Trader Joe's has great products! It is indeed a special place. John Calvin wrote about some Catholics whose god is their stomach and their place of worship was the kitchen. Maybe he was a little rough on them - but Trader Joe's is certainly a place of cosmic importance for that "select group" who wear Birkenstocks as their talisman and their amulet of protection is a Trader Joe shopping bag. I suspect TJ's is a secret meet-up place for quick romances and that if I wore Birkenstocks and carried a Trader Joe shopping bag I would have little problem taking home one of the ever present tan emaciated divorcees that cruise the aisles loading up on rabbit food. Well, enough of that. Trader Joe's is one fine place to shop. Sofie notes that the floor plan of this Trader Joe is identical to the one the Trader Joe store on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa. She was able to home in on the restrooms, the black liquorice and the free sample bar for us. You people in San Clemente owe it to yourselves to visit the Trader Joe's in Santa Rosa. Guardians of the Light and Practitioners of the Ancient Wisdoms often shop there. read more

The other reviewer is right...parking for this TJ's can be a nightmare. But since they have the yummiest food and such nice workers with great senses of humor, it makes circling the lot bearable. My husband and I do 99% of our grocery shopping here. They (all the TJ's) have fantastic pre-made food that you just heat up in the microwave. (This is fabulous because cooking is not my forte.) My favorites are the tri-tip wraps and the chicken and gouda pinwheels. I'm also a sucker for their bon bons. read more

Yep, I seem to find my crack everywhere. I just can't get enough!! Though I will say that this is probably the most crowded and most difficult to get around in. Hell, even the parking is a nightmare!! Do yourself a favor and park a couple lots down. Part of the problem is that it's in like a strip mall with a dozen other shops. But you do what you have to do to get the delicious naan, specialty chips, hummus, cookies, and the newest discovery coconut water. The staff is as friendly as always but I can't say the same for the patrons. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - San Clemente, California

Trader Joe, excellent quality food. You can find delicious low cal microwavable food. Plenty of organic products and prices are lot lower than Whole Food. Always find new products and food around the globe! Great store! One issue is your parking lot way too small for a big busy business like yours. FIGURE IT OUT. read more

I only shop here after 8pm because the parking sucks butt... Word! (also why I can't give it a full 5 stars). There must be a rule in the Trader Joe's vocabulary that you show people you're popular by making parking and checking out an ordeal ... although, this Trader Joe's will never be able to correct the hideous parking of Ocean View Plaza (OVP), they do a stellar job of moving the lines so quickly you almost forget you're in a line and if you're in a line you get time to ponder what other delicious treats you might need. Almost everyone working their has been extremely nice. Reporting through my mom, however, there's been a very grumpy woman working the sample meals. I wouldn't know as I rarely like what's dished out the very few times I brave the place. It's Trader Joe's, though ... it's one of the best and I'm very glad it's so close by. read more

I used to think that Trader Joe's was pricey, until I moved to San Clemente where there's a Ralph's and a Trader Joe's right on the same plaza. I go to one after the other to get all the stuff I need for my weekly meals. And comparing the quality and the price, Trader Joe wins by a huge margin! It's too bad they don't have everything, because I'd do 100% of my shopping here. Still, I totally love Trader Joe's. The produce is always the freshest. Really great products for a fair price. They even have some stuff a little cheaper than Ralph's. I've never been disappointed with anything I've bought from Joe's. Even my dog loves the treats I bring home from here. I also absolutely love the floral arrangements they have, they're always so pretty for such a deal! I've never seen peonies at this time of the year and they've stocked on fresh peonies for a while now. 5 for $5. Bought 10 for my aunt and she was so happy. I have to say though, I always have a great experience here at Trader Joe's. Their employees are so nice and friendly. I love that they're happy people, because it just makes the experience so much more pleasant for everyone. read more

