Okay... this is the fourth time this week I've been to Trader Joe's. Please whisk me away and take me to grocery shopping addict anonymous. Lol What's there not to like about TJ's? There's a wide selection of prepackaged foods and drinks. Don't forget the aisle of beauty goodies that every skin junkie might need. I can't rave of their veggies, fruits or breads since I'm always getting them elsewhere. Overall, TJ's is a pretty good grocery store and the SR location is by far my favorite to visit... Beware, parking is scarce during the daytime hours since it's right by San Rafael high school. If you're not too fond of a congested parking lot, head to the novato location if you're looking for shorter lines, and ample parking read more

TJ's has been my beloved go-to grocery store that has gotten me through college, grad school, and a few years of "adulthood". That being said, I dislike this location. 1) parking lot is busy and getting in and out is a pain 2) shelves are not well stocked in the evening. Certain items do not look too fresh (eg. moldy berries, wilting salad). 3)the store layout feels extremely crammed and for the same reason, I feel like the selection is more limited than most other TJ's I know. 4)lines are long/slow. If you have ever been to TJ in Inner Richmond in SF or LA, then you know what to expect. read more

Full disclosure: I've been a loyal fan of TJ's for decades. In fact, it is crucial that I live within a 10 mile radius of a store. I was sadly disappointed in 2014-2016 that the San Rafael store seemed to be slipping (produce wasn't stocked and often times spoiled quickly and some staff looked like they'd rather be elsewhere). The last 2 years I've noticed an amazing turn around. Stocking is always tip top. YAY! The staff are back to their friendly (and hard working) selves and it is a pleasure to shop again. Many thanks to Jeremy and Monica, too, for making it such a pleasure to come back. Your efforts are appreciated. read more

Handled the pandemic like PROs! Love their products, and REALLY love that they are keeping their employees and community safe.

Staff in this store are friendly in spite of the generally unusually surly customers. I have to give this store a three just because parking is really difficult to the point that I only go here when it is too inconvenient to go to the Larkspur park store. Little parking and tiny spaces. The lot is a danger zone! read more

On a Sunday that turned out to be one of the most impromptu and most fun Sundays ever, we found ourselves at this Trader Joes. At around 8:30, I get a compliment from my homie David B, saying, "Are you going today?" I knew what he was referring to, and I said, "Eh...maybe. I'll see if Lovie's up for it. I asked and since we got to do something to his liking the day before (bummed, er, lounged around the house because he was hungover after a night spent with his buddies), I pretty much got a free pass to take him anywhere the next day. SWEET. I said I wanted to stop by the UYE at Tomales Bay hosted by the lovely Janice C. We stopped here to get goodies. The goodies consisted of: 6 pack of whoopie pies a bag of blue corn chips a party pack of hummus dip 6 pack of Blue Moon Overall, it was an in and out procedure, which is always good. It was about 11:30 in the morning and it still wasn't busy, and that's rare for San Rafael TJ standards. read more

The nice checker asked me today if I was enjoying the "country club feel". He explained that since the Greenbrae store opened up, the store has been pretty mellow. I agree. I am now happy to write a review because: I found parking right away. I didn't have to negotiate my way through a maze of carts to get to the organic raspberry yogurt. I didn't have to wait in line behind 4 other people until I got checked out. They weren't out of anything I needed yet. The sample panzanella salad was yummy! And, the probability of me actually winning one of their "bring your own bag" raffle thingies has substantially increased since the opening of the store in Greenbrae. Yeshhh... Trader Joe's is actually a nice place to shop now. read more

