Trader Joe's, you're another LA institution that doesn't always make it easy on your loyal customers. Did you know that LA Times and this guy http://blogging.la/2010/08/19/the-5-worst-trader-joe%E2%80%99s-parking-lots-in-la/ even called you out on your shoebox-like parking? All you have to say is "the Trader Joe's on Arroyo in Pasadena" and people know EXACTLY what you are talking about! Well, thankfully you opened up in a new-ish plaza, upstairs from Corner Bakery and with a large parking structure attached, so you're mostly forgiven. You know, Yelpers like you so much, we even whisper about you in the hallway. That's right. "What's your fave item at Trader Joe's?" is a lock for once a week on Yelp talk. But then again, sometimes a favorite item suddenly disappears from the shelves, never to be seen again. Grrrrr. I like: avocado salsa verde (WOW!), pizza dough, steakhouse salad, salsa especial (black lid), white bean basil hummus, frozen panna cotta with blueberry & peach I miss: pre-mixed mojito (remember that??), cowboy burgers (aged beef made into hamburger patties, refrigerator section) Somehow your sibling in the Hastings Ranch part of Pasadena seems slightly larger and fancier, but it's ok. You know you're my go-to location, right? read more

Trader Joe's - My newest obsession - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

I hadn't been to a Trader Joe's in years, so was looking forward to shopping here.Well, it looks like their game plan is to almost exclusively use their own brand--even on items as diverse as canola oil, yogurt, and nuts. Speaking of which, we bought all three items. The yogurt was runny and mediocre. The nuts were inedible. We haven't tried the canola oil yet, but I don't have high hopes. I know other stores are doing this same thing--carrying their own brands--which are often mediocre--rather than carrying higher priced, high quality items. That's why I'm sticking to Gelson's in the future. What good is saving money if you're getting stuff that doesn't taste good? read more

Good place for shopping. I love Trader Joe's foods and staff. They are nice and welcomed!

Love Trader Joe's! After eating at Corner Bakery, I went upstairs to Trader Joe's and bought dried apricots and trail mix. I'm trying to eat healthier snacks this year, so I'll be frequenting Trader Joe's more often. Cheers! read more

Larger trader joes. Too bad all the shops around have closed down over the years but the corner bakery is still hanging strong which is good. The great thing about this TJs is the multi story parking structure giving it plenty of parking. Access to TJs is one the top level. Great clientele as well. Mix of families and working professionals from the area. Always great friendly service. read more

I am grateful that Trader Joe's is so close to my workplace. On my break I would buy salads, wraps, drinks, and snacks. Everything is so healthy here! The service is friendly and speedy here. I was in a hurry to buy some flowers for an event. So, I purchased some flowers here and it was a steal. The flowers were so cheap and pretty! I used them as my centerpieces and I got a lot of compliments. read more

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

Convenient store near the gym I go to. Many of parking spaces never had a trouble looking for parking space. Great customer service and friendly too. read more

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

I love this Trader Joe's, and even though they're sometimes out of my favorite items, their customer service is always amazing. The store is a little small but it works for me. The folks working there keep things in tip-top shape. read more

To say the staff at this Trader Joe's are really friendly would be redundant. They are known for their excellent staff. To say that the prices are great and the inventory rocks would also be to repeat the obvious. This is the case with every Trader Joe's I have been to. I can say that it is very clean and I love the layout. But what, you might ask, makes this a 5-star Trader Joe's? It's all about the parking baby. Three levels of it and I have never had a problem finding a spot. That, my friends, makes this the best Trader Joe's ever. :-) read more

There are many TJs. I think a town hasn't really hit the map until they have a TJs. I like this particular location because of the easy parking (three stories), wide isles, fast lines and not too crowded. I can pick up a salad and drink for lunch or something to take home for supper. Love the chicken curry salad, Greek salad, frozen green beans, chicken tamales. Did not like the shrimp spring rolls, rolled too loose and filling falling out. read more

So the thing with Pasadena is which TJ's will be easier to park at. And, which one will have my beer??... I tend to find the one one Arroyo has the best selection avialable but can be a pain to park at after 4p. read more

