Good location. Not so packed. Some of the staff are kind of not fit for Trader Joe's in that they aren't really people people but everyone deserves a job. Growing up shopping at Trader Joe's the culture was always very laid-back and urban. Naturally positive. That's how it was in the northern Peninsula and SF and it's still that way there. This Trader Joe's is not like that likely due to its location. It seems to have borrowed traits from a very strict and unpleasant clientele which kind of makes it feel like another corporation rather than a relaxed grocery store. The entitled customer has turned the employee into a kind of servant. Not good. read more

Okay, so you hate me. I just gave your favorite store 3 stars. I know, I know... it's really 3.5 stars, but there are no halves to give and it's not quite 4 stars. I just don't get this place? The first TJ's I visited was over 10 years ago in Daly City. There wasn't anything great, so I didn't go back. Three years ago, a friend dragged me to the one in Millbrae. Okay, tons of frozen food... yippee? I think not. This past weekend I went to the Trader Joe's in San Mateo. Now, let me tell you why I rate this store as "okay" and I'm not crazy about it, like the rest of the folks who've reviewed it. 1) What is up with the decor?? It feels like I'm at a country store in Alaska. I don't think I'm a snoot, but no...seriously. What is this? Knotts Berry Farm? The Country Bear Jamboree? Are you serious? Do people actually find this quaint and cute? Okay, whatever. 2) What's there to buy? Um, granola...canned food...frozen food...health food. Oh, snap! What am I doing in here? 3) Why is this place soooooo crowded? Why are there so many people shopping in this rinky dink store? Oh my god, I am getting so claustrophobic. *People. standing. too. close. i'm. gonna. vomit.* 4) The lines are hideous! Here in my basket, I'm ashamed to say, berries and granola (yeah, what the hell is up with that), and the line... 15+ minute wait. FIFTEEN MINUTE WAIT FOR BERRIES and GRANOLA??? Oh my, god. =( 5) The counter doesn't have a conveyor belt? *gasp!* -- This is so 1970's! I heard this store is extremely profitable...and no conveyor belt? *tear* On a positive note, most the staff was friendly. Okay, so there was this big guy stocking chips and I was behind him saying "Excuse me...excuse me...do you know where...excuse me...hello?" I figured he must be deaf, so I just moved on to search for the item by myself. Why not one or two stars? Cuz the place was a total pain in the ass, but the granola and berries were really goooooooooood! Which means, my grubby little appetite is going to force me to head back for granola and berries. Oye Vay. read more

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Ode to Joe's From 9 to 9 Joe's is divine Bringing us food cheap and good Fruits and veggies and frozen meats too Can be found in a store in your hood Cheery and wholesome the staff does their best Giving samples so hot and delish Of rice and potatoes, coffee and beans Steak, chicken, cheese, ice cream and fish The wine section stocked with both red and white For any budget from rich to poor Whether Two Buck Chuck or Clos du Bois They have what you're looking for Oh Joe, thanks for opening this store by my home So there's someplace for me to go With Safeway and Whole Food much further away My heart goes to Trader Joe's San Mateo read more

Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places to shop, but this store is different from all if stores I shopped. This is second time I was treated rude and cold. When I was trying to clean shopping cart at the front of the entrance, the lady took the cleaning bottle away from me and turn around. When I was trying to ask her to help me, she just stared me. read more

After visiting this TJ's, I want to rescind stars on the one I normally go to. :( This one was great and I'm going to try to visit more frequently after work while waiting for the crazy drivers to get off the street so I can make my commute home back to the Biggity A (that's Albany bitches). The wide aisles at this TJ is great. Word of advice, don't walk down the aisle thinking you can shop both sides ... it doesn't work here. Walk down it once ... focus ... and then walk down it again for the other side. read more

I really love this Trader Joe's location. It's right down the street from work and the workers here are always so helpful and cheery. I am big on trying everything in Trader Joe's and I constantly find new favorites. My current love is the spinach and kale reduced guilt dip. It does not taste fat free at all and just tastes like regular dip :) I guess I should be glad it's guilt free because I have been eating tons of it! read more

