I love the staff at this Trader Joe's! I am a regular here and always feel very welcomed by the friendly workers. Whether it is helping me find that thing I can't find that is right in front of my face (lol) or just chatting during the check out process. I really appreciate the friendly and welcoming vibe since thats not something that I always feel when I visit other shops around my home here in Newport Beach. read more

This is a standard trader joes. I feel like its set up backwards. Or maybe I've been going to backwards Trader Joes all my life and this one is normal. The people who work here and shop here are great. It truly makes my tedious shopping and errands more exciting. I went here last week and bought some vegetable stir frys, non fat plain frozen yogurt, grapefruit juice, salad dressing.... you get the idea. Their food is always top notch. Yet somehow I manage to stay under $40 every time. Wow. But the thing I consistently enjoy the most... the people. Personally I feel like they should set up a Costa Mesa TJ dating service. Every time I come in here, the people are gorgeous and friendly! Not to mention, when it's summer and hot, it is not uncommon to see people shopping in their bathing suits, shirtless, or barefoot. It's so laid back. I love it. So, seriously though. A Trader Joe dating service. First dates would be making dinner with TJ food. Who's in? read more

This is my favorite Trader Joe's. They have an excellent wine and beer selection, the store is almost always fully stocked, the crew is nice and knowledgeable, and there are usually enough checkout lines to get out the door quickly. I am not a fan of the parking area. It's really condensed, full of bad drivers, always packed, and has a terrible layout. I've gotten more than a few dings and dents on my vehicle in the past. Actually, that's an understatement - my truck got totaled in the parking lot while I was shopping. Somebody hit the gas instead of the brake and slammed into it. So if you're driving that sparkly new 2016 Porsche 911, park in the back of the store and avoid the mess. The wine and beer people are very knowledgeable about the products and are definitely worth chatting up. Don't forget to stop by the demo station and grab a sample, but also make sure to be nice to the people behind the counter. read more

I love this Trader Joe's, mainly for their wine selection. It is one if the biggest Trader Joe's around here, and I like going to the back, look for a wine expert and try a bunch that he recommends. They are right about 8 out of 10 times that I come here, and I am very impressed. Once, we even scored a couple bottles of La Familia from the Mondavi Family for 10 bucks apiece. The bottle itself is about 60 bucks and they just happen to get a case of it. My friend and I took whatever was left in the case, about 4 bottles, and it was thoroughly enjoyed at some very special occasions. Everything else is normal Trader Joe's. Nothing bad to speak of, but I just love shopping at TJ's period. read more

I'm a big fan of Trader Joe's, especially this one so without question I am giving it five stars. Most grocery stores get pretty crazy after work hours but this one is never too bad. The store is kept pretty clean and everyone that I have interacted with that works there is very nice and helpful. I do all of my regular grocery shopping here so I come in about once a week and at various times. There is always parking because the lot in front of the store is really only for that, it's also pretty clear of shopping carts so you don't have to maneuver around them. They usually have pretty good stock of everything there, I don't often find myself having to miss out on buying something I needed because they didn't have it replenished in the store. They also have a really nice selection of wine and the guy that does the tastings is really nice and gives wonderful recommendations. I also got a great recommendation for their soy chorizo when I was at the wrap stand and the guy checking me out noticed that I was purchasing their soy beef. He asked if I had ever had it and when I told him I hadn't he said he really recommended it, as it's one of his favorite things that they carry. Sure enough it was delicious. With great selections, great prices, and helpful staff this grocery store is really one of the best. read more

I LOVE Trader Joe's! It's always so fresh and clean and they always have great and wide selection of products. I honestly never had anything that wasn't taste good at Trader's Joe's. I especially love this location, it's have tons of parking which make things very easy :) Its always so clean and the staff is always welcoming and nice! read more

I love Trader Joe's. Healthy selections and low cost are not something that typically goes hand in hand...at least not in this economy. However, Trader Joe's manages to offer both. More than reasonable prices and the selections are awesome. I managed to stock up on salads for the weekly work lunches, yummy banana & cream and strawberry & cream yogurt, bags of almonds, pistachios, and pepitas, 3 bags of Snapea Crisps (OMG, YUM), a loaf of whole grain bread, a few cans of tuna, a container of jalapeno hummus that I am looking forward to trying, organic peanut butter (chunky and creamy varieties), strawberry preserves, cereal, almond milk, OJ, a bottle of wine and two bouquets of flowers and I spent only a hundred bucks!! Erm, so I might eat at home like a latch key kid, but it's nutritious and cheap! =) And this means I can afford to hit some really bougee restaurants on the weekend to share with fellow Yelpers... seeeeee - (I occasionally think with logic.) The store on 17th is small and the layout is somewhat odd pertaining to produce, but overall my shopping experiences here are very pleasant and I do love the large floral selection they offer, many of which are grown locally, as well as a huge wine selection. read more

