This store is not always the easiest to get to being so close to campus but when we are down that way visiting our son it is a great place to go. The store is open and super spacious and the staff is amazing and always smiling. I know it is kne of my sons favorite places to go and grab food and and snacks for his dorm. They really do have everything! Quick and easy somewhat healthier meals for the kiddos. Parking can be a bear so be prepared to park elsewhere and walk in. Great store though!!! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

I would like to share the perplexing behavior of the SDSU TJ Manager on Duty during the morning of Sunday (11/30/25). I grabbed the wrong item and wanted to make an exchange. The manager chose to charge me for bags that I already paid for without reviewing my receipt. She also did not provide credit for the price difference between the two (2) items. I showed her the charge for the bags on my receipt. She asked me if I wanted the exact change refund. I asked for the refund on my credit card since I never use change. She only credited my card for 1/6 the amount. The TJ Manager's behavior was so unnecessary and literally "petty". I do not believe this TJ Manager is making friends or influencing people. read more

I love this Trader Joe's, especially as a college student. It's very confidently located and they have all the amazing options while also decorating for seasons! Parking is a little hectic, there's a big parking structure where you have to scan your credit or debit card to get in and you have 45 minutes of free validated parking, just make sure that you use the same card when you exit so you aren't charged! The staff have always been so friendly with finding products when I'm unable to find them and know exactly where to guide me or walk me over there themselves. It does get very packed as a lot of college students are grocery shopping too so be mindful that the lines can get long but they always have all the lanes open for checkout during busy hours. Inside is very clean and there's no trash on the ground. Their customer service is also great. I've made returns before and they're very helpful with getting me an exchange for a new item! I also love their recommendations and they never fail to give me o something I've never tried before! Overall, amazing experience here!! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

TRADER JOES AT SDSU! This Trader Joe's got to be my favorite location, with all the nice and lovely workers, everyone is always available to help you with anything you need! The location itself is on campus, and the parking is free for an hour, as long as it is being scanned from the cashier. The ambiance is nice, it's clean, filled up, and majority of the time, not too many people at the store. I'd recommend to go through the week days, rather than the weekend to avoid traffic and parking. All the times and the food is fantastic, I'd recommend getting any of their bakery sections or frozen foods, it's always a must-have! Prices are not super bad, especially for what you get and the quality. Highly recommend stopping by this location! Took a photo of my two favorite items here that's a must! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

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Convenient location for SDSU students. Good place to park for people who are doing a quick visit, cause who doesn't like Trader Joe stuff? You have to make a purchase and they will validate your parking. The aisle is usually stocked well. It's busy when school is in session. When it's not this is the Trader Joe's to hit up. read more

Welp, social media strikes again. Seriously, the influence that it has over me and my buying decisions these days is absolutely insane and the meals cobbled together with Trader Joe's ingredients are some of my favorite pieces of content. There are some crafty ass people out there. This location is easily my favorite of the TJ's that I've been to in SD. Sure, it's close to home for me but it doesn't feel overly crowded and the attached parking lot does make for a much easier and enjoyable experience and that's where other TJ's suffer. I'm looking at you, Hillcrest! Other than that, it's the store that you know and love, all the same items but with a bit better crowd... lots of college kids. I don't mind it. Oh, I'm sure you want to know my favorite viral recipe. Try the "lobster" pasta. It's a game changer and great for date night. Thank me (or TikTok) later. read more

The minimum parking garage fee is $5.00. Minimal to no street parking. I went just to buy one thing and paid this. Not reasonable and not worth it. I'll drive a bit further to avoid this rip off. This location is only great for those that are local and can walk to it. read more

This store is properly maintained and managed. We were here to buy the trending Mini Pastel Tote bags. Their staff really gave everyone in line the opportunity to get their mini tote bags. The staff were really nice and polite to their customers. Will definitely recommend this Trader Joe's location. read more

Who doesn't love TJs? I mean it's amazing, it's fun to just meander and look and I always feel more upbeat after I leave. Their toiletries, cheese, wine and flower selection are always a great cure for depression. It's also a great place to shop for singletons. They carry lots of yummy single meals for when you are feeling way too lazy to cook or go out for food. The service is way better and more helpful than Whole Paycheck. I'd pick TJ over WF 10/10 times. It's just a fun place to visit. Plus, my cats love their bags. I don't really get to use them for myself, but they seem mildly impressed. :D read more

