Alright, clearly I'm a bit slow. I had NO IDEA that this Trader Joe's even existed! I spend so much time in Columbia, all up and through and just. didn't. know. DOH! Anywho, here it go. Located in the Gateway Overlook shopping center. Which houses Costco, Mimi's, Ulta...etc. It is on the other side of the shopping center almost facing the Costco. I suppose if you are getting gas, you will see it. How I didn't, baffles me. The parking isn't the greatest, especially if you go on a high peak day. It is quite small for the volume of cars. The store itself is quaint, the prices aren't as reasonable as my beloved Aldi (y'all know they are owned by the same folk), but the selection of items is much greater and so much more interesting. For example, Speculoos Cookie Butter. If they sell this anyplace else I have yet to find it. Simply ah.may.zing!. Oh my gosh, I can eat it from the jar! The frozen food selection is pretty cool too. I mean where else can I get a mushroom truffle, or tomato pest pizza?! Nommers. They also have organic items, and WINE. Zing! On the day I went, there were samples of tabouli and coffee. YUM! Everything was fresh, and they had pretty nifty recipes that you could try. There are no value cards here, what you see is what you get. Customer service is great, the check out process was amazing, everything was really quick, can't be beat. Definitely a place that will continue to get my business, you know now that I know were it is....LOL! read more

Love this store! Trader Joe's has a smaller selection than other grocery stores, but has such high quality and unique finds.

I am a true Trader Joe's customer Such an awesome assortment of everything I love Holidays are amazing So many things for Christmas Great organic things always fresh and well stocked I have to admit I am a great faithful customer They are the best read more

The staff here at this location are so friendly and polite... it's almost as if Trader Joe's and Chikfila share the same values. I make a point of this because I've been places that I love but the staff are so rude that it actually hinders me from returning. But anyway, the store at Trader Joe's Columbia is neat and orderly. The signs are very detailed and specific. Note: This location is always busy but I feel that it is not a negative thing. The staff are very efficient at the registers so the flow is steady. read more

With all of these recalls and food scares, I'm surely (but slowly!) converting to a healthier, organic (real: real food) way of life. There's a nice assortment of fresh cut flowers right at the front door. At such a low price, you can't help but grab a bunch -- or two -- before you begin shopping. Next to the flowers are...cookies! The Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Snickerdoodle-flavors are theee best. The perfect car snack (since I never really have much left by the time I get home). Besides flowers, cookies and popsicled, I haven't purchased much from this place. Those three items are more than enough to keep me as a satisfied customer. read more

This Trader Joe's is always hopping. Super busy and buzzing with people. They do a decent job stocking shelves and having carts available. Even more appealing is how friend the staff members are....both on the floor and at the cash registers. Every time we shop there (which unfortunately is not often enough because we live further away), I wish we lived closer! I'm obsessed with their cheeses, snack items, and granola. It's all so reasonably priced. However, the cuts of meat are only okay. We have splurged in the past for marinated flank steak or pork tenderloins, and have never been super impressed. read more

Visited Trader Joe's with a friend to pick up some items. They sell an extensive selection of organic, healthy items that you just won't find in traditional grocery stores. As usual the staff are pretty awesome and they tend to have the things that l come to get in stock. The produce is always fresh. You never have to wait in long lines as they always open registers when they see the lines growing. There isn't much else to say only that this location has great customer service and is always stocked with the items l come for. Bravo! read more

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Nice little spot with freshness throughout. I appreciate the quality of their name brand offerings and the pricing is reasonable compared to other higher end "natural" markets. The female patrons are even cuter than lower end markets. One star for that alone ;-) read more

4.5 stars Huge fan of this eclectic grocery store. You can't really say its an organic grocery store because not everything they sell is organic, though they have a fairly good selection of organic products. I would explain TJ's as a discount gourmet grocery store. Much cheaper than Whole (Paycheck) Foods and even MOMs (which I also love). The secret to their fair pricing must be because they manufacture their own food/products. Everything is made by them, except for some of the beauty, health and wellness products. But you still get quality items, not anything like the Target, Giant or Safeway brands most of us avoid unless they are deeply discounted. They really shine with their frozen selection of international delights and their immense variety of scrumptious desserts. No surprise all the packaged desserts line the shelves above the frozen foods. That aisle is always the busiest. Only thing I don't like is you can't get everything here to do one-stop shopping (personal products, deli items, hot prepared foods, etc) that you'd find in a grocery store or Target. This location is crazy busy most of the time. However, they have awesome friendly cashiers who move the line quickly while also chatting it up with their customers. It's like 1/2 the time spent in line here than at a traditional grocery store with a conveyer belt TJ's heavily promotes reusable bags. They line up the ends of every aisle and the cashier stations. Here is where I stopped being lazy and actually began being enviro-friendly by using their cute reusable bags. Yep, one more family is now helping save our planet! read more