Trader Joe's has been there for me throughout the years. They're always there even when other grocers close up for holidays, etc. Recently, when my cat refused his organic and/or raw can food, I freaked out over its smell and decided to cook for him. Once I realized how much supplement powders I needed and I couldn't just feed him the conventional leftover rice, miso-soup and fish meal, I started getting discouraged... I bought a box of organic cous-cous in case I eventually got the Pet Supplements, bought a bottle of wine for human consumption, ...then found the pet section. Trader Joe's brand wet food. Tuna for cats ($0.29) and Turkey-giblets-and-whatever ($0.69). I never pay attention to cost (quality over price baby), but I just saw the receipt. I also got dry food in a sturdy container for emergency purposes. And the verdict? My kitty loves 'em!!! The can food even smells mildly good. Or smells less than other canned pet foods! how lovely. I was also reminded that if TJ is putting their name on the brand, they must be making it responsibly. Hell yes (a la N. Dynamite)!! TJ -- for the love of mon chat, I'll see you again with my canvas bag :) read more

Trader Joe's has a delicious lentil soup,, but it's been out of stock on my last 2 visits. Not much good if you can't get it. The Delaware store doesn't have it, either. Mango sorbet has also been out of stock, both stores. read more

On my last visit here I decided to stock up on some frozen pasta and pizza. I picked up a polenta and vegetable pasta dish that looks beyond delicious and cannot wait to try, a penne in a creme sauce that we have had before and cooks up in 7 minutes and two black truffle flatbreads. For under 15 dollars I was set for a week of feasting......until...... While sitting in my house I remembered that I left all my frozen items in the trunk of my car. They had been nesting in there for about 3 1/2 hours before I realized this. So again today, I am heading back there once again to repurchase the exact same items. I will try and do a little better job at getting them inside my freezer in a timely manner. read more

I probably shop here the most for groceries for my family. I have to do a lot less research when coming here because they do most of it for you by offering you greener/healthier options. Though surprisingly, once and a while I do find some not so good for you stuff here too! They also offer their own brands on many items; however I haven't really found any items I truly like that are "TJ" brand. I do like that they offer a variety of ethnic foods. Their produce section lacks a bit, as you have to buy most produce in a pre-set package which if you just want one cucumber you can't buy it like that, so I usually just go to the Farmers Market for most of my produce. Prices are reasonable, there are two locations in San Mateo, so that makes it really convenient. Parking is fairly easy at the Delaware location. And customer service is always friendly and helpful! read more

I'm sitting here in the parking lot after rebagging some of my groceries. Yes, I should have said something but I didn't. I love everyone here but today, my experience was terrible. My cashier was Kathryn and she was so incredibly rude and passive aggressive. No eye contact when she said hello, was rough with the groceries and kept piling each item on top of the other and then rolling her eyes when items fell on the floor. I know this was her way of being irritated that I wasn't helping her to bag my groceries. No, sorry lady. Find a new job if you're that miserable. After roughing bagging my groceries, she cackled "that it,?!" and shoved the receipt in my hand. Unbelievably angry person and literally thought she was going to lose it in the middle of her shift. Again, don't like your job?? Find a new one. read more

This Trader Joe's feels much bigger than other Trader Joe's. It's also located in a somewhat deserted shopping center so there is plenty of parking here. I love that Trader Joe's sells single bottles of water for extremely cheap. You can't beat $0.17 for their standard water bottle. The sports cap one is $0.29. You will never get this deal at a pharmacy or grocery store for a single bottle. read more

Neat and organized. Always packed especially on weekends. Staff is friendly and always willing to help. They have samples in the back. Parking can be tough on weekends. read more

Trader Joe's is one of my favorites. This one doesn't disappoint. Great flower selection, friendly staff.

