I agree with what some other people have said about this specific location. 1. I love TJs in general but this location just never seems to have seasonal items that I see everywhere else. If you're a TJs fan, you know there's a ton of IG pages that features all the new/seasonal items that TJs release. I bookmark things I want, walk in at the end of the week, do a few rotations and end up leaving sad because they never stock up on it. And I have to see all my friends rave about the new items. Bummer. 2. I know very well that I should not feel entitled to receive good samples, or any samples at all. But truthfully, what also makes TJs amazing are the great samples they have for customers. Using their own packaged foods to come up with clever, delicious recipes that they share with you is such a great idea. Whenever I go to other locations like Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley or Mira Mesa, they always have recipe samples that wows me. It's a marketing tactic that I love and works 100% on me because most of the time I end up getting the entire ingredients list from their sample and end up making my own at home. But here, I always get a piece of cheese or a mini cookie. Not creative at all. And the workers who give out samples don't even respond to you when you say thank you. 3. The produce isn't the freshest here. I made the mistake of grabbing a bag of nuts and a couple fruits before. The nuts were expired by a few months when I tried them at home and they didn't taste right. My lemon looked fine on the inside but inside was rotting a little bit. Same with my avocados. 4. It's also not the cleanest location. The floors always look dirty and the pantries/fruit display areas seem dusty. It doesn't really make you want to buy the food, which makes it sit there for longer and it's a vicious cycle of unappetizing display - less people drawn to the food - food gets old. Also, not something this TJs can do about, but the parking structure is terrible here with lots of traffic. Unless you want to walk out disappointed like me every week without them new-new-IG-hyped-item you're obsessed with trying, go to another TJs and save yourself a few tears. read more

Great store. Friendly staff. Amazing environment. When I first came to Trader Joe's I honestly didn't know what to think. I was expecting a store that catered mostly to wealthy people in well-to-do neighborhoods, but I was wrong. I was quickly invited in and made quick friends with the folks working there. More companies need to follow the hiring protocols that TJ's abides by, most other companies hire just to fill a role. I feel that TJ's hires people based on personality. TJ looks for intelligent, social, and hard working people. Employees I talk to are creative, funny, and kind. If you are lucky enough to interact with them as much as I have you will only grow to respect them and they will remain engraved in my heart. read more

Trader Joe's - Well maintained bathrooms. - Grocery Near Me - La Jolla, California

I love shopping at Trader Joe's and what I like about this location is how much parking they have here. Only problem, this location is always crowded. Very popular in this area. Staff is friendly too. read more

This is my go-to store and location! Good selection, however be aware and patient in this parking lot as it can get really crazy during busy times. read more

Trader Joe's I just love you! I kinda hate your parking lot, but I love you. I know you didn't design the lot, so I can't hold that against you. I have learned over the years to AVOID THE TOP LOT and park in the lower level parking structure. I also love your shopping bags, I use them all the time. This store is one of my favorite in the San Diego area, it's clean, the staff has always been friendly and I never seem to wait in any line here. Maybe I just get super lucky. Or perhaps, they just run a solid store. This particular store also alwys has great floral. Hands down, best TJ in San Diego read more

Trader Joe's La Jolla is my favorite Trader Joe's location in San Diego. I love the selection of products they carry and they are usually pretty well stocked. The employees are very friendly and helpful if you need to find a product. read more

I have been coming to this TJ's for years. It's a bit of a drive but I know the checkers and everyone is so nice and helpful. Today I encountered my first rude employee. No acknowledgment of me at all and made me feel like I was interrupting her as she was telling a story. I'll still keep coming because the rest of the team is fantastic. I'll just avoid her in the future read more

Most of the staff are super friendly and helpful. However, my most recent visit left me a bit disappointed. I was searching for an item and couldn't find it so I approached 2 middle aged women who we're chatting and they were unpacking items. As I approached they both made eye contact with me. I was going to ask them where the item was but didn't want to interrupt until I heard they were talking about personal issues. Not cool when a customer is standing there needing help. I had to interrupt them to ask my question. One of them took me to the item which I appreciated and thanks her for. Not cool to ignore customers to continue your personal conversations. read more

