Trader Joes is such a win for snacks, flowers, quick meals for 1-2 people (because of the quantity) and more. My son LOVES the freeze dried okra, and unfortunately due to shipping issues, they are super delayed BUT the staff are also super kind and informative when I go in and ask for an update. They also have a parking lot that's easier (imo) than the other trader joes parking lots. And, there's a World Market next door which is always a fun place to stroll. The ambiance in this trader joes is all just good vibes. Restrooms are clean, staff is kind, and it's a spacious location. read more

Small market with pretty much everything in it. It's conveniently located in a strip mall. Plenty of parking

I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in years the other day. They offer such an amazing array of delicious and unusual/different foods. We filled our cart up on our bill was only $141. What a deal of course the service is always amazing and I love how cute it is inside especially when the kids find the JoJo stuffed animals! the The ice cream and frozen section is amazing. They also have a really great cheese selection. I just wish they had Diet Coke; that would be ideal for me. The bathrooms are clean, and right by the extensive wine selection. Parking can be tight at peak hours. I love Trader Joe's & will go back frequently. read more

Cheaper than other store good qualities of food All I need is there. Very convenient parking.

Floral department sells awful flowers - under that plastic wrap are wilted, dead, and 'old' flowers that fall apart when you unwrap.. The Mums shred when unwrapped, the alstromeria are wilted and dead and left out of water for what, a week? I used to count on TJ;s flowers, now I think that 1) they're buying cheap and 2nd grade flowers or 2) they're woefully mishandling, leaving out of water in the coolers for weeks, until woefully dead. Absoutely not recommended read more

The employees here have always been super friendly, super helpful and super nice and I appreciate them all. Thank you.

I normally don't write review but this service was top notch. Last Friday I visited Trader Joe's looking for a specific hot sauce, and the experience turned out to be incredible thanks to Justin! I was having trouble finding it on my own, but Justin went above and beyond to help me track it down. Not only did he show me where the hot sauces were, but he walked me through the whole selection, pointing out some unique options I hadn't seen before. He even shared his own insights on flavor profiles, spice levels, and which hot sauces paired best with different dishes. It felt like I was getting a mini hot sauce tasting tour! Because of Justin's help, I left with exactly what I came for and a few new sauces to try at home. Service like this is rare, and I'll definitely be coming back to Trader Joes for my hot sauce and needs! Highly recommended! read more

Tonight around 5:20 I stopped by to purchase wine and flowers.. The cashier S. Basillo seemed rude and preoccupied. He wasn't as friendly as the other cashiers. I still had my hand on the hand basket when grabbed the items. Not the usual friendly experience at this Trader Joe's. read more

i may have came here years ago, didn't write a review. this is the smallest Joe's i have ever frequented. all the usual items i buy didn't have many selections. i was in and out, ready to check out in minutes. surprisingly, cashier lines were nonexistent. there was plenty of parking in the lot too 1 ish. the garlic hummun (1.99) and quinoa black bean tortilla chips (2.99) were yummy. forgot to take pics here....trying to figure out store layout... read more

Trader Joe's - Garlic huumus (1.99) quinoa and black bean tortilla chips (2.99) yummy. - Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Cody is an awesome employee. The store was closing, Iam making specialty Xmas wreath looking tray appetizers. I need mini star cookies to add to the beautiful tray.... and low and behol, Cody out of the line and he gets it for me on the back shelf. What a sweetie. You don't get better than that for service. He was going home with a couple of Trader Joe's items as he was in line with me. He wasn't even the cashier.. He really was in the the spirit of Xmas. Happy holidays Cody... read more

Trader Joe's - Mini stars dark chocolate mint stars - Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I'm done giving this place the benefit of the doubt. The produce is consistently old and moldy. Even when closely inspecting, we always get home and are angry by the low quality they sell. I've never experienced this at any other Trader Joes! Unacceptable. read more