You can't go wrong with Trader Joe's. They've got tons of stuff you don't normally see at other grocery stores - unusual but tasty frozen foods, breads, produce, etc - all at surprisingly good prices. Plus that famous wine selection. :) This location is staffed with very friendly people and the store is clean & well maintained. There's more than enough parking available. And it's easy to get to from either the 101 or 92. read more

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

Danger danger ... Time after time ... I come in for one simple little thing and ended up with a basket full of stuff that I can barely lift. Lots of goodies. Snacks, nuts, different kinds of yogurt, ready to make/eat foods, produce, etc. Even my dog likes his cookies from here. At least their prices are good. read more

I just wanna say I've been coming to this store for a long time . This review has been a long to coming I never review a store or nothing but Karen 67 grant street has made me feel at home at a grocery store . She is very vibrant person with hospitality that makes you feel like coming back for the deals . Thank you Trader Joe's read more

Love Trader Joes. 1) Frozen Stuffed Pork Chops - A : $2.99 each; easy to cook; stuffing was tasty. I overcooked alittle. I should follow the directions to a tee in terms of time and also loosely cover in foil. 2) Blueberry Peach Panna Cotta - C: $2 and change; too sweet and the berries + peaches didn't present well. 3) Rosemont Riesling - B: $3.99 suprisingly drinkable read more

A regular here This location is not too busy and convenient off of the 92. Very good prices although not better than supermarket weekly specials. Items that carry the best prices are the sprouted bread and black forest ham. Fruit is normally pretty good too. Also really like the 4.99 fully-cooked carnitas, 4-pack pepporoni pizzas as a quick snack for the toaster oven, and organic oj which is less acidic. Not as in love with this place as I was years ago, but it's still very good...it's just that other places are more competitive now on prices and private label quality. read more

A bit smaller than the Hillsdale location. Staff is friendly.

I have been coming to this TJs for three years now and it's my favorite! Yes it is small, but the staff is so friendly and attentive! Food is always fresh and affordable! If you want a large TJs go to another location! But if you want to get in and out, know what you want or want to go in early in the morning when the aisles are empty and get to pick the best of the best, then go to this TJs! read more

1 star because it's Trader Joe's, my favorite grocery store. 1 star for the location (close to my apt., lots of parking, next to the mall) After reading all of the below reviews with less than 3 stars, it explains everything about my experience. The cashier was exceptionally slow. I thought, no biggie I've got time. Then it was my turn, no small talk, which Trader Joes employees I am sure are required to do. So I ask her how her day is. She's still moving slow as a snail, people in my line start going elsewhere. She asks if I need a bag, I say "no thank you." She then says "wouldn't want you to break a nail." EXCUSE ME ! Never in my life have I experienced such forward rudeness. The regional manager needs to help this place out fast. I would love to hear back from management-- are employees overworked? underpaid? what can be done so that customers can experience the TJ's experience they deserve? read more

This is the closest market to my house by a mile and I can barely bring myself to shop here. Let me describe the issues I consistently have: The Bad - Dairy, fruits, and vegetables don't last nearly as long as they should: When I buy milk from TJ, I know i need to finish it fast because it expires around 3-4 days before the actual posted expiration. Similar experience with fruits, especially berries, which mold within a day or two after purchasing. I don't know if this is a problem consistent across all TJ's or if there's a quality control issue with this one. This is pretty inexcusable and the main reason for my low review. - The line is never that long, but the wait is forever: There's something so inherently inefficient about their process and it makes me angry to wait in line. There's a reason why every other store uses conveyor belts at check-out and that's because it speeds things up. At TJ, the cashier has to take everything out of a cart or a bag before scanning it, and rarely is there anyone to help rebag everything after. It's a stupidly inefficient process and it drives me crazy to watch. Note that this is no fault of the people who work there, it's just the way the store is set up. The Good - While their actual selection of real grocery is mediocre at best, they have a nice selection of pre-packaged foods that are hard to find in other places. Price is cheap as well - The people who work here are nice and give excellent customer service read more

Since I've only named one person, the girl Sarina/Sabrina sibling(s) created a fake yelp account to message me telling me to delete the review! How childish! This is what I had seen/heard! I am allowed to post my experience read more

Trader Joe's - CHILDISH! I'm being harassed for posting my experience! I hope the manager or regional manager sees this! - Grocery Near Me - San Mateo, California

I have been going to various locations all over the states for years and this one is my least favorite due to their customer service. The sample lady gave me an attitude; as they were offering a cup of miso soup and didn't realize they put chicken dumpling in it, quickly realized about the meat and put the cup down. I understand they can't serve this contaminated(?) item once it has been touched by the customer. She seems very distressed about what I did and she was very vocal about it in condescending way. I'm always happy to shop at TJ and normally come in with super good mood but there were two occasions with particular location, due to their bit off customer service, I left with awkward feeling. Depending on the staff, they can be friendly or not so friendly and it's a gamble which line I que up. They hired some elderly staff and they are usually a happy campers. I still would drive extra miles for San Carlos location for much pleasant experience. read more