This is my go to Trader Joes! Good place o shop groceries, fresh veggies and seasonal items. Their cheese selection is really good for a grocery store. The staff is super friendly and helpful. read more

Trader Joe's is an amazing grocery store. Elkridge TJ's was excellent about limiting the number of people in the store at one time until recently. They still do limit customers but they are letting more customers in at time resulting in crowding (Nov-Dec 2020). During my last four weekly visits the line has snaked into the the isle blocking groceries and making social distancing impossible. I called to ask if Elkridge TJ's has changed policy and was told "yeah....?sooo? We are really busy sooo...?". The store is aware of and is comfortable with the crowding. It is only an issue if social distancing during corvid is important to you and otherwise TJ's is great. I'll look forward to returning at a later time. read more

I don't know if I came on a off day but this was the dirtiest Trader Joe's I've been to. Also a lot of the produce was gone and when I asked some of the employees they gave me a little "tude". Attitude if you guys didn't know what I'm talking about. Maybe it was the weekend or something but there's no need for "tude". read more

Typical Trader Joe's. As always, the staff are top notch and as friendly as they get. Store is clean and easy to navigate. Better parking situation that many other locations since it's in a fairly large shopping center. read more

I love going to this store and finding interesting and unique things every time. I can't believe they can fit in so much of stuff in a comparatively small store. The customer service is top notch, the checkout lines move quickly. They have so many healthy alternatives. The employees really seem to be happy working there and greet customer with a real smile. read more

This is my favorite trader Joe's . The employees are very helpful and always ready to help. With their new set up ( organic and regular) it makes it easier to shop and find what we need. I loveeee it. And the produces are always fresh. Loveeee it I'm so happy that we moved near a trader joe's . Happy customer!!!! read more

Love this place. Everyone is always so helpful, great prices and they always open more registers when there are lines forming. It can get very crowded but everyone is usually always so nice, it's not a bother. The guys behind the customer service desk are always friendly when I have a question about a product. Would definitely recommend. read more

Well stocked and friendly staff!! I love this place, they always have a wide variety of things, the store is always clean, and the staff super friendly! read more

I used to always wonder why people raved about Trader Joe's. I just assumed it was another expensive, organic health store (a la Whole Foods). I was wrong. TJ's is (currently) my secondary grocery store. While I buy most raw, to-be-prepared items at traditional grocers; I visit Joe to get some quick-to-the-dish items. Most of these items can be found in the center aisle of the store. I enjoy the burritos, naan, chutney, panko breaded chicken nuggets to name a few items. The thing is I am always surprised by how cheap my final bill is when I buy these prepared foods. The store is clean. The employees are friendly. It relays a down home feel which I like. There is a good diversity of options considering the relatively small size of the store. I enjoy my weekly trips to Trader Joe's. read more

This has to be one of the best trader joe's locations in the area. The staff here are always friendly and the shelves are usually well stocked (unless it's a Sunday night or right before a snow storm). I haven't been here in awhile and I forgot how much I enjoyed this location. Even though this location (how many times can I write location in one review?) is less crowded and more friendly than the Rockville location, this particular location does not have the same selection of items, which is a bummer. "Location" counter: 6 read more

The grass smoking gnomes hidden in the vents at TJ's are at it again! I swear they hide little people in the vents who blow gunshots of THC smoke into the atmosphere whenever those big ole farm bells are rang by the cashiers. All the employees are smiling and laid back again. Then all the patrons get the munchies and begin to flock to the free samples at the coffee bar. They all proceed to run through a double dare obstacle course of gluten-free-meal-eating-I-tell-my-mommy-what-to-do-while-wearin'-my-heelies, and middle aged vegan moms and pops to grab a bag of whatever they just sampled. But enough of the train ride inside my mind. I love love love TJ's. The employees are always helpful, and the store is always well organized. Plus, the prices are always right! I just wish they had a better selection of cuts of chicken and lamb and a location closer to my crib. All & all, I give TJ's two thumbs up! read more

YAY!!! Finally a Trader Joe's close enough to me so I dont have to spend 2 hours on the road. Trader Joe's has always had high quality foods at discounted prices. The quality is great and the prices are great. The biggest adjustment I had to make coming from California, is that Maryland stores cannot sell wine. Trader Joe's have a knack for finding really good low to mid level wines at great prices. Trading Hours: 9 am - 9 pm read more

