3.5 stars. I guess I don't really have too much original input on this one. Cons: -It's always crowded. -The layout is senseless. -I agree with Bryan G.: it's annoying that TJ's is not self-sufficient; i.e., you can't get all of your groceries here. -The produce often is just ok. Safeway produce can compete with the produce here. Pros: -The staff is wild friendly. -The sparkly cranberry juice is very high quality for the price. My favorite snacks, since someone asked, are the honey roasted mixed nuts and the 'identity crisis' chips, which in turn are wonderful with the tomato basil hummus. -This is the closest TJ's to where I live, so they've got me there. read more

A good place in the plaza. Nice selection and good staff. I have had a few misses on some of their stocked products but they have always been good about replacing the item or giving me a refund. read more

Pros: - Whole Foods for Half the Price - Free Samples - Open until 9pm Cons: - Limited selection - Shrink wrapped bulk produce - Closes at 9pm Suggestions - Since the produce isn't all that try the bi-weekly farmers market in the Trader Joe's parking lot (I think it is Wednesday and Saturday). read more

Trader Joe's is just the most fantabulous grocery store there ever was, that is my honest and unbiased opinion. I spend half as much money as I used to spend at Safeway for the same amount of food, and I have healthier stuff with far fewer additives, sugar and salt thrown in. They have an amazing number of pre-prepared entrees that are healthy and delicious, so folks who are busy or just don't like to cook much, can still eat fabulously and healthily, while spending much less time on cooking. I'm trying to eat more fresh vegetables as I get older, and they have about 12 types of great salad, with kick ass diverse ingredients that really taste delicious and interesting, and are freshly prepared. They have a good choice of produce, that is much cheaper than the bigger name grocery stores, plus amazing breads, delicious desserts, all the staples like milk, meats, cheeses, butter, and yogurt, in lots of interesting European & World cuisine-inspired varieties. It will take you a few weeks of shopping there before you figure out where everything is, but it's all there, except just a few things like Nesquik or pharmaceuticals or some cleaning products. So you will still have to go to other stores now and then. But Trader Joe's has become my number one store!! I also really enjoy having the free samples from the kitchen, and the great free coffee available most of the day. read more

I love you TJ. I wish you were bigger like some of your siblings, but I love you nonetheless. I strayed and went to Sprouts because they open an hour earlier than you. I won't make that mistake again. I missed your friendly and helpful faces. Oh, and your prices and unambiguous labeling of prices. I'll be back soon! Mmoooooah! read more

This Trader Joe's is one of the better ones in terms of aisle size. This place feels huge compared to a typical TJs. The only downside is that getting in and out of the parking lot is a bit of a challenge. I typically just patronize Pinole's which is a little less busy, but if I'm in the area, I'll swing by to this one. I would prefer this one to Emeryville's which has always felt like a madhouse and has an even more difficult parking situation. read more

This is the Trader Joe's I frequent since I prefer its location over their Berkeley branch because there is ample parking here. They try to replenish their stock regularly, and most employees who work here are generally helpful and courteous, which I always appreciates of course. However, I hope they would bring back their frozen wild borealis blueberries and kimchi as they're two of my favorite items. Prices here are more reasonable compared to stores like Wholefoods, Lucky, Safeway, and Berkeley Bowl, while still offering all natural (they ensure that there are no artificial colors and flavors in their products) and organic products. I highly recommend this store. read more

Trader Joe's played an important role in tying together lots of our precious memories. I remember that after our first "date," I went to Trader Joe's while you went to Lucky. (Speaking of which, why did we go to the El Cerrito plaza after brunch? It was not even on the way from Fat Apple's to where I used to live...) Being as efficient as possible, I did not wait for you to come pick me up, but instead walked to the Lucky's parking lot directly to look for your car. :D Funny. Something that a girl would not normally do on a first date, right? But why should it matter? Everything about our relationship and our love was meant to transcend the conventions anyway. And my favorite chips that were getting more expensive. And the creme fraiche that you wanted to try out your new waffles. And the "healthier" peanut butter that I bought first and then you followed. :P And the organic lollipops. And the trail mix that you could finish in two or three days. And all the other ingredients that we bought from Trader Joe's to make our wonderful dishes -- dishes that turned out to be successful only when we made them together but failed when we tried making them separately on our own. And even during our numerous conversations, you would sometimes tell me about your grocery shopping at the Trader Joe's. True, this Trader Joe's is often very crowded. Don't even try to come here on the weekends; there will be tons of customers. True, I have been to better Trader Joe's than the one in El Cerrito. Nonetheless, I am giving five stars not only because I love Trader Joe's in general, but also because this particular Trader Joe's in El Cerrito will always have a special place in my heart. read more

