I do love Trader Joe's and this location does not disappoint. Like most of these stores, the parking lot is cna get hectic. Especially here, because the entrance point from Forest Ave. is not intuitive so people tend to go the wrong way and cause gridlock. They do have a nice produce section and the quality is always good. They also have a lot of alcohol at this particular location. Overall a good TJs in my opinion just drive slowly in the parking lot. read more

This business is consistently, doing a great job. Parking is limited and can be difficult, but popularity does that. The products are packaged in excellent portions, fresh and ready. The prices are very reasonable and usually affordable. Lovely flowers and orchids, which I buy for gifts. Cards are $1. Liquors are reasonable, too! Cheers! read more

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while I hate looking for parking and never appreciate the bill, I always find something that I just absolutely enjoy. Guess we must take the good with the bad. During this visit, I picked up some dried blueberries and mandarins, and they were delicious. I also grabbed some Madeline cookies and a fresh roasted tomato and Parmesan focaccia bread that is calling to me from the kitchen counter, even as I write this. Lastly, I spied some chocolate peanut butter dipped cookies as I was trolling the sweets aisle. as I was looking, another gentleman came up, grabbed the box and hesitated to which I asked are they good and he replied Yep good enough that I'm sitting here thinking about grabbing two. They are the chocolate and peanut butter - Joe's sandwich cookies in a peanut butter coating with a chocolatey drizzle. I don't think I can express enough how good they are and it took willpower to not eat the whole package in one sitting. Now I'm wishing I'd grab another box. That said they weren't cheap considering how small the boxes but it wouldn't stop me from buying it again, I will post a photo of the item up. as always love to visit the shop for the unique items they carry. Recommend you do the same. read more

Trader Joe's - absolutely delicious and addicting chocolate peanut butter for the win. - Grocery Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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I came the night before New Year's Eve, and many vegetables and fruits were missing from the shelves. I noticed it's a big place but smaller parking lot. Probably you can park outside. It's really wide inside. It looked clean. You can pay at the alcohol side, even if you don't buy alcohol. That's very practical. read more

Trader Joe's - Ziploc system very smart - Grocery Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Super clean store and big! Well stocked. Wasn't crazy busy on a Monday morning. Only draw back is it is has a super small parking lot. I can only imagine the nightmare it must be on the weekends. But the staff was very helpful and friendly. read more

Love this place. I do most of my shopping here. Good energy and positive environment, the food is fresh and everything is clean without the soapy perfume smell, good service and things are refrigerated properly so the flowers and berries tend to usually last longer here. Thanks guys!! read more

Trader Joe's - Homemade salad with microgreens - Grocery Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

All trader Joes look very similar, this seems smaller, clean & lots of things, i love their plants & flowers, great prices, produce is fresh & the fruit is amazing, all the employees really do a great job & love their jobs read more

Entire experience. From the lack of parking to the snooty staff. I JUST left there from an outing to Carmel valley. I encountered a Hispanic male of about 6' with glasses in the checkout line. First thing he did was accuse me of cutting off the woman behind me. When I asked her whether I'd cut her off, her answer was non-definitive: "oh it's ok", so I said to her "That's not what I asked you. Did I cut you off?" And she replied "no". Next, he engaged in superficial conversation but was clearly annoyed with me for no reason and asked whether I'd need bags. Since I got more than I went there for, the answer was yes but they were in my car so I said I'd be right back not wanting to pay $.30 cents per bag. When I returned and completed the transaction I thought that was it - random bad interaction. But to add insult to injury, when I got home, I discovered the haphazard way in which he packed my groceries he'd destroyed 2 of my eggs. Normally I wouldn't care but eggs are ridiculously expensive these days and this guy was just an ass for no good reason. Get better employees TJ! read more

Who doesn't love Trader Joe's! Love this store and all the employees! Wide aisles, clean, great music of course, will carry grocery's out for you if you ask without question! Thank you. read more