Check www.traderjoes.com for a location nearest you. This neighborhood grocery store has practically everything with a twist. Most of the products they carry are organic and healthy with no preservatives or fat. They carry most the basics and exotic products from various countries. On a normal visit I always pick up these items: - Soy Ice Cream... YUM! - All fruit frozen bars... Sonny loves these - Vegan Cookies - Frozen Ahi Tuna... once you get home defrost this baby and slight pan fry. Its fresh and delicious! - Organic Non-Fat Mango Yogurt read more

Carne Asada, that is all I have to say. Try it. It comes in a bag, all ready to throw on the grill, marinaded already. Or if you don't like the cow, they have Pollo Asada as well. We had a Cinco de Mayo party and went through about 3 packages of it. TJs is also a great place for wine, beer and pre-made but uncooked pizza dough. This location seems better than some of the others in OC. Big parking lot but its ALWAYS full of cars. read more

Def try the Chilean Trader Joe's wines. They are like $2.99 and WAY to easy to drink! And I love the Mediterranean hummus. It's a MUST to have in my fridge! read more

Trader Joe's has always been my back up when I don't have a lot of time, or can't think of a place to go for lunch. At first glance you might think you're walking into a geriatric grocery store where old ladies stock up on two buck chucks and organic foods, and I guess it could be true. The elderly consists of 60-70% of the customers. So be careful in the parking lot. For the lunch crowd - head straight to the free sample table and grab some organic apple juice, a soy veggie meatball, or whatever they have that day. Then head to the salads. They've got a great selection from the classic Caesar to sesame tofu. The prices range from $3 - 5, not bad. If you're a little tight on money, grab some pita bread ($0.99) and some hummus ($2) and that'll keep you busy for two days worth of lunches. The everything else crowd - for people who like to cook simple meals, this place is meant for you. Precooked frozen foods, boxed soups, pastas galore. Everything is easy. The selection of wine isn't bad either and oh so affordable. Watch grandmas walk out with cases of good ol' Charles Shaw while you buy your trader joe's brand cheerios and vanilla soy milk. Don't forget to grab some dried fruit on your way out - the mangos and cranberries are my faves. read more

So love this place!!! My kids love looking for "Pandi" the monkey. When they find her they get a free sucker... I love that you can go to the main counter and they have a full list of all their Gluten Free food and goodies.. It makes my shopping so much easier. All the employees are so nice and make you feel like family... Love the wine tasting area of course if for only the 21 and over . It sure was a Good way to try a new bottle of wine before you buy it... I have tasted some great wines that I would have never brought but did because I got to try them. read more

All of my expectations of Trader Joe's are tainted by the UCI location which, compared to other TJ's, is small, crowded, and has even worse parking than usual. This TJ's is the complete opposite. It's huge, though the space isn't particularly well used and there are still traffic jams in some aisles. I swear I find things here that I don't find at the UCI location, even though I'm sure they both carry the same things, but it's hard to actually explore the UCI store as it's tiny and packed full of undergrads. Here, there's enough room to display items in a way that they can actually be seen easily. The entrance reminds me of a Costco for some reason. Maybe the big red awnings? Costco doesn't have flowers in front of the doors, though, so plus 1 for TJ's. There are lots of registers here, and we didn't have to wait to check out even though we were here on a busy Saturday afternoon. I hear there's free wine tasting here, but I don't really like alcohol, so I can't speak to that. I just pick up a bottle of two buck chuck for cooking. The wine section really is huge, though. I'd rather shop at this TJ's than the UCI one any day. read more

Thanks for the $4.99 bottle of Gypsy California Wine. It's super smooth for a cheap wine and I can feel my heart getting healthier and my cholesterol dropping. Trader Joe's is the best spot for wine-- BevMo has nothin' on this joint! Oh yeah, and keep staffing those adorable cashiers. But where's my damn raffle tickets for bringing my reusable bag? It has Wall-E on it. Come on, it's cute. I need a $25 gift card. Help me out here. They never remember this crap, you must remind them. They make it really hard to stay motivated for bringing those reusable bags, especially when the brown bags they give you are so nice! No raffle? FEH! read more

I really like this location! Everyone is always very friendly and helpful, and shelves are always well stocked. Only down side: the parking lot can get a little crazy. I choose to park far in the back to avoid the congestion. read more

