Parking is ridiculously horrible. Busiest store I ever been to and there like only 20 parking spots. Had to park on the residential street. read more

Trader Joe's has been one of my essential grocery stores growing up. Their selection from organic products and quirky or unique items makes me come back every week. They do have high turn over of products so don't get attached to any unique or seasonal items since they move things out of circulation. But I think that's part of why their so unique. My only reason for a 4 star is their parking is ridiculously small (at this location). Other than that, I even appreciate how friendly their workers are! read more

This is bar far my favorite Trader Joe's location. The staff here is so so friendly. I do wish parking was a bit easier. It can get a bit crazy once the holidays roll around. But they are always well stocked and super helpful. read more

I grew up close to an early Trader Joes. Going there was a treat, as was reading the monthly Fearless Flyer, even if my mom wouldn't buy most of the delicious things it advertised. I enjoyed TJs in college and in my first apartment, but then after moving to Silver Lake, I stopped going because it was always mobbed. Hard to park, crowded aisles, and too much of a scene. So for a long time, I hit Gelson's. Spendy but lovely. And they have everything you could imagine. I recently moved from SL to Echo Park and hadn't really gotten into my grocery shopping groove yet. I'd tried Lassens (ok for quick pickups), 365 (decent but my lord, that parking lot needs a second level and half as many spots so there is actually space to park, and a few others. A lot of friends love the South Pas TJ's so I gave it a try, and I must say that I'm really impressed. I park in the surrounding areas, make my way in, and find what I need very quickly. The staff are all very chill, very kind, very helpful and --this is rare--they also seem very happy to work at this particular location. And both the prices and the selection are wonderful. So now when I need things, I pop up the 110 and hit TJs with no fear of parking or crowd issues. Recommended! read more

I love this Trader Joe's. I'm here several times a week. But the almond butter (both kinds) has been terrible lately. Tastes spoiled.

UNPROFESSIONAL STAFF HERE Besides the obvious tight parking spaces and crappy interior layout I was most disappointed in the staff at this Trader Joe's location. HANGING OUT: I went at 4pm and there were tons of employees but most were just standing around chit chatting amongst themselves in the tiny already crowded aisles. Get out of the way! CLUELESS EMPLOYEES: I asked at least 4 different workers for items I found online and no one could find anything. One found the TJ wine and another found the zucchini noodles but the rest were like *shrug* EATING ON THE JOB: is this allowed?! I think it's so rude to eat in public when working. Go on your break if you're hungry. The girl was talking to me with her mouth full too. Smh. I've always experienced friendly, outgoing, informative workers at other TJ stores (Chino Hills, LA and Brea) so I'm going to take my business there. But hopefully the manager will read this and make some changes. read more

I love going to Trader Joe's even when I have nothing to buy because it's so much fun to just browse around. Always end up walking out of here with bags full of groceries I dont need. But I never regret buying them! I dont go here on a daily basis but I always stop by before flying to Hawaii for school. I love buying snacks to share with my friends in Hawaii since they dont know anything about TJ. There isnt one in any islands of Hawaii. Some of my favorites from this market are cookie butter, trail mix, cookies, green bean snacks, dried fruit and chocolate covered sunflower seeds. They have awesome products from frozen section too. So many variety to choose from and everything I have purchased in the past was pretty decent. They do not have the largest stock compared to other TJ but they have most of items TJ is known for. Parking lot is very small and its been a problem for a lot of shoppers including myself but if you wait 5 minutes or so, I am sure you can find parking! Staff is nice and helpful if you cant find the item youre looking for. read more

Trader Joe's - some of the items i purchaed recently - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

