Normally I love Trader Joe's but I'm feeling compelled to write this two star review. Yesterday we bought $344 worth of groceries....and two bag fulls were missing. No problem, I call the next morning and sure enough they had it at the store. Inconvenient and a pain in the ass to go back during this covid time, but okay that's not the worst part. So JJ helps me out over the phone and when I go in to find her, she's helpful. We're going through all the items and I mentioned that one of my orange chicken bags weren't in there. It went downhill from there and I was told to double check my refrigerator because those bags went straight to the freezer from register. I left feeling insulted and embarrassed. I don't need to lie about a $3-$4 bag of frozen food. I come here frequently and easily spent $344 this one trip. She wouldn't budge when I told her I didn't have it. Poor customer service....I really hope I don't find anymore moldy food with this batch groceries bc I don't want to come back to this store. But I will say TJ has been doing a great job of clerks wearing masks and preventing overcrowding. read more

This review is solely to acknowledge Ms. Lori's kindness. I went there today in the off chance that I might find the hit Daily Facial sunscreen but of course, they had run out as it was late in the day. I had asked the gentleman stocking the shelf when they're gonna restock and he said go to the front and just get it reserved. Ms. Lori heard our conversation and said she was reserving one for herself and produced it out of her pocket and gave it to me. That act of kindness truly touched me. What she didn't know was that I was always asking my now ex-bf, who loved Trader Joe's, to check if that sunscreen was back in stock. That relationship just traumatically ended less than two weeks ago and her act of kindness just about brought me to tears. Thank you, Ms. Lori. read more

Shopping is fun... Shopping with friends is funner... Shopping with LA friends is really, really fun! It happened to be the 50th Anniversary of Trader Joes. We had just finished brunch and dessert and still wanted to hang out together and be productive, so we decided that this was the best location to get some errands done. Other positives are good parking, spacious and clean environment, and it was relatively close to where we were. We were greeted by a Bean Bag Toss game - get two bags in and get a package of spaghetti noodles. Three bags will get you a bouquet of roses! Joce got 4 bags in and won a Gift Card! We also got free stickers, lemonade, and popcorn! Yay! Inside, the store was very organized! I found greeting cards, Bacon jerkey for my Lunch Buddy, cookies for my nieces, and fancy hand soap for my friend! Great products! We also indulged in the free samples of coffee and lettuce wraps of orange chicken and fried rice! I appreciate the convenient restroom and friendly customer service! Let's go again! Remember to bring your shopping bags! read more

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The people that are friendly and service is excellent. I can everything in stock.I especially love their Pineapple Juice.

I love Trader Joe's so much. The people that work there are always so happy, lovely and helpful. Sammy was my cashier today: charismatic, bubbly, super sweet, and stunningly beautiful inside and out . The way she interacts with the customers is fantastic, and she is just one of many great staff members that work at Trader Joe's. I can be having a bad day, and I come to Trader Joe's, and it gets instantly better no exaggeration. They must treat their employees well. I don't know what it is, but whatever you are doing, keep doing it. I honestly don't think people realize how affordable this market is. Most of the stuff at TJ's is local, too, which is a massive deal for me. TJ's is the only place I'll ever go. I'm a loyal customer. They know how to treat you for sure 10/10 recommend Thanks again for a great experience here today; Sammy and everyone else who helped me out, you guys all deserve raises! All of you are HEAVEN SENT; everything you all touch shall prosper, and I hope you have extraordinary lives and get everything you have ever wanted lol best staff ever I love y'all period bye read more

Love this store. The team members are always polite and helpful. Anytime there's more than 1-2 people in line, they open a new register, without fail. Why can't more supermarkets figure out good customer service? read more

I love Trader Joe's but wish they carry more organic. They used to carry more organic but seem to be carrying fewer organic produce lately.