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE shopping at Trader Joe's but during a recent visit to the Costa Mesa store I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw a huge rat run across the aisle and went under one of the freezers. It makes me wonder how many droppings we must have taken home on top of our canned items and boxes. The management will probably deny there are rats at their store but I urge you to get the exterminators please! read more

This is my neighborhood TJ's. I'm not saying this is the best one because I live by it, it simply just is. The staff is friendly and pretends to like/remember and laugh at my stupid jokes. Just what you want during your shopping jaunts. Like many TJ's the people shopping there can be a bit much. But no worries, just remember that you are better than them. :) I'm a smart shopper and there a few things that I can only get at TJ's.Things that I am addicted too....sad yes...but true. Veggies are almost always over priced here. But golly gee it....they have heirloom cherry tomatoes. Can't get them anywhere else. The parking lot can be a bit crazy with all the oldies and weirdos that shop here, but there is always ample parking. ++ read more

I like this trader joe's - people are friendly and helpful. the store has the most beautiful flowers and fresh ingredients. except.. one time i found a rotten apple, but one out of 7 is a pretty good ratio.. hopefully i'll never find that again. they are accommodating and have great advice for particular food specials or anything you need. did a wine taste here - great! cheap wines - my fav - cocobon .. and menage a tois - excuse my spelling.. CHEAP and FLAVORFUL! (+) Great Staff (+) Great Food selections (+) Yummy Samples (+) Best selection of flowers and the ones in special season too (+) Convenient if you have a pet (Petsmart is next door) (-) Parking is a pain in the butt (-) Dirty carts read more

I absolutely love Trader Joe's! Everything I have tried so far has been unbelievably tasty, inexpensive, and satisfying. TJ is my go to place when I'm bored, hungry, grocery shopping, wanting a snack, craving desserts and much more. Some of my favorite things to get at Trader Joe's: Produce Fruit Flowers-inexpensive and fresh (usually) Food and Snacks-oatmeal dunkers, dried fruits, chips, chocolate covered pretzels, toffee chocolate, cereals, rolled oats, and agave Cheese-blueberry goat cheese, muenster, brie, sharp cheddar, gouda, and etc Ginger Brew-Yes, I know there was a recall on this because the bottle may burst but the drink is still delicious. Just cover your face while opening. LOL jk. TJ is the epitome of how a grocery store should be. Great service, amazing products, samples of food, and great deals without needing a coupon. Thank you Trader Joe's for existing! read more

This Trader Joes is always helpful, never too crowded, they always have enough staff on hand, even when it is too crowded. Prices are GREAT! and NO COUPONS!!! That's a huge plus for me. I lost the diamond out of my Wedding ring yesterday, and the staff was super empathetic about it. They were crawling around on the ground right alongside me, as were some customers outside looking. When you're feeling down, they will lift you up! read more

Tra-Ja's? Obviously Trader Joe's is the best chain supermarket in the world, and this location does keep stuff well stocked and have a great staff. Biggest selling point for me is that it's close to Growers Ranch so it's easy to pickup some good produce and then crush the rest of the shopping list. read more

This TJ is just blocks from my house... so I'm in all the time... this location has its ups and downs... but I keep going back so the good must outweigh the bad. One thing I like about Trader Joe's for those who don't shop there - the prices - they are actually pretty competitive. The Good: -Wine tasting, and a knowledgeable wine staff. (wine staff? Idk) -Ample parking -a larger than normal TJ check out area -friendly staff -wide assortment / new items cycling in The Bad: -it's proximity to Newport beach -its always crowded -people will hit you with their cart and then look at you as if it was YOUR fault -they stopped stocking the goats milk cheese I adored -many foods are packaged nice but include the bad ingredients health conscious people should avoid. read more

local TJ! I've always love trader joe's! I'm loving this is really close 2 my place! Employees are always asking if u need assistance. Everything is reasonably priced. This parking lot is like the battle of imports. . . I enjoy looking @ nice European cars, don't get me wrong! Everything abt this place is great! It's so managed well. Everything is their sections. Employees are suuuuper friendly. My current obsession is the speculoos crunch cookie butter and whole grain pretzel sticks! YUMMMM!!! read more

I have been coming to this location weekly for the last two years and each time I am more and more impressed. First of all, the staff and management are always ultra helpful, friendly, and outgoing. That's really what separates TJ's from other grocery stores in my mind. I even tried getting a job here about a year ago when I was looking for an after school job. My availability was too low to be hired but one of the managers, AJ, was seriously so nice to me during the whole process (I kept calling to follow up) Now a year later I have had no bad experiences here. The prices are great. I love their wine tasting (M-F afternoons) and their sample area. All their produce is very fresh and affordable - except I wish they would have ripe avocados! I always have to buy mine green and wait 4-5 days to eat them... But seriously, if thats my ONLY complaint with this place, then that is saying something. Love this brand, this location, and this food. 5+ stars. read more