This is my favorite Trader Joe's. The parking lot is horrible, but the store is worth it. They have amazing fresh flowers and everyone in this store is helpful and friendly. Always a pleasure to shop here. read more

Trades Joe's has always been one of my favorite places to shop for groceries and such. I came looking for two things, sunflower seed oil and the elusive almond meal or flower. I was able to find both, and was very happy about the almond meal. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trader-joes-la-jolla?select=r1ZQa5K5hmHov6ZXiiOitA#MBiMxyinH-B8WxV9U5hggQ) When I walked in, they had a bin full of seedless watermelons for $3.49, so I picked up one of those.. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trader-joes-la-jolla?select=r1ZQa5K5hmHov6ZXiiOitA#b3aCOZKiPX_JQgifwVHqgA) The place was very clean and organized. When I asked one of the girls who work there about the almond flour, she took me right to it. I enjoy coming here because they always seem to be carrying something new. Also, they always carry a great selection of wines. This location has plenty of parking, but the way it is designed can make it confusing if you are not a veteran of this lot. read more

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This is my second Trader Joe's experience in a week and I'm pleasantly surprised. I've been to a few Trader Joe's in my time and it's usually me tagging along with one of my friends while they're running shopping errands. I never really paid attention to the food that they had until recently. I LOVE the frozen meals! Not only are they cheap and convenient, but they taste amazing! The frozen meal with the chicken, veggies, and mushrooms is sooooo good! Their selection of dried fruit and nut butters like almond butter and cookie butter are awesome. You can put them on anything! This store in particular is awesome because it is so close to home. The only drawback is the awfully designed parking lot. They don't make it easy to get in and out of it and the parking spaces are so tiny, you're bound to ding or get dinged by other cars. The store is clean and well stocked. The employees are all nice hippies who are eager to help. I was in line to check out and I was the third person in line. The checker rang a bell and 2 seconds later, another line opened and I was getting checked out right away! LAUREL was a fast efficient checker! I think my shopping experience here has made me stop going to big name grocery chains! It took me a while, Trader Joe's... but damn, you have me now! read more

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Best grocery store in the area! Flowers are great prices. In and Out fast. Employees are always good vibes! Matthew is a gem and helped me carry bags to the car! #grateful read more

Amazing management 10/10 ! Claudio was super friendly and phenomenal as well as his team!

location: next to Ralph's parking: free but the plaza is horribly designed so it's usually hectic during peak hours/weekends tip: try parking on the other side of the plaza (closer to the trolley station) OR parking closer to Ralph's to avoid traffic main takeaway: this Trader Joe's gets really packed over the weekends. it's one of the bigger locations in the area, and it's usually stocked with most of their popular items. they also have a good selection of flowers/plants at the front! read more

Love this store and people who work here. But it is so sad when selfish people come and endanger others. This person, upon a polite request to cover her nose claimed she couldn't because of asthma. When request was repeated, she claimed to be a registered nurse (must be Trump University grad). read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Vegan Paradise at affordable prices :) The reason I decided to do my review for this location is because it's the most impressionable and the one I frequent the most, living only about 2 miles away for school. The bad: While parking isn't hard (coming from LA, I feel like San Diegans have it much easier but don't even realize...), the lot is designed very strangely with sharp angled turns and maze-like features, so you just have to be careful, but at least there's ample parking in this plaza. The Eh: The crowd and staff here are a bit of a hit or miss. While most people mind their own business, I've experienced a handful of customers that can be very friendly and chatty or even creepy middle aged yuppy types that will approach you (Predators at a college town, what can I say). The staff also ranges from the "most helpful and eclectic cheery" type to the "I hate my job type " sassy type. The Good: Trader Joes' branded items are some quality stuff at affordable prices. My only gripe is that some of their organic fresh produces and herbs can be a bit pricey, but everything else is comparable if not cheaper, than most supermarkets. Plus they basically have everything here. I even get miscellaneous things like eco-friendly & cruelty-free detergent and dog treats here as well (cheaper and better ingredients than most places). The Amazing: Vegan stuff everywhere! And they're getting more and more new inventory each time I visit. The pictures below are literally everything I've tried and liked at Trader Joes, or loved it so much it's in my fridge rotation, or my pantry as a must- have staple. (All vegan) 19 cent bananas $1 canned beans and dried pastas $2 pasta sauces, frozen fruits & veggies, grains, non-dairy milks $3-5 Ready to eat frozen and deli-style meals that are actually delicious and taste fresh + fresh pizza dough (some vegan), and specialty dips, icecream, chips, cookies, and chocolate galore $3-15 Flower bouquets (Mother's Day is coming up *wink*) To name just a few great daily deals ;) I'm forever a TJ fan, and if you need a vegan food test taster, feel free to contact me XD read more