I have something a bit shocking to say. Brace yourself. Are you ready? Ok, here goes... I. Hate. Pizza. I know. There is obviously something wrong with me. The whole bread, sauce, cheese thing is just not my bag, baby. I'm sorry to disappoint you. Please don't defan me... Anyway, you can imagine my stoketitude when my friends suggested "Make Your Own Pizza Night!" Obviously, I was less than excited, and foresaw an evening of heavy drinking, with little to no sustenance. In the spirit of winning (I make everything into a contest, because I'm a brat and a half) I decided to go to this Pizza Night, and make the best pizza this side of Little Star or Zachary's, or whatever fucking pizza you like, ok?! We started the night with a trip to TJs for the accessories. They have pre-made pizza dough that you toss/roll/bake. It's in the refridge section. Wheat or Classic. I chose wheat. My body is a temple... I then followed a swift gameplan, and picked up fresh basil, apples, prosciutto, and a wedge of Brie. Oh and two bottles of Chuck's finest. That's right, I was going to get all Martha Stewart up on that pizza. Trader Joe's had every possible thing I needed to make the most unrecognizable pie you've ever seen. One drunken, Kitchen Confidential, Top Chef hour later (the kitchen was a hot zone of messy activity in which a flour fight broke out, and had to be squelched with a handful of mozzarella cheese flying through the air) the pizzas were ready for action. The judging ensued -- and my olive oil, basil, apple, prosciutto and brie creation wowed the pants off a few people... which led directly to the prizes, but that's more of a review about Two Buck Chuck, than Trader Joe's and pizza. read more

Friendly staff. And helpful. TJ brand of cereal and nuts and many other products are good quality at the right price. Their selection is limited when it comes to meats and produce so I don't come here for that. What I do come here for is the wine selection. They have many good wines at super cheap prices. Dry brut sparkling for $5.99 a bottle, can't go wrong for mimosas, I'll take a case. Only TJ has inexpensive wine like these that are very good for the value indeed. read more

Apparently there is something inherently wrong with me... I don't like and refuse to eat: 1) Mayo on fries 2) Ketchup on eggs 3) Anything of the Trader Joe's brand All are gross and I have no idea why people would eat any of those things. read more

Ironic To find this TJ's directly across from the Whole Foods. But, since we were on our way to a BBQ and had the request in to pick up charcoal, we parked in their extensive parking lot and in we went. I love TJ's. Not only because they are inexpensive and the goods above par, but because of the easy layout of their aisles in addition to team members always making sure I am not lost or looking for something. I've found something sinful I indulge in once in a while. The blue potato chips, done kettle style and the official chips of Jet Blue. I fell in love after flying to Boston on Jet Blue and had about two of these bags. Oh, quiet ye evil voices from cellulite and beyond. In addition, I am a fan of their edamame, the french cut frozen green beans and the various dips and sauces in the deli section. I usually steer away from their produce, because they often seem rotten or soft (tomatoes and apples) but everything else is great, even the dogfood (my sister use to work at the TJ's in Sacramento, so I had it good for a while there too) When the Safeway is not too appealing and I'm not too lazy to drive to the nearest TJ's, this is my fave mart. read more

I have recently re-discovered Trader Joe's... The one in Indy was considered over priced and stuffy. Here in Marin it is affordable and fun. Oh, how attitudes change when you cross miles and miles. The one downfall for me, is that I feel like I need to take Xanax before trying to park here. The same goes for Costco but that is like TJ's parking on steroids. I have to say how much I love the fact that this store has the best snack food selection! This is important when you have a toddler, you need something tasty, but more importantly it needs to be healthy and fun! Great cracker selection, cheese puffs, and peanut butter filled pretzels! I love their frozen 'green with envy' bag o' veggies with asparagii, green beans, broccoli, edamame, and spinach. All IQF so it cooks up easily, quickly, and crisp! The frozen berry mix really is great to for smoothies and margaritas! I am updating to 5 stars, I have decided the prices cannot be beat, and I now go early in the morning (8 or so) and avoid the parking hysteria! read more