Nothing but good things to say about Trader Joe's... where do I start? Let's see, fresh delicious, affordable food. Very friendly and kind staff. Very clean store and decorated with a beachy fun vibe. I will always love Traders! read more

Trader Joe's - Felt a little tired on the way to work, stopped at Traders and picked up this natural tea. - Grocery Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I looked for a killer pecan pie for Thanksgiving and tried to Yelp it. I found a $25 option close by, and the day before I was going to buy it I sampled a pecan pie at Trader Joe's which was absolutely fabulous. My guests were wowed and I paid one third of the price compared to the fancy local bakery. If you're looking for pecan pie, their's has a great carmel, buttery taste. It's not gelatinous like some of those fillings, It's slightly gooey. I served very small pieces because it is so rich and satisfying you don't need much. read more

This is one of two Trader Joe's that I shop at. There's absolutely no difference between the two stores - which should make TPTB in TJ HQ happy given that they probably want the same level of service/quality at all their stores. So I won't talk about the service here. What I will talk about are my favorite foods to buy and encourage you to try out. Seasoned Salmon - the salmon comes already marinated, all you have to do is throw it on your grill. Jasmine Rice - delish with the salmon. Orange Chicken - try it with their brown rice. Carne Asada - mmmm... carne asada... Tofutti - ice cream bars made with tofu. there's no dairy in this ice cream bar but it tastes just like ice cream - that's crazy! crazy good. read more

Trader Joe's saved the day again, with fabulous New York Strip Steaks. I wasn't able to make them right away after buying, but they did stay really fresh. They were delish with just a bit of salt and pepper. Mmmmmmmm read more

Nothing against my local Trader Joe's, but this is the absolute largest one I've ever seen. I got the yummiest stuff, including delectable fresh black Mission figs and a flat of peaches (to make cobbler with, of course). The staff was really nice; they look at your receipt and then call you by name. P.S. They still enter you in a drawing for $25 if you bring your reusable bag(s); most TJ's have discontinued this practice (BOO!). read more

My Favorite Joe's in the world. -Big store. -Big parking lot. -Constant samples no matter what time you go. -FREE WINE TASTING! No other Joe's in the O.C. does this. -Quarters for laundry, without the grief I normally get from other stores when I ask for a roll. Getting in and out of the parking lot is a pain because that entire area is super congested. But, if you go in the evening post 7pm, it's a joy. The employees here are particularly nice. Be warned: the entire elitist Newport crowd shops here, so be prepared to overhear some RIDICULOUS conversations and see lots of women in yoga pants. read more

This is one of my favorite Trader Joe's locations. The staff is always friendly helpful it will walk you to whatever it is you're looking for and it is just the right size not too small not too big. I love the sample corner where the sample ladies are always willing to share with you the latest and greatest in recipes. If you come here in the morning the coffee is good they don't yell at you for taking more than one small cup. When my kids were younger the big game was to find Mandy the monkey. We still look for me and you the monkey. The great store the great people and I usually will see a neighbor or a friend and we will talk for a long time. read more

Trader Joe's - Happy days are here again! - Grocery Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My favorite TJ's yet! (You see how passionate you are about TJ's after living in TX for two years). The parking lot is huge and easy to get in and out of, the store is the biggest I've seen, and the staff is super friendly. Gotta love spicy hummus, whole wheat pita bread, and lots of cheap fresh veggies! I miss it so. Now I drive 4.5 miles to the one in Orange that BLOWS! read more

Update: I just went here recently, haven't gone here in awhile. Wow! what did I just step into!?!! This place is hustlin and bustlin! Newport beach/Costa Mesa folks everywhere! In other words, you'd really be a minority here. It feels like I just walked onto a movie set. It's crowded, cute guys, cute girls, half of them in gym attire, girls planning what to buy for a party, people running into eachother and chit chatting up a storm, half the people seem to know one another! wow I feel so outta place, but I'm coming back because it's so interesting here! getting into the parking lot on a weekday around 5:30 sucks!!! it's super crowded!!! people drive sooo freakin slow!!! ahhhh!!! but once you get inside, drink some of the free samples of wine, get a sample of their food if they're serving it, and watch the action, you'll be fine! As a grocery store....they don't have curry naan anymore :( that's what I used to always go there for. and figs..where are the figs??? i really don't shop here for much else except for some milk and eggs. the wine selection is always great. Sprouts is cheaper to me for veggies and fruit. ***************** Free wine tasting! so cool! The guy even asked me to come on over because he saw me checking out the wines. We were chit chatting and he recommended some cool raspberry beers. The flowers were cheap, but unfortunately they said 'trader joes' on them, so I didn't buy them as a gift :( boo for that. I usually go here for cheap eggs and milk. Curry Naan and hummus..yumm!!! read more

