I love the Trader Joe's on Milpas Street. The staff is always friendly and willing to walk you directly to whatever you're looking for, which I really appreciate. The selection is extensive, and the prices are consistently reasonable. Checkout is quick and efficient--there are always enough cashiers, and most of the time there are only one or two people ahead of you (sometimes no line at all). The produce, meat, seafood, and dairy are always fresh, and the store is well organized with plenty of space to move around comfortably. The restrooms are clean and well stocked, which is another nice plus. They also have a great selection of fresh flowers and plants. Parking is usually easy, though during peak hours you may need to circle a bit to find a spot. Overall, a consistently great shopping experience read more

Great location! One of the best parts of coming here is that it's a great sized store! Lots more space to move through the aisles! As always, everyone working is very helpful if you need help locating certain items! read more

Only 2 stars. The market is good selling great products and food. There is no camera in that lot making it difficult a best for a police report. I was run over by a vehicle with injuries and it's been a debacle ever since. read more

Trader Joe's - Trader Joe's parking lot - Grocery Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Everyone is very nice and helpful at this Trader Joe's. I really enjoy shopping here.

I love this Trader Joe's! The De La Vina store is nice too, but everything about this location is just so much better. I also love that it's next to PetSmart so I can pop in there and get stuff for my dog as needed in one trip. The parking lot isn't massive, but you can usually always find parking right away, and it's not nearly as tight as the De La Vina location. The store is always well-stocked and the items are easy to find (though I would have never found the croutons hidden above the frozen food if I hadn't asked). I think this store is a bit smaller than other locations so sometimes items aren't in the most logical location, but it's always easy to find an employee and quickly find what you're looking for. The employees here are so helpful and friendly. They remember you and things they've talked with you about in past trips and will start a conversation with you if they see you passing in the aisles as they stock, not just while you're going through the register. This store just makes me happy. read more

Trader Joe's I've always had a infrequent relationship with. My friends support them on a weekly basis And this is where the story/review begins.. I ate/finished my friends dark chocolate almond butter pretzels.. Lord have mercy... these things are soo good they should be a felony.. I did this not once but 3x in less than a week.. So I've rebought them 3x These pretzels are sooo good.. I can't be the only one with this emotional attachment Towards them. While at traders joe.. I discovered my favorite sweet potatoes in stock "Japanese sweet potatoes " These are delicious I don't buy the orange ones anymore Then there were these oatmeal/coconut cookies My gawd!!!! I ate all three in a few hours.. But I told myself only one...? Outside of my sweet fancy adventures Trader Joe's has plenty of parking Tons of humans at the cashier station Can I get a hoooray!! For the people And more importantly... They are were all personable towards me Inviting in conversation And helpful about future choices to try You simply don't get this experience With an automated machine Some people are under the impression that Trader Joe's may be more expensive They are actually cheaper in price than traditional stores When some items are compared Not to mention, trader joe products have better ingredients than the standard Trader Joe's I will be going back to This store is a great reminder of The family that shops together stays together.. Hope to see you all there. read more

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So happy that this is here! My kid has moved to Santa Barbara so I now visit the area as often as I can. Instead of taking a cooler from home ...I stop in here to stock my hotel room with snacks and beverages. This store is HUGE!!! Tons of parking. Staff is super friendly and helpful (like any Trader Joes). Store is spotless and clean (like any Trader Joes) this is my "go to" TJ's in Santa Barbara (there is another one that is closer to our usual hotel but it's tiny and the parking is a bit difficult. read more

Some weeks ago, I bought groceries at TJs, on Milpas, Santa Barbara, including two Pound Plus Chocolate bars. I planned to put everything into my backpack and ride my e bike home from there. While the items were being checked, I realized it was going to be a very tight fit. I had the backpack partially filled when the checker finished, so I paid for my purchase and moved everything away from the check stand to finish stuffing everything into the backpack. Finally, after struggling a good while to fit all in, I zipped up the backpack and rode home. Unloading my BP at home, I realized I'd forgotten the chocolate bars. It wasn't really worth going back, or even making a phone call. Since they were left on the exit side of the cashiers, I figured someone might just take them home or perhaps an employee would find them and return them to inventory. However, today since I was low on chocolate, I went to the same TJ's again to purchase a couple bars again. I grabbed a couple bars and thought what the hell, I'll ask the manager if anyone remembers picking up a couple bars, like the ones I held in my hands, a few weeks back. I chuckled and said no big deal, I'm happy to pay for these, but I thought it might be worth asking. The manager smiled and said, go ahead, take those. I said, no that's not necessary, if no one remembers, I'd just as soon pay for them. The kind manager insisted I take them, but when I got to the check stand, I told the checker the manager said I could take them, but I insist on paying for them. The checker argued I should take them, if the manager said so. Then I said, what if I'm mistaken and didn't buy them in the first place. The checker said, OK, I'll just charge you for one. I insisted to pay for both, just in case I was wrong. The checker stood firm and said, I'll just charge you for one. When I saw the price $5.99, I buckled and said, well OK, if you insist. Then as I was walking away, I said, hey, I'm going to try this again when I'm low on chocolate, and we both laughed, nervously. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Always good parking. Out of the three in Santa Barbara this location is the cleanest, always has full stock of food, and the staff is so friendly and helpful. read more