Yes, this Trader Joe's has affiliated with it the WORST parkinglot EVER conceived. Ever. HOWever, it's small scale and down-home feel make it a must on your Trader Joe's To-Do-List. However 2, you cannot go after work, say around 4:30-5 and you must never set foot in late Saturday. Just don't. The size is charming, but when there's about 200 rude-ass Marinites crammed in, the shine seems to become lost... Yes, you, Lady with 37 items in the 12 or less lane, YOU. I WAS giving you the evil eye the whole time you gave the Checker a hard time. We laughed about you later, I said you must have been cranky because you didn't know how to READ. Ahhh ha ha haaaa!! The reason I still am a fan of San Rafael Joe is this; the people who work here are awesome. I am not throwing that term around, either. Every time I have come in, the Checkers joke with me, are sweet and efficient. Why, just today my Older Gentleman Checker bantered a bit with me, and when handing over my receipt, he slapped my little hand and told me to have a good day. How cute are you Checker 314? If you can steel a moment and go at an off-time to get your essentials (like chicken tenders with no hormones or preservatives added), do stop in. You won't find the good salad nuts like in Petaluma, but that's not life-altering. read more

Wine prices are the best in town, by 10% or more, no exceptions. The best bottle of wine on the planet for less than $10, is at TJ's. The basics like milk, canned goods, olive oil, some fruits and veggies, cheeses, bread, and frozen foods can be got here at 20% less than across the street at Wholepaycheck. Same products. But if you want a wider variety of fruits and veggies, organic, and without all the plastic coverings, try Wholepaycheck or United Markets. Subtractions are the bogus parking situation at Montecito Plaza and all the extra packaging on the produce. read more

My opinion of Trader Joe's as far as products they sell would be 4 stars. But this location is terrible. One word: MADHOUSE. The parking is awful. I feel like I'm fighting for a space in North Beach. I've seen yuppies almost come to blows over spots in the lot. The interior is cramped. Aisles are barely wide enough for 2 carts, the place is always packed. Even using my trademarked "listening to music on headphones to drown out crazy scene" strategy fails here. The music does nothing to protect my ankles from being hit by multitudes of carts, to temper my rage at the folks who roadblock the aisles while they peruse nutrition stats. Spoiled Marin brats scream as the richies gossip, it's all an absolute nightmare. I will go to the crusty San Rafael Safeway before coming here, that's how bad it is. But you should go here so that the other less annoying grocery stores will be more serene for me. Thank you for your cooperation. read more

So, I love Trader Joe's. Been there sooo many times, bought the cookbook. However, I have no love for this particular location. They get one extra star because they are Trader Joe's, pure and simple, and their employees, while harassed, stay cool. Actually shopping here: HEINOUS. It's always packed, parking is hellacious, it's all been covered. But I have to go there to get almond milk. And chicken gyoza. And those damn chocolate meringues. It is a conundrum. Whatever you decide to do, do not EVER, EVER go to this TJ's on, say, a three day weekend over a holiday, unless you have superhuman patience and/or are equipped with an Uzi and laser vision. I went in a couple days after New Year's, and the checkout lines snaked all the way back down the aisles nearly to the back of the store, impeding shoppers in progress. They were out of everything, everyone was a little wild-eyed, and I was waiting for the Marin moms to lose it and shank each other over the last bag of Organic Edamame. It took me two hours to escape. I did come out of there with some valuable intelligence, however- the word from a guy in a real-live TJ's employee is that the Larkspur location is planned to open in April of this year- it's contingent on, what else? A traffic study. read more

I screeched into the parking lot of this Trader Joe's a frantic, desperate, almost totally freaking out mess- I'm pretty sure the cop right-fricking-there saw that way illegal-assed turn I made into the parking lot, the store technically closed like four minutes ago and I need ALL of the flowers still for a wedding that I'm planning that's happening - tomorrow afternoon. And since I was also the Maid of Honor for this particular wedding, I was also running totally late for the bachelorette party that's happening... NOW! I encountered only the nicest, sweetest, kindest, most patient people on earth, or at least in all of Marin County. The manager was like "It's going to be okay. We're going to take care of you." And they did. They totally did. He called up someone from the back to just work with me to pick out an entire color palate and plan and she went through all of the flowers and just straight gave me the ones that the were going to throw away the next day anyway. I spent a total of about $150 dollars and got eleven potted white orchids and bags of lemons and limes to use as table centerpieces, tons of gorgeous flowers for the bridal bouquet and bouquets for three bridesmaids and three bouquets for the moms of the bride and groom, AND boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen and the ring bearer and used all of the leftovers (There were leftovers!!) for a floral mulch for the flower girls to sprinkle down the aisle. And it was all just gorgeous! All of this wasn't last minute because I'm just a lame flake. I had just driven across the country from Chicago for the wedding of my dear friend who, along with her new husband, are Army officers who will both be deployed (redeployed) back to Iraq right after the honeymoon and I planned it all for them to make sure it would even happen for them at all - and you helped me make it happen TJ's! I will love you forever for this one, even more than I loved you already before for $2 buck Chuck, Southern greens blend and cheap n cheesy enchiladas. In addition to all of your usual needs, I'd highly recommend this location as a first choice for special event flowers. I don't remember anyone's name there, but I love you especially flower chick and managery guy. A million thank yous, kisses and good karma goes out to you guys!!! read more