This is going to sound dorky, but Trader Joe's turns the chore of food shopping into an adventure. I love just browsing, walking up and down the aisles looking at what's new and exciting in stock. Plus, you can buy all the organic or gourmet food you want for less money than you would spend on non-organic, non-gourmet at other supermarkets. How is that even possible? This TJ's in particular rocks because it doesn't have lines stretching down the aisles. It does have ample parking and friendly, helpful employees. read more

Where else can you get free coffee and food samples everyday and find all your basic necessities? I've been coming here for several years and I always find it pleasant. Sure it can get a bit busy on weekends and right before holidays. If a store isn't busy during those times, then it means something's wrong. This El Cerrito location has plentiful bicycle parking and a very friendly customer service desk. Twice I had to return items - once was a bad apple and another time I bought the wrong flavor of cat snacks - and the returns were very smooth with the only question being "why the return?". I mean seriously? Who accepts returns on bad fruit?? It was a very nice surprise. Of course I had the receipts both times, which helped a lot. Pro-tip: TJ's has the best prices on almond milk, eggs (although it went up a bit recently but its still lower than most other stores) and large cartons of yogurt. They also have great dessert options with reasonable prices. As for their breads and other baked good, eat them fast as they tend to go moldy if you let them sit around for more than 4-5 days. read more

It is the hardest time for everyone in the US. We are under the Shelter-in-place order for more than two weeks in the Bay Area. We all are stressed out and scared to go shopping because of infection. But I needed to go to Trader Joe'stoady because my essential things were running out. I was standing in front of wine selection, which might not be a fundamental thing for our daily life. But today, it was my birthday. I needed to celebrate it, just my self without my family. Yes, I was so sad. A manager was stocking wines and asked me what I was looking for. I said I was wondering which sparkling wine/Champagne I should buy to celebrate my birthday. The manager recommended a bottle of one. Later, surprising, and incredibly touching, he came back to me with flowers, and saying, "Happy Birthday." Thanks for guys, proving us such excellent service at such a hard time!! read more

This store has been around for several years and TJ's has been in the Bay Area for many more. So can someone explain to me why they are incapable of preparing for the holidays, stock-wise? *Every* *single* *holiday* they run out of EVERYTHING you need. Apple cider, candied pecans, mascarpone cheese... I don't get it. I walked out having spent only $2.03 last night because they had run out of everything I came in for, except blue cheese. I refuse to accept that demand changes that much from year to year. They must have data to guide their buying/stocking. You force me to brave Albertson's/Lucky around the holidays and I hate, hate, HATE you for that! (12/23/07) --- I used to hate this place. I used to come here looking for very specific groceries that I needed. No, I don't want a bag of twenty lemons. Did I come to Costco? NO. But then I came to the understanding that you just have to *experience* Trader Joe's. If you go in without expectations, you come out much happier. They used to have a TJs brand blackberry fruit spread that they discontinued. That's the only bad part about having small, good quality, proprietary branded food. It's good, you like it and get used to having it every morning for breakfast even though you've NEVER liked any kind of jam/jelly/preserves/spread before. Then, BAM! They discontinue the only flavor you liked and now it's gone forever. Sure, they make you feel like you have power and influence by telling you that if you tell the management desk and request it be brought back, and if they get more requests like yours, then it might actually happen. But, c'mon. I even tried to work the system and request it to every different desk clerk up there! Bummer. Blackberry fruit spread, how I miss thee! And to you selfish little monkeys who bring your carts in and park them on one side of the aisle while your double-wide ass blocks the other half, causing a major traffic jam as you glance from a distance and take for freaking EVER to decide whether you want pecans or walnuts-- I HATE YOU! I hate you because when I politely say "excuse me" you act like *I* am the rude one who suddely threw your world off axis by trying to squeeze by and resume my exotic shopping experience. Have some courtesy, people. COURTESY. read more