9 years of shopping here and i've never experienced with anyone being racists towards me. I came in with my NEW BAG that i got from the mystery bags so of course it still had the tags. As i'm going to check out this teenage girl says let me scan the bag i said it's mine she said no it's not because the tag is still there you people steal. And i just gave her an ugly look and didn't say thank you. Be careful who you hire now a days trader joe's... read more

Always crap parking; always busy. But tjs are just the best so we ignore those things. I love the holiday and seasonal items, friendly service, and clean store. The hygiene items are fun to scope out "dupes" for. Love the flowers and plants. Can't really go wrong here-- but the parking lots are enough to give me an aneurism. read more

My wife had her purse stolen today at Trader Joe's as she was helping a man find a product while his thief partner stole her purse. It certainly is not TJ's fault but when I spoke to the manager she said they don't have cameras in the store. She said that the corporation doesn't want that image. I believe it is important to protect loyal customers from crooks, as do most stores do. read more

Much has already been said about Trader Joes. They are the best alternative to chain supermarkets and offer a reduce selection that is designed to offer value and savings. This location in particular is one of the largest floor space plans that I have ever witnessed for a Trader Joes. Aisles are comfortably wide and the airy space is a pleasure to shop in. This is especially in our dark times right now. read more

Customer service here is a hit or miss. There's an older Caucasian female cashier who gave off racist vibes

Trader Joe's never disappoints. Came here for some alcohol and some items to grill and they had everything we were looking for an we left with more than we were planning on purchasing. Parking lot is huge so you will have no issues. Store is clean, everyone is wearing face masks and keeping their distance. read more

I was strapped for time so grabbed a premade asada burrito for $4. Gave it a shot in the micro and took a few bites and got beans, rice and a few corn kernels. Finally on my last bite, there it was...a piece of grisly meat. read more

Dog parking sign? There was no sign saying dogs not allowed inside! Manger kicked me out for bringing my 7 lb dog inside. This store is right next to a dog store! You would think they would say your dog is not allowed in store we would be happy to watch him outside while you finish up but no! get out! This store was a safety hazard. The employees where all stocking the store. There were boxes everywhere, ladders, carts, not an employee said anything to me about my dog even when I asked for cocktail sauce the employee showed me where it was! The manager kicked me out! worst Trader Joe's ever! read more

I love this Trader Joe's! I love that the parking lot is the biggest parking lot I've ever seen out of all of the parking lots I've ever been to! I also love browsing the Fearless Flyer for deals and dinner ideas and I've recently discovered the Trader Joe's podcast!! If you like listening to podcasts, I'd highly recommend it. It's really interesting and fun! For example, I learned why TJ's only has one or two varieties of a product rather than 20 like you'd find in a bigger supermarket. Lots of thought has gone into their purchasing decisions. My favorite thing about Trader Joe's has to be all of the new products they try out. As a creature of habit, I feel that it's so easy to get stuck in a rut using the same products over and over. But Trader Joe's always throws in some new products here and there to switch things up a little. And their return policy is so great that I never worry about getting stuck with a product I won't like. On today's shopping trip I picked up a new blueberry and açaí facial scrub that smells like a blueberry smoothie!! Can't wait to try it!! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I love Trader Joe's. I'm always trying something new. I enjoy finding something new I love.