While I was visiting the Trader Joe's in Southlake, Texas, a few weeks back, I had come across an item called the "Super Lemon Room Spritz." I don't even know why I picked it up but when I read that the item also contained a Spearmint scent, I figured I would just throw it in my basket just for funsies since it was only $1.99. Fast forward to later that night when my husband asks me to turn off the side lamp so we can go to sleep and I forget that I had put a beer on the nightstand and all we both hear in the dark is a loud thump with liquid sloshing out. I quickly turned the side lamp back on and picked-up the beer bottle but the damage had been done. The carpet on my side of the bed was soaked with beer. While we were fortunate that our hotel room carpet was dark, even with the amount of liquid we were able to get out with towels, the room just reeked of beer. So the next morning, before we headed out, I made sure to do a quick "cleansing" of our hotel room with the Super Lemon Room Spritz and sure enough, by the time we returned back to our hotel room hours later, it was like the beer accident had only been a dream. Since the Super Lemon Room Spritz worked so well, I definitely made a mental note to find some while I was in California but when we went to the first Trader Joe's in Westchester, I had stupidly only grabbed a basket instead of a cart. My friend Teej had just been on the phone with her husband only for a couple of minutes to double check on what items to get when she had come to find me with an already full basket, so there was no time to check for the spritz. When we then visited the Trader Joe's in Marina Del Rey, they were all sold out. At that point, I figured it just was not meant to be. It was not until Teej had tried the spritz for herself that she made it a mission to find some. As we checked Google Maps to see where the nearest Trader Joe's location was to us, Google Maps pointed us out in the direction of South Pasadena, but since it was farther out, Teej decided to call ahead and check instead of making the drive only to find out that they too did not have any in stock. Fortunately for us, the male employee who had answered the phone not only checked for us but reassured us that they had plenty in stock so we drove on out. This Trader Joe's location was an ample size with lots of seasonal items already on display like the other two Trader Joe's locations we had visited. We walked straight towards the back where we were able to locate not just the Super Lemon Room Spritz but the Pomander Room Spritz as well, and just like the male employee had mentioned on the phone, there were a ton of the bottles in stock. Teej and I both grabbed a handful of each scent and headed directly to check-out. Overall, I would definitely recommend the South Pasadena location of Trader Joe's. Similarly to the other locations, the employees are kind and helpful, and they have a good range of typical items as well as seasonal goods. Even when I had accidentally dropped the bottles I had purchased while the cashier and a cashier-in-training had been talking about operational things, neither of them got upset and helped me arrange the bottles in a way I could carry them out. read more

One of my favorite trader joe's. It can get pretty crowded during the rush hour (5-6:30 pm on weekdays), but outside of those hours, parking is fine. I highly recommend going during off-peak hours to avoid the crazy parking ordeal. South Pasadena unfortunately has some slightly entitled residents who will feel that they own the parking lot and deserve a spot even if you have been indicating patiently. The staff are super friendly - I've had to call their manager before because one of the cashiers was verbally abused by an older customer and he responded to her very courteously and still said thank you to her. I wanted to commend him and give a positive comment. Their wine selection is really cool because they are always introducing new wines. I like that I can spend $4.99 and get a very nice bottle of wine. Their hot sauces are also delicious! My favorite is their habanero sauce. I use it daily and it is a staple in my fridge. read more

Trader Joe's - Love their fresh flower selection! - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

See all

I bought a Southwest Salad at Trader Joe's in South Pasadena in this morning. I was eating it but I found a fly inside of it. I am so disgusting and so disappointed! read more

Trader Joe's - I bought Southwest Salad at Trader Joes in South Pasadena. I was eating but I found the fly. I was so disgusting and so disappointed! - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

See all

Nice, clean, efficient. There's a vibe here that caters to customers better than Whole Foods or Vons or Pavilions. I like that. There's also a vibe that TJ's is going corporate and am a bit concerned that we will start getting cheaper products but until I see it, I'll stay observant. I love that I can get Bacon sans sodium nitrites, great reasonably priced wines from the North of Italia (but the Sicilian wines just OK though) and reasonably priced Malbecs from Mendoza here. Chilean wines are a good buy too. Them flax seed tortilla chips are addicting. Them fresh basil in large containers are the bane of my existence. I can make a thousand things and drinks with basil. Them frozen Italian pastas (made in Italy, look for them) are scrummy and authentic. I kid you not, whip one up and you'd think you're eating pasta in Roma. Them frozen desserts work on a late night sugah withdrawals and them dark chocolate pistachio brittles scrummy, crunchy doo hickie good. I'm sure you have your long list. It's bustling here ....yet, I never feel crowded in probably the smallest TJ location ever! This is a very well oiled business. "A well run business makes it easy to take people's money." Without fail, cashiers open up like magic when there are 2-3 customers in line. Now that makes me smile every time I patronize this joint. Convenience and great products, some organic. Tip: Cheapest gas in the neighborhood, the Arco on Mission and Orange is diagonally across the street. Senor Fish is directly across the street. Visits: Untold many read more

