First off, I have to say that I love Trader Joe's. The employee's are always helpful and cheerful, their prices are cheap, produce is decent, and they promote bringing your own shopping bag by giving you a ticket to weekly raffles. BUT I have to knock off 3 entire stars because of the size! You can get the basics here but if you need anything else you're better off going to Star Market which will be more expensive but have a much wider selection. Also, avoid this place on weekends! Way too crowded for the small size- you will probably feel angry as soon as you step in there. read more

What can i say about Trader Joes? Its PERFECT. great food, unbeatable prices. The nicest staff this side of the moon. For $40 bux I can stock up for about a week and a half. Since im a college student, I am schooled in the microwave cuisine arts. Trader Joes has the best quick meals like, pad thai and rice bowls. They also have a great wine selection...cant beat the 3- buck- chuck ($3 very decent Trader Joe wine) I will be forever dedicated and true to this fine fine establishment read more

The only bad thing about this Trader Joe's is that there is no beer or wine here. No Two Buck Chuck and other ridiculously inexpensive yet awesome wines. It's sad. But it's convenient to the office for me, and so I trek over there at lunchtime every time I'm out of soy milk or frozen veggies (theirs are the best and cheapest!) or whatever, to restock. TJ's is cheap, has great store brand stuff, and is pretty healthy as well. The selection isn't as awesome as at some of the larger stores, but all in all there's still quite a bit to choose from. read more

I have a love/hate relationship with Boylston Street's Trader Joe's. I love what most everyone else loves... great food at (mostly) great prices. They have THE BEST fresh salsa I have ever tried. I also really like that they have a few things that you just don't see anywhere else. Good variety of international foods. You never know what you might find. This is a small TJ's so there is no beer/wine section and the produce section is a little sad and very expensive in my book. Better off going to Shaws or splurge at Whole Foods for your veggies. The staff are so friendly and nice, and they always have a little taster bar in the back with something to try. All in all, a great place to shop for things you can't get elsewhere, but for some basics, booze, and produce I hit up the other markets. read more

Ok but this trader joes is a tiny basement ad doesn't sell alcohol. Please be aware of this factoid before running in at 9:53 pm (they close at 10) because you need that alkie and the bars aren't cutting it. You will do the walk of shame up the stairs with tears in your eyes. And resignedly drag your feet into one of the surrounding bars. read more

When I am hosting a party, I get some really nice (sometimes already prepared food) and interesting food here including some very ethnic foods you won't find elsewhere. Great selection of chocolates and snacks. read more

It's still TJ's, but this location doesn't sell alcohol, the produce and meat selections are limited, and it's just TINY. It's so small that, on weekends, the line for the cash registers snakes through half the store. Fortunately, there are enough goodies tucked into every shelf that the entire store is basically an impulse-buy aisle anyway. It's more of a foodie playhouse than a grocery store. read more

One of the smallest Trader Joe's I have ever seen, but what a unique little store, they sell what my place sells and I love the artwork. I visit here when I go to Anime Boston. read more

I feel as though I need to clarify my last review as someone(not very nicely) schooled me as to why they dont have wine/beer/booze. I previously aware the MA liquor license laws. I have lived here for 3yrs. I am not docking them points because of a lack of alcohol...I am not that big of a drunk! Coming from California, I just find it funny because we dont have laws like this. I am happy that I have a TJ's near me. Though it might not stalk the items I most enjoy at other locations, the convenience and price cannot be beat and I appreciate the options they DO have. If I was THAT mad about it...I wouldn't go 2x per week. Plus their staff is the best. read more

I love Trader Joe's!!!! I recently moved back home to my suburbia town in New York and there isn't one for miles. Trader Joe's is fantastic for little specialty items you can't get anwhere else, along with some prett regular grocer items too. My favorite thing to get here is cilantro dressing. I'm not sure if it's only at this Trader Joe's but it is the BEST dressing I have ever had and its very reduced fat. The store is always clean and stocked with great items including wonderful specialty and artisan breads and fresh flowers. The staff is very friendl'y and helpful and will talk to you and answer any questions. A great grocery experience. Wish there were more places like this everywhere. read more