Trader Joe's is been one of my favorites since all times. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed last night, I was looking for my cereal when I saw a rat..!!! I was shocked when that happened, I got one of the managers and his answer was "yeah.. we know"... i was even more shocked after his answer. I asked him if he knew that the rats might been running over the food, he said "mmm.... no" I was not satisfy with his explanation, so I tried to talk with a different manager, when i asked the same question he said "i cannot guarantee that rats are not running over the food" OK, that was enough to know that something is not going good in that place, I ended up returning all the items and getting my money back. I can't imagine handling stuff in my kitchen that have been in contact with rats. It was super disgusting and disappointed experience. read more

I like this Trader Joe's a lot since the workers are really friendly and helpful. But today when I went to the registers (which were all empty) I waited for the cashier to finish her convo with her fellow cashier behind her before she called me over. This cashier was named Katheryn and she just gave a lot of attitude. Pulled my cart with some force, shoved my items on the counter and one of my items hit my hand as I reached over to make space for her to scan the groceries, and she glared at me a few times... I understand that she may have been tired after a long day since it was late in the evening but I just felt uncomfortable and disrespected while being rung up. Overall, I still like this Trader Joe's and still plan on returning. read more

A$N CHEAPNE$$ CHEAP THRILL$ TIP FOR PARENT$ #864 - your guide to free $heeeeeyaht for you and the whole fam since 2008. Look around the store, probably overhead by the ceiling or near the pillars, for a stuffed toy doll monkey (hint this location's one was somewhere in or near the middle aisle above the highest shelf, fairly easy to spot from the cashier side). Then mosey over to customer $ervice and tell them you found the monkey (not sure if this works if you don't have a kid or if he or she is not with you). Afterwards there should be a bin or two for you to collect your reward for finding the monkey. Pick either a cutie (note, a "cutie" is one of those mini baby Mandarin Tangelo whatchamightcallit oranges, not a slutty member of the opposite sex you want to score with) or a small TJ's dark chocolate bar. The prizes may vary from store to store, and not sure if the same monkey is seen in other locations. So if you've got a little kid in nuclear meltdown mode, and if the free USA stickers by the cashier (should they have some) don't work, and if any other TJ's location don't have helium balloons around, tell your kid to look for a monkey for some goodie$ (re: free $heeeeyaht) Ode to the A$N Cheapne$$ Pimp: "I've got free $heeeyaht on ma mind, and ma mind on free $heeeyaht" Uhhh huh, yeeeeeeeeeeeeea baby C'mon, Shaaaaaaaaa Mo Now make tha' funkay Break it all down for the A$N CHEAPNE$$$ PIMP! mHm You know you luv the A$N CHEAP PIMP loooooooooooooong time! read more

When I moved to Foster City I didn't know this location existed so I just kept going to the one in San Carlos (which is very nice by the way). Then we ran into a couple in the garage at our complex going up the elevator "oh isn't Trader Joe's great? and so close" "oh yeah that new one in San Carlos is awesome" "uhh...there's one like down the street." Shock and awe! So there it was, right behind Salesfarce's [sic] offices and that seemingly too-nice-for-the-location Marriott. Sharing a parking lot with Rite-Aid and Circuit City, this TJ's is clearly the main attraction. It is always packed to me. Everything looks so appetizing. Love the light organic string cheese, the guacamole, the tomato-basil hummus. They have this vietnamese chicken wrap which is extremely tasty and low in fat. They have this prepared Gyros thing that looks great but I've never tried. All the produce is good. Garlic - fresh. Bell Peppers - fresh. Berries - sweet and tasty. Moving along - lots of organic wheat pasta. The jarred Bolognese sauce is FANTASTIC. Olive oil? Yep. Organic chicken broth? great. Steel cut oatmeal. Great. 3 cheese imported Italian frozen pizza is wonderful. There's this Tarte d'Alsace which is a pizza like concoction with cheese, caramelized onion, ham and egg (trust me). This is absolutely worth getting your hands on - you must try this, it's impeccable. The orange juice here is the best I've had from any market. Wine selection? pretty good. Lots of great values. I'll stop now - but this place is all about value. I tell my co-workers how often I'll spend $70-80 here and not one item is over $4.29. Your money goes FAR here, much much further than Whole Foods. The staff is helpful - there may be someone unpacking a box and if you ask them to look for an item they'll say "sure" and help you out. Negatives? It's packed. Constantly. They'll run out of things I like from time to time - I suppose that's reasonable. They'll discontinue things I like such as the Triple Chocolate Cookies that are no longer to be found. Grr. The eggplant cutlets disappeared for several months before finally reappearing...thank God. The salmon burgers are vile, by the way. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar great products at great prices. read more

