Was in today at exactly 9am. There are three registers. 1 has a bunch of people on it and is going to take forever. 1 has one guy with a million items. The lady at the register is having a casual conversation with the guy, completely ignoring the fact there are other people in the store. That line will take longer, far longer than the one with a bunch of people on it. And there's one other register. There's no one in line. The lady behind the register is bagging a couple groceries. I walk up and she says "I'm helping someone." There is no one there so apparently someone is paying and decide to go shopping for more groceries, again, ignoring the fact other people exist. And apparently I'm not allowed to stand in line there. So there's literally no where to pay for my groceries unless I want to stand around and wait and wait and wait. This is how it is at this place. Long lines, people at the registers who don't comprehend other people exist - customer who are the same. Here's a tip: if someone comes to pay for their groceries, they are done shopping. If they want to buy mroe, then put their groceries aside and take other people. Don't hold up the store because of one selfish person. Also because there are no counters in the aisles, no line should be more than 2 people. Open more registers. People are standing there holding all their stuff in these long lines. It's absurd. But here's the thing. The manager is reading this and couldn't care less. So I'll send a message to corporate. read more

I always come here for my salads and other items. The prices are great and the vast selection of different items is great also. The staff is friendly and helpful with the products they carry. read more

The cashiers here are all very nice. I haven't encountered one that is not nice for the whole 20+ years I have moved into Hercules and shopped here. Thank you! read more

Pinole needed a grocery store and they got Trader Joe's. Now students from Pinole Valley High School can come here after school to get pick up by their parents (parents could do their grocery shopping before picking their kids up). This grocery store does get a lot of business. Long lines to get ring up. Thankfully I do not have to go to El Cerrito for Trader Joe's. Their produce are amazing. They surely stock a lot during the day. The location is nice but I wish there was an easy way to get out of the parking lot. I am going to give a good review on Trader Joe's. read more

The food is organic and fresh and tastes really good The service was very good the cashiers were extremely nice, they have my kid stickers and even a lollipop The ambiance is very good as well they have free samples every once in a while and have a variety of decorations. read more

I have been patiently waiting to return to my regular grocery shopping routine. I have been reluctant to visit Trader Joe's again as I'm not a fan of standing in lines. The other grocery stores I visit don't have this practice in place, so I have avoided TJ's. I USED to be a regular customer for food that I can not find elsewhere. I have not been able to find a suitable replacement for their Carne Asada and other assorted items. Then the NO MASK incident was documented on Next Door. Apparently, if you whine and say that you have a "medical condition" (maybe it's brain death?), you don't need to wear a mask in the store. Ok, FINE, I guess there might be a reason why you can't cover your germ-spewing face, but then you SHOULD let the store shop FOR YOU. Why wouldn't you allow the store to get the items on your list and bring them to you? WHY would you insist on putting everyone else in the store at risk? Oh, maybe because the medical condition you have is SELFISHNESS? So no, I won't be returning until Trader Joe's insists that if you don't wear a mask, then an employee will do the shopping for you. This is a pandemic folks. Stop being the exception to the rule AND WEAR A DAMNED MASK! read more

Great Produce items were fresh and customer service was great, and it seem to be a very quiet and calm atmosphere even though it was a grocery store read more

Who doesn't like Trader Joes? Ever since I was introduced to TJ's I love shopping there. I know items can get a little bit pricey but totally worth it. With fresh daily items, and all sorts of organic food. I'm glad they finally built one in the city of Pinole. The city of Pinole needed another grocery store since Luckys closed down. If you lived in Pinole you would have to travel further to get to the local grocery store. TJ's is not your average grocery store. To distinguish between Luckys or Safeway- it doesn't match to it because a lot of their items are healthy or low fat. Yesterday I picked up a Chicken Beet salad, Whole wheat pitas, Kids protien bars, Fresh flowers, Wasabi nuts and Pirates booty. All for a whoppin $22.34 which is not bad at all. What more can I say? Take a trip to your local Trader Joes!! read more

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

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I love this store. Always friendly employees, prices have stayed rather reasonable compared to other grocery stores especially with inflation. Only down party is the parking lot which is always full but hey not a biggie. Just shop early! read more

Trader Joe's isn't often a destination cuz i eat and go. don't have time to cook so just eats or ready to eat stuff. so i don't shop here. just boozing for booze. the thai curry panang rice sample (2.99) was quite tasty -not too sweet or heavy curry taste. beer:Ace grape hard cider (5%) 2.99 -really tasty. great value on draught: -lots of parking, unusual for a trader joe's -short lines.... read more