I stopped by today to buy my weekly load of fruit........this is such a great place for fresh fruit/veggies at a great price and with wonderful sales staff and ........happy customers. I always find some new cool item here.... All the visitors always seem to be so happy shopping here.....I guess we just all love TJ's! read more

Hey, I liked the Montecito Theater! Heck, I even miss Zim's on the corner where the bank is now. -- That said, Trader Joe's definitely delivers the much-needed goods to an area plagued by mediocre and stupifyingly overpriced groceries. Hear that, Whole Paycheck? I'm talking to you. Here, you can get an interesting variety of cheap and quite well picked items, including the amazing drool-worthy crispy orange chicken, TJ's version of Oreos and a pretty decent assortment of cheeses. The bottom line here isn't the vast selection but the quality and price of what IS selected. The people working here seem pretty helpful, although I did pick one of their wine recommendations touted on an artfully done sign and felt a little had (super nasty stuff). The drawbacks: The surging horde of superentitled 30-50somethings who shove their carts in your path (or shins) with the same infuriating mix of thoughtlessness and assertion they drive their Lexus and Mercedes SUVs in that Horror Show of Death they call a parking lot. The only way to avoid running this gauntlet is to parachute in or sneak over from the adjacent overflow parking lot just past the main one (you have to walk a bit but it's worth it). The front sidewalk is partly obstructed by shopping carts because the old theater didn't really have a grocery store in mind and there hasn't been that much remodeling in the past 20-ish years. You might need to engage a little ESPN to predict when the next gym bunny will dart out with their groceries so you don't get cart treadmarks on your face. Even though they've helped alleviate some of the in/out traffic, the actual Battleground of Dingsville remains the same. Once you're in, however, there's rather good stuff to be found. Holiday Oreo-clones with real crushed candy cane peppermint, for example. read more

I signed to Yelp just in hopes that the manager reads this. I have shopped at this Trader Joe's as long as I can remember. I have twice been treated with disrespect from the rudest of people ALLEGRA! Why would you hire the nicest of people then plant ALLEGRA amongst them like a weed among flowers?! The first time I had Her on check out, she did not acknowledge me at all, as she was talking to a co worker about horoscopes and!! Upon leaving, I took my questions to another coworker Who was polite and answered my inquiries that Allegra was too busy for. Today, to my bad luck, I had her again!.. I wanted to assume the best in people, so I said hello to which she said 'eh'! I decided to stay far from her as she obviously was not having a good day again.. she looked at me to come pay, starting to put my things back in the cart, I said 'I want bags please!' She says 'why didn't you say so?!' I said 'you never asked me' to which she said 'eh! dear manager, you are all very nice people, but the rudeness of this unhappy individual is driving me all the way to the Trader Joe's in Novato! hope you read this read more

Yesterday I when to buy groceries to make home made pizza and when I was looking for pizza sauce in the refrigerator section I ask the employee Marvin and he said "they didn't have any" but I ask "if he can check for the fresh one?" As Marvin insist to actually buy the one I had in my hand. Not just that the dough was actually old. I love Trader Joe's but I am not coming back to this location bad customer service! P.s I did when back and gotten my money back. read more