Every time I visit my brother in San Clemente, I swing by here almost daily!! There is nothing better than having a "Ravinia meal" almost every day roughly 100 yards from the ocean or on the beach. Olives, bread, hummus, other spreads, cheese, grapes, spicy thai chickpea wrap, chocolate, wine, etc...sign me up, please!! As for the parking, freaks me out! It is located just outside a strip mall, so I opt to park in the larger lot and walk a few extra feet to the front door. The staff is welcoming and is always helpful, since I get turned around from the Chi-town TJ's that I regularly visit. One of my favorite quickie stops when hanging with family in Cali.!! read more

Is this the best Trader Joe's ever? No way - but it's definitely got some of the nicest staff. This is a very small Trader Joe's in the northwest corner of the shopping center, and parking is nearly always a problem in their tiny lot. I am always a sucker for the samples in the back, they're just so good. Also, try bringing home one of their easy bake breads - I've made the pumpkin, the gingerbread with molasses and the apple crumb before, all to the delight of my coworkers. "This is great!" "It was nothing, really." Really. An egg, some oil/water/milk (whatever it calls for, mix it up, layer it in, pop it in and time. Small location, but very reliable. read more

Althought he selection is on the smaller side, the majority of the products are awesome. i di have to go to a regular store for some other taples, but i can easily spend my paycheck here and be happy. read more

Trader Joe's - Store front - Grocery Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Cramped, claustrophobic, and full of clueless shoppers who block entire aisles while they stand there in cloud cuckoo-land endlessly pondering what variety of two buck Chuck or flavor of tapenade they're going to buy. And don't even get me started on the parking... I grew up down there and remember when a trip to TJ's meant driving to downtown Santa Ana or Costa Mesa. Then this broom closet of a store went in and I STILL wanted to drive to one of those far-off but roomier stores. The friendly, helpful staff rescued this review from 2 star land. read more

This is "my" Trader Joe's. When I first moved to Canada, I remember SPRINTING after seeing a lady who was carrying a (reusable, natch) Trader Joe's bag. "Where...is....it?" I managed to get out between breaths. She gave me a sad look. "There aren't any Trader Joe's here." She broke my vegetarian & aesthetic loving heart & threw it into a dirty snowbank. So, basically - when I go home - it is my mecca. It is where the packaging aesthetic smiles down on me & where the facon (fake bacon) reigns supreme. & ...what's that? It's reasonably priced?! That's crazy talk. Sometimes their produce is a little lacking, but no worries. Solve your parking problem in one go: park halfway inbetween TJ's & Ralph's to cover your bases. read more

My only gripe with this Trader Joe's is the PARKING. Absolute nightmare and whoever designed the entire shopping center in which TJ's sits was a complete idiot. Having said that, the staff here is awesome. I only come to this location if I absolutely have to because its a pain in the butt to get too. The Trader Joe's in Aliso Viejo or Ocean Ranch seem a little more spread out and have way better parking. LOVE LOVE LOVE the wine selections, produce and the individual, frozen lunches. I save so much money shopping here vs. Ralphs and Albertsons. Definitely avoid this store between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM and forget about it on the weekends. read more

I have been to several TJ's across the country. I always get excited when I see one throughout my travels. My favorite place to shop! This San Clemente store is the best! Customer service is their priority! Shelves are always well stocked and all the "Crew" always seem to happy to be there. read more

It's a well known universal standard that Trader Joe's are always located in the worst possible parking lot in whatever city the store is in. this location is no exception! with the added bonus of some of the slowest cashiers I have ever had the misfortune of waiting in line for. read more

I have been a huge San Clemente TJ's supporter for years. I had nothing to say poorly until now. Ciarra is hands down the reason I will no longer be shopping there. I had two (separate) interactions with her within a week. She is beyond disrespectful and as long as she is working there I will NOT be going back read more

Always liked this store just fine. But today, Tim went out of his way to help me. He noticed my fresh corn wasn't all that great. He covered his register and ran back and got me a much better package from the back. Great customer service. Thanks, Tim! read more