Been going here since I was a little girl and it is a great place, except for parking. The store is really small compared to other locations (which can be 2-3 times this store's size), so likewise the parking matches. The lot itself is very small and tight, and during busy days, pray you get lucky. Then there's street parking, but that gets very full too. Other than that, this store is like other locations, except compressed and a lot less room to move. When it's busy, you can find yourself waiting in line to check out for some a while. Staff has always been friendly and welcoming. read more

I love this location. Parking can be a challenge so be careful or try to go during the slow hours. My dog loves the treats from here. She was unimpressed with treats from pet smart (we tried many of them), but is excited for the $2.99 treats from Trader Joes. Trader Joes for win. read more

This is my least favorite TJ mainly because of the parking situation. The first time I went here one of the workers kindly told me that he saw someone graze my car and run off. Who does that at a local grocery store lot where there's a ton of people walking around watching? I was so upset but nothing I can do. And whenever I go here I have to wait in line outside. I prefer the tj in Pasadena where Macy's is but it's a little bit further for me. I came here yesterday afternoon and I couldn't hear what the grocery girl was asking me behind the plastic and bustle of noise around me, and I think she thought the angrier she sounded the more I would be able to hear and hey it worked but definitely not a pleasant experience. read more

The Trader Joe's is excellent. It has lots of healthy foods at good prices. The staff provides great service (with a smile). This location is a little smaller than other locations that I've been to. Some items I like are: - Honey glazed turkey - Fresh salads - Fresh fruit - Dried apricots - Trail mixes The only negative here is the SMALL parking lot! It's always full and you have to maneuver through and around other cars and people. Other than that, excellent Trader Joe's. Xie Xie! read more

Trader Joe's - It's a zoo! - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

See all

I love going on bike rides here. The location makes you feel like your in a small neighborhood store. There are bike racks so you can lock up your bike. The store was slow today. I noticed during covid that this location is slow before noon. Lines starts to form as the day progress. Parking lot is a bit tight which is why I choose to bike here. read more

It's small, crowded, and extremely busy on a Saturday afternoon. Parking can be tight. If you're great at parking, not an issue. The TJ's associates are friendly and helpful when you're looking for specific items. I had to place my cart against walls at times to get through the produce and meat. It's always crowded with carts and people, plenty of traffic and tight spaces. They carried everything I was looking for, with the exception of peanut oil. Nbd. Prices are the same at all locations in LA, and the free samples of coffee and merch always pep me up. It's the closest reasonably priced market in town and I'm happy South Pasadena has a local Trader Joe's in the neighborhood. It's not my favorite TJ's to shop at due to parking and how small the business is in comparison to other branches. But, it's TJ's. You can't go wrong with great products and phenomenal service. read more

I love this place, super clean, super helpful. Listen y'all imma put y'all on this good seasoning blend. It's called Chile Lime Seasoning Blend. It's bomb as hell, the saying on the bottle "just the right amount of salt and heat" is a true statement. I've literally put it on everything and it tastes amazing it's definitely worth the buy and drive. read more

Trader Joe's - We bought this two days ago...ahaha it's so freakin bomb - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

The customer service at this location is no bueno! Too small and terrible parking. Life span on bread here is about 2-3 days!! I feel sickk. read more

Trader Joe's - Fungus on my pita! Yuckkkkk - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Trader Joe's brand Korean style BBQ Ribs.Picture on package is nice, but product is very fatty. Was a fair price, and taste was good, smell was great after finishing with a little soy sauce at end of cooking. READ the nutrition, 240 of 320 calories are FAT! read more