Bella is very rude and should be friendly too customers. Literally no smile or anything

Super surprised it wasn't busy at what I imagine is a time when most people go shopping. On a Saturday mid morning. This location has an adjacent parking lot which is clutch. You have to get your ticket validated by the workers after you check out of the store in order to avoid paying fees. There isn't a ton of spaces tho. The store is a few feet from the parking lot. Immediately as you enter there are flowers there for sale which is a nice way to enter. Right behind that the place opens up to produce. As you make your way around the store, youll be hard pressed to find a single item out of place. The workers were buzzing around - stocking, cleaning, organizing, and chatting away. They also had a stand and was giving away tasty treats. Usually I find myself going down the same aisle several times to find an item but I found everything super easy and quickly. I typically don't like going to TJ but this one deserves another trip. read more

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While the college students are away, the adults go to this TJs to play! While my local TJs was gutted of seasonal items, the SDSU TJs still had a good amount of stock left - Cardy Cane Joe Joe's! Parking is available in a structure next door, and TJs will validate your ticket, so parking is free. Don't forget to bring your ticket to the store with you! There is disabled parking, but if it's full, just keep going up a level or two, and there's always an empty spot next to the elevator. And, you can bring your cart on the elevator! There are designated cart-return spots on each level, just like any other store. No stairs to climb - the store is a straight shot from the elevators. Staff is always super helpful. Shout out to management/company - all the checkout lanes were open during the holidays, which made for stress free shopping! Supply of products throughout the busy season was good despite looming distribution problems. Thank you, Trader Joe's! read more

Found a piece of wood inside my salad bowl. Disgusting! Will not be buying salad bowls or kits anymore read more

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Love Trader Joe's. Staff is always so helpful, courteous, great customer service. I just wish Claremont would get a Trader Joe's.

There are so many things to love (and a few to hate) about this location. Since they've opened up, this was the closet Trader Joe's to me, which I absolutely love! Traffic is a bit hectic around here and parking at times can be a bit maddening, but its the only Trader Joe's location in this area and I'm so happy it's here! Yes, there's a lot of college students here. (It's really nice when they go on break!) There's not much street parking. But there's a parking structure where you can park. I'm usually able to find parking on the first level, but can be tricky. Everyone wants to park on the first level. The machine says first 15 minutes is free, but if you're shopping at Trader Joe's parking it is 45 min free, but make sure you take in your parking ticket to get validated. During the height of the pandemic it was sheer insanity coming here. The lines were obscene, but it was honestly no different than any other Trader Joe's location. Good selection of everything you can find at the larger locations. Staff is always super friendly to help you find anything you're looking for. Come with a plan and leave happy! read more

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Always friendly staff clean. Just parking situation is not ideal. After 30 min there is a fee! Normal sized Trader Joe's with all the classic tj snacks. read more

Trader Joes is one of my most favorite businesses! They have an easy return policy, basically no questions asked. I recently bought a bag of dehydrated bell pepper chips that were so bitter, I ate one bite and shut the bag. When I returned them (and of course bought more items) the manager was helpful and supportive. The employees and are always helpful, cheerful and I find everything I need there. If I had a young kid looking to work through college, I would recommend them getting a job at Trader Joes becuse everyone seems to truly enjoy working there and they have a tribe. read more

I've been going to many TJ's throughout the west-coast over 30 yrs. In those 30ish yrs, I have returned items no more than two times max. And not due to their lack of quality. More that I purchased an incorrect item. Their products overall very good Especially their frozen-foods! I remember an item I didn't like and a stale bakery item I just tossed but did not return. Yet, over the yrs, I've realized, these stores will not know they're selling products that are not good, unless someone tells them. Also, if I have to throw something away due to it not being edible, I prefer to use that small amount towards another guaranteed item I know I will love at that store. The item I just returned was their unfrozen sliced Gyro meat. Sold by the other fresh foods, like chicken (nuggets) delish. I also bought their Taziki-Cucumber dip. I kept that despite not having anything else to eat with it. The meat were not "slices." Rather, the meat only would come-off as chunks. And the texture was mushy before and after I cooked. It lacked flavor as well. When I took it up to the counter, Jeff assisted me. He said I can get a return when I check-out. And he made the remark of how "you can get your money..." His statement was unnecessary and rude. I know people say things in life with negative tones. Yet, I had no need to respond, as I knew the "money" would go right-back to the store on another item. And that is exactly what I did upon checkout. People don't always know how they come-across to others. I was not rude to him. Yet, I have worked in customer service, in many different areas of the world. And, someone needs to know when they do so. I will continue to shop at TJ's with confidence in who I am. Not a "perception" of an employee. read more