Sundee the cashier did a great job. She bagged all my groceries, very nice, and was very positive. I'm so impressed that when I tried to grab a bag, she was like "no worries, I got you covered" and started bagging my groceries. Thank you Sundee, that really made my day :) read more

Used to shop here several times a week when I was a stay at home mom. I walk to TJ's where I would buy just what fit in the stoller and my daughter could get a free balloon and we could walk home through the pet store where she would look at the fish, reptiles and small mammals was a great outing! Also, you can't beat the price for the quality and healthiness of their products! My daughter had food allergies and it was impossibel to get food for her at a regular grocery store, but TJ's had lots of wheat alternatives that worked well for us. I still go to TJ's by where I live now (an hor away), but it's never been the hometown feel of the one in El Cerrito where the cashiers knew my daughter, the sample counter was staffed by someone who had grandkids in common with my mom's best friend, several other employees had been in my youth group, or on my husband's sports teams. read more

not so crouded when compaired to the emryvill Trader Joe's, lots of parking. helpfull and happy people working there. I really like the trader joe's organic montaray jack. and if you walk south from the parking lot you will find a stream with a path next to it. read more

In the east bay, I only know of the emeryville one and this one. I much prefer this one, partly because it's close to my mom's house. The parking is generally better than the e-ville one, and the lines are generally more manageable unless you go on a weekend afternoon. The selection is what it is. some people love TJ's, some don't. but in terms of the store itself, the layout is pretty easily navigatable, and like i said, the parking lot isn't as chaotic as the emeryville version. plus the cashiers tend to be better looking at this one. read more

This is a review of one item only: TJs Manicotti with Wild Mushroom Marinara Sauce. OMG, this is spectacular. No one expects to be blown away by a prepared food in the refrigerated section, but I can assure you this meal won't disappoint. It's the best manicotti I've ever had (and I've had a lot of manicotti -- homemade or otherwise.) The reason I'm writing this is because when the dish first debuted, it sold out in 4 days and I waited THREE MONTHS for it to return. I can't have that happen again. I just can't. Trader Joe's needs to know the demand is there. Try it, and you'll understand why I'm so adamant about keeping it on the shelves. read more

The employees in this Trader Joe's are bar none the nest I've dealt with. I came here looking for a particular item that I found out this Trader Joe's does not carry. The guy (I did not get his name ) explained to me some have certain products and some don't. Thank you for your help !!! read more

I like Trader Joe's just not this one. Refrigerated items are often room temperature right out of the fridge and I've even opened a few frozen items to find that they'd gone bad (not due to mishandling or storage after purchase). I suspect that refrigeration is one of the many corners being cut at this TJs. Just drive a little further to the one in Berkeley or Emeryville (both good ones). read more

Liked this place a lot before. Now that I have a kid, it has become indispensable. Here's the list: Organic baby carrots Southern blend of bagged greens TJ's hummus Cheese Sticks Sliced cheese (for grilled cheese sandwiches of course) Barbara's Bakery Puffins Kashi Mighty Bites Organic peanut butter Organic apple sauce Organic yogurt Honey Organic milk Cheap-ass rGBH free butter Organic eggs Canned organic beans (including baked beans) Whole wheat pasta Brown rice Basmati rice Jasmine rice Cheap olive oil (for cooking) Trader Joe's Buried Treasure (like Pirate's Booty) Akmak crackers Organic Pomegranate Juice Organic Apple juice Niman bacon Wild smoked salmon Organic free range chicken breast Niman beef stew meat Frozen organic raspberries Frozen organic blueberries Frozen pineapple Frozen mango Frozen Stir-fry mix Frozen Thai Prik King Frozen organic corn Frozen petite peas Frozen organic broccoli Frozen 4 cheese pizza Double rainbow coffee blast ice cream 1 bottle of random booze - for after the kiddo is asleep. I vouch for all of the above items. Certainly I have had my share of misses here. But the above are solid. I used to buy my wine here, and I still look occasionally. But the best wine deals these days are at Grocery Outlet. I do not enjoy Charles Shaw. Reading over the list, it sounds like I might be an annoying yuppie. I assure you, I am not. We have one car. It's a Mazda. It's old. My wife is a grad student. Maybe we have just been living in Berkeley too long. read more

