Trader Joe's is pretty much amazing. Everything is healthy and affordable, and there are so many unique products that you can't find anywhere else. They also always have samples of at least one food item and one beverage. (Warning: if you try the samples, there is a good chance you'll be leaving with a bag, box, or bottle of whatever it was.) The frozen prepackaged meals can be hit or miss. It's not that they are gross, if anything, just lacking in flavor. When in doubt, hit up the samples table! If you visit enough, over time, you'll probably be able to try just about everything before you buy. The parking garage is a little tight, so I like going on foot to avoid having to park, but it's doable. read more

I do not love Trader Joes. I am fond of them however. By far the biggest issue I have with them is size. Everything about them is small and cluttered. Even the parking lot is too damn tight. Not sure how people with large SUV's or trucks manage to park CORRECTLY ( key word) in their lots because it is impossible. You cannot walk down an aisle without there being 20 other people clutter there. It's way too busy for me. There are 2 items I am a huge fan of which are their box of Jasmine White Rice and their Penne Arrabiata. I am a huge rice junkie. Never thought I would be a lover of microwavable rice. You get 3 packs of rice in a box. It takes 3.5 minutes to steam in the microwave compared to the 20 minutes it takes if you make it on the stove or 15 if you make in a rice cooker. That alone makes me a fan. The Penne Arrabiata are amazing. There is so much you can do with them. Add chicken, add shrimp, add sausage, add veggies, etc. Like the rice, they are time friendly. Take only 7 minutes to cook in a saute pan. These are the main items I like buying from here. By boyfriend is a fan of their chicken strips. Me? Not so much. I cannot grocery shop here. I mean, buy all of my groceries from here. They are too limited on what they stock and quite frankly, I don't get down with the whole " Eat Organic" thing which most of their items are. Also, they are a bit $$$$. I saw their beef stew meat range from $8- $11 and only be enough to feed 2 people. I can go to Costco, get a pack that can feed 8 people for $17. Yeah... I just ain't about that life. read more

Thank you Trader Joe's for coming to Madison. After I left CA and came to Madison, this is one thing I missed so much. I don't know how graduate students survive without Trader Joe's. I realized that the major product distribution center is different for CA and WI store. It didn't come as a surprise, but the variety and the quality of the products (especially diary products) are quite different. One huge disappointment is the pizza dough. I used to love the ones(wheat, plain, and garlic) sold at CA stores so much, but the WI one that comes from MA lacks in flavor and the texture is not right. The selection of milk, butter, and yogurt are somewhat limited, too. But I still think that they deserve 5 stars for providing convenient grocery option at affordable price. Also, on Tuesday 5-7, the food sample counter turns into a wine sampling counter. It's free, and they provide cheese sample to snack with the wine. Though the wine selection at the Madison TJs is not excellent, but once in a while you find a decent bottle at a bargain price. read more

Trader Joe's is not for your full shopping trip. But it is an excellent place to find great buys on certain things. Their produce usually looks great and they have really good sales. Reading the flyer is the best way to find out what is new and on special. I can always find a new WOW item that will be great for entertaining at home or a pot luck at work. One of my WOW items that I can not live without is the concentrated coffee. All I have to do in the morning is add water or milk and then boom, coffee. Microwave it or over ice. Put creamer in or add some in your hot chocolate for a "mocha" drink. I dislike brewing coffee for myself so I will always come back to Trader Joe's for that. read more

I love Trader Joe's, but this one is just not that great. 1) The produce at this TJs is pretty awful. I steer clear of most of it, the few times I have bought produce here it has spoiled way too quickly. 2) Things that are always stocked at other TJ locations will only be stocked here for a few months tops. They'll introduce an item, which I'll fall in love with only to find it gone in a few weeks-a month! If you ask why, the people who work there won't know either. 3) Prices are not consistent with other TJ locations! Some of the items have prices hiked way up. 4) Worst parking lot EVER. Glad I live within walking distance, that lot is a complete mess. 5) Employees don't offer to help you/check that you're finding everything ok. Given issue number 2, I typically am in need of assistance hunting down something/figuring out why it's no longer in stock and have sometimes spent minutes following a TJ employee around the store to ask for help! Despite these issues, I come here pretty often to stock up on my TJ favorites (and for the free samples!). This store is definitely not the store to come to for your one-stop grocery needs. Come here for yummy snack items, the granola and Valrhona chocolate. read more