Compact and well stocked for an urban environment. A convenient adjacent garage parking with free 45 minute allowance after validation of ticket. It looks like new even though they have been open for five years. I like the multi-generational staff. I approached several and all were helpful. I enjoy trying local beer, so one of the workers introduced me to a staff member to offer his recommendations. read more

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Always the best service and friendly smiles at the SDSU location. Jeff was super helpful and let me try the new quinoa chips before buying them and of course they were great. Thanks Jeff read more

I am not the type of person to write reviews on grocery stores but i purchased the strawberry rasberry oatmeal and it says it expires may 9 2019 and its feburary right now but i took it out of the microwave and theres ANTS inside. besides that i never had a problem read more

Super clean Trader Joe's. Not much customers when you go in super early. They have parking next to the store and can validate your parking pass. They do occasionally run out of stuff I'm looking for. The cashiers are nice at check out. This location is smaller than other ones. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

A great store that is probably 5 stars at every location! But this is my first one to review.. This is a welcome addition to my area. It was such a hassle trying to go to a Trader Joe's before. I'd have to run all the way out to Grossmont Center or fight with parking in Hillcrest- in that lot that seems to have 100 stores- with parking for maybe 100 cars. A nutty situation to say the least. So this was a huge deterrent for me to go before, and to top it off, it was always packed with long lines. A test of patience every time. So I hardly ever went. Really. No thank you, getting just a few items is not even worth the trouble. I ask though, why do all your stores close at 900pm? It's ok. It probably means the workers don't have to work too late. That's good. Now things have finally changed for the better now that this one is in my 'hood! Yes! Parking of course is ridiculous, but they have a garage that validates you for 45min of free shopping time. This same garage will validate for 2 hours at Eureka! as well. Now I can pop in, on way home from work, grab and go! I'm lovin' it! I can't think of anything that I've bought at a TJs and didn't like. From the hummus to the frozen items, to the wines and beer, things are a better value here! I sometimes really cruise the place and add a new thing to bring home. They just kick ass in so many ways. Just because the wine and/or beer is inexpensive, doesn't mean it's cheap! Certain items appeal to us from here that are unique and definitely not available elsewhere. Plus, you just somehow feel somewhat cool or hip just walking in, whether or not you're a regular. Seems to command a level of respect among other healthy and not-so-healthy eaters. I normally tend to stay in my own lane anyways. As my friend Jimi once said, "It's all in your mind." read more

Trader Joe's - A few of my favorite things - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

Now why wasn't TJ here when I was in school??? The friendly cashier said he gets that a lot! SDSU has changed quite a bit. I still work out at the ARC and today I thought why not check out the new location. It's been there for about a year. Here are the best things about it: Friendly staff 45 minutes free parking Not very crowded But the #1 best thing... NO STUPID PEOPLE ON THEIR PHONES, AND LEAVING THEIR CARTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AISLE!!! It also seemed like, if anyone was waiting in line, another cashier opened up. I would definitely drive over here to do some shopping because of the above, especially during peak times. Oh great, now I just let the secret out...STAY AWAY, THIS IS THE WORST ONE! LOL! JK! read more

Trader Joe's - Great new location! - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

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*** only validates for 45 min parking *** Not an issue for me today as I was in and out quickly . Plus I was just happy that there IS parking here . Parking structure looks brand new and the gates work well with the ticket dispenser . I parked on second floor then it's about a 3-4 min walk to the entrance . It's a beautiful and clean location. So well spaced and just looked NEW. Two entrances . I was looking forward to trying some samples but the sample lady wasn't friendly and welcoming . Usually they are so not sure what happened as it was empty during my visit today . Bathrooms were clean too so yeah ! I bought face cream and a gift card for a friend . Cashier was young but friendly . Fun visit . Hopefully be back if I'm in area . read more