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

This is by far my favorite Trader Joe's location in the area! Only sucky part of it is that you have to drive up a structure to park. I pass by at least 4 speed bumps -- no bueno! And these aren't the ease-over-bump kind of speed bumps, these are the OMG-what-hit-my-car kind of speed bumps, the kinds that feel like it could pop a tire! Besides the gnarly speed bumps you gotta pass to get up to the third level, I love the samples provided here! They always seem to have the best samples of the TJ's in the area. It's because of the sample station that I've found my new favorite salad -- broccoli and kale slaw!! During the summer, the morning samples seemed to consistently be watermelon. The workers here are always out of this world! Super friendly, as if their main priority during the 8 hours they are there, is to help us shoppers out. I've never encountered an unhappy employee there! Each check-out aisle has a miniature street sign with all the notable streets of Pasadena. So cute! So very small-town-pride-ish. Only downside is that their items come and go. I was ready to serve up a basic italien dinner, and was looking for garlic bread, but they didn't carry it at the time :( But it isn't something that would deter me from shopping here, ever! PS. I was on the hunt for Cookie Butter Ice Cream.... and I finally found it!!! It's in stock, everyone, go stock up! Ice cream in the wintertime is the best :D read more

Trader Joe's - So delicious!!! Too bad this bag was 75% air and 25% product. $2.79 - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Oh, I loves me some Trader Jose's and was a little shocked to realize that I had never Yelped this guy!! How did THAT happen? Yea-- like most everyone else, I forgive the parking structure sich mostly because I've learned to avoid the most nightmarish time slots (IE: any weekday between 5pm-7pm, and the weekends between 11:30a-1ish). As long as you can do the same, it's ALL good. If it's that much of a stressor for you, I would avoid Arroyo for sure and head to the Hastings location instead. I use TJ's for several staples that have proven over time to make a bigger dent in my pocket book if I get the same items at Whole Foods. I LOVE the "Fearless Flyers" and their kooky humor. I look forward to getting them so that I can circle all the new stuff that I want to try. I absolutely adore the employees at Trader's-- always helpful, always seemingly in a good mood--and sometimes belting along to whatever song is playing overhead. Even when Greenpeace launched their campaign for carrying sustainably retrieved seafood and graded TJ's pretty low on the totem pole of offending grocery stores, I just *knew* in my heart of hearts that they'd come around. And sure enough, after receiving a lot of "gentle nudges" from their loyal customers who supported Greenpeace's plight, Trader's made good and came forward with a master plan for making this happen over the next couple of years. I *heart* Trader Joe's. Between TJ's and WF's--I have no reason to go to any other grocery store! read more

I LOVE this Trader Joes! Obviously the parking lot sucks (I feel like that's a requirement for TJs though). This is a huge TJs and super organized! I think I went in a less busy time but still! read more

Trader Joe's - Organized... And so clean - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have seldom gone to Trader Joe's & when I do, I always wonder why I don't go more often. The quality, selection, service, employees, and ambiance are always top notch. I will visit more often in the future. read more

OK all, last night I faced my greatest fear. That would be going shopping at trader joes (list or no list) it's a very dangerous place! There are always new things to nosh on, I always make the same mistake of taking 2 bags (you know those perfectly sized bags from bristol farms) Of course I found those square bags becoming filled with 2 chicken lasagnas & chicken Picatta & imported cheese & 3 bags of peas & Brussels sprouts & salmon patties. Oh & a bag of spinach. OMG! All I was looking for was a microwave meal for later this week. Oh, yes & a box of blue berries! read more

Trader Joe's - Just a bit of the "stuff" i didnt know i truly needed! I delved into the chicken piccata in the bag of keno & it was delicious - Grocery Near Me - Pasadena, California

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When I'm in the area, this TJ's is the one I usually go to. It's such an embarassment of riches that SGV has when it comes to the number of TJ's, naturally. The service here, like other TJ's, is excellent and everyone's nice. The selection is the same as others, but that's what I expect. The only thing different is that you don't have to fight for parking, unlike some of the older stores. There's a parking garage adjacent to this second-floor store. Yeah, it can be a little annoying to take an elevator to carry/push groceries, but I'll take it over circling endlessly for a space. read more

I went to Trader Joe's and the selection was great as well as the customer service. The dried spicy mangos are great!!