I'd be lost w/o my Trader Joe's! This location is small, but like some Yelpers have said they do make the most of their limited space. When I can get to Brookline or Cambridge I do stock up on the cheap wine. TJ's is excellent for city folk and singles....lots of quick fix meals for one and they're all preservative free. The prices are unbeatable especially for the quality. I honestly do about 70% of my food shopping here. Even their mayo, ketchup and steak sauce is wonderful. I could go on for days about this place, but I won't. I'm hoping that one day they'll expand this location, or open one up in the Southie/Dorchester area. read more

Certainly a weird location, and oh-so crowded being as it's so tiny, but it's the cheapest you will find ANY food on Boylston Street. Even if you're just stopping in to grab an energy bar and a drink while in town, it's a great bargain. The problem with a TJ's in the middle of town is that you can't do as much shopping as you like because you can't have a big cart and there's no parking lot so you can fill your car up. So if you've fallen in love with Trader Joes' offerings, take the time to drive to one of the other locations and stock up! read more

Very (very) tiny store in a great location. It does an excellent job cramming all the necessities into an itty-bitty space. Word to the wise: Don't try to cut in line between 5PM - 6PM on a week night. Hell hath no fury like that of early 30's professionals purchasing baguettes and brie. Obviously, I haven't done this since it's unacceptable past the age of five, but I've witnessed "incidents" before... Not pretty. read more

I am a huge sucker for good service. I mean, who's not though? Besides their amazing products which probably don't differ much from different branches, let's get to the part where this store won me over. I was very overdue for my grocery shopping, with my empty fridge and spotless kitchen as proof. With both hands full of things to buy, I went to the register to pay and that's when I realized that I left my wallet at home. Not even a single penny on me. Panicking, I asked the cashier to stop and told her my situation. No sign of annoyance nor frustration. The first thing she asked was, "Did you lose it here? Did you lose anything else?" - she was genuinely worried for me! I was flustered and embarrassed that I didn't realize this before getting to the cashier, but she was so nice and told me to not worry about it, she can put the groceries away. I remembered that there was a BofA few blocks down, and how I can get cash without my card, so I asked if I can come back in 15 minutes and if they can hold my stuff. She said, "of course" and also offered to put the stuff in the refrigerator. So. nice. And not a single look of frustration. just genuine kindness and efforts to help. She told me to just come straight to her register when I come back and not to worry. I come back, and she smiles when she sees me coming down the escalator. In a minute, my bag comes, already all packed, and the manager comes and with a click of a button, the total of my groceries is already all rung up. First thing she asks is, "Did you find your wallet?" After a couple minutes of small talk about how it's the worst when you leave home without something like your wallet or phone, I leave with a smile up to my ears. A day that could have ended horrendously and full of frustration turned into a day that restored my faith in humanity. Thank you so much! I wish I could have gotten your name so I could give you full credit! read more

I love Trader Joe's but this location is not the one I run to when I'm visiting Massachusetts. This location is very compact, while they have most of the usual trader Joe's goodies, they don't have Two Buck Chuck (actually $2.99). So the lack of wine can be a pain. Also if you are planning on bringing a car, parking is lacking and will cost you. Those commuting to Trader Joes should go to a location with wine and parking, like the one across from magazine beach on the cambridge side. read more

I thought maybe people went here to trade things. I think that I take titles WAY too literally, I'm still angry about Johnny Cupcakes. I am so happy that I found out that this is a grocery store. AWESOME! I've never been to a bigger (or another) Trader Joe's before, so I can't really complain about the size. The selection of quickie foods has plenty of meat-free stuff. The triple-ginger snaps are yummy. Some of the vegi-meals appear to be iron enriched. The sushi is... confusing and unappetizing... actually the first time that I really didn't want to finish a roll. That aside, the Saturday afternoon line moved quickly, my cashier was super friendly, and the price was AWESOME! read more