This is my Trader Joe's. TJ's is like an institution. Everybody here is friendly to my wife and me when we shop here. Its easy to get to know the cashiers. TJ's is located in the corner of the center which has a bunch of traffic of cars, but we always find a place (except around thanksgiving.) They could have a larger location, but that center doesnt have anymore room. The cheeses here are the best and their own brands of products are always top notch. My wife likes the wine selection too. Their produce is pretty good, but I have had a few items that I didn't like once I got them home. I check the ripeness before I buy. read more

Favorite grocery store of all time, the people are what's amazing at Trader Joe's, the product is pretty amazing too. Fresh flowers are daily brought in at grand prices AND they play great music? What's not to love? I have got lots of great dinner ideas from the samples. We love the cheeses too, many a fantastic cheese tray has been assembled from Traders with the brilliant cracker assortment. The margerita mix is Awesome, just add fresh lime, salt and your fave tequila (gold). Also love the single serve pineapple juice, coffee-seriously too many great products to name. Do yourself a favor and shop here! read more

We have been coming here for years. The store is always nice and cool and clean. The customer service is always friendly. Never had to wait in line very long. They always call another cashier when it's busy. They called the manager over today to check out since there were two people already in each of the other lines. He was super friendly and seemed happy to help. read more

Stellar! Employees are the bomb! Never a bitter pill in the bunch. Been going here the last three years. Love the selections, but wish the location was bigger so they could carry more. Tiny shop, but very happy overall. Really good prices on many fruits and veggies. PLEASE, please TJ's, get some ready made ORGANIC salads. If you have not been here, skip the parking lot to their store and park in the open pasture of parking. It's a fourth world country with all the manic drivers. read more

I shop at this TJ's on my way home with my toddler after a workout. The staff here is awesome!! Ms. Luz is the best! always wonderful to everyone, and puts a smile on my toddler's face when she has a meltdown. No complaints from this happy customer. Keep it up, guys! read more

The staff are so nice here. Always really great quality stuff here at good prices. Nice convenient portions to grab a quick lunch salad or interesting snack. Unlike other stores... They won't sell something they wouldn't buy for themselves. read more

This trader Joe's is horrible. Just like all Trader Joe's it is WAY too small and thus gets WAY too crowded. I feel like I'm at a concert every time I go. You know with how much $$ they make they can afford to buy a bigger space. I'd rather they charge 2 cents more on bananas if it means that I don't have to smell the old lady's depends next to me since we're so close to each other. read more

I was here yesterday looking for black tea bags for a home remedy. I needed 3 tea bags. I don't drink black tea and don't know anyone who does, and didn't want to waste any by buying the pack of 80. The man who helped me find the tea listened to my dilemma, and mentioned this was his favorite tea. He went into the back and returned with 5 tea bags from his personal stash. I was very touched by this kindness. I don't know your name but you reminded me of how much power we have as human beings to help each other in small ways that carry big meaning. You went beyond your role to help me. Thank you! You made my week! read more

Whatever you do, don't come to this Trader Joe's around 5 PM, ESPECIALLY on a Monday. This might rate pretty high on the "duh" meter, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. Pure insanity... read more

Cashier insulted me in front of my girlfriend for no reason after I was nice and polite towards him. Ruined my entire day. Thanks trader joes! Never coming here again. read more

Everyone here is SO nice. Normally I am totally weirded out by everyone being so nice and chatty but these people seem sincere. Its not the biggest trader joes and the parking makes you want to punch babies. Especially if you have anything bigger than a smart car. BUT its literally 2 minutes from my house and everything is SOOO GOOD! They have a little "tester" bar and I tried the fried macaroni cheese balls dipped in their pasta sauce... DELISH!!! Love the frozen mangoes too read more

I shop at many different Trader Joe's locations and this has to be one of the best. The staff is really helpful. They walk up and down the rows and check on the customers to see if people are finding what they are looking for. The cashiers are friendly and even when there is a line, they make each customer feel special. Some items in this store sell out very quickly and the manager has offered to special order items that are no longer available. Love this place - but hate the parking. read more