This location is a tad smaller than others, but it has all that you need. It's a few blocks from where I live so its become my go-to grocery store. The cashiers are always nice and the food taste table always has great snacks. I never buy grocery store salads unless its trader joes-- for less than $4 each, I save a ton of money buying these for my daily meals. There are about 3 floors of parking for this Trader Joe's that it shares with other stores (Macy's, etc), but there are always parking spaces available. read more

This is my second favorite TJ's ! I like the convenient location on South Lake. Very organized and clean store with the usual friendly crew. This store is in my rotation for groceries quite often. read more

While it may not have the distinction of being the flagship store like the one across town, this location is one of the better-run Trader Joe's stores I've seen. Parking, which is an issue at many TJs, is abundant in their free garage, making it less of a nightmare to get into and out of. The shelves are always well-stocked with quality products, and as is expected at Trader Joe's, the staff really is a cut above most service industry employees - they're always friendly, relaxed, and appear to be genuinely having a good time being there (as much as you can be at work at least). I've also been impressed by how they don't cut corners on hours. I've come in 5 min before closing on several occasions, and while I try not to hold them up, I've never felt rushed or like I was shopping in a half-closed store. I do wish they stayed open later sometimes, but at least they do a great job of fulfilling on their posted hours. I don't use TJ's as my primary grocery store because I think there are better options for produce and more general items, but for those special products you can only get there, it's still worth the trip, and this location makes it easier than virtually any other. read more

Best TJ's in Pasadena, and I love the store, but unfortunately that's the location where I purchased the following nasty product. Seems quality control on refrigerated veggies has been steadily slipping. Case in point: Asian Vegetable Stir Fry. Bought it on June 16, then used it one day later, well ahead of its Best By of 06/20/18. When I opened the package, many of the green and red bell pepper slices, as well as the red and white onion slices, had deteriorated to a gelatinous, smelly slime. I desperately wanted a stir fry though, so I removed what I could and washed the rest. Stupid me, with a stomach ache the next morning. This is really unacceptable in a market in this country. If it's not profitable to sell it at the current price without resulting in this kind spoilage, then for god's sake raise the price to insure better quality control! Or don't sell it. read more

Worse traders when it comes to speed and efficiency! So slow! They hire the slowest cashiers possible. They are overwhelmed or something... it's clean that's all I can say about this place. Workers are not engaging at all. read more

As Trader Joe's go this one is a bit smaller than some of the other ones in great Pasadena area. However, this one is always impeccably clean. Everything is very well organized, and they have a great flower selection at this Trader Joe's. They don't have as large of a selection of pre-packaged lunches as the Glendale one, but they have enough. Their frozen section is just as solid as any. I love the frozen Indian food and this one started carrying the vegan and veggie options! YAY! The produce here is okay. Price point isn't anything amazing, but they have all the basics. Snacks are my favorite and this place seems to carry all of my favorites so I can't complain. From frozen macarons to espresso beans its all delish. Service here is solid as all TJs I have never had bad service at one. If I ever need help someone always comes through! read more

I have been a loyal TJ's shopper for many years. As their staff have gotten younger since the pandemic, I have had to pay more attention to the bagger to avoid damaging fragile fruits/veggies. I had an unpleasant interaction with a male employee today that bothered me enough to write this review(which I rarely do). I had asked him to separate my frozen/refrigerated foods and put fruits and veggies together. When he put my bananas in the bottom of the bag, I asked him to take them out and put them in last. I was a little shocked when he said, "do you want to bag?" I've accepted younger workers may lack some common sense, which requires me to be more attentive and directive. His rudeness, however, was acceptable! I called and spoke to manager Jo. I told her I was disturbed by his lack of courtesy, and that TJ's employees need better training in proper bagging. She listened to my concerns and said she would follow up with this employee about his behavior and her employees in general about better bagging. read more

This is one of the best Trader Joes in So Cal. Really enjoy grocery shopping here because the staff are friendly and helpful. And they are always fully stocked. Parking is decent too. read more