Update: It's pumpkin season, my favorite season. This location is just TOO convenient & too close to my home & work!!! I may have had a horrible experience but...maybe it was all in my head. I'm going next week maybe it will be different. Fingers crossed. They do have limited options sometimes. Hopefully they will have all the Maple & Pumpkin goodies. If so, TAKE MY MONEY! read more

Came here to checkout this new location. I am a big TJ Shopper. I am very passionate and obsessed and seriously I can't live without TJ! sounds corny but it makes my life easy. I don't like cooking and they have all frozen entrees. I literally love all their signature products packaging fun by assigning various international personas to them, such as Trader Jose's (Mexican food), Trader Ming's (Chinese food), Trader Giotto's (Italian), Trader Joe-San's (Japanese), Arabian Joe's (Middle Eastern) and Trader Jacques' (French). Almost everything in the stores is a Trader Joe's brand. Here are our Fambam faves: Veggie fried rice, Cauliflower rice, Japanese style fried rice, (with edamame, tofu & seaweed) They are all easy, filling and family-friendly. Plus, it has good ingredients -- and it's FAST! More Faves: Joe's Diner Mac N Cheese, Veggie Lasagna, Veggie Pizza, the Baked Tofu's, and basically, you'll find plenty of healthy items too. Of course, you can't go wrong with nutritious basics like fresh fruits and vegetables, organic milk and chicken, whole wheat pasta, olive oil, canned beans and dried grains, but where Trader Joe's really shines is in the convenience department -- they do the washing, chopping and a lot of the cooking for you. I loved it!!! Don't forget the Steamed and peeled baby beets, Lentils, Cacao super dark choc, and of course the frozen veggie section. Don't forget the Peanut butter with flax and chia seeds. And here's my addiction, Lol! ready? French Macarons, Mango cream bars, Mochi Ice cream and all the healthy Nuts. They're all reasonably priced. I usually stock up a bunch. -Return Policy is Awesome: No questions asked if you have the receipt or Not. And even if you already opened the package and taken a few bites. Their Company Policy "Try it. We think you'll like it. If you don't, bring it back for a full refund." -Bonus: I love the Fresh flowers in my house all the time!!! Every time I pick out Wine and cheese I usually pick out flowers, too! Sunflowers!!! Well, they have a good variety and they're inexpensive. So affordable. Overall, I love TJ Effing Much. And I should work here. I'm a very loyal customer. I love their Customer service, they treat you like a Rock Star! Lol! seriously I love their smiles, the shopping suggestions and full of product knowledge. On this location, they have friendly, helpful and accommodating employees. Lastly, I promise! Don't forget that they have shockingly good wines for as little as $2, like the Two Buck Chuck. At that price point, you can afford to have a glass of dinner with wine every night! Hmmm Bon Appetit! CIAO! P.S- This location is by the College Ave (by the SDSU) you must park at the next building and they validate your ticket up to 45 mins of Grocery shopping. read more

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I park here when I come to class because I'm always running late. One time, one lane going in was closed, so there was a wait. Another time, the exit machine broke so it was free. The entrance and exit design is not good - you need to watch out for cars coming out of the first floor and be careful when you're turning out and exiting. There are pedestrians everywhere, and it's hard to see them at night, especially when you have to constantly be scanning left and right to avoid hitting cars from the left or pedestrians from the right! Trader Joe's validates parking for 45 minutes with any purchase (no minimum necessary), so you could literally just get a banana. They were out of the butternut squash mac and cheese when I went last time. Also, when did Trader Joe's stop carrying the readymade mac and cheese? I really like mac and cheese. read more

I have always been a big fan of Trader Joe's since I starting shopping at them back in the early 90's. One thing I really like about them is that they are always evolving their products to something better an keeping up with the times. I stopped in this location next to SDSU to pick up some of my usual items and to look for a few new ones, I have yet to discover. A bag of avocados were in order and I was pleased that offered some "California" grown, 4 ct for $3.99. At the frozen area I picked up several bags of Trader Joe's pop stickers, ground pork and ground chicken. I love those things. They had regular bananas for .19 per pound so I picked some up. The cool thing about this location is there is a parking structure next door and they validate the parking for up to 45 minutes, which is more that enough time for shopping. Well, that is if you shop like me. The employees were all very welcoming and helpful. The girl offering free samples was great and so was the young lady at the register: great sense of humor. read more