This Trader Joe's is always a stop whenever I'm at a convention in the Hynes. It's small and usually crowded, but the prices are good and it's full of things that I can't find at home in the local Market Basket. Someday they'll put a Trader Joe's in Portsmouth (are you listening, Joe?) but until then I'll stock up here whenever I'm on town. And apparently they have bigger ones than this... okay, build one of the bigger ones in Portsmouth, please. read more

dear trader joes - i love you, and i don't know what i'd do without you. i never have much money, so i know it's a wonderful and sure thing that i can go and get a good variety of healthy food for approx. $25 per week. one thing though.. i can't figure out how to make a product suggestion online, but here it is: please make whole wheat everything bagels. and maybe even some light veggie cream cheese. i would be happier, every day of my life. then, you will truly be my hero. thanks! - m read more

first thing's first: some of the employees here should be FIRED. most of them are super nice. some are just not. YOU, the customer are in THEIR way....and they will sass you with all the attitude they have or merely pretend you are not there...most of the time they are too busy horsing around with one another to WORK. today, one female employee was discarding what i'd guess to be expired food and was throwing it in a basket a several feet away. she had complete disregard for customers trying to shop anywhere near her... i almost got a grilled chicken smash to my ribs. she grunted an unapologetic "ugh sorrrrry"...but only after i gave her my best stink eye. this all after i witnessed an older woman approach her and ask where ___ was and she pointed at nothing and barked "it's over there" without looking up. hmmMM, NICE anyway WITH ALL THAT SAID...i do love trader joe's. i can't get everything i need at this location, the line is almost always ridiculously long here and the avocados are NEVER ripe but it's so inexpensive and they have great options. i wish they had booze too but the line would go up the escalators and out the door to boylston if they did, i reckon. read more

There is one in Needham, right near my old workplace. I miss it. But not enough to want to brave the parking lot at the one on Beacon Street in Brookline very often. read more

Located on Boylston street this is the busiest and most space efficient Trader Joes I've ever been in. If you are brave and decide to do your groceries on a weekend--beware! The line tends to wrap around the aisles and mazes through the store. They have all the favorite frozen products stocked and most important they have a solid dessert section still despite there size. They used to have a sampling counter but recently took it out to make space for more refrigerated sections and now the sampling counter has turned into a sampling tray which hangs on a Trader Joes staff who walks around the store. read more

Friendly people and great prices on great food make this place what it is. So many prepared foods! Yes, you can get alcohol and more fresh foods at the other ones, but if you're in Back Bay you can't walk there. Oh, and if you like light roast coffee, try the New Mexico Pinon Coffee. It's delicious and I don't think you can buy it anywhere else in Boston. Also, this place has an amazing dark chocolate selection. The dark chocolate Droste pastilles are excellent for little treats and really inexpensive. read more

(score 1-100) 90. There is no better grocery deal in ANY city than Trader Joes. Just a little inside information regarding TJ is that the prices are the same EVERYWHERE. If you go to a TJ in Manhattan the prices are the same as the TJ in a suburban location. This back bay location is very cheap in relation to other food options in the area. I have seen people complain about TJ not having enough selection of each product, well thats not what the business model is for TJ. They offer one or two options per item to keep the stores organized and small. They also offer food options you wouldn't find at the big box supermarket brands. If you live in the city, Trader Joes has to be a part of your shopping experience. It makes sense for your wallet and your sensibility! read more

As being a BIG TIME out of state Red Sox fan, it was nice to see the mural at the entrance. I know that I was in Boston, but it wasn't something I expected. I've only been to this location once, and I is my favorite! I'm not just saying it because of the Red Sox decor. The people that work here are very helpful and are so friendly. They answered all of my questions and never seemed rushed to do other things. So would I recommend Boylston Street Trader Joe's? YES!!! They may not have everything you need, but you can tell that they love what they do... read more

I try to avoid Shaws at all cost, so between Trader Joes and CVS I'm able to get all the essentials at a fraction of the cost. Trader Joes has slightly expensive meats, but the produce is much cheaper, as well as the chips and cheese. One thing to note about this Trader Joes is that they don't seel alcohol, so if you've sampled the Trader Joes brew and liked it, you'll have to travel out the C line to Coolidge Corner to buy it. read more

you can find special things here that you cannot get in other markets！I love here！they offer organic food！my favourite thing is mochi ice cream，and its perfect！ read more

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Love TJ's but this is one is so small! They have the basics and favorites but the selection for groceries doesn't compare to other stores.

5 stars for all the Joe's, 4 for the Back Bay location because it's so small they can only stock so much, and no liquor! But when I need to go food shopping during my lunch hour, I can get most of it done here. Especially love the Old English Cheddar Cheese w/ Carmelized Onions, frozen dinners, and the low carb torillas. Plus the cooking demos are wonderful! read more

This claustrophobic, dingy, hole in the wall is plagued by long lines and a pervasive sense of low-level chaos. Beware.