Am I the only one who hates to pay to park? Trader Joe, I love you but I would visit more if I did not have to pay. You always seem to have new and interesting food. I can find frozen riced cauliflower or great seasoning mixes. If you need anything obscure, chances are you can find it here. I really like your gluten-free products and wine options. That is 75% of what I purchase. I would probably shop here more regularly if I was not charged to grocery shop. read more

I absolutely love Trader Joe's. We just moved here from out of state and one of the first things I did was visit TJs. This particular location is interesting because it has underground parking (due to its location, I'm sure). The parking is a little tight, but it will be really handy in the winter when there's snow everywhere. I'm hoping for an east side location, and the cashier said it might be a little while before that happens, but if sales are good, there's more of a chance. So please, shop at TJs so I can get an east side one! If you're not familiar with Trader Joe's, they sell mostly their own products. Nothing has artificial ingredients, and they stock a lot of organics. However, it's reasonably priced because of the way they buy (which also means they may not stock your favorite thing the next time you go in there). Before I had shopped at a TJs, I thought it would be way overpriced like W.F. Really, it's not. So, you simply can't expect to go into one and find every thing on your list. It just doesn't work that way. If I am working from a recipe, I might find 70% of the products there. But I usually check there first and you get to know what they have and don't have as far as habitual purchases go. East side! East side! East side! read more

I had a very rude store clerk insult me this morning while I handed the lady at the checkout cash to pay for my groceries. The store clerk was standing in the bagging area and made the comment out loud "CASH...THAT IS CRAZY"!! then she walked away leaving the cashier to bag the items. I was shocked as I thought I was doing nothing wrong. During this pandemic, the store, like some others has taken precautionary measures to keep people safe. I also practice precautionary guidelines recommended. Just didn't think Id have that coming to me while the store is accepting cash as a method of payment. If this employee feels that strongly about this form payment from their customers than maybe SHE should go else where for employment for her own safety. She's also an embarrassment to her coworkers. On a good note...The cashier checking me out was very nice to me and had said "It's ok" and "have a nice day". Also had a couple of neat finds like the olive medley and $4.00 small bouquet of flowers. Loved the Mothers day table near the entrance. Will be back again some day. read more

Tea beer cheese & chocolate. Heaven I love the selection of store brand snacks, treats, and beer. It's always an experience shopping here with great people watching. Can be really crowded and cramped, especially at the check outs. read more

Would I shop for all my groceries here? Probably not. But they do have have a good selection of frozen appetizers, entrees, etc. for a night when you are too lazy or busy to cook. Their cheese selection is also underrated and we typically can find something to purchase. read more

Trader Joe's is fun to visit occasionally, but not for regular grocery shopping. Things I like about Trader Joe's include: -bright and fun atmosphere -they have little shopping carts for kids -good prices on oils (especially coconut and olive) -2 Buck Chuck -Nice (and affordable) selection of cheeses -Lemon turnovers Despite this, I think Trader Joe's is very overrated because: -Poor selection of "basics"; what I mean is that if I have a recipe in hand and go to Trader Joe's, it is likely that I will not be able to find every ingredient -too much pre-packaged and heavily processed foods -it's small and hard to navigate when crowded -produce is sometimes of questionable quality -I don't love their cereals All-in-all, Trader Joe's is ok, but there are better places to go. read more