This is my local Trader Joe's and I love it! There are a lot of Trader Joe's out there, but this one has it all and never ceases to impress. I first started coming here when all the chain grocery stores went on strike. I went not because I sympathized with the union, but because when their workers salaries and benefits packages were publicized and they were crying for more, it made me realize I was wasting my money on worthless saps. I've been coming to this location ever since. Nonetheless, this review is about Trader Joe's and not greedy union shills. Shopping here is a twice a week event for me. I tend to buy most of my essential groceries here on Sunday and on Friday I gather items for my big night weekend feast. Always fresh, Trader Joe's items last me all week long and stay true to taste and form throughout. What sets this Trader Joe's apart from the others are several things: 1.) Free wine tasting - This particular Trader Joe's has the one of the highest sale volumes of wine. So it's only natural that this store built an area to sample some of their wines to taste. They also put out a nice cheese sampling display that changes weekly. 2.) Easy store layout - This location has a smooth and easy set up that allows you to shop without being trampled on. It also has good visibility to locate all items. 3.) Consistently friendly employees - Two of my favorite workers are Pamela (who runs the food tasting area) and Lisa (who works mainly at checkout, but also assists in wine tasting). Additionally, Pamela moonlights as a very knowledgeable cheese monger who sets up great cheese tasting classes throughout Orange County. The only negative mark I would put on Trader Joe's is their sometimes pour quality produce. You really have to check out and study some of their fruits and vegetables before you buy. Check for mold, wilted or damaged goods first. Other than that, this Trader Joe's can be your one stop shop for groceries. Your experience will feel more like hobby than a chore. I will always buy here before I go anywhere else. read more

Bummer that this place got so crowded after the grocery strike years ago. Nobody knew about this place and was easy to park and get in and out. Only complaint is how crowded it gets. Other than that 5 stars! read more

Wonderful and friendly staff here. I always have a great time meeting the employees during check out. The wine tasting is fun and I always pick up something different when I talk to the person giving sample behind the taste counter. read more

I've been shopping at Trader Joe's since 1985 I just love it. It has certainly changed over the years and they keep adding more and more wonderful things. The kids that work there are cool and don't act like bratty millennials. read more

I love this Trader Joe's! It is huge inside and is always super clean. This Trader Joe's has one of the biggest selections of fresh flowers (of any Trader Joes I have ever been to). The flowers are not crowded and the display is beautiful. Trader Joes has beautiful flowers for a great price! I just got 7 roses for $4.99. Alcohol selection: the alcohol section is in the very back of the store. There is a tasting area (21+) that usually has a few different things to try as well as some snacks to sample as well (like mixed nuts). This is a great way to sample a new wine or beer. I am always enticed to buy! This is a great Trader Joe's. I would highly recommend shopping here. read more

I love this Trader Joes because they have the best selection that I have seen by far! I can't live (okay I choose not to) without their sweet potato frites, jalapeno and cilantro hummus, and chocolate crouisants. Actually the list can go on and on but I won't bore you. Their flower selection is insane and their wine guys are awesome! I knocked off a star for them because of their store layout. Some of their isles have a post right smack in the middle so when it is busy its hard to get around. I also like the location because the veggie/fruit store is near by. read more

Eh not my favorite (or least favorite of the Trader Joe's I've been too). Great selection, as with almost any Trader Joe's. But I really dislike the layout of this particular TJ's. They store kind of goes off at this weird angle and I always find myself wondering where the rest of a particular aisle is because they seem to just kind of end, quite abruptly really. And I thoroughly dislike the way the cashier units are set up so freaking close to the doors to get in, they don't have separate doors for entry and exit. So every time I come here i find myself jockeying for a position just to try and make my way into the store. If you're in a hurrying and tyring to make it a quick TJ trip this can really throw a wrench in your plans. Major plus about this store. I find that they have the best selection of orchids for your money. I've bought orchids from this location and had them last months upon months. And maybe that doesn't mean something to you Mr.Greenthumb, but as a serial murderer of botanical creatures, the fact i could keep something so beautiful alive for so long really means something to me. read more