The one thing I love about this TJ's is the ample space! I love how open it is and all the different products they sell. I feel like they have more to offer at this one compared to the other 2 in SB. The only negative I've noticed here is that the customer service doesn't seem as good as the other ones I've been to. The last time I went in the person who was at the check out never looked at me once and was just talking with his friend and said " Thanks have a good day" at the end, no smile, no eye contact. The was the second time I have had this person, not sure is name. But experience has been the same both times. I understand it can be hard to put on a face and have to do the same things for so long but I just felt it was pretty cold and uncaring. I go to the Calle Real location quite a bit and never have this experience there. Please consider being a little more considerate of the customers you are ringing up. Thanks. read more

I just wanted to give a shout out an express my gratitude to the entire staff at this Trader Joes and most specifically Andrea in the flower department. I was in touch with Andrea and her coworkers Shana and Chelsea about my flower selection for my wedding on October 23! They all worked as a team and did a phenomenal job selecting the best flowers for my special day and had everything ready for me to pick up that morning. I was able to remove or add any flowers if I wanted, but truly they did a great job! Thank you for helping me coordinate this and making my vision come true. read more

Went to this location last week and asked for Gouda cheese and the clerk there just pointed over there Without looking that's was rude I'm not taking anymore this from now on I'm taking it to the store manager or Even higher So if you are having a bad day or Don't like your job stay home read more

When I write my reviews, I am meticulous that customer service and the guest experience is at the forefront. This Trader Joe's was moved from just off the 101 fwy at Milpas, to a few blocks up Milpas. This was the old Scolari's market before it closed. Of all the Trader Joe's I have been to, this is by far the nicest one. Large parking lot, which is a rarity for Santa Barbara. Inside the ailes wide and generous, a dream if you are claustrophobic. I personally am not, but can see this as a place you want to shop at if you are. On a recent trip inside, my daughter noticed an item on the shelf, watermelon jerky. While we were engaging in a conversation on what it actually was. I believed this to be watermelon flavored jerky, and my daughter stating it was actually watermelon turned into jerky. A store associate Walter approached us to settle the dispute. He smiled and kindly said, "How about you taste it and see for yourself?" He opened the package, and as we tasted it, he gave it to my daughter and kindly said, "You can keep it." This was exceptional customer service and this man was so friendly and kind. It made me feel we were at a small mom and pop shop rather than a grocery chain. Small things like this will keep me going back and giving them my business. And in case you are wondering...it was watermelon turned into jerky. :-) read more

Spacious, easy parking lot. Big store. Really appreciate the tables outside and comfy chairs outside, welcoming you to sit after shopping and enjoy some of your TJ's treats. Like the local street name check out lines. There is always a helpful employee present. This one is a reminder of how jolly fun it is to shop at Trader Joe's! read more

I walk in , relatively in good place. But than the terrible check outs, the staff are just so unaware , insulting. They do not know the meaning of good service. If I didn't have to would not shop at this store, it changed my mood completely, I wish I had taken names of the women cashier. The only excuse I can give her is she's earning minimum wage and is on a power trip read more

Just like most Trader Joe's this one is awesome! The staff is always incredibly friendly and usually will give you cooking tips about the food your buying. The store is clean and the traders food brand is usually pretty yummy. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The largest Trader Joes and biggest parking lot I have seen. It is quite unbelievable since most TJ's are avoided on my stressful days since the parking lot is awful. I will definitely choose this location as my go to. It's fall so we gave in and got some holiday food; yum yum. Yes, pumpkin does make me happy and most other people. I wasn't brave enough for the pumpkin granola.......But, I will try the butternut squash and pumpkin sauce for pasta. Go check out this new location! read more

The managers here have a talent for choosing helpful and friendly people...you know, retired actors and Grammy-winning musicians are working there; a clear sign sign they are doing something right! Food is fresh and if you don't like it I've heard they'll exchange or refund the purchase. Frozen aisle is second to none. Aside from reservations or a grub hub order, I like to make delicious meals straight from the microwave. Solid praise from a Lazy Hungry Person. read more

Ely was my cashier today and she knocked it out of the park. She bagged my groceries. She was patient as I needed to swap out some flowers and grab more half n half. She put a plastic bag over my chicken to keep it from dripping/leaking. She asked me how I was gonna use my kale. It's the little things that add up to a pleasant shopping experience. I also returned some pineapple fruit spread that had mold...lovely helper happily refunded the purchase. It has been a while since I've shopped here but today's experience was a 10/10. Also, go before noon on a Sunday. Plenty of parking and not at all crowded. read more

Love Trader Joe's! Wonderful store. Shop here frequently. Really enjoy shopping at Trader Joe's and seeing what new items they have!