I really like this location because it's very cute and convenient. Sometimes I'm shopping in the area and don't want to have a sit down meal, and I know I can just come here for a healthy snack. I would say the parking situation might be inconvenient if you're going to buy a lot of groceries, but if you're just in for some quick snacks a bag or two is no biggie . I like that it's upstairs and you get a cute view of the street's Christmas lights during this time :) read more

5 stars for Manager Sung Lee, of Pasadena, CA, Lake Avenue location In over 25 plus years of shopping at Trader Joe's I encountered a first! You know those really great seasonal items that come and go...and once they are gone they are gone? Sung Lee offered to track down what I was looking for, he said no promises but he would try. He searched the entire TJ's system. He sourced from a newer store which still happened to have a few of the products left in their inventory. He called me to remind me he was still working on it, and finally let me know when the items came in. WHO does that?!? Trader Joe's is known for friendly courteous employees but this was next level. SO impressed with people like Sung Lee who go way above and beyond to help a customer! read more

I actually forgot about eating today, I pretty much stayed in bed... with cramping and nausea. Yesterday, I had my gastric emptying test at USC keck and I was there for something like 5 or 6 hours. Omg! I ate a cup size of scrambled egg and apparently they were coated with a radioactive substance. Then I basically laid on a hard plastic like bed and a M.R.I. hovered above me taking video of the egg being digested or apparently not. I was then told to walk out to the waiting area for about a hour and then I would RETURN to finish yesterdays gastric test for stills of my stomach. I came back home and was subsequently exhausted and I slept until 12pm . I made a bathroom run and returned to bed and knocked out until 6:30p. I went to my baskets and retrieved a couple of bananas and then I opened the freezer and selected carton of vanilla ice cream. I opened the fridge and pulled out a milk and bing bang boom... my banana smoothie was created. It was delicious! Apologies, I must have been parched... lol I guzzled the smoothie down like nobody's business. I'll probably make another smoothie tomorrow after I return from my USC keck covid test. It's just required for my gastric resection on the 20th. Busy week ahead.... looks like Thanksgiving will be USC's responsibility this year. Yay me! I suppose that I will be grateful for my new stomach less self this year too. read more

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I used to be a faithful Trader Joe's shopper until I came to this one unfortunately. I noticed than every time I shopped here my food would go bad in less than a few days. Within days, I would find mold on most of my groceries. I feel as though they aren't getting fresh stock of foods as much as other locations. I've also tried to shop at all different times of the week in case it was a timing/restocking issue that I was missing but the same things happen even though the "best by" dates are far in advance. I'll come here for a few select items that I love but not going to do my full grocery hauls here. read more

Solid Trader Joe's location! I've been to quite a few locations in the LA area, and parking is a nightmare at most places. However, this TJ's location in Pasadena is adjacent to a 3-story parking structure, also shared by Macy's and some restaurants. Parking can still be a bit tough sometimes just because this area is always very busy. I just circle around for a bit and always am able to find a spot eventually. Lines can be a bit long here too, but the employees are good about opening up extra registers to accommodate the flow of people. read more

For the past 2.4 years, this has been my go-to TJ's. Before then it was TJ's #2 in la crescenta, which sadly closed just about a year ago. Nonetheless, this one is a 6 minute walk from home and whenever I do come in via automobile, parking is a snap. What can I say that no one else has said yet about TJ's??! I don't know, but I know I CANNOT live without it. TJ's is my life, my air, blood in my veins.... Truly, I do 94% of my grocery shopping here and I'm here at least twice, and easily three times a week... One of the things i love about this store is that they keep coming up with new products as if they had read my wish list! They have a shelf of new items and i never fail to check this section whenever i visit. Fabulous and genius products... Truffle Salt for $4.99, Speculoos Cookies for $1.99, Black Truffle Olive Oil $4.99, Coffee (Keurig) Cups $2.99... these prices are unheard of!! Don't think about it for one second, whether you need to go to Vons, Pavilions, Ralphs... there's no need to think! TJ's is the BEST!! Friendly service, wholesome and well-thought out products, quality you can depend on, freshness, great values... what more can you ask for? read more

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This review is for Andy at the Lake Ave location. 5 stars for his customer service for something he didn't have to do. I called to find out if I could get boxes for my upcoming move. Well there was a mix up of some kind when I called the next morning to check in, but I spoke to Andy who not only saved the day but was super nice! I showed up thinking there would be a few boxes and I'd have to look for more / buy some. Nope. Andy saved a flat top cart load for me and not just any boxes but the best boxes for moving. Same the next day. So I am totally set for my packing and moving. Thanks Andy I really appreciate it! read more

Been going here with my family ever since I was a little girl. The staff and employees are always nice, friendly, and helpful. I remember finding the monkey and getting a lollipop for it. This store is very spacious, neat and organized. And has a lot of items in stock! read more