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Trader Joe's La Jolla is my favorite. The staff members feel like family. I absolutely LOVE Trader Joe's (not just for their amazing food). They did a special order for my wedding flowers, and my bridal party and family/friends arranged the bouquets and boutonnieres. I could not be happier with the flowers and the cost (less than $500 for all of my wedding flowers !?). Special shout-out to Onkeo, the florist from TJ La Jolla. If you are seeing this post @Trader Joe's, the photos from ABM Wedding Photography in San Diego captured the beauty of the flowers. read more

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The Trader Joe's in La Jolla has been my favorite place to shop before and during the pandemic. In general, Trader Joe's is my favorite grocery store. Great prices, selections, and organization. The staff at the La Jolla location is friendly and helpful. Parking is easy. And during the pandemic, I appreciate that they limit the number of people in their store. Out of all the grocery stores that I have visited, they seem to take the social distancing and cleanliness the most serious throughout the whole pandemic so far which is well appreciated. read more

No one does it better than Trader Joe's, no one. These people absolutely rocket what they do, super helpful, and super knowledgeable about what products are in store. This is a smaller one of their locations and bustling, but easily navigable!!! read more

When shoppers are allowed to put their children beyond age 2 in a shopping cart, and their shoes ( everyone's shoe sole is filthy!), touches where the rest of us lay bread, cheese, bananas, etc etc, you fail responsinle customers. With flu season around the corner, please consider ALL customers, and ask parents put children in front of cart with the child's leg dangling down and without further contaminating carts. If I am told I may not bring my pet iguana or bird in the store, kids shoes not sit in carts, too. Hygiene is greatly overlooked! read more

I absolutely love this location! They have a great selection of produce. The employees are extremely friendly, and helpful. The lines always move very fast. The parking lot there is huge as well, which is nice. read more

i purchased this carnitas with salsa verde burrito this weekend for lunch today and i'm so disappointed (yet again) in your products. my carnitas with salsa verde burrito has no carnitas or salsa verde. only bean. beans are good but so are carnitas and salsa verde. i'm sad. read more

Trader Joe's - carnitas burrito with only bean (and no carnitas!! or salsa verde!! hello??) - Grocery Near Me - La Jolla, California

Trader Joe's Raspberry Mousse Cakes contain no raspberry. Don't buy them.

Great Trader Joe's - like all of them. Delicious, healthy (natural) products at moderate prices . Always purchase the 99c sparkling H20 & the 50c liters of still water. Also appreciate the large selection of gourmet & domestic cheeses for exceptional prices. read more