Returned to this Trader Joe's as a regular stop, since their selection is so good and their staff so friendly and helpful! The parking lot is still crowded, but we always manage to find a space. The beautiful garden display out front just enhances all the goodies that wait within. This visit I got a Blood Orange cake mix that I whipped up into 12 tasty cupcakes when I got home. The package even included icing for the finishing touch. I had been craving French bread, and found some frozen baguettes that i can't wait to heat and eat. Lots of variety and friendly staff make this store a must visit! read more

Trader Joe's is the place! To shops for custom items, affordable foodie gifts, and your favorite beer, veggies, and whatever you may love. The TJ's in pacific grove is always a treat to shop. The service is excellent , COVD protocols excellent, all = a great shopping experience. The parking lot in PG is tricky but I've always found a spot, even on the busiest days. Be careful and you can park near the back of the lot. If there is a line, they've offered water and treats to those in line. Be safe! And happy Holidays. And of course. Happy Yelping read more

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We always stop at Trader Joe's on our annual vacation to PG, staff is amazing and all their food is so fresh and delicious, try their new strawberry cake with white icing, yummy! read more

During the time of covid they have stepped up their game. Upon nesters g sanitizing the cart to giving a drop of hand sanitizer for each customer to the time we leave. They made us feel safe. The shelves were constantly stocked. And the workers were jolly in masks. I would not hesitate to come back and patronize this TJ. Everything is reasonably priced and including flowers just for mothers days since florists are closed at this time. Came here for two things ended up getting a whole cart full. read more

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Parking is a bit screwy. But I love this place. My nieces are visiting - one vegan, one vegetarian, I couldn't find things TJ's says they have. I went to the clerk, told him my problem, he shut down his line for ten minutes to help me find what I needed. (About 80% successful). Great customer service! Compare with my Whole Foods writeup from today.... read more

Solid store. Solid staff. Solid selection. Been going here since the store opened. Staff always goes above and beyond the call of duty. Good food, decent prices, and constantly adding new items. Unfortunately this means some items are discontinued or only seasonal. but that's just part of the process. Honestly, this place is the "go to" in Pacific Grove and very dependable. Healthy food, friendly staff. read more

I shop Trader Joe's all the time. They are not the giant Wal mart of grocery chains, but smaller and they keep the quality high. Many items are their own brand. The staff are all so friendly and helpful. I always get my organic chicken here. And I love their house made Soyaki. It really has a kick of a taste. And the staff are continually keeping the shelving looking top shape. And soon as three or four of an item are sold they immediately bring in more stock. At times they bring in specials, available only for a short time. Like the lemon ice cream. Best ice cream I ever had. I was immediately addicted to it. Sadly a month later it was gone. And their frozen onion soup is better than you will find in any restaurant. It has so much flavor and is not watered down at all. They do a great job. read more

Great location. Helpful customer service. Not as big as other Trader Joe's but everything, all the foods and classic TJ's items are available at the location. read more

I've been shopping at the Pacific Grove TJs since its opening and have only had positive experiences. Even when the parking lot has been packed, there still has been ample moving space within the business itself; other shoppers have NOT been all on top of me; thus I've felt relatively safe during COVID as well as afterwards. I still wear my mask when I'm inside of all shops and other venues. To conclude: ...the product is exceptional, reasonably priced; the personnel amiable and quite helpful when needed. Go and experience a pleasant time overall. read more

Trader Joe's never disappoints!. I love the variety when other locations when traveling! read more

Chicken tikka masala was milder in spice this time. Coconut aminos smells like tamarind (my son couldn't tell it wasn't soy sauce). The store asked no questions when we had to exchange the bottle after it fell out of the cart on the way to the car. I like the chocolate hazelnut biscotti more than the almond flavored soft bites. We prefer the manyberry rhubarb pie over apple or peach. We've also used the liquid Castile soap to wash oil paint off brushes. read more

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Here's the Yelp review I promised y'all. This place has affordable healthy food. As someone with a lot of food allergies this place is gold. The customer service is always good with some of the most chill and polite staff and workers you'll come across. read more

Trader Joe's - It's a pic of me. - Grocery Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

The Employees need to be versed on ebt cards. My cashier had no idea what to do and had to call another employee to help. It was embarrassing because he announced to the guy who helped what he needed and the whole line heard. He still couldn't help and I was left with having to pay with other methods. In this time of covid and many of us losing our jobs we do not need to be humiliated like this. read more