I am big fan of Trader Joes. The store offers so many fabulous items. My favorite things to buy here not only for the great prices but freshness is: flowers, olive oil, cheese, produce, nuts and candy! They have a great selection and I love trying something new every time I come. I also enjoy the samples of products the knowledgable staff and clean store no matter which location I visit! read more

Trader Joe's has finally landed in MD!!! My one question is "Where is my Two-Buck-Chuck?" read more

Oh Joe, if only you were a real man. So I live in DC, but commute to Maryland for work and shop at this Trader Joe's at least once a week for groceries and the occasion dark chocolate bar. In general, I love Trader Joe's because the prices are reasonable, their products cover a wide range of cuisines, the free samples are usually terrific, the staff is friendly and the customers seem to all be on the same page when it comes to bringing in their own grocery sacks and helping bag their items. All these things make for a very happy shopping experience. In regards to this particular TJ's, the parking is plentiful, the produce section is pretty good, although they tend to run out of zucchini and cauliflower often, and they always accommodate me when I ask for cash back in the form of $10 in quarters . The downside to this store is that the layout is quite small and crowded, on Saturdays it gets really packed and the shelves nearly empty, and perhaps the biggest tragedy of all, you cannot pick up any 5 buck chuck of Trader Joe's wine. Oh well, that means more dark chocolate for me. Gotta get my antioxidants you know. read more

Very long time ago in NY, I have been to two TJ's and I left out like that. I did not come back because TJ does really give you the full grocery list. TJ is fantastic to find some never before seen, tasted food products. This is TJ's specialty. read more

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I went shopping here to burn up time because i've never been before and wanted to check it out. It was ok. I had never been here before and was asking questions to the staff who acted like they had no time for me. I had heard really good things about the employees there so it must have been a really hectic day for them. I got some cereal bars from there and I absolutely love them. They were only like $1.69 or something crazy like that. No coupon required and they are healthier than kelloggs, yes please! Overall, the store was clean, they had a good variety of organic products and they weren't painfully overpriced, in fact, some things were a downright bargain! read more

I love this Trader Joes! This one is neither huge or too small... its just right! There is ample parking, but beware it can get crowded since it is next to a CostCo. But once inside they offer a solid array of choices and just everything has a choice of organic vs non-organic.. which is great! As most other Trader Joes, you have different sections, here it is the same. Though I found their freezer section pretty robust. My favorite part of TJ's are the free samples!! Heck these are what got me hooked on their coffee!! Plus they always have someone else new to try. The staff here is great as well, always helpful and polite. This TJ's is one of my favorites and I will def. be back! read more

I love this TJ's location. Everyone is friendly and eager to help. I make the drive once every two weeks or so and load up on veggies. TJ's is the only place that I buy veggies anymore. I'm happy that I can buy veggies from TJ's and they last more than two days and don't rot like veggies from the grocery store .... My fav's: Mini Chicken Tacos Hummus Frozen Organic Sweet Corn (It's SUPER sweet!!!!) Frozen Shrimp Fried Rice Frosted Wheat cereal Veggies!!! Also for those of you not familiar with TJ's - you can try anything in the store. If you want to know what something tastes like, call over a team member and they can open up the item so that you can sample it. Cool huh? Also, if you are unhappy with an item, you can return it for a refund. read more

Trader Joe's is fun. Not only can you get inexpensive, high quality specialty items, fresh fresh produce, and beautiful little house plants - you enter a laid back and relaxed atmosphere for shopping. I still make a regular trip to the "traditional" grocery, but I have to stop in first to Trader Joe's to get the freshest items to build my menu around. They also have some really wonderful ready made salads, that make a delicious meal. read more

Trader Joe's in general is wonderful. I love their unique and mostly reasonably priced items. Some of my favorites are their take away salads, gingerbread and pumpkin cereal bars, garlic naan, and all of their baked goods! I've tried their meats a few times now and the quality is okay but I'm willing to look over that because of the overall reasonable prices. They also have GOOD coffee samples and generally sample out something warm too. I give this location four stars instead of five because it's always packed which can be frustrating as you're in danger of bumping into people and I find myself constantly saying "sorry, sorry, sorry" as I'm walking around the store. It's obviously a popular store and I recommend going at a random time when less people are likely to be there! read more

Of the handful of Trader Joe's stores I've been to, I can say this one was the biggest and had the best parking lot. Many times I find myself squeezing into a cramped lot and then elbowing people as I peruse the aisles in the store, but not at this location. Also, the employees seem to be very friendly and eager to help you find what you're looking for, which I thought was nice. read more

