get a lollipop," and immediately started scanning the next customer's items. When I asked, "Are you serious?" Gage responded smugly with, "Well, we can't just be handing out free lollipops to people. That's our store policy." Excuse me??? what policy? Never have I encountered this in all my years shopping at Trader Joe's, and especially not in front of a child who has always felt welcome at this store. And besides this location is the hub of all children as it is across from the university with many people in Irvine, coming with their children to this location. Then, in an even more bizarre and inappropriate move, he opened his drawer, took out a lollipop, tossed it carelessly, and it hit the end of the register and shattered inside the wrapper. The entire scene was witnessed by multiple customers, one of whom kindly tried to help by pointing out the stuffed animal "anteater" perched high up on a shelf .. clearly feeling just as uncomfortable as I was with what had just happened. After I walked outside, my son asked me "mommy he threw the lollipop, does that mean he's going to timeout?" When I heard those words from him, I was even more . So I walked back into the store and asked to speak to a manager .. Asian lady who didn't even ask who the employee was or what had happened. I was so distressed and was trying to explain the situation and what had happened and all she responded back with was "Oh, OK thanks for letting me know" and that was it. No apology. No concern. No accountability? REALLY????? There were a dozen witnesses to him throwing a lollipop to a 4 year old. Trader Joe's is known, and widely celebrated, for its exceptional customer service. That's why I shop there. That's why I bring my son. That's why so many people choose you over other stores. What happened today was so far beneath your standards it was jarring. To be treated with such coldness, and for a small child to be singled out and embarrassed like that, is completely unacceptable. I hope this review prompts serious reflection and correction at this location. I'd love to hear from someone who actually cares about customer experience.. because last week Gage failed miserably, and management did nothing about it. WOW! This is a 4 year old's experience. Unbelievable read more

I had to use the store bathroom this afternoon. I found a line with one person in front of me telling me that the two bathrooms have been occupied for the past 22 minutes. Knocking at the doors did not do any good. After literally half an hour the two EMPLOYEES opened the doors to our shocked faces. Don't you have any courtesy, I said angrily. One employee said NO I Don't HAVE ANY COURTESY. No more traders Joe for me from now on. This rudeness will not be tolerated. I need the mgmt to reach out to me in order to identify the employee. read more

I just met the nicest cash register gal ever!! Lena was so very helpful when I realized I didn't have my card or apple pay, she was very patient which i appreciated. Another trader joe's worker also let me borrow a piece of paper and their pen to right my card number down since it wasn't copying and pasting. I love summer because of trader joes's wide selection of organic fruits. I bought organic blackberries (were a bit sour), grapes (so perfect and delish), blueberries and strawberries (which i have yet to try). I love the one in irvine as well because there is a stuffed animal called peter the anteater and once you find him you get a lollipop which is what i would do when i was younger. a super nice man also helped me find the cilantro :) read more

This location is tucked behind the UCI University Center plaza. It feels a bit smaller than their other locations but they still carried everything we needed. We came here for some quick groceries on a Monday evening. There wasn't a crowd and they had plenty of items that were stocked. Their vegetables were not as fresh as we had hoped. Hubby took awhile to sort through them to find the best ones for us. However, we love their snack and frozen food selection. read more

Decent Trader Joe's spot that is across the street from UCI - easy and affordable groceries access for students/community. For a location that has a much smaller footprint than some of the larger TJ's in the area - they manage to fit a good selection of a variety of food items. Staff here is are always friendly and cheerful, and helpful when you ask them about stock in the back. Only downside really (although it's not TJ's fault), is the limited parking situation. The spaces around this TJ's used to be 45 minute parking, but I guess sometime during the pandemic but right before everything opened up again - the spaces are now 30 minute parking. read more

This location is clean and has a good stock of things I usually go to Traders for. Like most Trader Joe's, employees are helpful and nice. I think they stock less of some items maybe as they are less college location friendly. The only real reason con is parking can be challenging. read more

This trader Joe even though they are smaller than others, their quality of everything is better. Sometime they might run out of something but that is understandable as UCI is across from them. Most cashiers are very friendly and they always have great deals! read more

Trader Joe's - Decor - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

Strategy is the best they have the best meat. Best food best cookies everything the store it's always clean. The workers are very good service. Very polite. I love Trader Joe's. read more