I'm in love with everything named "Trader" and "Joe's." Even while on vacation, there's sends to be a reason to duck for something. This location is no exception to all of the sensational stores I've been to: we'll laid out and organized with everyone wing there with smiles and ready and eager to help. I specifically was looking for satsuma tangerines and the guy in the Hawaiian shirt quickly led me to them. I love the lighting there, which is neither to dim nor that horrid glare. read more

Ok. I work here. So I'm not super objective. However, I have to say, so many people who happen to be travelling and stop in frequently say to me "This is a really nice store. It's much larger than our Trader Joe's back home." Just going with the word on the street. Plus, we really focus on speedily checking out and not allowing anyone to wait in line if possible. Lot's of checkstands. More often than not you will be in and out....Unless you get distracted by all of the interesting products and displays. The only thing NOT unusual at Trader Joe's. See you there! read more

Nice, clean, best looking and well-stocked Trader Joes Ive been to. Best to go first thing early morning as soon as they open to avoid waiting in line, but still much better than the long iline in Monterey. Best customer service! Everyone here is super friendly and accommodating! read more

Not as well stocked as the one in downtown Monterey. Less variety & smaller quantities, so you can't always get what you're there for. I can't wait until they expand. Staff is pretty friendly. July 2012: Upgrading to four stars. The expanded store is great, and parking is a heck of a lot easier than at the Monterey store. Staff are friendly & helpful. read more

We were treated like We had the plague. Always wear mask infused with copper. Store was awesome clerk not so much. I eagerly stepped up to the plexiglass partition, only to have the checker snapped at us to stay by the sign outside of the check stand. Sign was cluttered and confusing. I guess this is the policy to not stepped up by the plexiglass until asked to pay. No other store has that insane, confusing sign, or check out policy. We are elderly but found her extremely condescending and rude, at that moment I should have left the store. Next time Whole Foods, where the clerks are happier. read more

Far better than the crowded Monterey shop. The aisles here are spread perfectly to allow for shoppers to flow. Check out the cheese selection. The prices are unbelievably low, and their vast array of cheesy goodness is worth a visit alone. I find myself lost here each time I visit. The wine and alcohol section is divine. I am constantly finding new Rose to sip and sample during the 3rd hour of the Today show, and I bet you'll find one here yourself. If not, the cheerful staff is more than willing to make recommendations read more

I have been shopping here since it opened and have had mixed feelings until recently. My typical groceries are lunch supplies for the week, produce, and dairy. Breads cheeses and lunch meats are all top notch but man the produce has gone down hill lately. Every kind of tomato and pepper I buy now seems to go bad within a few days, did you guys switch vendors? My biggest complaint of all is the shopping carts for children...GET RID OF THESE NOW. No matter what time of day I come in there is a woman who has decided to bring all 5 of her kids and they all have a shopping cart and are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I would pay any amount of money to throw these carts in the dumpster. read more

My son loves this Trader Joe compared to Monterey one. The staff are super friendly! They have a wanted sign for your kids to find a raccoon. If you found him, you can get a lollipop or fruit in there basket. I had never seen that before. It is fun for the kids. They have kids shopping carts that my son loves since he likes to help. The staff my son and I honestly really enjoy seeing is one of your employees. Her name is Denise. She is very kind and make you feel welcome. She makes my son feel like a grown up. He enjoys unloading his cart and talking to her. You need more staff like her. Very patient and friendly. read more

plenty of parking space and staffs are mostly friendly except 1-2. early in the morning is the best time to shop there

I'm stressed enough Trader Joe's. Most people are. Today, I dealt with impossible parking in your parking lot, lined up in the cold faster than usual. Few of my personal favorite items will ever be back: The Kona coffee, Bran cereal flakes to name two. Steamed glasses from the mask when your nasty lady checker snapped that I must stand back 6' from her while she bagged my groceries. Umm...isn't she barehanding touching my food if there is so much Corona virus run amok? She snarls "Come forward and pay." I stood my 6'. "Doesn't that place me 18"s from you?" "You want your things or not, lady?" Not from Trader Joe's on Forest. No. Not ever again. read more

just a weird place for a black and brown person to shop. it seems like everyone is rude or downright stupid. just weird vibes if you're not an old white person. read more