I visited the Lake Avenue location for the first time today and was assisted by Johnny G. I had a special request and he went above and beyond to see to it that my request was fulfilled. Johnny was extremely professional, caring, and kind. I should add that after I advised him that I was shopping for someone was is immunocompromised, he took the extra step of ensuring that I had a sufficient amount of disinfectant for my hands, prior to me departing the store. I'm certain that Johnny sees many customers each day, and that he's very busy. That he took the time to assist me with such amazing attention to detail and kindness meant a lot - especially with all that we're all having to contend with. I am grateful, and will be shopping at the Lake Avenue location going forward, on account of Johnny's exceptional professionalism and kindness. He is a light! read more

I love this Trader Joe's! The staff has always been friendly and helpful and generally at least seem to enjoy working there. While not impressed with every product I've tried so far, I really enjoy most of the ones I have tried and love going back for more of it! Be cautious around the garage entrance/exit off Del Mar? Makes me nervous every time I walk or drive by. (And it reeks every time with the dumpsters right there ;)). read more

The new Chicken Meatballs, they are really good in taste but to many grounded up bones!! Be very careful eating them or giving to young kids..... read more

I bought a plant here and in less than two days it died. I'm not trying to be arrogant but i have a pretty green thumb. My plants last up to a year or two. Some I've had even longer than that. Most places don't allow returns but after explaining my story to the manager John he let me exchange for the same plant. I really appreciate it because I love my plants! Thanks for being awesome. This place knows it's all about customer service and how you treat someone is what makes them return. Thank you John! read more

Best customer service ever. I've been to many Trader Joe's throughout Southern California, and this is by far my favorite. Not just for their ample parking but for the customer service given time and time again. Im lucky to have several to chose from currently, and will go out of my way to come to this one. Thank you employees and management. read more

I absolutely love this Trader Joe's! So much parking and the store is bigger than other locations. Lots of food and drink options and every thing is always fresh. Employees are very nice and will even offer you a fork if you are buying a salad. I don't know of any other grocery store that does this! read more

Johney is a good manager. Helped me out with a rotten watermelon, very easy and friendly always. Thanks Johney!

In general I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's! Even though this particular location is upstairs in a mall-ish space and you have to lug your groceries down a sometimes operational/sometimes not escalator it is still an awesome Trader Joe's...and it is within walking distance of my home so thankfully I do not have to deal with the less than optimum parking experience. The employees are lovely and helpful. The store is very clean and well stocked. The produce is fresh. They are always sampling some yummy products. I think my only complaint about this particular location is the abbreviated cheese section...but then again I want to live in a house made of cheese, so others may not be as concerned about this particular aspect of the store. Overall this TJ's is a win! read more

I wish I didn't like Trader Joe's as much as I do because I like being a contrarian (too young to be a "curmudgeon" and too old to be a "hater.") So let me at least keep up appearances by mentioning the things I don't like about it first. 1) The clientèle. Gasp. Yes, I mean you, darlings. I love you when you're on yelp, but in real life you're very tiresome. I hate those $50 flip flops you're wearing, I hate your ADORABLE seven year old begging you for parmesan crostinis, I hate that you're arguing with your "roommate" about which hummus is the best, and I hate that you just dinged my car with your silver Prius. 2) The clerks. Oh bejeeze: enough with the questions about my purchases already. Oh, so you notice the doggie treats and are clever enough to surmise I have a dog? Oooh, good for you! Oh, and how perceptive of you to realize that the case of champagne and the cheese trays means I'm having a soirée. See my face. This is my bitter, back the frack off and don't talk to me 'cause I'm hungover face. Learn it. Memorize it. 3) The Fearless Flyer. What a terrible excuse for a publication. I suppose it was considered de rigeur in 1978, but its "jaunty" writing style makes me want to eat glass. It's the kinda writing my elderly Aunt Josephine thinks is "adorable." And no one, not even the owners of the store, should get so orgasmic about their "newest" product. I mean, how many different ways can you gush about frozen sea scallops. Let the Fearless Flyer count the ways. 4) Some of their products. Namely: sushi, beer, pizzas and coffee. I'm sure there are tons of others, but these are the worst offenders. So why am I still a fan, you may ask? Because it's still a hell of a lot better than any of the other options out there. Fresh & Easy? http://www.yelp.com/biz/fresh-and-easy-neighborhood-market-pasadena#hrid:GeuWfz8TdpWKANk7YpToaw/src:self The bigger chains? Good for certain things, but as a fish eating vegetarian (sorry, I just can't say the word "pescaterian" with a straight face), the choices are a bit limited/expensive. Whole Foods? Can only afford to cruise the parking lot. Food 4 Less. You're joking, right? And then there have certain items that I cannot live without. Namely: asparagus risotto, spinach lasagna, marinated artichoke hearts, jalapeño cheese bread... So yeah, bottom line, as much as ENJOY carping about the place, it's the least worst of my options, and has much to commend it. read more