Amazing staff. Never encountered such friendly nice staff at a grocery store!!!! For that reason alone, I will be shopping there ( 20 minutes walk away) as opposed to my local Whole Foods which is 5 minutes away. read more

Smaller than your average Joe's. As others have mentioned, no beer or wine. The location is nice as it is in the heart of the city, but I wish they had some more stuff! Nice staff. What they do have is the same old, good TJ's stuff. I think I have run into a little bit worse produce overall - compared to the Brookline location, but certainly no major issues. read more

This was my first experience with this business in Boston or anywhere else. If you are staying in a hotel for a week, in a city not your own, you want to get out sometimes. And there may be a desire for fresh fruit or things that just are not on a restaurant menu. Went in this place and really like the variety of the products available. Just about anything you can think of is somewhere in this store. As mentioned by others it is small and difficult to get around and find what you need. Very popular and that means lots of people all over and in front of you. The cashiers do a very good job of moving the long lines out the door. Did like the place, will return on another visit to Boston, but not something that will knock your socks off. read more

Trader Joe's has food you won't find at most other markets. Most items are suprisingly cheap. Above all, they have a great selection of wine for very cheap prices. If you are a cheap wine fan, you should stock up here. read more

This store is so very busy all Hours of the day and night, but it is staffed with enough very hard working emplyees to handle the masses.

I love Trader Joe's... just not the ones in Boston. Not a complaint against this particular Back Bay store, but a general disappointment about the TJ's on the East Coast. I miss vegan trail mix cookies, Middle East feast, and various other items found at the TJ's in California. However, the lack of these items doesn't stop me from stocking my dorm room with delicious snacks from this store. Affordable prices and a chill atmosphere (nothing like the yuppie, over-priced, chain store of 'organic food' known as Whole Foods), TJs' is a great place for healthy and great tasting snacks. Stop by during the winter holiday seasons for some additional unique items. Note: If you're looking for a large selection of fresh produce or alcoholic beverages, you better look elsewhere. read more

This is the Trader Joe's they could....I like the fact that there is a TJ's period, in Back Bay which is awesome, but its like a big tease. Every time I go there I'm shoulder to shoulder with people and I feel like I can't shop comfortably. I am probably spoiled by the Cambridge and Arlington locations. I probably just need to get used to the location. The prices are pretty reasonable even if it is in the city. Conveniently located to the T and the 1 bus. read more

It's a little hard to spot since it's on the lower level, and it's very small, so there's a limited selection, especially of produce. But they manage to cram a fair amount in the store. If you don't need very specific things this is a really convenient location with great values. I think that their dried fruit and nut selections are outstanding, even in this small store. Great friendly service, like all TJ's. I don't usually have an issue with lines when I go on my lunch hour. read more

Rather cramped (traffic flows in one direction; don't miss something or you'll have to "loop around the block" to come back to it), but still room to have most of the things you love about bigger Trader Joe's locations. No alcohol here and a smaller produce section, but has pretty much all the other items you'd come to expect. Great for city-dwellers whose only other real options are Star Market or a corner store. read more

Ok, this Trader Joe's already has 132 reviews and so I'm probably not contributing anything new, but I did want to say that Trader Joe's are the best!! Good food for a good price. I have been paying $4.99 a piece for frozen Amy's Lasagnas and today I got 2 different types of frozen entrees (spinach lasagna and eggplant parm) for $4. It reminded me that I need to start making more of an effort to get my lunch stuff here! The Back Bay location is small but I never have a problem finding something to suit my needs. read more

This Trader Joe's is pretty tiny compared to most others I've been in, but it is conveniently located. I don't live near Back Bay so this is not my main grocery store, but if I want something that I know I can get for a cheap price or only get at Trader Joe's, it's usually not hard for me to stop by. They don't sell alcohol in this location and since it's smaller, there is less selection than you might find in a bigger store. There is usually a pretty long line, but it does snake past the food sample stand so you can have a snack while you're waiting. The aisles are cramped, but honestly, I think all Trader Joe's are like that, regardless of how big the store is. If I had to depend on this as my main grocery store I'd probably be wishing for a bigger selection in some areas, but as a stop to pick up supplemental items, it works just fine. read more