For years, my office was located down the block from Trader Joe's, and whenever we interviewed candidates for hire, our close proximity to TJ's was considered a perk. And by that I mean a Giant Perk. The very thought of dropping by TJ's before, during or after work seemed to titillate prospective hires more than paid health insurance, paid health club dues, and profit-sharing. It's no wonder. This really is a phenomenal place to shop. If I could bottle the smell of a Trader Joe's store -- they always seem to smell the same to me -- taking a whiff would bring a smile. We now live in Texas, where TJ's has yet to open a store. Talk about separation anxiety. I'm not sure why they haven't expanded into at least Austin, and they're damnably coy about where they will turn up next. So we wait, and we remember. And we drop in whenever we're in NorCal to stock up on favorites to bring home, and to provision ourselves with foodstuffs to cram down our gullets during our stay. Mmmmmm.....foodstuffs. Man, I miss TJ's. read more

I'm from New York. So if anyone knows about the struggle of shopping at a Trader Joes in New York, it's me. The people..the lines..the crowd. I want to die just thinking about it. When I moved out to San Mateo, I stepped into this Trader Joes and my world changed for the better. This is hands down my favorite TJ. People are so nice and it's a good size as well. The cashiers are always nice. I don't think I've encountered 1 rude or unfriendly cashier or worker yet. Their wine selection is also much better than the one in the Hillsdale mall which I love. Also, maybe I go at odd hours, but the place is never crowded either. read more

This is my favorite Trader Joe's ever. I don't know why, but it is the only one I've ever been to where I don't have to fight around people every 5 steps. It doesn't seem much bigger, but it must be bigger enough to allow more space in between the rows. Or maybe their carts are smaller? (I don't know, I always use baskets). Regardless, this place gets 4 stars for general Trader Joesiness - good and cheap food and beverage. And an extra one for me not wanting to punch old women who get in my way. read more

I have a pretty strong aversion to spongey ceilings and fluorescent lights - you know the ceilings that have little hols in them, but are white, and are squarish panels held up by strips of metal? Basically, office ceilings. I don't like office ceilings. And I really don't like low office ceilings. It just makes me depressed. This Trader Joe's made me a little depressed. It was smaller than other TJs which I don't hold against it, since I still found everything I needed. But there were big crates of stock blocking my aisles (the booze aisle, of course) but most of all, it had office ceilings. and at the time of my booze run, 8:30am, it made me especially depressed. But did you know that they now have hand-made corn tortillas, in addition to flour tortillas? Or that there's some winemaker out there that thought it a brilliant idea to name their syrah "Syrahtica"? Yeah. At $4 a bottle though, there's definitely an occasion for Syrahtica. I love my TJ's but this one was definitely not the best one. read more

I swear, this is the best Trader Joes. Their staff is SO friendly! They dont ignore you and just talk to other staff members like jerks I've experienced in other places - but they are kind, and chatty. I like chatty - I'm from the south and like it when people make eye-contact with me, and at least acknowledge my presence. They dont just give me their life story, but, they ask how my day/weekend was, and they are just good at making customers feel welcome. When they pass you in the aisle, they make eye-contact and smile. It makes a big difference to me, and it feels like a small piece of home in a place where people seem to be in their own worlds. read more