Going to the grocery store can be a little stressful these days, but I've got to say, it was nice to be back to Trader Joe's. Despite it being one of my weekly stops, I had seen long lines out the door whenever I drove by a TJ's around the city and hadn't actually ventured in myself since before COVID. I'm sure it took some trial and error to get all of of the necessary precautions right (major props to all of the grocery store workers these days and the many hoops they're going through to reconfigure things), but as of lately, this store has nailed it in my book. I shopped here on a Tuesday after 7 pm and have generally found that shopping on weekdays is the move (Saturdays and Sundays tend to be busy across the board). They had someone outside sterilizing carts, limiting the number of folks inside the store, and spraying your hands with sanitizer when you walk in. The store layout has changed slightly (not sure if that's due to COVID precautions or just general rearranging) and they have distancing signs on the floor to the registers. When at the register, you give them your cart or basket and then stand a ways back while they ring everything up. They had a clear vinyl divider between the cashiers and customers and they bagged my groceries for me. I know "fun groceries" aren't super necessary right now, but since we're making almost all of our meals at home (and let's be real, doing a little more snacking as we're *always* a few steps from the pantry), it was nice to stock up on a few things. If you're needing a new sauce addiction, their chili onion crunch is the move. Always like trying a few picks from their inexpensive beer and wine section as well! Also picked up hand soap (they had a lot!) and some new face wash. Happy to have TJ's back in my life! read more

This is a great Trader Joe's, the employees are so helpful and have a great attitude. I want to take a moment to recognize Micheal A, he heard that we suffered a great loss this past weekend when we were casually speaking as he checked us out at the register. He ran aside and came back with a beautiful bouquet of white roses and told us it was from him. His small gesture of kindness had a huge impact on us. We are thankful for his empathy, the beautiful roses, and his desire to make our day a little brighter. Thank you Micheal. read more

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

I come to this TJs pretty frequently but it's def an odd store. The easiest way to find the entrance is to go into the parking structure on del mar and drive to the very top... Makes me dizzy! The good news is when you do get up there, you'll usually be able to find a spot pretty easily. Although, lots of people park on the lower levels and take the elevator but I find it painfull slow and kinda scary being in a rickety ice-chest-looking elevator. This store also doesn't seem to carry much, if any, organic produce. The last time I came by all they had was strawberries.... I was looking for veggies so ended up leaving empty handed. The store on arroyo has a much larger selection of organic fruit n veggies. Organic produce aside, it's still a decent place to stop by and pick up all of my fav TJ branded goodies! :) read more

I really like Trader Joe's! They always have some great stuff. Too many to recommend! read more

Trader Joe's - (Photo by Ins@foodie.skye) - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I still miss this Trader Joe's! Lived a few years ago in Pasadena by Paseo Colorado, and I was always here for food shopping. I still go once in a while, but Fresh and Easy much closer to home in Alhambra. Trader Joe's, although a little more expensive than a place like Fresh and Easy, has way better selection! Definitely better salads and sandwiches than Fresh and Easy. Fresher produce as well, and more variety of frozen foods to try. Staff also seems friendlier, and not as high of a staff turnover at Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's in Alhambra please... read more

A Trader Joe's with an ample amount of parking...what a rare gem. This Trader Joe's is found at the top of a parking structure and thank goodness for not needing to hound the lot for spots. They're doing pretty well keeping capacity in store at a minimum to allow for social distancing. It makes it a little less stressful trying to go out for our essentials. This location is much bigger than the other flagship store and you feel more comfortable roaming the store. They tend to usually sell out quick of new popular items, but eventually restock and becomes more available once the hype starts to die down. Staff is always kind and helpful. Even when we're waiting in line, I've had some associates keep us updated on how they're handling the line and capacity in the store. I love Trader Joe's to make up a quick date night with the boyfriend, whether it's a cheese and wine night or DIY pizza dinner. I love the small selection and great finds. Trader Joe's will always be a weekly stop for this household. read more

There's enough parking downstairs in the parking garage, but the actual market is located upstairs. The staff was friendly- all smiles! Samples were available, and I found everything that I needed. Remember to bring your own re-usable bags! read more

Best Trader Joe's during the COVID-19 pandemic. I've been been to a number of TJ's in recent weeks and while some have been stocked better than others, this one is the best! I even found cans of vegetarian chili!! (This is hard to find even during 'normal' times.) The only thing missing is toilet paper, baking flour, and Sir Strawberry. (Sure it's been close to twenty years since they had Sir Strawberry, but one can always hope.) If it were not for the social-distancing tape on the floors, or the number of people wearing masks and gloves, or the quick line queued up outside, you would have no idea that there was a global health crisis outside. Going into the store you not only get served complimentary hand sanitizer from one crew member, another matey will clean your basket or cart handle with a sanitizing wipe. Such service! read more