I gave it 4 cause it was packed like sardines/or a cheap dance hall. I was very happy with the selections. What killed (in a good way) was our checker- I've got to get her name next time....we started talking about bad old hairstyles. When she said "Do you remember the Freeze?" ROTFLMBO Awesome customer service and a much better parking situation! read more

Mascarpone Cream. Prepackaged Salad. Packaged Orange Chicken. Cheese Blintzes. Trader Joe, whoever he is, brilliant. I come about once a week. He even came up with Ginger Almond soap?!? Do I eat it or use it to wash myself? The lines can get a bit long--probably weekend morning or early afternoon is a good time to go. read more

I really like Trader Joe's, unless I have a stupid day and go in the late afternoon on a Monday. Late afternoon on a Monday is the ABSOLUTE WORST TIME TO GO TO TRADER JOE's. Crowded, screaming/crying/whining kids, loooooong lines...it's absolutely maddening. I mainly go to Trader Joe's for orange juice, milk, frozen goods, cookies, tortilla chips, and bread. When I'm feeling vegetarian-y, I get lots of Morningstar Farms stuff, because it's well priced. And no trip is complete without the Joe-Joe's, yo. read more

I heart me some Trader Joe's. But if you are a working person like myself, it's hard to go anything during the hours of 9-6. You and everyone, apparently, because the only time this place is NOT packed is at opening time. Otherwise, give yourself a good 15 to simply stand in line. Also, this one is sort of in between the rest of the shopping center (behind a Sushi place and next to a Karaoke bar), so parking can get a bit confusing (bear right when you enter into the parking lot and take a quick left, hugging the building to your left). Other than that, is has everything you expect of a Trader Joe's. The facility is a big older and the whole atmosphere isn't as sharp as some other TJ locations, but with $2 bottles of wine, I would succumb to shopping in a garbage can for my ChucK! read more

I have to say, this location kicks ass over the one in Emeryville, and I try to go to this one when I have errands to do up North of where I live. Good parking sitch but it suffers the issues that all other Trader Joe's that I've ever been to seem to have....microscopic-inspired aisles. I don't even bother with a cart anymore because it's just gonna add about 10 extra minutes to my shopping time as I irritatingly wait for some nonchalantly-staring-at-which-organic-pecans-I'm-going-to-buy woman not move her butt outta my way. Other than that, they coo'...they coo'. read more

Reason for four stars, all the self centered unaware of others new age twits that shop here. Yes I think most of self proclaimed enlightened need to check their selves. Just because you "SEE" doesn't me you saw me when you ran your cart into the back of my leg or you parked yourself in the middle of the aisle. ARGH!!! If you were relay enlightened you wouldn't be so darn smug. Things that make this store great. Near Bart station, easy parking if you know the secret way into the parking lot. Also it is near a good laundry mat and just about everything else you could need. The grazing bar is always a plus. It has turned me on to some good products more then once. The diary here is very good and inexpensive. But seriously you want to goto the emeryville one this one is bad stay away read more

Love this store. Manger VEE is the best. Careful, approachable and knows how to handle customer complaints. I recently returned flowers that were not up to my expectations. Vee allowed me to pick another bunch...he actually remembered seeing me in the store the day before buying flowers. Talk about getting to know your loyal customers! I absolutely love seeing him at this location.....5 Stars! read more

Although there isn't a single grocery store that I can get jubilantly ecstatic for, Trader Joe's is about as close as it gets. Great selection of items ranging from the mundane to the eclectic forming an overall collection that is unique. A lot of what I've tried from Trader Joe's is hit or miss, but either way fairly interesting. To this mix, add value. Some of the stuff here is ridiculously cheap for what you get. The "2 buck Chuck" phenomenon is well known. One particular favorite of mine is the Trader Joe's Blended Scotch Whiskey. It's not a particularly exceptional blended scotch by any measure, but a bottle is just $10. For $10 scotch, I was expecting something really rude & just plain wrong but gave it a try because I usually give Trader Joe's the benefit of the doubt. It's a good mixer & not too bad on the rocks. Sure, it lacks the complex flavors & character of a really good scotch, but it does not offend either. Also, did I mention that it's just $10? The El Cerrito store is pretty typical of any Trader Joe's. It can get pretty busy & crowded at times. The selection is about the same as any other store. The employees at this store do seem a bit friendlier than I've experienced at other Trader Joe's stores. El Cerrito Trader Joe's is one my everyday grocery options & a pretty good one. read more