This is one busy Trader Joes! I recommend totally coming here in the first hour of operation before this parking lot gets too crowded. Like any Trader Joes, the parking lot is always an area of contention. This one, however, also has to make space for many other local boutiques, smoothie shops, and a Chipotles. That makes it have an even higher level of difficulty for space and for walking safely into the store. Once inside, however, it's a very easy experience. You start off entering into the produce section which is often full of delicious temptations and seasonal fruits. I opt for the hand cart as it's easier to move around people and dodge the random running child. I love their cheese selection (always try a new one during each visit). I often pick up my half gallon of Almond Milk, a frozen pack of brown rice, some Olive Oil Popcorn, and an Ace Cider. If I feel like treating myself, I will pick up some turkey jerky, a tasty salad, or angus beef burgers to bbq. I love the prices here and that most of the stuff one can pick up is absolutely delicious. read more

You know, I've been religious to this grocery store chain since Los Angeles. Now I am living in Sausalito, and their Larkspur location has been listed as "coming soon" for almost 1/2 a year now, I need to either go into SF city or go to San Rafael for my shopping. This goes for San Rafael location and the Masonic (SF) location... but compared to Los Angeles Trader Joe's, some of the items I used to purchase are almost never available here. If they are, they are sold out or out of stock half the time. I mean if they are that popular of a product you would think they'd eventually catch up and stock more of it. Hence 3 stars.... I love you Trader Joe's, but when you don't have stuff I need I have to make rounds to other grocery stores and as much as I appreciate that you are more affordable compared to Whole Foods and Mollie Stones, you are costing me time. read more

I love TJ's for the price and quality. This particular location has HORRIBLE parking though and people seem to be obliviously in la-la-land, blocking the aisles and make it impossible for me to grab a damn bag of pasta. The only reason I'm not giving Trader Joe's four or five stars is due to an incident concerning my ID and purchasing wine. Whereas I can use my passport everywhere else to buy wine, beer, and etc., I was actually told by the checkstand clerk that passports weren't an accepted form of ID for purchasing liquor under Trader Joe's policy. Yes yes, I should have had my California ID on me anyway but that was left at home and I happened to have my passport in my wallet - no sweat, right? Wrong. A passport is a better form of ID anyway! I feel bad for out-of-staters and foreigners visiting... I also dislike the fact that they seem to discontinue some of their BEST products on a routine basis. read more

It is just OK here. Way too much small talk when I'm checking out. I know it's part of the cashier's job to be engaging, but I am not a big fan of waiting behind someone because it's taking foreverz to wrap up a conversation. Yes, I am a curmudgeon who just wants to race home and eat the dark chocolate covered coconut almonds all by myself. Great prices on organic produce and imitation Cheerios. read more

I love this Trader Joe's - it is big and seems to have more diverse offerings than other TJ's. Particularly the one that I go to in Boston which is like 1000 square feet, but I digress. I find that TJ's is a great place to buy EXTREMELY CHEAP staples like paper towels, olive oil, and bagged salad. That being said, the prepared foods section is also awesome. I recommend the fresh pizza - YUM. Caveat: This place is stressful. The parking lot is insane and the store itself is very crowded and shoppers just kind of mill around without any real respect for personal space. I recommend getting there right after they open or taking half a Xanax to deal with the stress. read more

TJ's is great, however the fruit is Unreliable and often not worth the risk. Strawberries are white inside, mandarins are dry or putrid. Service is great and everything else is too. Bad fruit. read more

Crazy busy on new years eve, but they still had all the essentials! Also, the guy in the wine section was incredibly friendly and comically recommended a few different bottles for a new years eve bash. Very helpful, seeing as I was scatter-brained grabbing at anything (since we were in a hurry). Also, they CARDED ME! I'm young but not THAT young, and don't get carded that often. Thanks for making my day, LOL! ;) read more

I LOVE Trader Joe's and I been a few location CA and OH but Why can you have one near by me in Pembroke Pines Broward FL??? They sale their own brands and few others too! Nice thing about Trader Joe's Its not a supper store but it's just right in size! read more