I bought two 20 dollar steaks, put them right in the fridge and cooked them that next evening. They were completely rotten, this has never happened to me before. The second star is only because the staff is such a delight. I won't be back. read more

Today is a relaxing day for me & I've decided to do some nice grocery shopping at this Trader Joe's! The festive Christmas wreaths and lovely varieties of red poinsettias & Christmas Amaryllis bulbs in elegant vases really inspired my holiday decorating spirits!! This is my go to location and it is very close to the well known , popular -- South Lake Avenue shopping district! I just love how this location is so perfect for lunch dates with a friend, then shop for some awesome Christmas gifts for you or someone you love !!I am ready to do my Christmas decorations show down! What really motivated me to leave this five star yelp review was the amazing check out cashier Ashley ! Her customer service and warm personality was top notch ! I enjoyed visiting this location so much today because Ashley made my shopping experience exceptionally pleasant and enjoyable the prices and freshness are great and good valued! It's been a lot of fun today doing my grocery here today! read more

I use to live out here in El Monte and I would go here after work from T-Mobile. Customer service: always on point. they literally always stop when you ask them for a particular item. Speed on ringing out customers: usually when you talk to them they like to create conversation too. If you don't talk to them they will just gladly speed on through. notes: parking at top for 45 mins. NO validation needed. Parking in garage. verdict: I like looking for their different murals on the wall. GOod place to go. Get the tuna salad on the go! read more

Trader Joe's - Murals. I always look forward to their murals. - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love Trader Joes! I love everything about it. This definitely doesn't feel like a task, chore or a boring shopping trip. The employees here are interactive and make their own personal recommendations. You can tell people actually like being here and like recommending their products. Did I mention I love their little coffee station and the samples they have? Yes sometimes I take two, but it's not a problem-the demonstrators love to tell you how easy it is to make and where to pick up the ingredients. Try it and you will have a new recipe! :) read more

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I was going to let it go but I am still bothered by the one Asian kid Trader Joe's staff in navy blue shirt assigned to check the salads this morning around 1030ish. I was just kindly asking him to help me reach for a salad that was on the topmost shelf and he kept saying they are all the same dates. I was asking him to get me that certain kind of salad for the reason that I cannot reach it but gave me an attitude and told me over and over again it is the same date like im picking and choosing the dates of the salad and if so I think I have the right to do that because im buying food for the week. He was not friendly at all. I like Trader Joe's for their friendly customer service ever since but lately all these young people have been not so friendly in my observation. But thank you to Clark in the cashier who redeemed it as he was very friendly. read more

Thank you Trader Joe off Lake St. in Pasadena. I drove 30 min. to your store because you have so many more safety measures in place vs. my local store during this Covid-19 shelter in place. I was blown away with the difference including sanitizing carts/baskets, social distancing measures and other precautionary measures in place since early March. Plus they were really well stocked given the circumstances. I was able to get all the groceries for my 81 yr old gramma and our family and feel relatively safe about my experience going to the store during this time. Thank your to all the workers and managers at this store for all of your hard work! You are awesome and your hard work does not go unnoticed. read more

Trader Joe's - Outside of TJs store - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My favorite Trader Joe's location!! The vibe is just so pleasant in the store - it puts me in an instant good mood when I walk in. I love that they offer animal crackers for they kids. The workers offering samples are so kind and jovial, I look forward to swinging by after a work out at Breakthru for the perfect sized cup of coffee. I have never had a negative interaction with any employee there, and I have been going since they opened this location. Keep up the awesome work!! We love you guys :) read more

I want to give trader joe's 5 stars for safety during this time as they enforce a limit of people in the store based on density in the sections which is smart. BUT I'm forced to give them 1 star because they refuse to let their employees wear masks which is asinine for multiple reasons. One of which is that many infected are symptomatic, wearing masks reduces community spread as evidenced by heaps of studies and real world experience. I find it disturbing Trader Joe's would rather their customers not feel intimated than provide as safe an environment as possible. I will be avoiding Trader Joe's for the rest of the pandemic and possibly beyond as I can see they care more about profit than safety. read more

Clean store, professional and helpful employees, and fully stocked produce. Garage parking. The best in my area. Thank you for what you do.