Never consistently stocked. They often run out of items or simply do not sell items routinely found in a Trader Joe's (yes, this is a problem with seasonal items as well, sometimes they will just never get shipments or stock their store with the seasonal item). This is such a huge inconvenience for someone like me who relies on Trader Joe's being consistent with all other Trader Joe's locations. At this point either be consistent or shut it down and be nonexistent. Whole Foods may be a nice change of pace. This is the nearest Trader Joe's so traveling 15-20 minutes or so to the next nearest one isn't really a "solution" mainly being that a simple solution would just be to sufficiently stock and maintain this location. A positive... the cashiers are charming and offer great customer service. That's all. read more

Went shopping here toward the beginning of COVID and I was very nervous, newly pregnant and stressed out. There was practically nothing on the shelves at this store. I bought what I could, including a fern to bring some plant joy home. The cashier gifted me the fern because the shopping was so picked over. I will never forget that truly unexpected and generous gesture. That fern is thriving and will mark a faith in humanity moment. THANK YOU! I shop here regularly and all the employees are helpful and happy. read more

An affair between the Wife and Candy Cane Joe Joe's Cookies began a few months ago. These cookies are not available year round so I was on a mission to snag a few for her as they are only available for a limited time. Some go to the extreme by buying cases keeping themselves well stocked until the next holiday season. After trying these, I understood the addiction. Trader Joe's Pinole is easily accessible off I-80. Located in a small shopping center, parking can be scarce. The holiday season has clearly exploited the parking issue here. read more

Trader Joe's - Full parking lot! - Grocery Near Me - Pinole, California

Trader Joe's in Pinole CA., is the only store I shop for food. Never before have I took time to gave an unsolicited review. This store from product to employees are the very best. Never am I dressed up and seldom do I spend over 20 dollar, however my experience of feeling special and valued as a customer is consistent. Being a lonely senior citizen, I feel special every visit. Thank you, Iysus Leigh - Rodeo Ca read more

The best deal for groceries you can find anywhere. Shopping TJ's for a family of five keeps us within budget every week. Staff is super helpful, friendly and shopping is easy. They never trick you to over-shopping with sneaky bogo deals. It's always the same price every time. My only qualm is there is no delivery. Also, if I could make it just a little better I would have refill available. I wonder how many plastic containers of coconut hair masks I will throw into the landfill in my lifetime. If only I could bring back the same trader joe containers I throw into the recycling bin every week. It appears to me, because they produce so much of their own products it could be the first refill grocery chain in the US. Wouldn't that be amazing? Until then, keep shopping! read more

I come here for Cookie Butters and Reusable bags and of course Holiday Treats! They have eye catching holiday sweets for reasonable prices! I stocked up on Crunchy Cookie Butters this time and also Almond Toffee Bites similar to See's version but TJ's is only $8.99 per canister! Also bought Their insulated logo bags for $6.99 each ! I love coming here for souveniers for my home and see what good deals they have especially around the holidays! Im going back to check out their Vanilla & Cinnamon Black Tea! read more

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

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I absolutely love Trader Joe's. Everything is always so neat and clean. The staff is super friendly. Given the new county guidelines regarding the shelter in place they are really doing a good job and controlling the flow of the lines and making sure people get in and out quickly. read more

This Pinole TJ is adequately stocked, good parking, clean, orderly and good location in a relatively newer strip mall.

I'd like to give it a one star to keep people from coming, since one of the great things about it is how empty it is. But the people who work here are SO NICE. That's really all that matters in a TJ's right? Otherwise, they're pretty much all the same. read more

Terrible employees. Recently I went shopping there. I am a senior citizen. After filling up my cart, I started to walk towards the cashiers. As I approached, I heard one of the cashiers say loudly "The Jews are..." When he saw that I had overheard him, his face turned red. He is a Caucasan guy who is short, stocky, and his arms are covered with tatoos. Can you imagine the uproar if he had said "Blacks", "Mexicans" or other minorities? Just shameful. On another occasion, I went shopping there. I waited patiently in front of the rack that had packaged sliced turkey for a large woman to choose her purchases. After waiting for about a minute, I quickly grabbed a package of sliced turkey and started walking away. The woman said loudly "Excuse you!!!". I said "What?". She then yelled an F bomb at me. I told a store employee, Nick. Instead of saying anything about her obscentities, he went over and "comforted" her. I heard the woman say "Thank you" to him. Not a word about her initial rudeness and yelling an obscenity at me. I then told Steve, who is a manager. He said "Maybe you got too close". Not a word about her yelling an obscentity at me. Never admonished her at all. Amateurish management. I can buy food elsewhere. read more