I've got four different locations that I frequent in my area, but this is probably my go to TJ. You know you are an addict when you describe every recipe as: oh just go to Trader Joe's and get on the ______. There are so many great products here at from dried fruits, cheeses, beers, dairy, all those holiday sweets, marinated meats, special sausages ( guys no comments here please), and some of my favorite fresh produce. I swear every section of the store I have a ritual with whether it's the beverage department where I have to buy multiple bottles of Tejava for Debbie or she will go crazy. Liquor and beer equals Patron, Chimay, Stone arrogant bastard, Lindemands Framboise, or just a bottle of two Buck Chuck. Eggs and dairy department, always grab some reasonably priced butter, Greek yogurt, brown eggs, egg whites, and cottage cheese. Produce like brussels sprouts, tricolor peppers, red onions, peeled garlic, heirloom tomatoes, red potatoes, avocados, green onions, and baby broccoli, are always in our house. Marinated tri-tips, chipotle sausages, prosciutto, pancetta, and various cold cuts, always make it into our cart. Cheese is one of the best things they have, whether it's, greyere, gouda, sharp cheddar, fontina, Parmesan, Romano, or mozzarella marinated braids. Canned goods like pasta sauce, corn, beans, quinoa, chilis, and tuna, always help keep the cupboard full. Sometimes I go to their arroyo or Hastings Ranch locations but less often. La Canada is the only other location I frequent as much as this one. Being just 1/4 mile from my office I tend to shop here 2 to 3 times a week. I love you TJ!!!!! read more

This is my Trader Joe's, located in walking distance from where I live. It also has ample parking. I love TJ's for their offbeat offerings, although I realize that I should not get attached to my favorite things--because sometimes they disappear from the shelves, never to be seen again. It's always a consolation that new products appear to fill the voids. My current reasons for shopping there include: 1. The Wasabi/Sesame/ Soy drizzling sauce. 2. Two Buck Chuck, of course. 3. The marinated carne asada. 4. Fair Trade coffee. 5. Ridiculously cheap vitamins. 6. And, Lo-Carb chocolate. The prices are reasonable, and the staff makes you feel welcome, too. read more

Not so much in love with this location. I mean, considering you're about a mile or so away from the original location, why would you deal with the garage parking and upstairs features to this one. It's a whole lot of walking for no real benefit. I mean, the parking REALLY sucks, and that's saying something considering all trader joe's parking sucks to some degree. Then you have the fact that no matter what, you're going to have to work your way up stairs to this awkwardly placed upstairs store on the old macy's shopping area. Does it have an advantage over the other Pasadena store? Nope. It's about the same but like I said, it adds a lot of annoyances in an already troubling task of going to trader joe's. In short, go to the other one just a mile down. read more

The convenience of having a Trader Joe's -really- at the corner is a great! I dont have to get in the car and drive far. Their staff is friendly and eager to help, the store is well stock, clean and organized. It is great knowing they have it all! From my every day needs to a last minute purchase or... I must admit, when a craving strikes... Their desserts and ice cream section is always there with a cheesecake sampler, macaroons or a frozen treat awaiting for me... And for special celebrations they have year-round seasonal items. I love my Trader Joe's! read more

TJ's is my all-time favorite grocery store. Plenty of healthy foods, foods with few ingredients, esthetically pleasing, clean, friendly service, yummy (not so healthy if you're in that zone) snacks, and very reasonable prices. Trader Joe, please never leave me! read more