Trader Joe's is cheap! However, you get what you pay for in some cases. For fresh fruits and vegetables you are better off going to Willy Street Co-op (I joined after a few weeks of going to TJ's for all my grocery needs...I'd rather pay a little bit more for fresh ingredients). Case in point: their bagged tuscan kale. Sure, it says organic, but what you get is mostly the hard-to-eat kale stems. In fact, the stems are pretty much inedible (in my opinion) unless you pickle them! Do yourself a favor and just stock up on the cheap wine and pre-made frozen foods at TJ's. Don't bother with the cheap TJ's beer (like nametag) though unless you like brown, carbonated water...instead buy boxes and boxes of chocolate hazelnut cookies to go with the wine! One final note: my dog really loves the organic chicken and brown rice treats. They're pretty cheap at three bucks a pop, which beats major pet stores any day. Also, the sponges they carry are pretty rad (try cutting them in half before you wet them to make them last longer!), which consequently go really well with the lemon hand soap they sell in the same aisle. read more

Of course, this TJs has all the classic staples (we love to snack on the blue cheese pecan dip and corn chips). But this TJ stands out from the others due to their awesome customer service! Very nice, friendly and helpful staff. Also, it's in a very convenient location with underground parking. Next time we're in Madison, we'll definitely come back to the Monroe Trader Joe's! read more

Trader Joe's is my go-to grocery store in Madison. While they don't have the inventory of a large grocery store, they have all your standards and some pretty good frozen food. Some of my trusty TJ's standards are the pork pot stickers, penne arrabiata, madras lentis, cheese and 2 Buck Chuck. I love that they always have samples, too. I love everyone who works at Trader Joe's, especially the men. Most of the guys who work there are very cute and very friendly. I'm starting to think that they're paid to flirt with their customers which is fine by me. read more

This chain is a "one of a kind". They have a small sort of different items. Some items are very unique and can only be found here. It is very small and loads of locals here pushing their way through the crowd. It is a little on the high side of pricing...but you are getting local and small business items that are only found at TJ's. read more

Cheap wine. Booya! I came from WA where it was dubbed 3-buck Chuck and was actually $3.99 but here, it is actually $2.99!! Yessssss, solid win for Wisconsin here. I do have to say, I have to mentally prepare myself for parking. You can either pay for the small lot right by TJ's or fight out a spot in the lot below where every turn makes your wheels squeal and the spots are for cars you could probably throw because they are so small. After you make it through parking, usually you have to fight the mob of people. This location is small. I kind of enjoy my grocery shopping experience and take in what the store has to offer but everyone here is bustling and I feel like I am always in someone's way. But...it's Trader Joes. They have some fun food. Their juices are awesome. Beer selection is pretty legit. Produce is on par. I love their chocolate covered coffee beans. Yeah, I walk through and do find great items to snack on but they also have great options for actual meals. I have never had an issue with the staff. I have also never really asked them any questions or needed help. read more

We love this place. We can get the best alcohol-free wine: the white sparkling chardonnay with a very reasonable price. The people are nice and helpful. They also have the best lentil chips! Only in TJ's! read more

The prices are great and they do seem to have decent quality products. But there are better grocery options in Madison. Like the Willy Street Co-op, Jennifer Street Market, Hy-Vee and Metcalfe's. Trader Joe's is simply not worth traveling across town for. You can get better quality stuff elsewhere, and (good) cheap wine can be found at pretty much every grocery store. The Madison Trader Joe's is very small and always overcrowded with college kids. The parking is a cramped nightmare. It's just not ideal, unless you live nearby. When I was there last night it was a zoo, and it took way too much time to buy just a few items. read more

Okay I get it. Trader Joe's has some prepackaged stuff that seems like the gods sent it. But really. This IS the place to get food for your cocktail party. This ISN'T the place to buy all your groceries. If you shop here (and other places) long enough, you'll notice that some of the stuff is VERY inexpensive and reasonably priced while other stuff is enourmously out-of-control pricey. And then you'll know your way around. Cheap: cheese beer vodka/liquor olive oil peanut butter cooler/lunchbag Expensive: pasta pre-made food smoothies produce (prewrapped/cut)??? Also: they don't know what beets are. If that bothers you, then don't come here. read more

Fantastic store full of inexpensive, quality food and drink. The layout is easy to navigate and find all the essentials. Love the array of frozen seafood and veggies. The coffee selection is great [don't forget to grind it yourself] and I love the green juice [!!!]. As always, the staff is super attentive and helpful. Love the covered parking lot (although I could do without the meter) read more