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We always kind of avoided shopping at Trader Joe's in San Rafael because the parking was always so chaotic in Montecito Plaza. Where there's a will, there's a way. There just happens to be a fairly unused parking lot to the far left of the plaza, behind the Redwood Union bank. Parking there solved our main complaint. Trader Joe's is a good place for a variety of stock up items. What we've always loved, even more so now, are their many vegan items ready to go. Many that a lot of other grocery stores don't have. Great selection of vegan cheese, vegan pesto, vegan pasta to name a few. They have a killer vegan mini drumstick ice cream cone that we're obsessed with. And what's not to love about their well-priced wine selection. Kind of hard to beat the variety of great every day drinking wines they carry. It's a new staple for our grocery buying for sure. read more

I love this crew and store . Matthew and Mitchell are like Laurel and Hardy , always going for the joke ! Such a pleasure to shop among the glitterati read more

Trader Joe's - Here I was on left , during my graham cracker years. . My sister is dressed like a wasp, which was a prophetic move on moms part - Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was racially discriminated last night at this TJs by a white cashier. The customer service she gave me and the one she gave the white man she checked after me were like day and night. I went in and told this to the managers and none of the people behind the counter took me seriously. I'm disabled and this is the easiest way for me to get my groceries; by walking to the TJ closet to my house. I was actively having a panic attack during my time in the store and being discriminated like that, well, I had to call a crisis line because racism really threatens someone like me. It's not the first time it's happened, even Latino male cashiers have treated me like crap. If it's not the entitled customers, it's the racist/sexist staff. All I need is groceries. read more

I find it difficult trying to shop anywhere else. The crew members, stock, prices beat all others. I don't what I'd do if there wasn't a Trader Joe's nearby. read more

If you go in the morning, you might find the shelves being stock. As the day progresses towards the evening, less and less people are stocking the shelves. In the evening; forget about it! Went there twice to get two products that my kids ask for; TJ's tortillas and some sort of Takis tortillas chips, all within 8 days in the evening. Both times they were empty. Not the first time I seen this happen. read more

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

I recently had a an amazing experience with an employee at Trader Joe's in San Rafael California and his name is Jason. I went in without a receipt and I just happened to mention to my Checker and I wish I could remember her name, that an item that I bought, some how the lid was loose or something, and it came open in the back of my car. a I was back replacing the item and I was not asking for anything. She went over and talked to the person in charge? So I guess he was a manager his name is Jason. And Jason heard what she told him and noticed that I was replacing the item that I was talking about and he immediately told her to go ahead and let me have one of them free. I was now buying 1+1. I was very impressed with his professionalism. I'm a good customer and it's nice to be treated like one. And that was Superior customer service. Thank you Jason. read more

I love Trader Joe's in general, but today the cashier named Jorge, really annoyed me. I was paying by credit card, inserted the card then the machine said to remove the card. So I removed the card, then Jorge informed me that I did it wrong, I removed the card too fast! So inserted the card again, and this time, the transaction went through and Jorge, informed I did it right this time! Thanks, Jorge for the lesson, you must have a Master's Degree in how to use a credit card! read more

It gets really busy in here sometimes so I'd walk if you live nearby and try to come close to opening/closing. Overall, it's a standard TJ's; decent selection and clean. Pro tip: they sometimes have amazing plants at incredibly cheap prices. I recently got a beautiful alocasia in a nice wicker pot for $10 which would have cost more than twice that amount at Sloat or another nearby garden center. read more

The best in grocery stores. I love their novelty food and seasonal items. This place is fantastic.