Had an unfortunate early morning shopping experience to this store at the checkout specifically. The store was well organized and had excellent covid protocols and helpful employees which we appreciated. The cashier Kent however was extremely loud and abrupt, yelling at us where to stand and when to move and telling us in the future to make sure you put your bags under the cart. It was kinda weird because none of the other cashiers spoke to the other shoppers in the manner in which Kent spoke to us. For the sheer convenience of this location we will be back but won't be going to Kents line. Maybe Kent needs a refresher course in customer service. read more

Want to Thank Trader Joe's for always being willing to help with donations to Olinda Elementary. Today Busby gave me $50 worth in pumpkins to help decorate the Elementary school for Fall. I ask every year and they have never turned me away. I just want to Thank the Pinole store for their continuous generosity! read more

Parking can be a bit of a mess. Granted, I stopped by to pick up a quick dinner between work things right around the post-work 5:00 pm rush. The good stuff? They had exactly what I was looking for and the fast line did indeed move fast and the person who helped me was very nice. Bright, clean...typical Trader Joe's! read more

This is a nice store in the updated strip mall in Pinole. However, it can be difficult to park. S likes to buy the organic products they carry. What I like is that the packaging is ideal for two people. Everyone who works at this location on pleasant and seem to enjoying working there, read more

The products are good but customer service needs work. I don't shop here often but when I did today, I received rude customer service at the register. I know we are in a pandemic, but please be more understanding and deliver message in a nicer way than grumpily replying and directing me where to go. Don't assume that everyone know how the line and waiting by the register works. I forgot the person's name but it was a man working at the 10 items or less line at the far right hand by the liquor. I checked out at 11:08am trans #3983, till 1. read more

If you're a little OCD like me and appreciate well-categorized, immaculate aisles, and friendly service that actually seems genuine with an easy-going ambience, this Trader Joe's is it. I know, I know. I see you shaking your heads. "It's *only* a grocery store," you might say. But, really, this one stands out among the rest. Their frozen section for example isn't just organized by veggies, meats, snacks, dessert, etc. They are thoughtful about grouping items together by interest. For example, they have a section of Asian and South Asian frozen items grouped together (see photos). Or, a section on possible frozen foods for breakfast accompanied by fresh muffins on the non-frozen shelves above it. It also seemed like the there were items I haven't seen in the other Trader Joe's near my house like a frozen Japanese bento box lunch or frozen Masala Dosa. It was a Saturday afternoon and the store was relaxed with clear wide aisles, but a positive energy from the people who were there. Whoever's responsible for the novel way to organize this TJ's and keep the staff exuding what seemed to be genuine friendliness, keep it up! Best Trader Joe's I've been to, hands down. An honest-to-goodness jewel in Pinole Valley. read more

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Crystal e, you are all over the map girl! lol =P Yes, I too anticipates the opening of the new TJ's in Pinole. It's much closer to home than the El Cerrito one. I LOVE TJ's! read more

Can you ever go wrong with Trader Joe's? I like going to this one because it's in a shopping center where you can get sushi or eat somewhere else beforehand. If you eat sushi you can go to Tader Joes and buy some Mochi balls for dessert! Great prices and staff is friendly. Lines have not been hectic as the Trader Joe's in El Cerrito. Parking can be a pain. I just park as far away so I won't go in circles trying to find a parking spot. It is much healthier to walk! a Few more steps never killed anyone! It's right off the freeway and that's a plus! I'm a regular at this Trader Joe's and will continue to be. read more

Trader Joe's - These are freaking addicting! Watch your portions though =P - Grocery Near Me - Pinole, California

Came shopping here on my way home from visiting family in Fairfield, it was a Sunday & it wasn't too busy! I was greeted before walking in by a lady offering to spray sanitizer on my hands, that was lovely! Shopping was great, just like most Trader Joe's experiences, but my review is for a different situation. I returned to my home in east bay & started to freak out because I lost my wallet! I phoned TJ's since that was the last place I went. Rita answered & took down all my information in case they found it. She was extremely kind & assured that they would also check the parking lot for me!! So so so kind! Turns out, I dropped my wallet outside my home (whoops), so I called TJs back right away to let them know I found it. A man answered that time & said "great! We're glad you found it!" This morning Rita called me again, saying they searched the whole lot for my wallet & apologizes that they couldn't find it. I called her back once I got up, & Rita answered again. The note was still there with my info this morning, so she didn't know i actually found my wallet yesterday. Long story short, I thanked Rita for her efforts!!! She was very sweet on the phone & I felt at ease knowing she'd have people help look for it. Anyone could have said "yeah we'll look," but then they don't actually look. I'm grateful for the customer service at this location! Definitely willing to come back in between my drives, because the Castro Valley TJs is always way too packed. Thank you Rita & team ! :) read more