I have almost never been disappointed in TJ's foods; at the many of their locations that I have shopped at. Their people shine. Their produce and dairy are good. Their meats are indeed higher in price but they are also generally higher quality than your standard supermarket (free range, grass fed, hormone free, even organic or kosher is available). And it should be noted, that they do try to stick with sustainable, or minimally processed fish, and meats where possible. I like this principle a lot. They have great coffee choices, excellent sauces for all kinds of dishes, condiments (check out their unsweetened mayo) and so many snacks as to make your waist infinitely expandable by just looking at them. Also: they have premium cat food for non-premium prices, good vitamins (at reasonable prices), and have just the best nut and fresh bread selection I've ever seen; again all at awesome prices. So other than the generally awful parking conditions at so many (this one not) this is THE grocery chain of choice for me wherever I go. When I see TJ's I am a happier person for it. read more

This, the first of two Traders Joe's in San Mateo, is a bit on the smaller side, as most of the older TJ's are. You'll find just about anything you're accustomed to tracking down in a Trader Joe's, but note that, due to the small size, the aisles are laid out in a very strange, angular configuration that doesn't always allow much room for maneuvering around the fruit and bread stands (and of course, the other carts). Checkout is pretty zippy, and the cashiers are friendly. Do watch out in the parking lot. True to form for other TJ's, this, too, is AWFUL. So be ready to take a few spins around holidays and the weekend peak hours, watch out for the people who AREN'T watching, and be patient. You'll find parking -- but you may be better off parking a few aisles over. read more

Every neighborhood should have a TJ...what's not to like?!? Their flyer is fun, descriptive and gives you all kind of ideas...I end up clipping the corner of just about every page, crazy I know. Flowers - I don't think you can find better deals. Veggies - good selection (plenty organic options) and prices. Love their cherry or grape tomatoes and you can't beat the price. Fruits - banana is always at $0.19 each (more for organic), you will always find what's in season and the price is always reasonable. Cheese - good selection and price, like everything else. Deli meat - they have some great selection and again, good prices. Some of our favorites are the prosciutto, the trio (salami, coppa & mortadella) and salame/provolone cheese combo. The pastrami and turkey are pretty good too. Meat - the turkey patty is great. A great healty meal w/ mashed pototates. Good selection of sausages. Juices - their unfiltered apple juice is sooo good but not always available. Frozen section - boy, where do I began? Try their pizzas, it's quite good and you can't beat the price. The dessert section is great - we've tried just about all...especially for parties and people love them. The creme puffs are sooo good. The individual chocolate "lava" cake is easy to heat up and very good. You just have to try everything - we've yet to be disappointed. The pasta is actually pretty good too. Seafood are good prices - love the shrimps and scallops. Their meatballs are good too, great for a quick spaghetti meal. Wine - well everybody knows about the 2 bucks chug (the chardonnay recently won the gold medal!) but they also carry a small but good selection of wine, sparkling wine/champagne, beer and spirits. I've just gone over just about every aisle - a bit freaky so I won't get into the chips, bath, cereal, canned food...aisles. My point is they have a good selection of just about anything/everything at great prices so if you haven't been...you owe yourself to give it a try. read more

I love this place! I'm not some hippie tree hugging peace loving freaknik but I do love walking down the aisles and being surprised by Indian Roti then couscous then animal crackers and french onion soup. I've spent a good 20 minutes looking at cheese today trying to make the perfect baked macaroni and cheese. I picked out Asiago, Vermont cheddar, a Parmesan Reggiano and Comte. Mmmmm...cheese. I noticed the prices here are much lower than that of Safeway or Lucky's. I bought 4 cheeses, bread, heavy cream and kitchen products for 1/2 of what I would have spent at Safeway. The cashier even offered mac and cheese recipes when he saw the stockpile I was about to horde away. Awesome! It's a shame they don't sell spam though... read more

Love this place. I can't believe I finally step into one and walk out as a fan. I get a whole variety of good good stuff. And yeah the veggies , fruits taste great and definitely much cheaper than safeway . I love their coffee . I am huge fan of the dark roast ones. Also, the staff there is helpful and cheerful read more

In my book this is the original TJ's, only b/c this was the first one that I ever went to. And the only reason we happened upon it is b/c we were shopping at TJ Maxx and Ross. HEH! There seems to be a lot of parking spaces, but I've come before and had to circle the parking lot and "stalk" people coming out. This location also has it's moments with long lines depending on the time you go. Anytime after 3PM and more than likely you can guarantee a wait in line. read more