I went to buy some eggs, the shelves very empty, also some vegetables shelves were empty, there I asked for manager to see what's going on, the cashier showed me a guy with moustache, I couldn't find his name, I asked him why the shelves are empty and the time is 6 pm! He said we have been busy and didn't have time to fill up the shelves and I told him that I saw few employees are in isles and do nothing and talk about their last night party!!! He said we are short of employees????!!! I couldn't believe his reaction!!! Just like !! None of your business attitude!! No more at this location, this guy who he said is manager basically can't handle the business and better let someone else do the job!!! read more

I love Trader Joe's. I love the variety at Trader Joe's. Considering how small their stores are they pack and curate an incredible amount of goods. They now have grass-fed milk which I use for my coffee and they have lots of imported items from Italy and France. I also find some of their ready made salads to be fairly fresh and often get the Greek Salad. I am also pleasantly surprised they now have organics walnuts that are delicious. Trader Joe's employee's are usually friendly and management is always willing to compensate you if you need to return a product. I had to return one frozen meal as it was too spicy to eat and management is always understanding of issues you might have, even when it might be a personal and or subjective issue. However, I have stated I think manufacturers should have a rating on spicy foods, like mild, medium, hot , extra hot! read more

I love this location in the OC. Everything is usually restocked and very clean and organized. They do a great job presenting any new seasonal items, as well as wine. The staff is extremely friendly but also helpful. If you're struggling to find something and you swear you went up and down the aisles, chances are a staff member can find it for you! I love going weekly to get fresh flowers ( most of them last over a week) but they also have a cute plant outside the entrance of the store. This location is also going the extra mile to make everyone feel save during Covid. They wipe down all their carts for you! read more

Trader Joe's - 20 stem Tulips - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

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Trader Joe's never fails! Food and non-food items are always of good quality and really good. Service staff will drop what they are doing to answer questions and help the customers find items in the store. Store ambiance is good with the store looking clean & organized and often times, well-stocked. read more

Babes come get your mothers day/graduation flowers here!! There's 12.99 bouquets and they look so pretty. ( my only regret is seeing the price tag after I already checked out and bought other flowers so heres my service to you :( ) I love this trader joes, the layout is perfect in being jam packed of items but still approachable. The staff are nice but also keep to themselves. Whenever I ask a staff member esp the ones in the booth up front, they're always helpful and give me tips. ( I'm not sure her name but the tanned browned hair lady is always super nice and even went to check an out of stock item for me). The only thing is that when it comes to 5-7pm that grocery line is sickening long and parking can be gross. Come at 8am to get good flowers!! If you can wake up to cop concert tickets or shoes you can get the mamis in your life some flowers too. They've been selling out fast ( practically empty when I went 4pm the other day). read more

Trader Joe's - Mothers day flowers! - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

The product is good as usual but the service is a bit disappointing I used to like this Trader Joe's a lot, I was always greeted kindly with cashier counter man and arranged my items in the bag. Today wasn't my day. The lady at the checkout not wasn't just indifferent but didn't bother to help me pack. She simply watched me. read more

I have been a big fan of Trader Joe's you can see from my other reviews but I have to give this one - 1 Star because of what I observed here my last time in: There was no Covid-19 distancing at all being provided by the store at check-out. In fact, when I was on line--my line was right next to another check-out line and the lines were so close that everyone on line was rubbing up against the other people on the other line. I had to pass by fast and stand out of the way and even then it was hard to stay away from others--the store was so busy and crowded with no limit on the number of people that could enter. I even had to stand back from the check out clerk to keep distance. I have never seen this in the other many Trader Joe's that I have been to in LA or OC in the past 9 months since Covid started. I have never been in any other store (and I have been in many since March) that has basically put customers in a position at check-out where they are intentionally placed within 1 foot of another customer.= or even shoulder to shoulder. It was very disappointing to see. read more

Walked in saw how many people were in there and walked right out. It was absolutely packed in there and in my opinion not a safe shopping experience for the community. No thanks..... read more

Trader Joe's - Entrance - Grocery Near Me - Irvine, California

This location is a joke! They offered a measly $35 grocery sponsorship for a UNI High 5k run and offered the groceries in the form of a pasta dinner. That makes no sense for a bunch of runners finishing a 5k! Way to support your local high school. read more

This location is always well stocked and clean and everyone is so friendly here. The ONLY thing is the parking situation. Depending on what time of day you come you are hunting for a space in a small shopping center. Keep this in mind when you're trying to just 'pick up something real quick' read more

Phil is the best!! I got two dozen water bottles, and Phil helped me carry them all the way to my car, somewhere in the far corner of the parking garage. This is my go to TJ location because it's right next to UCI, and it's inside the UTC plaza, which is very convenient. Anyways, big shout-out to Phil the manager here. You are a champ! read more