LONG TIME SHOPPER - DONE FOR LIFE This location used to be run like a fine tuned machine when Marco was the manager. The staff always smiled, the vibe was high. Just walking in the door felt so inviting. Over years, the quality of staff has slipped, the vibe has dissipated, the smiles have gone away...the zest that used to fill the air was mopped away with the night staff... Then came Trader Joe's horrible, absolutely horrible handling of the virus. First I was singled out by a cashier for only buying two items, and she "educated" me for not stocking up during my trip, explaining that multiple trips to the store didn't keep the health of others in mind. (wtf?) About two weeks later, another cashier, while scanning my items, began to make up random limits on certain items I was attempting to purchase, telling me, "You have to put two of these back, I'm calling a limit of 4 here." I told her my kids at two a day so I would have to return in 48 hrs if she made a limit, I also pointed out there was no signs posted on limits. The bagger took my side, "Just let him have it." The cashier finally allowed me to buy what I had selected, but started cautioning me on the "dangers of hoarding" and "selfishness." WTF This is the craziest part: When I came back a third time, a super aggressive employee guarding the front door allowed a customer to enter the store. The employee wanted the man to put some kind of hand sanitizer in his hands. The customer declined. To my surprise, the employee started mouthing off to a customer, following the customer into the store while he shopped. The customer held his ground and told the employee to get lost. I couldn't believe what I witnessed next: The Trader Joes employee challenged the customer to a fight, so the customer put down some items he had picked up and the two masked men squared off and started walking around each other like they were on a UFC Pay Per View fight night! The customer started yelling loudly at the employee, making a scene. Thankfully, that noise caused a manager (I think it was a manager) to rush in, and he separated the two... but what happened next was yet another twist! The manager kicked the customer out of the store!!! The customer argued that he had been attacked. The manager said he was sorry the customer was attacked by the employee, but kicked the customer out anyway. The customer was obviously very upset. I thought the customer was going to break something or hit someone, but he didn't. He just left. I did too. I didn't want to pass the door guard after what just happened right in front of me. I couldn't believe the depths this store has sunk to. The nasty ass Safeway isn't even this bad. No more "education" on "selflessness" or physical fights or forced chemical exposure for me. I'm done with this haywire place. I pass by every day, so I hope COVID puts this location out of business so something useful can move in. read more

In my opinion, this store has done the best job during Covid keeping their employees and customers safe. Although it is inconvenient to have to stand in line to get in the store, I understand the reasoning. Once in the store, they have an excellent selection of flowers that are reasonably priced. They have a great veggies, a good cheese selection and their seasonal pickled popcorn is delicious! It seems all of the employees are happy, which makes for a good shopping experience. read more

I was in San Rafael today , unusually, and went into Montecito Plaza . The TJs is laid out very thoughtfully! No rat maze there . My checker , MITCHELL, was hilarious and sweet. Such a pleasure to meet with kindness in a very busy shopping center , on a hot day . read more

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

Thank you Anthony for helping an elderly lady to the restroom...a polite young man. Wonderful food, fresh and easy for family quick trips read more

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

I love Trader Joe's, all of them really! I'd say this is your average Trader Joe's store, like others in the Bay Area. Expect a crowd during rush hours. The parking lot fills up and can be frustrating but I feel like the lines inside are never really crazy long. I have found the staff here super friendly and helpful, going above and beyond, making me a happy customer! I come here quite often and will continue to shop here as I definitely recommend this Trader Joe's! read more

So efficient and friendly. Monica was my cashier and went above and beyond for me. I appreciated the extra touch of customer service. I'm also thrilled they have stocked plenty of my favorite fall seasonal items. This year I'm buying GF pumpkin muffin mix by the case, so I don't run out! Thank you! read more

1st and last time at this location. The younger girls working there were so kind but the old lady working the produce section was as rude as it gets. Then I go on line and I'm actually in the longest line of the store but I don't think anything of it cause i wasn't in a rush. I get to the cashier and he doesn't even say hello and very rudely says this is the express lane 15 items or less (I had maybe 20 if you count the garlic and onions one by one ) He proceeds to throw the produce on the counter without bagging them and as I'm bagging it myself and kindly ask for another bag he doesn't even acknowledge. Finishes the transaction doesn't even look at me and goes to the next person. Meanwhile I'm still saying thank you have a good day. I don't know what is up with them but really disappointed at this location. read more

I am severely compromised with three rounds of breast cancer. BUT Jason helped me gather what I requested and brought the groceries out to the door, then walked me to the car and put them in, charging it with my card in the store so I never went it. He couldn't have been nicer, kinder, more courteous and helpful. read more

The parking lot might be hectic, but it doesn't stop me from shopping here. This store does a great job keeping everything in stock and clean. Some of the staples which I only get at TJ's are: their yummy almond butter, pre-packaged salads, multi-grain crackers, and nuts. I love their selection of frozen meals, there's nothing you can't find. Another perk is the food samples! I always look forward to them. You can easily find items on your grocery list and check out with a full bag of groceries for a fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods. This particular location is usually crowded, so shop during the middle of the day if possible. read more