Mostly friendly staff (a few duds at checkout) & very tolerant of the kids that clog up the sample area (one of which is sometimes mine). The downside is its location in EC Plaza, where you have to walk past many smokers to get to the front door (some of whom are proudly sporting their TJ's Hawaiian shirts, thanks a lot) and then fight your way past the petition circulators jamming up the entrance. read more

TJs can be fun. I like most of their products, but can't take the manufactured friendly vibe. Come on, guys, you're a chain, get over yourselves. Do love the papadums and cheap hooch, though. Now if only they had a decent produce selection. read more

I love trader joe's. The prices are reasonable, items are fresh, and the sheer selection of foods and wines are great. My husband makes a beeline for the demos. We love. They have a good selection of marinated meats, and they constantly come up with new items that makes it easy for making quick dinners on the go. I like the friendly and helpful staff who will go into the back area and check if there are missing items on the shelf. The cost of their mineral waters, brand name ice creams, meats, cheeses, are significantly less expensive than other supermarkets. We love Trader Joe's. Its one of our weekly supermarket stops. I just know not to come on Sunday evenings. madhouse! read more

After having long shunned regular visits to Safeway, Lucky or Albertson's, Trader Joe's has become the main place where my family gets its groceries. Pros and cons of TJs here is as follows: PROS: -Decent produce. -Decent selection. -Good prices. -Joe-Joe's -Samples. -TJ's brand of cheap, dark chocolate bars. -Vitamin aisle. CONS: -Parking lot is cramped, especially when the Farmer's Market is going on at the same time. -Lines inside can get very long, especially on the weekends and weeknights. This gets exceedingly miserable when the lines back up into the aisles, and it's very near impossible for both the line and the aisle shoppers to get by each other. Also it's a nightmare when school starts up again, and their stock gets very low very fast. -Many items we've fallen in love with over the years have been replaced by TJ's own brands, which are sometimes just not as good, and most of the time more expensive. read more

I love this Trader Joe's. It's a triple run - good products, good service, and good prices. They also have the Covid thing handled well - one of the first places to do so. Employees seem pretty happy there too. Yay Trader Joe's! read more

Yes, Yes, I know TJ's produce is sometimes not the best, but that means one has to carefully check the dates on items. It isn't a big problem-- is it? And I feel they're doing better about staying on top of out of date things. And you know, there's always Monterey Mkt which I frequent a lot, even though they've got some of the snarliest, impolite employees I've ever encountered anywhere in my life! Ok, calm down Liz-- ahem, yes today marks the day that TJ moved into my heart (which is odd since when I first moved here I really wasn't happy with any of the local Trader's-- Maybe it was because I'd just left, probably forever, beloved Austin, TX, and the amazing Wheatsville Food Co-op) Alright, my story continues: Today I needed to return an unopened ginger bread "kit" for kids, "But I've lost the receipt," I told the manager. With a serious face he asked "How do I know it's ours?" For a minute he had me going but then I saw Trader's marked all over the box and I looked back at him & he was grinning. He told me not to worry, just pick something else & he'd get it cleared at check-out. What I wanted--Passport Chocolates-- wasn't on the shelf. A clerk offered to go look in the back. He returned apologizing but said he would call the Berkeley TJ's to see if they had it & if so, he'd ask them to hold it for me. "I'm sorry, but I'm not going to drive over there," I confided & he smiled, nodding his head. BTW: the Berkeley Trader's is a horse of a different color! Ooee, they need some training in being polite, friendly, etc. (Hey, Berkeley why not come and train with EC Trader folks?) At my request, the chocolate-seeking employee suggested a couple of items that were popular with customers (I bought the can of chocolate toffee candy). He asked if he could help me with anything else before excusing himself. Time to check out: The cashier, named "Kyle", called over the manager I'd spoken with earlier. The manager (sorry I don't know his name either) made certain everything went ok since I was receipt-less & then, wishing me well, he returned to his area. All I owed was $1 above what the gingerbread house cost. Dadgum, I give that much to the homeless. Just $1, not a problem except I realized I'd left my coin purse at home! I apologized to Kyle about having to use my credit card, and mumbled again about leaving my coin purse at home, while, red-faced, I pulled out my card.. And Kyle said, "No problem, it's only a dollar." I thought he meant that to use my credit card wasn't a problem but instead he pulled out a $1 bill from his pocket. Stunned I said, "Oh, I can't let you do that!" But with a beautiful smile, he insisted "it's only a dollar." "I'll bring it back to you," I said, but he replied, "Oh, no, I don't want you to do that." So now you see, don't you, why I love Trader's in El Cerrito ?? It's the employees. They're friendly, respectful, attentive, and today I experienced open heartedness too. And they do carry great everyday chocolate, offer one of the best prices on GT kombucha, good fresh flowers, super deal on avocados, on shredded broccoli, etc. etc. Kyle you're a gem! A huge thank you to the chocolate-seeking employee & the manager as well. I'll be back. . read more