TJ's is the sole store I've been going to during the pandemic. Was excited to check this one out with some exchanges in tow. I always love how "inviting " TJ's is of trying things and feeling free to return them. Not my experience at this one! I found Keith extremely rude with an attitude towards me that I had two items to exchange. Is there some new policy no one has politely told me? The entire receipt total was near $200 and I had maybe $14 to merely exchange. Didn't understand. read more

Trader Joe's has shopping during these times dialed in. Stars are spaced six feet apart for the lines to enter and for check out. They are wiping down carts and baskets as you grab them, and have hand sanitizer stations. And, needless to say, their staff is still cheerful and very helpful. Love this store so much. read more

Store number: 0059 Till number: 7 Transaction number: 286622 Date: 09-10-22 Cashier: S, Alexandra I had a horrible experience shopping at Trader Joes today. It all starts when purchasing the groceries at the registers. The cashier scanned each item and my family was paying for the groceries. During that process my 2 year old daughter was sitting in the shopping cart playing with the bell barely reaching it. The cashier then aggressivly pulled the shopping cart back as my hands were still on the shopping cart handles. I then started to push the cart past the cash register and then the cashier stopped me and grabbed the shopping cart and told me to push it behind the register behind her, note that my hands are still on the shopping cart. When the cashier took control on the cart she didn't make a wide enough turn around the counter which ended up CRUSHING my 2 year old daughters hand and fingers! She started to cry in pain and the cashier said to my daughter "oh did I hurt you?" and continued pushing the cart passed her and did NOT say a word to us the parents or any other family member that was with us. Take care of your kids when shopping at Trader Joes if the cashier Alexandra S. is ringing up your groceries because she does NOT have concern towards childrens safety. My email is Isabell.villalobos99@gmail.com if you have any concerns or questions about this horrible experience with my baby. read more

Trader Joe's is truly the one and only place I feel safe shopping in during the pandemic - they have continuously offered an orderly process with great attention to details about social distancing, face masks, etc., the staff is always upbeat and helpful, and I absolutely LOVE that they offer to pack my groceries in boxes!! This makes it so much easier to transport from my car to my house, and at least I know that Santa Barbara still recycles cardboard, so I don't feel bad about the box. Please remember to always be kind to your grocery store workers - they're truly "on the front lines" and they deserve thanks and respect for everything they do to keep us safe during these crazy times. read more

Conveniently located half a mile or so off the freeway, this is a perfect place to stop and grab snacks/use the restroom while traveling down the 101. The store is large and has a better selection than most of the Trader Joe's I've been to. Most of the staff was friendly enough, but many were a little too caught up in conversations with other employees to actually help customers.... which was irritating, since I just wanted to know if they had more of something. All in all I'd come here again without any hesitation. read more

Kristen, the manager, is very rude and not professional in the way she conducts herself towards the employees and to customers. I have seen her out by the produce section talking to employees extremely rudely and not conducting herself like other managers I have seen in the past. I can't imagine what it's like for the lovely employees when customers are not around. Also asked for help finding a product and did it get the TJs response I have grown to know. It's unfortunate because this store has always been great but now new management seems to have let some people slip through the cracks. I thought trader joes was supposed to have a friendly environment. read more

I threw away the dry watermelon with yellow, they said was juicy...The jarred apple sauce was dry too. It's not the same Trader Joe's..think I will buy from a health food store..water went up 10 cents from the day before read more

Yes, you may have to wait in line for a little bit to get inside but the line moves very quickly! I'm also so impressed that they offer customers complimentary bottled water in line while you wait. The staff at this location are great! Thank you Trader Joe's. read more

Today I was having A DAY, one of those days that just seems like nothing can go smoothly so when I pulled in the parking lot to find my toddler sleeping in the back seat I was 1. Grateful that he was actually napping for once and 2. Frustrated at the timing because we needed a few things so I had to get him out of his seat. To my surprise he fell back asleep on my chest and I proceeded to get a cart and go inside and get a few things. I only had a couple things in my cart when Jackie approached me and said "how can I help you?" My first reaction was "oh I'm good" but she insisted and I'm so so very grateful that she did. She got the remaining items on my list, escorted me to the check stand ASAP so I wouldn't have to wait in lines. Then, because it's one of those days, I realized I left my wallet at home, of course I did ‍. Jackie and Laura reassured me that it was ok, they would ring it up and keep my items refrigerated so that I could run home and get my wallet. As soon as I pulled back into the parking lot Laura ran out to get my card so that I wouldn't have to get my toddler back out of the seat AND grabbed my groceries and helped me load them into my car. She said it was no big deal but to me it was a HUGE DEAL. These women are the real MVPs I'm so grateful for their assistance I was SO blown away by their act of kindness that I HAD to write a review right now, as I sit in the parking lot with a sleeping toddler in the back seat. Thank you!!!! Sincerely, a burnt out mama read more

A very belated Thank You to Danny Angel and company at Trader Joe's who were kind and helpful when I had a dizzy spell at the store. It's a bit scary, and embarrassing, to be suddenly taken ill, especially at a public location. I was brought a chair to sit and recover, accompanied to my car when I could walk again, and checked on multiple times. I am grateful for the gentle assistance during this uncomfortable situation! read more