This is definitely a hard one to review. The positives: -Love their products, selection and price -Definitely working hard to protect customers during the pandemic. Nobody likes the lines, but I understand why they exist and am patient with them; I'll take a pass by the front of the store and if the line is too long, I'll just put off the grocery run for a day. -I know their employees are treated well. I have several friends that work at this store and I've heard only good things from them about the conditions and their experience. Having worked retail, this is a huge issue for me. The negatives: -Employees are generally friendly and helpful, but there is one younger Latino clerk who is incredibly rude. Won't make conversation (not that he has to, but tone of voice and general attitude are terrible), nasty looks, you can tell he just doesn't want to be there. I get the sensation that he is judging me as he checks me out. Just a nasty person, he obviously doesn't care about the customer or his job. He's checked me out 2-3 times now and it's always a while in between experiences with him, so I forget he exists, continue to shop at this location, then am reminded and have the same experience all over again. I've wanted to call him out on it but don't really feel like making a scene over it. -Bakery products expire REALLY fast. I've gotten bread that grows mold on it within a week of purchase. It seems like faster expiration dates are common with TJ's products, something to be aware of. -Always annoying when they redesign the locations of products in the store. I understand they do it for marketing reasons, but ideally I'd like to be in and out of the store as fast as possible. -Parking lot is a nightmare, especially on holidays. That's due to Marin drivers, not TJ's though. In summary: Good store, good products, well-treated workers. Get rid of that one clerk (in every bunch there's always one bad apple?) and it would be 5 stars. read more

I love Trader Joe's so much. It's like the perfect size for a grocery store, and the one here in Central San Rafael is rarely busy. The food here is so great. Lots of fresh and freshly-made foods, and a pretty incredible assortment of premade and frozen foods as well. I quite like their desserts section. I also like the vitamin selection and other personal effects they have available. Hey, don't judge! You should check out their soap for sure. That lavender soap is ah-mazing. Good eats to be had for those that shop here, for sure! read more

Just wanted to say that people giving the store bad reviews because of the parking lot lack common sense. The chain merely rents the space from the owners of the mall and have zero control over the lot. If you want better parking do please suggest a different location with great parking in the same vicinity to Trader Joe's corporate office. Otherwise stop complaining. Or park on the opposite side of the entrance by Petco, where there is generally plenty of room. The exercise does you good. I shopped here for over ten years. I recently moved so I shop at another location now, but occasionally stop back here when I am in the neighborhood. Great food, great value, great service. And this location recently had a lovely remodel so it looks really spiffy! Yes, it is sad when things get discontinued, but I suspect that happens for a variety of reasons, none of which are evil or uncaring on the part of the management. I still miss the sourdough sandwich loaf that was more like rye bread, that I had for breakfast for the better part of eight years, but I got over it. When they changed purveyors of their reduced-sugar jams (the result being less tasty) I learned to make my own. Ya gotta roll with it. There is so much more available and TJ's sells stuff that no one else carries, not to mention all the seasonal items. Shopping at TJ's probably saves people 30-40% over the other stores in our area, so I for one am grateful. TJ's is a different model than other grocery stores. People need to accept that they do what they do to keep prices down. (I guess that is why produce is often sold in family sizes.) I use it for most of my shopping and just get all the things it doesn't carry elsewhere (for a lot more money.) I don't expect Trader Joe's to have everything. What they do have is good enough. read more

This Trader Joe's is a little bit smaller than many of the others that I've been to... however, the food selection is still really good and the employees seemed particularly nice (TJ's employees are almost always great in my opinion!). On a Wednesday around lunch time, the lines weren't too long but the parking lot sure was hectic! read more

Produce = +5 Stars Flowers = +5 Stars Wine = + 5 Stars Bakery = +5 Stars Grocery = +5 Stars Prepared food = +5 Stars Prices = +5 Stars PARKING = MINUS 30 STARS! Grand total = +5 Stars I would NOT RECOMMEND this Trader Joe's on weekends unless you have - Built in patience Lots of time and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . are on heavy doses of sedatives! Parking outside (small, tight lot) and long lines inside (down the aisles) are the makings of a rumble. Just wink and smile. How badly do you REALLY need those few things from TJ? read more