Trader Joes is always alive when you go there. A bunch of people shopping, some conversing with the employees there, others talking to others. The place is jumpin'. Every time I go there, everybody seems to be so happy or upbeat which is great. The prices here are for the most part, pocket friendly. You have your Giants, Safeways, and Food Lions. Then there are the Targets, Wal-Marts, and K-Marts. Then there are the MOMs, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes. Trader Joes, in it's own category with MOMs and Whole PayChecks, it's the cheapest. And a lot of their products aren't the kinds you'd see in every other grocery store. When I go there, I usually go for their canned fish products and frozen foods. Every employee seems to be productive and friendly, the customers too, seem happy. Prices are great or at least competitive, and the atmosphere in general makes me happier. Long lines especially during the weekends but they go fairly fast and those who check you out, are very nice. Depending on what you're looking for, their selection may not be as vast as other stores, but they usually have something else to make up for it. I like. read more

I am so lucky to live less than 5 minutes away from this Trader Joe's! It doesn't really replace my regular grocery shopping, but I got once every few weeks to stock up on my favorites and also try fun, new things. They have sooo many healthy, frozen quick dinner options too. A lot of people think that Trader Joe's is all super healthy, organic food and this is definitely not the case. I recently tried the Milk Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels and OMG they are incredible! I also love their 99 cent pizza dough, Chicken Chili Lime Burgers, frozen veggie bags, whole wheat waffles, and frozen chicken, pizza, and pasta dishes. It's a great place to pick up a bouquet of flowers---they have a good selection and they range from about $5-8. It is much much cheaper than Whole Foods and other specialty organic food stores. My only complaint would be that the store is pretty small and they sometimes run out of the more popular items. Oh, and did I mention that they ALWAYS have free samples in the back? That is where I send my fiancee while I shop! read more

This place is way too busy to be so small and I have almost been hit in the parking lot... yep. everytime I have come, I have almost been hit or ran over in the parking lot. It's loud, crowded, people are rude, the bread is lacking. Plus side, it is a Trader Joe's and has decent prices. Cheap cards and donates food to the homeless everyweek. BTW: If you are homeless and are reading this, at this location on Thursdays you get FREE bread. Week old but still good for the weekend. Bring a bag. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. read more

This place is so full of snobby people it is not funny, the stuff in there is not that great. Their "private label" items (for the most part) are the same products that Giant and others slap their so called "private labels" onto. Not so special. read more

I love Trader Joe's so much!! Trusted brand and good prices. The staff are lovely as well! BUT DON'T GET THE LOBSTER RAVIOLI. It made me sick. I love seafood so much, especially lobster, but oh man this lobster ravioli tasted like rotten mush sprinkled with old bay. read more

The staff at this store is normally very nice. I notice the last couple times I have stopped in the younger staff seem to be annoyed and not wanting to assist you. I shop this location twice a week. Today was the worst by far. My cashier was name Hope and she was playing in another associate hair when I got in line. She seem to be annoyed that I stopped her from playing by getting in her line. I asked her about a product that I did not see on the shelf and she just said I Don't Know What You Talking About. Ok! I brought in my own bags and started to help her bag. I asked her could she please put my milk in a separate bag, she got an attitude. She threw my bags and receipt I'm the cart and did not say anything. I looked at her because I could not believe her attitude. She said thanks for helping me bag. That's not why I'm looking at you. I just could not believe her attitude. read more

Trader Joe's is awesome. It is my favorite grocery store anywhere (I prefer it over Giant, Safeway, Whole Foods, Wegman's and other specialty organic stores) and I love shopping here. I find it completely worthwhile to drive from Baltimore to shop here. TJ's has really good stuff and is inexpensive. The tempeh, soy milk, tofu, and cereal (among so many other things) are super cheap. Everything they sell is actually good food. They have really great unique items (I love the frozen veggie combinations, cheeses, pastas and frozen herbs!) and all sorts of great staple foods. read more

Wow, I love Trader Joes (in general) and this establishment was not up to par. It's really REALLY small for a TJs, and everything is condensed (ie multiple tiers of shelves stacked above the frozen foods). Everything feels crammed, especially you with a grocery cart that barely fits anywhere. They don't carry all the typical TJ products and I was disappointed repeatedly. I also ventured over to the ready made lunch/salad section and the plastic containers were leaking sauce everywhere-pretty unappetizing. Will unfortunately be going to a different TJs next time. read more

Oh Trader Joe's....how I wish we had you in Florida. But we don't. So therefore, I'll just have to visit you whenever I'm in a vicinity that contains one of you. This Trader Joe's is big enough not to be cramped on a Saturday noon shopping campaign, which says a lot. The aisles are wide enough to pass with a cart and the selection is pretty good, both for their prepared food and stand-alone grocery items. Their produce department is quite small, but offers enough to be helpful and the serve, as always, is consistently great. read more