This TJ's is about 1.5 miles from my house, I can almost see it from my backyard on the hill S. of UCSD Revelle campus. I come to TC to buy my whole milk. $2.89 a gallon, and something like $3.19 at WalMart. The other prices are good and the employees really know their store. Today when I mentioned Sprouts to an employee, he told me Sprouts has a lot more GMO products than TJ. He said nothing at TJ is GMO, but Sprouts has many things, corn, and he listed 7 things as examples that Sprouts has that are GMO, that I can't list here verbatim. Also nothing comes from Asia, like they don't buy fish from Asia. Nothing has MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup. My 3 favorite foods at TJ are the 1. Butter Waffle Cookies, 2. Frozen ahi tuna steaks (the ones with lemon juice marinate, but not always in stock), 3. Creamy Toscano Cheese, soaked in Syrrah. I don't have to wait too long in line, even on busy weekends. Didn't give the store 5 stars, cos of something not their fault. I agree with people's many posts about the parking lot, one guy beat me to posting what I was gonna say. But I say it to myself everytime I go to TJs, even if I don't park in front of the store, I still think it. This parking lot has gotta be the worst designed modern parking lot in the world! I've seen people standing outside their cars, waiting for the owner of car next to them to come back, so they could open their driver's door and get in. It really makes me wonder if City has a code about how wide and long a parking space must be, sure doesn't seem to apply HERE at THIS parking lot. I saw a Smart Car today in a TJ space, and envied driving it. I get that SC owner bought the car, just to be able to park at this TJ's and Ralphs! I saw some "attendant" a few years ago, putting notices on cars that park crooked with their tires over the line. I asked him "But the car next to them already did that, so they have to do that too". He said it doesn't matter. But he said he is not police and has no authority to "ticket and fine". So that is the way it's been for years. I park on the north side of Ralphs, by that California Pizza Kitchen, to avoid my car getting dinged. But all in all, I am lucky to have a TJ's so close to my house, to buy milk at. read more

Well First I enjoy coming to Trader Joe's Because of there fresh selection of Different types of Groceries they got here !! It's mostly your healthy type of Grocery Store !! With all your Groceries needs !! I truly like buying there Whole Milk here and there Spaghetti Sauce here is good also !! Plus this Grocery Store reminds me of Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods !! It's that type of Grocery Store !! But coming here Sunday it is really busy and this location is located really close to UCSD and lots of students shop here also !! But This Trader Joe's is located right next to Ralph's Grocery Store in La Jolla . The Parking is really bad here !! It is sometimes hard to find parking because of how the parking lots are set up !! Overall Satisfaction I do enjoy shopping at Trader Joe's and I can see myself returning and buying groceries here again !! read more

Sadly, they've discontinued selling many items we used to love and cherish for many years, and when we ask them about these items, they just say: "Sorry, these items are seasonal". Come on! Some of these items cannot be seasonal! And if they are, how come we no longer see them on the shelves during other seasons? Just be honest and tell us: these items have been discontinued and will never come back. Honesty doesn't hurt! read more

Hi UR the best, I called to see if U had Cuisine French Onion Soup (frozen). Yes and they reserved three for me. To pickup this afternoon. Excellent read more

We shop here every week and I love this location! The staff are all really nice and extremely helpful and accommodating. They've been that way through the whole pandemic. The item selection is always on point, and staff are seemingly up front about items that are seasonal or just not available due to supply chain issues. The store itself is always clean and organized. Even the bathrooms aren't bad! Checkout staff are engaging and nice. I always enjoy my conversations with them! (I haven't seen the dude with the Star Wars tatts in a while though; I want his opinion on the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series.) So,yeah, just thanks for always being helpful, honest, friendly, and approachable! read more

I never thought I could have a favorite Trader Joe's but here I am giving a shoutout to the UTC Trader Joe's for being my all-time fave. I've been going to Trader Joe's since I was a little one due to my ultra-health conscious mama. I've been to multiple locations in both Las Vegas and San Diego and this one always leaves an impression on me. Whether it be the genuine friendliness and jovial personalities of the employees (Scott was our last cashier and definitely one of the funniest, so funny that we named a plant we bought at this location after him) to the well-stocked shelves and organized merchandise. The location is an ideal size as well and allows for easy cart maneuvering. I love stores that have a heart for people and aren't merely transactional in nature. This Trader Joes definitely exemplifies that and does so with ease. Sadly, I recently moved away from this Trader Joe's location but I'll be making special visits from time to time to enjoy the unparalleled service and hospitality. Going to other locations has made me especially appreciate the UTC one (minus the horrid parking lot) because sometimes you just don't know a good thing until it's gone. For all you UTC-ers, appreciate and enjoy this Trader Joe's on my behalf! read more