Like all Trader Joe's, it rocks! Organic, local and natural foods abound. The empolyees have always been helpful and curteous. You will always find some new interesting and healthy food choices here. Who needs a bunch or artificial junk in your food anyway?! Oh, and the prices are better than most if not all major supermarkets. read more

I love Trader Joe's for a number of reasons, but I only frequent this location because it's the closest one to my house. I'll say this; more often than not I'm brought back to the days when I worked at P**t's and there was a line out the door and some yuppie mom was trying to create a learning environment for Junior. "Show the nice lady what you want to eat, sweetie!" while Junior points to every pastry in the case. Child mumbles unintelligently. I've witnessed many comparable situations at this location, only it's priceless quotes such as "Find the jam, sweetheart! Can you say jam?" Parents, I'm stoked you want to teach your children the joys of shopping for frozen goods with drastically reduced prices, but can we do it at a time where people aren't frantically vying for the last container of spicy black bean dip? Because I want in on that. read more

I love love love Trader Joes. I never used to 'get it' until I had kiddos. Now I do - cheap, healthy food you can make fast! Lots of variety. Tons of cheap wine and excellent (cheap too) beer for the parents and snacky goodness for the kids. Delicioso frozen food when you need to make dinner quick. Would've been 5 stars, but their fruit is sucky. So is their bread and milk - blech. Don't know how you f up milk and bread, but they do. the fruit rots like a day after you buy it. Ooohhh - the chocolate selection. mmmmm......Did I forget to metion the peanut butter cups??!!! read more

Tj's makes me happy. When you're broke, you can buy enough food on budget to last twice as long as Safeway. I love browsing and comming up with menu ideas. Their frozen and prepared foods save me on long days at school or work (or when too lazy to cook). The only downfalls are lack of produce selection (or 52 zucchini's per package) and it usually a little too crowded and hard to maneuver. Still my favorite place to grocery shop! read more

Pros: Some really great stuff, especially if you're vegan. I like that they're starting to label everything that's vegan (or vegetarian, or gluten-free, etc). Most of it's pretty reasonably priced, too. I've only been to this location a couple of times, but it didn't seem that crowded. Cons: The layout of this location is one of the strangest I've seen. Energy bars in the frozen aisle? Pet food in the snack aisle? Just doesn't really make sense. I also have some criticisms of Trader Joe's in general. For one, you can't really JUST shop here. Well, if you want to have a balanced diet at least. The store leans heavily towards snack foods and other pre-made stuff. A lot of it's delicious, but you can't live off of just Joe-Joe's, veggie chips, and chocolate-covered everything alone. My biggest complaint though is their produce. Why does everything come pre-packaged?! It's such a waste and so environmentally UN-friendly. Are they just too lazy to maintain a normal produce section? Trader Joe's has some yummy stuff for sure, it's just not a complete or perfect package. read more

In a way, this is a review of all Trader Joe's, since they are all very similar as far as I know. I happen to shop most often at the Trader Joe's at El Cerrito Plaza. Trader Joe's rocks because their prices are great, they have a lot of vegan products, they don't use genetically modified ingredients in their private label products, and they are really trying to have cruelty-free animal products. I wish they had a few more frozen organic vegetable choices, but I still give them five stars because no store is perfect. read more