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Beautiful, clean, large store. I'm not sure how old this TJ's is, but it looks almost new. Staff are very friendly. The store was busy when we went, but the lines (surprisingly) moved quickly. Highly recommend this location. read more

The worst market in San Diego. Bizarre garbage with more re-calls ever. But, their social media network is cranking BS right and left. Even a side hustle by Dylan Mulvaney on vacation in Peru commenting on how great their chips are. Advertising doesn't make the food any better. Be careful what you buy there. read more

Cute little Trader Joe's that packs in most of the products I'm used to in a smaller space than my usual TJ's. The aisles are also surprisingly spacious, and I didn't have to play bumper carts the entire time I was shopping! Parking is also so much better than the usual monster truck rally style parking that most TJ's have. I was able to get a spacious place to park quickly and TJ's validates, meaning you won't have to pay extra for your shopping trip! The staff were helpful and friendly. Not judging my huge amount of junk food, and making sure my trip was quick and pleasant! Overall I'm very surprised at what a nice new little TJ's this is! read more

Always super friendly crew!! And tasty faves bring us back!! Latest fave: Go Bananas!!

Wow the customer service here is something else in a good way. Basically I purchased a tuna wrap before going to study on campus to eat for lunch. So obviously I have my backpack, lunchbox, and just a whole bunch of stuff in my hand. So after purchasing my sandwich. I walk towards the flowers where the customer service desk is. And put my stuff down on the empty part of the shelves. Well turns out when I was putting my water bottle in my lunch box and wallet in my backpack, I had put my tuna wrap down on the shelf and literally walked out without it. I got to the student union and went to open my bag for my sandwich and that was when I realized I purchased it and literally forgot it at Trader Joe's. So I decided to call TJ's and let them know the situation. Lenny was super nice and told me to come back and grab my sandwich after he had confirmed with Diego, the cashier, that I indeed had purchased a tuna wrap 5min prior. The reason that Lenny had to confirm with Diego was because I didn't ask for a receipt. Keep in mind this is probably the first time in my life I didn't take a receipt. I walked in to the customer service desk, said hi to Lenny and off we went to go grab my wrap and I was out in a minute. But anyways, end of the story, TJ's has really good customer service and I appreciate them. read more

The main reason I wanted to go to Trader Joe's is to look at their plants and flowers. I saw a parking structure but didn't want to pay so I parked on the street (15 minutes limit). I went inside and had a hard time choosing which plants to buy because they had so many options! I ended up picking three different plants. There are small signs in front of the plants that says the price, but upon checkout, they are not completely accurate. I was asked if I had parking that needed to be validated, so that's good to know for next time! read more

Within walking distance of the campus, a good time to take a lunch break and find fun snacks to keep your heavy lecture days more enjoyable. Take a salad or wrap to go or a microwavable meal and use the Aztec market to warm it up. Recommend throwing a cheese board lunch together with friends and sit in front of the transit on the grass. read more

The food here is absolutely delicious and the aura around it gives off homely vibes and I cannot get enough of it. OH! And don't get me started on the employees, my goodness they're all so friendly it almost feels like I'm at a family gathering read more

This is definitely a smaller Trader Joe's compared to other locations, but it's in a residental building so not surprised. In addition, this location is very busy as it's served by college students and there is limited stock compared to other locations. However, the customer service at this location is top notch and the 45 minute free parking is very convinent given how expensive parking at SDSU is. I live only two blocks away and being able to walk here to get groceries is very convinent when I think of a recipe to cook in my apartment for dinner. It's a great asset for the community and for college students living in the dorms as most (including me) don't have cars and aren't willing to spend an hour taking public transit just to go shopping. read more

normally love this location but today I was buying flowers and I misheard the cashier about the parking tickets. I apologized but she gave me attitude and mocked me with a fake laugh and smile while repeating what I said. Thought she was joking but soon realized she wasnt. ruined my morning it felt hostile and i don't feel comfortable going back. i feel more comfortable shopping at food for less with the homeless. read more

This is my go to shopping for myself or when I have company to have my cheese board or snack board with a btls of good wine for the evening . Staff is friendly if not inspirational when it comes to there favorite items to pair . read more