I love Trader Joe's--period. Love their products, overall the cost is decent and the quality is superb. However, I do NOT go to this TJs unless I have to and I'm in the area already. Why? Parking lot is a mess!!! The spots are WAY too small. The lot is engineered horribly so that it's hard to get out of it you get in the middle of the parking lot. It's a big reason why I don't like this location. I'll go if I must (often I stop here after going to Whole Foods for an item because it's close by), but otherwise I'll go to the Scripps Ranch TJs. It's parking lot is just laid out much better. The employees as always are kind and helpful. The lines...the same if you go during a busy time. The products? As always, overall amazing. The parking? Blah!! Go to this location if you must. Otherwise find another with a friendlier parking lot. read more

Clean, organized, and well stocked with extremely kind employees and great grocery options! Love this Trader Joe's location.

I've always enjoyed going to Trader Joe's. I went to Trader Joe's a lot when I lived in Michigan and this was the first one I went to while in California. This location had a groovy set up. The cashier Amanda was really nice. Everything was really neat and I liked the painting on the upper wall. I only have it 4 stars because I purchased a six pack of Coronado Orange Avenue Wit and a few of the cans were beat up and all the cans were sticky. This kinda annoyed me but other than that I enjoyed this location. Parking is convenient depending on the time of day. read more

Super duper nice staff and the store always has a great selection of fresh, organic products

My favorite Trader Joe's of all time!! Always super organized and the employees that work there are always so eager to help you. Food display also very ideal and prices are reasonable for the value! read more

I love this place.. a little too much! My roommates and I find ourselves visiting this TJ roughly 2-3x a week, oddly it's become our little escape when we find ourselves stressing over school. The staff at this particular location are so so friendly- they always guide people to the exact item they're looking for, strike up conversations at check out, and don't ask questions if/when I need to exchange or return an item (yes, you can do that btw). I'm sure everyone knows their go-to items when visiting TJ but in case y'all need some help deciding what to buy, here are some my FAVE items (excluding produce bc I'm sure you don't care for those as much) - peanut butter snacks (kinda like Bamba) - toscano cheese w crackers - nonfat Greek yogurt - la columbe triple draft latte - cold brew concentrate - chicken dumplings (frozen) - quinoa cowboy veggie patties (frozen) - eggplant lasagna (frozen) - soy ginger cod There's so much more but I can't think of my entire grocery list.. I would spend all night. Just go and experiment for yourself! TJ has yet to let me down when it comes to taste & quality. read more

Love me some Trader Joe's !!! I've been to multiple locations, but this has to be the smallest one and more outdated. Parking is not the greatest during peak hours (i.e. lunch time) and parking spots are tight to park in. What's the deal with that ? I've witnessed some disgruntled people ding other cars and drive carelessly. Eek ! If you're lucky to get past the parking issue then congratulations. The format of this particular TJ's is slightly different, but expect to find the same items. Also, they seem to have minimal inventory on some items (juices, frozen goods, fresh produce). Customer service isn't the best at this TJ, but pretty standard. I'm used to cashiers conversing but here it's a tad different. You're kind of in and out. Well, if you're in a rush I guess that could be a good thing. Grocery haul: * Organic salad mixes (the one with the kale mix is bomb) and romaine lettuce * Organic fruits (strawberries, grapes, berries, cherries, melons) * Pre-cut mushrooms, butternut squash * Cauliflower rice is my new fav ! * Organic tomatoes and red onions * Frozen veggies (roasted cauliflower, broccoli, grilled bell pepper onions) * Fresh salsas - they are BOMB.com * Freeze dried fruits (bananas, mangoes, apples, strawberries) * Dried fruits (figs, mangoes, bananas, persimmons (seasonal)) * Hearts of palm and artichokes * Marinated mushrooms * Fruit juices: grapefruit, orange, berry blend mixes * Kombucha * Bottled water * They have some great skincare and hygiene products - vegan friendly ! I'm on that WFPB (Whole Foods Plant Based) kick. Hey..you are what you eat so I can get my daily dose of healthy groceries up in hurrr. I also appreciate the vegan friendly products. Some are clearly labeled with 'V' from assorted varieties of hummus to coconut yogurt to even frozen mock meat dishes. In addition, they have indulging snacks and frozen desserts too !!! They even have a separate vegan grocery list available on their website. Check it out !!! Top 10 recommended vegan items at TJs if you're curious: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Best-Vegan-Foods-Trader-Joe-37077061 It's not the BEST location for TJ, but I'll take it over Ralphs next door any day ! read more