I love Trader Joe's, and I really miss shopping here. You should have seen the ecstasy of Pinole, El Sobrante, and Hercules when this place opened up. (The rest of us were driving a minimum of 15-20 minutes for Trader Joe's.) If you're new to Trader Joe's, it's like Whole Foods on a smaller and slightly cheaper scale. I'm not sure if they go quite as crazy finding an all-in-one health combo of organic, low fat, low sodium, gluten-free, etc. option. However, the majority of items here are healthful in one regard or another. This place is especially wonderful if you're only trying to find one or two mouths. It's no Safeway/Lucky's, and it's certainly no Costco. Most people who come here are just trying to find smaller portions. They have quite the selection for cheese, wine, microwavables/frozens. They also have tastings in the back, left corner from the entrance. Service here is particularly friendly. A salad recipe/recommendation: - Trader Joe's Spicy Asian Peanut Dressing (refrigerated produce aisle, immediate right side as you enter, past the bananas and florals, top shelf) - Spinach, fresh but washed (can be bought at TJ's) - TJ's sweet and spicy pecans, maybe a handful crushed (aisle with all the trail mixes and nuts) - Carrots, sliced - Green onions, sliced (you might have to find this outside of TJ's) - Dried cranberries (like craisins) - Cilantro, to taste - Feta cheese, crumbled ^ A family favorite. You're welcome. Parking is a zoo. Come early or very late. Park near the Mechanic's Bank and just walk. read more

This is my go-to Trader Joe's. The staff here are usually very helpful and friendly. I've not had to stand in a huge line or wait super long to check out. Overall a very good grocery shopping experience. The only negative(which isn't really their fault) is the parking lot situation. The design of this parking lot is sub-optimal at best and is usually very busy throughout the day read more

Trader Joe's in Pinole really responded well to the needs of the community during these Covid days. They sanitize the carts, they offer hand sanitizer to each customer before they enter the store, they had a designated area for customers awaiting entrance to the store to stand, they provide shade and water bottles on hot days, the store is impeccably organized and stocked, and check out is a breeze! This is my go to Trader Joe's! read more

Hubby and I arrived at Trader Joe's Pinole this morning at 815am. There were 5 people ahead of us in the regular line and 5 people in the senior line at that time. The Trader Joe's staff was very friendly and extremely organized. The store opens at 9 a.m. and we had frequent visits up and down the line from the staff updating us on the procedure and making sure seniors were aware that they got priority. At 9am, they allowed a maximum of 40 people in the store at a time and they worked the line allowing five seniors in then one non-senior in (so 5:1). They sanitize the carts and hand them off to you as you enter the store. The store was fully stocked with plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, meat, eggs, milk, fruit, veggies, frozen food and just EVERYTHING. The check out lines were not long though most people had fully stuffed carts. It may not seem like a big deal but for me it was a great experience and I was happy to see our community working together in this manner, especially during this pandemic. read more

Trader Joe's - Standing in line. Everyone was kind. The staff was organized, friendly and sanitizing carts before handing them off to everyone. - Grocery Near Me - Pinole, California

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I'm Lovin Trader Joe's. Whatever town I am in I look for my Trader Joe's. I love that they are all set up the same so I can find something quick and easy. I love their prices. They sell quality products too. I always know I will be satisfied with my purchase read more

Still exceptional service. Lines were wrapped around the building but a wonderful employee came out to pass cold water. Still our favorite TJ to shop at. Keep up the great work! read more

I like this Trader Joe's. As many have said that it isn't very crowded, but the parking lot is crowded since it is located within an shopping plaza. The isles are neat and clean and they have most of their products stocked all the time. They have plenty of cashiers lanes so you never really have to wait to long to check-out. They have most things that are also in other Trader Joes. The only product I remember that I wanted that they didn't have was Salmon Jerky. I'm not sure if they don't carry it, or just out at the time. The only thing that bothers me about this location is how some the workers are dressed. The couple times I have come in to shop, 2-3 workers would have their pants sagging so low that I can see their entire undergarment. But other than that, I really like this location. read more

I'm buying pumpernickel bread but, the store ran out of stock; the store said they'll call when the store has the bread delivered. read more

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

Love this place, come here weekends to stock up!! It's about time they had one near my parents house. Sheesh! =) Lot is super busy and small. read more

Trader Joe's - Weekend fix - Grocery Near Me - Pinole, California

One of my favorite grocery stores. Most of my staples are available. VERY helpful and pleasant staff read more

I love this store.....it is mainly because of the exemplary customer service, along with the selection and pricing! Thanks so much Nathan & Claire....you guys are exceptional! Keep up the good work! 5 Stars! read more