I no longer live in Madison (*sad*), and their are a ton of things I miss about that place (the terrace, Genna's, my roommates, Saturday morning tailgating, the smell of Madison in the fall, etc.) and surprisingly one of the things I miss the most is Trader Joe's. Once every weekend I would walk from my Randall residence down Monroe street to my favorite grocery store!!! It was always nice that even though I was on a pretty tight student budget, I could still indulge my self in all of Trader Joe's wonders: organic soaps and shampoos, daffodils, their famous two buck chuck, spicy salsas, my favorite vodka sauce, fair trade coffee, hot chocolate, and delish teas. Also, I don't know any other grocery store that will give you a free sample of bacon wrapped scallop's!!!! To top it off, everyone who works here is so friendly, and, seems to really enjoy working here, AND always seem really happy to see me bring in my re-usable grocery bags :). Oh Trader Joe's... I miss you so. I can't wait til I live by you again :) read more

We love Trader Joe's, wish parking was better but what can you do Monroe Street. Its also a smaller space for parking and in the store in general. I try to avoid the place on weekends. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I like that they have affordable organic produce. They also have a nice selection of different foods you might not find other places. I really like a lot if their frozen, prepackaged meals like their vegan and non vegan chicken tikka masala. I hear their Mac and cheese is good but have not tried it myself. Its nice when I'm on the go and then I dont feel too guilty about eating a frozen meal as I trust their quality and they have a good variety of healthier options. I also love their frozen veggies section. Lots of nice organic choices. They have a good variety of frozen fruit for my smoothies too. I love the pre-cooked frozen edamame for my son. They also have soy and coconut ice cream that is better than most other brands out there and it is super affordable. read more

Great prices and ridiculously friendly staff. My favorite things there are: mini whole-wheat pita, free samples, garlic hummus, kettle corn popcorn (pink bag), frozen fettuccine alfredo and charles shaw wine! ($3 and super tasty!) Least favorite things: chaotic parking lot (the top lot is metered and underground parking is free but cramped, usually bike there though so don't have to deal with this), the packaging on the produce- so wasteful. The prices are great for the quality of food, I don't do all my shopping there but there are items that I come just to TJ's to get. read more

I'm going to slow the hype train on Trader Joe's for a bit. The produce, seafood, and the meats are pretty gross compared to what you find at Metcalfe's or Whole Foods. (Not to be a wet blanket, but frozen "organic" chicken breasts preserved in some "special" preservative doesn't inspire confidence.) Trader Joe's is best for stuff like nuts and raisins. People I know have also recommend fruit juices, which I don't drink because I'm trying to limit sugar, and also liquor, but I don't drink so I can't speak to that. Layout of the store is great with plentiful underground parking! read more

I love TJs!!! It is in walking distance to my apartment, and I am a poor college grad paying off her student loans, who probably should shop somewhere more affordable, but the quality of the food I buy usually exceeds my expectations, and it ruins other grocery stores for me. Just a few of the awesome TJ items I am obsessed with: -Berry and Yogurt cereal- 4 types of berries! -Roasted Garlic pasta sauce- puts other pasta sauces to shame, tastes super garlic-y but not in the stinky breath kind of way -Chicken Tikka Masala frozen dinner- I love to cook so I don't do frozen dinners too often, but this one is sooo good. Just as tasty as an indian restaurant, much smaller portions :) - Naan- to go with my Tikka Masala of course! The employees are really nice and it's also cute how much kids love going here. It seems like every time I'm in the store a kid is looking for monkey or whatever it is they hide for the kids to find. Even everyday items like the pasta, the tea, taste better than what I buy at an average grocery store. How do they do it???! read more

If I don't make it into Trader Joe's every other week, something is wrong. They have a great cheese selection that is reasonably priced compared to other stores in town for your party needs (or just your individual needs.) The frozen dinner selection (Indian especially) is terrific. I'm still working up the nerve to try some of the meat selection, which I was told is not very good, but I would like to give it half a chance. The only reason I lopped off a star is that if it is after 5 pm or on the weekend, it can get insanely crowded and it can be hard to move in the store. Added to the mix are a slew of small kiddos, each pushing a pint-sized cart into your legs while their handler is off looking at produce. Also the parking situation, even with the parking ramp taking some of the load off the street parking can be less than fun. I'd take the bus or bicycle on over. read more