The best grocery store! Good organic and healthy foods. The employee s go out of their way to find you what you need..... They have just about everything healthy you need for the week, and always have new things to try! read more

This store beats all the other stores in the chain hands down. First time I came to this store and Joseph let me in after they were closed he was very courteous and so were the other employees, this simple act reflects the goodness of the people here. In comparison other TJ stores do t even come close in service read more

Great store, wonderful people and all the great trader joes products. It's a small store but they do a really good job carrying an excellent selection. The wine guy, Steven, is very knowledgeable and you can't go wrong with his recommendations The only negative would be the parking lot in the shopping center but that is not their fault. Just go during the off hours. Truly an excellent store. read more

I love this store, and I was compelled to write a review because of the (mostly) ridiculous reviews here. Yes, the parking lot sucks. My experience is that most of the Trader Joe's locations have pretty bad parking. Not the store's fault. I come here about twice a week, and have never had anything but excellent customer service. The folks behind the desk, usually at least one manager, have been great. What sucks is that some reviews are questionable complaints at best--discrimination against the elderly? Give me a break...And if you've been greeted by rude employees (who insulted you in front of your girlfriend and "ruined your day"? )90% of TJ customers would beg to differ, especially at this location. Maybe you're in need of something more than almond butter and cauliflower rice... read more

The worst part of the store is getting into the parking lot. But once inside, this is a classic TJ's. They always shine with quality, variety and pricing, and a great place to grab a quick healthy snack, instead of hitting the fast food places in the same shopping center. read more

I have been to about 10 different Traders and this one has got to be the most unique. First parking can be touch and go since City Hall must have given these high tax producing places a pass on normal parking ratios. But not to worry, any additional wait or walk is made up for when you arrive at the door of this Traders. This is the most Friendly cast of misfit, has been surfer, washed up pot heads that may have ever been employed by any market. For basically high priced very basic food for the Birkenstock crowd this place stays in business as much for the service as it does for the products. read more

Friendly staff here, only issue I have is the parking...just an inherent and unavoidable parking problem with that plaza, it's an awkward set up. But if you love TJ's like I do, you'll make it happen. :) read more

I just love Trader Joe's! They specialize in awesome food products, friendly employees and really small parking lots!!!

Always a pleasure coming here. Recently, I had gone to three different places - and no luck finding a cute little xmas tree for our apartment. I called Trader Joe's ahead of time, spoke to a very courteous store manager and he saved the three little xmas trees he had left until I got there. Found my little xmas tree and couldn't have been happier! :D Thanks for the great service, always! read more

I love coming here very much! These employees should be role models for all other grocery store employees. They are so helpful and they will actually take you to find a product and if they don't have that product will give suggestions on what else you can use. The only reason I'm giving them a four star review is because of the parking situation, it's crazy! read more

Today I was shopping at this Trader Joe's like I normally do because i live down the street. Up until today all of my experiences at TJS were positive. I was shopping around and one of the employees decided to comment on my appearance to her coworker, thinking i couldn't hear, saying things like "i would never let my daughter dress like that" and "i don't understand why girls feel the need to dress like that for attention" as she was openly talking about me to her coworkers i turned to look at her and she was staring at me. I was completely thrown off as I always shop here without a problem and the employees are always nice. At first I was going to let it go but I decided to involve the manager as I was very offended and couldn't believe that a worker had blatantly talked about a me like that. Although the store manager did apologize and told me she would "pull her aside", I wasn't convinced she was taking the situation seriously. read more

Located in a cute little complex with other stores & eateries. We stopped here on our way to San Diego for a snack run. Products well stocked here. Cute workers didn't hurt either. Parking wasn't so bad as others have stated walk a little people come on now it won't kill you. Over all clean & inviting store. I love all their speculoos products especially their newest the sandwich speculoos cookies oh my goodness addicting good. read more