Oh yeah Trader Joe's, I love it when a plan comes together. Even if that plan is impromptu. After a quick hop across the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge bridge on a lazy Sunday, the girlfriend & I decided to do a little grocery shopping before heading home. The San Rafael TJ's was conveniently along the way. Located in a strip mall, the parking lot near the store front was pretty full but we found a spot ok. Inside was just about everything you'd expect to find in a TJ's, just rearranged. It seems the floorplans of no 2 TJ's are alike. It's like bizzarro land. I kept thinking I knew where something in the store was, but completely different items would be in the aisle I was looking. It's all good though. We found what we were after & checked out easily. For groceries, I'm a big fan of TJ's. 1 reason is that I often make some kind of discovery while shopping at different TJs. This time I noticed that this TJ's has a good selection Lagunitas beers in 22oz bottles for only $4. Nice. Oh yeah Trader Joe's, good looking out for my beer needs too. read more

Once upon a time, it seemed like this Trader Joe's and the one in Concord were the only ones open in the Bay Area. I'd hop in the car from Albany and drive over, and somewhat like I used to do from Iowa to Kansas City for Coors Beer. Other people had the same idea, as the parking lot was full and a lot of us struggled to get a street spot. Things have changed a bit and there's basically a TJ's in available in both of my neighbourhoods. But when I'm in San Rafael (which is still often enough), you'll find me here stocking up on this and that. I tend to use Trader Joe's to supplement my main grocery store runs, so when I'm here it's all about beer, wine, packaged foods, and the like. And for that, I usually feel like a kid in a candy store as I opt to both keep the same patterns and try new things. read more

As I stated in my previous review a few years ago... when I shop at Whole Foods or Mollie Stone's, I always walk away with only a few items and feeling very poor. But when I shop at Trader Joe's, I always walk away with multiple bags of goodies, and feeling like a rich man. I'm happy to say that things haven't changed. I still shop at this TJ's and the selection and customer service is as good as ever. I can still stock up my fridge and pantry with delicious goodies for $50 or less. On my most recent visit, I purchased: a frozen pizza; microwavable lamb vindaloo; butternut squash ravioli; a bottle of Green Goddess salad dressing; two pre-packaged salads; mushroom risotto; chocolate chip cookie dough; a four-pack of sparkling water; heavy whipping cream; and a bottle of decent vodka all for roughly $45. Also, if you're a flower lover, TJ's sells beautiful orchids (my favorite flower) for just $12! At Safeway, the same orchid would be double/triple the price. Trader Joe's always gives you plenty of bang for your buck. No wonder it's busy all the time. If you want to avoid the crowds, I'd recommend going on a weekday between 1pm - 3pm. read more

I love Trader Joe's to death but to go to the San Rafael location I need a horse tranquilizer. I end up parking by Petco on the other side of the parking lot because trying to get a parking spot near the store is like expecting to find a parking spot for free in the Financial district. Good luck! Then you have to fight snobby Marinites for a shopping cart. When you are finally in the store you realize it is crazy crowded and apparently everyone has a sense of "no holds barred" and all manners have gone out the window. It's seriously nuts. I never can get over how rude people are. The products are of amazing but the amount of drama it takes to get my groceries is not worth it. I will go to the Corte Madera location or the Novato location on my way home from work to avoid the San Rafael TJ's. read more

After seeing some RIDICULOUS reviews about people not happy about them having the mask rule. I wanted to give this store 5 stars because I am so pleased that they are keeping our community safe with the social distancing, masks, and cleaning of carts. And I have especially happy I don't have to shop alongside people who are not willing to help this community by doing their part and wear a face cover. Thank you Trader Joe's! read more

I think TJ has been going down the drain for years and ongoing. - stopped carrying plenty of products - their fresh products e.g fruit and veggies are tasteless - bananas rotten - seen clerk just hitting on women while barely working - seen cashier so pissed off that's it's hard to not think they hate the customers , and they share it - team went from friendly to none - only a very few good people in the store Not sure I will return soon , damn it who needs that ??? I've got enough in my life and don't need to sign up for that. read more