Love coming to this location! Great, friendly staff which is especially wonderful during these challenging times. Their attention to health and safety protocols makes me feel as safe as possible when shopping as well. Thanks! read more

Im impressed with this location. Their staff are very friendly and helpful. I am very grateful that they take the time to sanitize their carts and create a safe and clean environment for everyone. read more

Kids this is the place! I came here when it was a Blockbuster but that has apparently closed and this place expanded. This place has slightly better parking and less human refuse, but the same jim cracker types punching the buttons and scanning the goods. I don't get the "rotten meat" review. That don't sound like the rump punchers that work here. They're always fawning over the goods they're cramming on the shelves! Aces again baby read more

Trader Joe's always has great products at amazing prices. I thoroughly enjoy shopping there and leaving with a huge bag of groceries and spending less than $50. read more

This Trader Joe's is nice & clean with very wide aisles (it's a former Blockbuster store). Have been to this location 3 times now. Each time the employees have been very friendly & helpful. Shelves are always stocked. Have been to several TJ's & this is the least crowded - nice. read more

I loves me my Trader Joe's! Cons: * Teeny tiny parking lot gets jammed during prime shopping hours * Limited floor space in the store itself * Occasional weirdos shaking down customers for "donations" (I'm looking at you, you freaks in the bizarre white uniforms) Pros: * Friendly staff (with a few exceptions if you're normal--er, I mean "square"--instead of pierced, tattooed, and slovenly) * Excellent prices for most things; good prices for everything else * Quality merchandise * No magazines, gas canister exchange, spare change rip-off machines, or other superfluous junk * Trader Joe brand products have low prices and are as good as, or better than, national brands (which are almost entirely absent) * Extensive variety of merchandise * Free samples * Free mini-cups of coffee * Free juice for the kiddies * Two-buck Chuck Recommended. However, you may find the downtown Monterey location more convenient--I often do. read more

One of my most memorable birthday gifts was from a roommate/great family friend named "Dole" when we lived a block away from Union Square in the city. I've been known to enjoy a chip or two here and there and she presented me with a membership to the "Chip of the Month" Club, I kid you not. Saying that I'm no chip connoisseur but I also know that the larger the chip does not necessarily mean the better... like most other things. When it comes to chips I do no discriminate. Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, Flamin' Hot, Fritos, Dirty Chips, Lay's, Homemade, Hawaiian, Organic, Tabasco flavored, Guacamole flavored, Marmite flavored, Japanese chips... even the popular Shrimp chips, Wasabi flavored, Pork Crackling, Rippled for your pleasure, Naked Pita Chips and the ones that you find on the streets of Mexico with a hint of Limon... I've recently been into the simple plain Kettle Cooked Potato Chip... I just really want something crispy, salty and not too greasy in my mouth and would love to just "taste" the potato. I found this to be true with Cape Cod Chips (the original) and until today they had become numero uno in my book. I've strayed away from the likes of the Dorito Family since I like to talk to people in public (give you horrendous breath) and I'm OCD with washing my hands and I can only wash them so many times a day before they dry out... I have been told to stop washing them so frequently; literally doctors orders. On a side note I can know see why chips are called "crisps" in British English and this is one of the few words I feel content repeating in everyday dialogue.... aubergine, fanny pack, zed... yes that is what they call the letter "Z" over there... not so much. (No offense Nic A. .... I'm only joshing around.) The Kettle Chips cooked in Olive Oil were my new find of the day at this lovely Trader Joe's located on the hilltop in Pacific Grove. Cooked to perfection and with the perfect amount of salt, these chips pack a nice "potato" punch and once you crunch, you can't stop! I highly recommend them as is and they would make a great dipping chip if you so desire. We recently made a homemade Fava Bean "hummus" that was unique and healthy and it would have paired nicely with this chip with some Prosecco or Cava. After enjoying these kettle chips, I no longer have to drive to my go-tos to find the ones that originated in Boston. read more