Compared to the one in Arlington Heights, IL all I can say about this location is WOW. There's covered parking on the 1st floor. Then you get to ride the enormous elevator making you feel like you are going on a fantasy shopping trip. Love TJ. read more

Trader Joe's is what chain grocery stores like Pick'n Save (or anything under the Roundy's umbrella including Copp's and Rainbow), Piggly-Wiggly, Cub Foods, etc. should aspire to be like in terms of service and product. That said, the one in Madison is especially clean and very tidy--things are pretty well organized that you can find what you're looking for by just looking around at the area of food it would be under. The prices are on the higher side of being affordable, but understandable as they attempt to make them a little more beneficial and "healthier" to some extent (not always true, but they try in a lot of cases.) Here are some of my favorite products I'd recommend trying: Korean Short Ribs, Dark Chocolate Mint Creams, Sweet Potato Fries, Chili Pepper Sauce (not as spicy, but has a great flavor), and many of their meat cuts are pretty great too. I'd avoid: the breads are only so-so, Sweet and Sour Chicken, TJ's soy sauce (you can get better and cheaper elsewhere), and milk (if you're getting Kemp's this is, again, cheaper elsewhere). TJ's is great, but if I had a choice, I'd prefer Whole Foods at a cheaper price. Regardless, this is still a solid store and I go here when I'm particularly craving some good meals I can stick in the oven while I do homework. read more

Fun place to visit now and then, but not where I choose to do my main shopping. They have a great selection of food that isn't run of the mill, for a decent price. Clean, organized, and easy to navigate...unlike some stores. I also love the fact that I can park in the garage, cause Monroe is a bugger to find parking, sometimes! My faves include the curry chicken tenders, pretzel rolls, pistachio meats, and dried pears. read more

My goodness, I have missed you. We headed to Madison for our 1st anniversary and since we booked the hotel I was trying to get my hands on a large cooler so I could stock up on my loved and very missed items at Trader Joe's. Thank you husbands coworker for the mighty fine cooler you provided! This is a particularly nice and well stocked Trader Joe's! The parking, as everyone claims, truly is a bit of a pain in the ass - oh well, parking at the one I frequented in Chicago was a bigger pain in the ass. The staff here is just as nice as any other TJ's, maybe a little nicer. I was surprised by how well stocked everything was considering how busy it was and that it was a Sunday morning. We walked out of here with $180 worth of deliciousness and we have now decided to purchase a deep freezer - well, we've been wanting to for quite some time, but this little trip and 1st time trip for my husband really helped seal the deal I think - and make a trip from good ol' Wausau every other month or so. My god I've missed this place. read more

Having frequented Trader Joe's on the west coast, I was elated when a TJ's opened in Madison. Trader Joes is great for wine, cheese, eggs, dairy, meats and fish, juices, and many other basics, with an eclectic variety of specialty foods, most of which is sold under the Trader Joe's label. Some of the packaged and frozen items can be hit or miss, and you probably wouldn't want to do all your shopping at TJ's, but it's a great alternative to your standard supermarket and has more reasonable prices than Whole Foods (aka "Whole Paycheck"). Staff can be good sources for recommendations, and there's usually a free sample booth for featured products. Just be careful--it's all too easy to go in for just a few things and walk out with a lot more! read more

You know what. There's a REASON why three buck chuck costs $3 (and I'm PISSED that it's $3 and not $2 like everywhere else in the country). But if you're drinking a $3 wine, do you HONESTLY expect it to taste good? DO YOU? It's actually not *that* bad. I take that back. It is. Unless you, say, use it for a sangria, and mix it with fruit, brandy, cognac, and THEN we're talking (it acts more like a carrier than anything). But I LOVE TJ's, love their cheeses, love their brand, their fruit selection could be bigger, LOVE the location (it's less than a mile from me, so I walk), and love having more excuses to go to Monroe... I'd say TJ's is the BEST neighbourhood grocer. PSA. Parking is in the bottom, entry by Spooner. Not perpendicular to Ancora, they charge. Boo on them. read more