5 stars for the staff. Get there early though, otherwise you'll be in long lines. Yes, parking even more horrible...more people seem to be shopping here than ever...go to back lot if you remember. Inexpensive...but remember that it is not all organic nor local nor hypoallergenic although they try to be as progressive as possible. read more

This store is fabulous. The staff is always kind and extremely helpful. The store is very clean and always well stocked. It's so fun, when I ask someone for an item I can't find, if they don't have they always suggest something else. The funny thing is it is sometimes not close it what I'm looking for but I don't care I buy it anyway. Their enthusiasm wins me over every time read more

Go here for things in the frozen section because they are awesome. Other than that, I lovingly refer to this store as the "Everything Is Expired Store". Go ahead, check the eggs, the milk, cheese and 15 other items and I bet you half of them are expired or about to be read more

Your typical Trader Joe's! Nice people work here and they have the usual selection. Clean store and lots of registers open which is always appreciated. The only reason they lose a star is due to the fact that there's no self check out. Sometimes I'm only there for one product and to have to wait in line for that product can be annoying. However, I guess it's just not their business model. Great job though to the people who do work at this location!!! read more

Trader Joe's you are so good to me!!!! You have short aisles with everything I need... and not everything Manu wants (like overly processed junk food, or "fruit" candies). Everything you have is delicious and healthy... I cannot ask for more. Trader Joe's you give me Cliff Bars by the box, and hard to find Gnocchi... and for that I love you. Trader Joe's what would Manu do w/o your oatmeal? What would I do w/o your hash browns (thanks for bringing them back, by the way)? Trader Joe's you've saved me on more than one occasion from going to the vending machine at work during those 3 o'clock munchies. Trader Joe's, do you love me as much as I love you? read more

Plus: great cereal, wine, frozen foods, and price. Minus: produce, crowded, not enough of an overall selection to make it a one stop shop. read more

Liked this location a lot compared to the one I have been shopping at in Corte Madera. They have a lot of space so their products are displayed in a fashion that makes sense and doesn't leave you all confused like others do. Prices are good. Produce is pretty terrible, way too much plastic packaging. Meat is rather meh, except lunch meat. Went on Sat. afternoon and no one ran me over, jumped in front of me, or blocked any sections for forever. Parking actually was relatively easy to find. Now, the other time I'd been here, my experience with crowds was the opposite, so I guess timing is everything. read more

I stop at this one from time to time, because I have a friend who works there(hi Tony!) and it's in the same plaza as Pasta Pomodoro.. Great selection of foods, nice staff (or maybe I'm just biased) and an aside - if any of you are craigs list Missed Connection Readers, this store seems to find it's way in there at least once a week (hmm - possible good location to meet other singles?) It loses a star - cause the parking is terrible, and the pretentious tree huggers inside the store - step outside and become pretentious SUV drivers (ironic?) - Its not the stores fault I realize, but half the time, I just want to push my cart around and knock them into the frozen food bins. read more

I love Trader Joe's. I love everything they carry. It a great place to find healthy snacks and fresh food. the Trader Joe's on 3rd street is not the best Trader Joe's in Marin. It's hard to find parking and it is often crowded. With so many people all of them in a hurry to get home and cook dinner, I have been bumped into more then once. if your closer to one of the other TJ's I'd use it, but if not any Trader Joe's is better then no Trader Joe's read more

Bi-weekly if not daily shopper here - store is well-stocked & check-out is usually speedy (except during peak hrs like 5pm). One of the wider selections of produce & other products that I've seen (bigger than Emeryville & Oakland). read more

In another shocking turn of events, my friend who is also 26 was similarly denied the opportunity to buy alcohol after he produced a valid passport. A passport! For crying out loud! Not going to go back here if there's a risk I'm going to have to go to another store anyway. I think their evening manager is ruining their business, and it's a shame because TJs makes a lot of nice products. This time, one star for the fact the Trader Joe's corporate headquarters actually did forward my complaint to the San Rafael store manager, and the manager called me. read more