Every time I am in the area I stop by this Trader Joe's. Store is clean and well organized and the staff is always friendly. I always find street parking but I think there is an adjacent structure was well. read more

Trader Joe's always have a great variety of tomatoes, the cherry, the grape, the heirloom. Now it is almost summer, they will soon have fresh fig, which is such a delicious treat that is only on the market for about a month or so. Not that I am not extremely spoiled by all the blueberries and the cold press, but fig is a whole other game. It is sweet, juicy, and the crunch from the seeds, it is just so satisfying. Wish they could have it year round. The staff here is very friendly. They would put in a lot of effort to make your day go right, in case if it is not already so. read more

I go to this Trader Joe's store every week to buy no-preservatives ingredients. Staff is helpful, and the store always looks clean. The parking structure is huge, but I have to look hard for a spot sometimes because this place is popular among locals. Thank you Trader Joe's! read more

Love Lori! She's super sweet and always has the best dinner suggestions and recipes with Trader Joe products! I love when she's at the sample station, her conversations and friendliness keep me coming back! She deserves to be a part of management if she isn't already! She has the right attitude and knows everybody! read more

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

Always great to visit and shop there. Very friendly staff. Parking gets crazy time to time but manageable.

I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this Trader Joes location, it's the one we hit most weekends. It's pretty amazing when you can say you go to Trader Joes about 7 days a week and sometimes to more than one location each day. I guess that being said, I'm a fan! This location often has what we are looking for, but since it's the one I find myself in on the weekend I don't know the staff and the faces aren't as familiar as the Hollywood location I'm in Monday - Friday, so it doesn't qualify as my "home" store and they don't recognize when they've missed me if I haven't been in. I don't care much for their flower selection here but other than that it's a great store, similar to most other locations. They carried my favorite wine up until it was sold out so that scores them major points. Not all Trader Joes locations had this certain bottle. Like all Trader Joes, you really can't beat the quality, freshness and value. I rarely if ever find myself doing any type of major grocery shopping from other stores when Trader Joes is an option. They may even be beating Target out as my most favorite store ever! read more

I think that Trader Joe's is a bit overrated, that is if you're shopping for everyday basic food and groceries. The produced selection is small but overall pretty good quality. The meat selection is also good but a little pricey. What they do have is some more unique or specialty items and if you're shopping for that then it's more like 4+ stars. read more

PROS: 1. Roomy parking lot. 2. Nice, even pace, not a zoo. 3. Friendly staff 4. Not fuckin' cold like the one on Arroyo. 5. Clean, no questions asked about RTs. Do not need to show receipt as long as it is clearly marked as a Trader Joe's item. In another location in South Pasadena, the guy in the booth embarrassed me when I wanted to return a food item. 6. I like the little flower bouquet they have by the bathroom.I think it's at this Trader Joe's maybe it's all of them. Cons: Not much really I had to think hard to come up with something. 1. Not a fan of gender free restrooms; this isn't Ally McBeal. Because the men forget to put the flap down. 2. Pasadena is not a sleepy town, San Marino is.. why do you have 2 Trader Joe's I just thought of this I wish this location we just be open until 10. RAVE: Recently I injured myself, well now it's been several months .. very severe ankle sprain which put me in a wheelchair. It's really hard shopping and doing stuff.. you take for granted when you have to be disabled. The workers were very kind to me ... I either sat in that motorized chair which is fun or someone will shop w/me. I had to call an Uber or Lyft and my phone was dying so one time, Sung offered me a ride home which was very kind. It made my day. Other times, one of the managers oh, I think his name was Johnny asked one of his staff to wait with me outside because I had all these groceries and this college guy I'm so sorry I wrote down your name when I forgot to do the post. I think he was half Indian. Anyway, it's stressful calling an Uber because you never know if you're going to get a good driver or an idiot and I have all these groceries and it's at night and I'm alone in a wheelchair with 5 bags of groceries so I appreciate the kindness. The lady who does the sampling, the blonde lady... she's pretty friendly,but I don't really want people knowing too much of my business. I probably told her too much of my business but she's kind to ask. It's a touchy thing...my stupid family. The black guy tonight who was doing the sampling today some Korean scallion frozen cake thing which was yummy. He wished me a good evening. read more