I LOVE Trader's Joe, or at least this location. Nice customer service and affordable healthy option. Their storebrand products such as wine, green tea, gluten-free, vegan and Asian fusion, are nice and delicious as well. This store is about 10 minutes away from our parents' house, so we made this our routines whenever we are at home. read more

Does anyone not like TJ's? Everything is reasonably priced, nice selection of organic products, free samples, inexpensive flowers and herbs, freindly/helpful/knowledgeable staff, decent wine selection, good cheese selection, excellent frozen meals and entrees. I only wish they wouldn't discontinue their products. Every now and then I go in and find that one of my favorites is no longer available :( read more

I go here all the time. It's cheap. Interesting variety of food. Lots of cheap wine. The only thing is every once and a while you'll find some basic food item isn't even available here. I guess TJ's is sometimes a victim to its own uniqueness. read more

I love Trader Joe's and the customer service is great! I could live without the screaming children with their Mommies who seem not to notice their children are lacking in manners. I am stunned that moving to Madison from a much larger city, the people here are unbelievably rude and self involved for such a small midwestern city. It seems that if you don't like a product, you simply go somewhere else and let those of us who like the establishment, enjoy shopping there without your pissy demeanor ruining the experience. Kudo's to TJ but boo to some of the customers while others are simply delightful! read more

I went to Trader Joes yesterday to stock up for the week. As I was leaving and getting ready to put my groceries in my car..my shopping cart flipped over ( completely my fault as I put it in an unsteady position on a decline). After I shrieked, a Trader Joes employee came rushing out, helped me lift it back up and helped me retrieve what had fallen out. Everything was fine, except for the grapes that had broken out of their plastic container and were all over the street. As I was contemplating what to do next.. should I go in and explain.. wait in line and buy the grapes again.. this wonderful employee had already brought me out a new package of grapes. Thank you. Your kindness shined through during this extremely difficult time for everyone. read more

No, I won't be shopping there for a while. They refuse to talk to Consumers Union about offering meat without antibiotics. Me thinks not. I get enough antibiotics from the pharmacy. I thought TJ's was a little better than that. Oh well. read more

When we first heard rumors it might be coming to town, we'd email the TJ's mother ship and they'd deny everything, but eventually it landed, and our quality of life has decidedly improved. Everything there tastes so good, we're pretty sure it's laced with crack. Lots of organic goods, often at lower prices then conventional fare at grocery stores. Amazing selection of great tasting, relatively healthy convenience food (already cooked balsamic chicken breast or BBQ pork, chopped squash ready for stir fry, fried rice & chicken that takes 3 minutes to prepare). Produce can be pretty shoddy, but nice to have available. Tons of yummy snacks, often made with real sugar instead of corn syrup. Great greek yogurt at great prices. Staff is incurably friendly and helpful and hard-working and laid back at the same time. read more

This is not your typical healthy eating store. They have created a unique set of grocery selections that to my mind will appeal to a modern lifestyle. If someone is health conscious they carry products that align with a variety of healthy eating philosophies. But they also cater to people who want value added frozen foods and carry a large selection of what look like delicious prepared dinners. On top of this they carry a good selection of delicious chocolate bars and cookies. And they are all at terrific prices. The cookie aisle at my regular grocery is all national brands, overpriced and of awful flavor. But TJs cookies are the bomb. They taste great and the price is right. They carry a large selection of floral bouquets that are inexpensive. I would just go here for the flowers. They had lower prices on a number of items that I usually buy at my local grocery. They are unfortunately situated in a crowded part of Monroe street and the parking garage is rather dark and cramped. Still it makes parking convenient as you just go up the elevator and you are right there. I think it is great for the neighborhood to have this nice store there. The staff has always been pleasant and helpful here. The cheese department is a bit small for my tastes. Overall the positives of this store keep bringing me back and it gets my recommendation for anyone who wants to supplement their grocery shopping with some unique additions for a great price. read more