So I started a new jobby job a few weeks ago. I was happy as a clam when I heard they supplied free food every week.....all from Trader Joe's! Within a very short time, I've come to realize that Trader Joe's pre-made stuff always looks better than it tastes. I mean it's not horrible, but it's also not something I want to eat every day. Beware of the fresh pizzas and burritos because they seem to spoil quick! The frozen foods are the way to go, especially the mini tacos and spinach pizza. I never thought I'd ever complain about getting free stuff. Now I just eat their supply of cup o noodles for complaining Asians like me. Oh herrow! Confucious says.....Free not always good and good things come to end. So eat your noodles and rice and shut it! read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - La Jolla, California

Dear Trader Joe's, I LOVE that I can fill up my cart in your store for around $100. Good prices. I'm thrilled that you have some tasty gluten free choices as well..."Gluten Free Trader Joe's Whole Grain Bread" is great toasted with peanut butter and honey. Trader Joe's Rolled Oats, Gluten Free, is another great product. Please carry some whole vanilla beans in your spice aisle, as oatmeal with vanilla bean is really a treat. You also have an excellent new aged Sumatra in your coffee aisle. I was surprised to find it's as tasty as the Sumatra beans from Peet's coffee. Trader Joe's Caramel & Cheddar popcorn mix is our fav popcorn. We buy this and then stuff the whole bag in a big purse and smuggle it into the movie theatre. Shhhh...don't tell! (-; It's cheaper than buying the expensive movie popcorn. We also appreciate your frozen section, which includes vegetarian choices as well as Indian dinners with lamb or chicken and rice. Your store is smaller than some of the other Trader Joe's locations, but that makes it easier to find things. You employees are always welcoming and helpful. Sometimes they even offer good suggestions. It was an employee who recommended the Trader Joe's Gluten Free Whole Grain bread, and it's the most pleasant gluten free bread I've found so far. This is clearly a very well run Trader Joe's. But hey, order more of this bread! You were out of it on 2 days this week when I looked for it. read more

Trader Joe's - Some of my fav foods from Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - La Jolla, California

I've been going to Trader Joe's for a couple of years now and it has never disappointed me. Fresh n Easy might be going out of business, but at least TJ's is still around to keep me happy. Every time I go, it's like a new adventure where I'm discovering something new and amazing that they have in stock. After Tess M.'s review of her local Trader Joe's, I just had to go to mine and get the seasonal potato latkes before they stop selling them. $1.99 for these little goodies in the frozen aisle. I also got myself a jar of extra virgin coconut oil for $5.99, which can be used in cooking (of course), but also is great for your hair and skin! I lathered some on my skin last night and I woke up with softer skin and shiner hair. Who knew. I also love getting their gnocci for just $1.99, which is enough for 2-3 people. Get a large bag of spinach also for $1.99 and you can make some pesto to go with the gnocci. That's a good deal for spinach! They have brown mushrooms for a good price as well at $1.69. Their bread and cheese selection is always fully stocked. I'm thinking of getting their polenta and making something out of it sometime soon. And of course, I can't forget about their super friendly employees. They're always happy to help you. If they see you waiting in line to get checked out, they'll open up a new register to ring you up so you don't have to wait. I just love this place! read more