Trader Joe's - Korean BBQ ribs. - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Overall I am a huge fan of Trader Joes but I don't like going to this particular location. (You couldn't tell by my check-ins though!) I think this was the second Trader Joes (the first one is the one Arroyo, across from Lucky Boy), so this place gets most of its stars for nostalgia and historical significance. Yup, as stated in almost every review, the parking lot is a nightmare here, but that's the case at most older Trader Joes locations, so I can't fault them for that. This Trader Joes is not my favorite, however, because it always seems to run out of things. Not only is it super small, but it's very busy and the South Pasadenan moms seem to fill their shopping carts to the brim. There have been many occasions when the produce section is nearly empty (and only has the bruised uglies left) so I have to go to Vons afterwards to buy: eggplant, limes, basil, or whatever Trader Joes was missing that day. The produce can also be realllly terrible at times. I never buy broccoli at Trader Joes anymore because I have gotten super old and soft crowns of broccoli here way too many times. I come here frequently because it's the closest Trader Joes from my house. However, even though the La Canada location is out of the way for me, I like going there because they almost always have everything and they also carry a lot more specialty items. read more

Trader Joe's - Only $4.19 for a four pack here. ($6.99 at Bev Mo) - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Currently the closest TJ's near my apt. I enjoy coming to this one over the one on Arroyo Pwky because parking is a little easier to find. It is usually always crowded when I go at night after work. I don't mind parking on the street and walking... but when shopping inside the store, some parts can be very tight/crowded with people. Quick stop to gather what you need -- lines tend to move at a fairly fast pace, so I don't have very much to complain about here... maybe except not finding certain ingredients I needed at one point in time so I had to go to another grocery store (Vons or Pavillions which had a wider selection of goods). read more

Great employees, and a good atmosphere. I'm not going to go into the whole issue with parking, because enough people on Yelp already have. Also, I would say that parking is an issue with most California Trader Joe's locations, in general. It's not worth it to remove a star for parking, IMO, things were different when the company began, and people should reduce their car usage, and increase carpooling. One star removed because of their limited fish options, and other items that they don't have that give me no choice but to go to Whole Paycheck and purchase. read more

Love shopping at Trader Joe's. Yesterday I had bought organic micro greens, I had noticed that there were two sprouts that were ok looking, by the next day I opened the package and everything was spoiled. The butternut squash was also completely spoiled. Had to return both items . learned my lesson, I will make sure that next time I inspect the packages carefully. Update: customer service was great! I had no problems with returning products read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Our neighborhood Trader Joe's - I walk here literally at least once a week. Small parking lot but neighborhood parking is easy, gets crazy on the weekend afternoons (heck, even the weekdays after work) but service is friendly, seems like they're always restocking (and if something's off the shelves - usually the organic whole milk for us - they're responsive when asked), samples and coffee at the back right. For those with kiddos, the stuffed animal to look for is Tabitha the Tiger (since South Pas High is Home of the Tigers) - let the samples staffer know and they'll let your kid choose a clementine or a sucker (always a difficult choice for our kids!). Clean bathrooms, generous with stickers at check-out, and if you're part of a locals group they offer the cutest behind-the-scenes tour (weekday mornings only). read more

Parking here is the worse! And the layout of the store sucks, with narrow aisles that seem angled in a way to cause people to run into each other from various directions, particularly at the 3-way intersection of frozen foods, meat, and (I think) hummus. Unfortunately this is the closest TJ to me, but a lot of times it's so packed here that I have drive to another location. I've been here at various times of the day and various days of the week, and I've noticed only a very small window of time when it's not packed. You'd think early or mid afternoon on a weekday would be okay but it's not because that's when the place is overrun with yoga/soccer moms and screaming kids. Also, street parking is impossible during peak times. Unless you don't mind parking 2 blocks away (and lugging your heavy bags of groceries all that way) you're better off going to another location. read more

This has got to be the smallest Trader Joes I have been to but I love that its a local store so you can bump into your neighbors and I mostly go here to pick up last minute things. I try to walk here as parking is a pain (very small lot, you would do better parking on the side street which has plenty of parking). Very friendly customer service and it's a well stocked store. I will surely be back! read more

Parking lot and store size are quite small. Do not take your SUV to go grocery shopping at this location it can be difficult to navigate through the parking lot. Inside the store too was tight, pushing my cart my in between the narrow aisles we are a little tough. But the staff is always very friendly! read more

Worst Trader Joe's ever, but then again I think everyone knows that. Even employees that I have spoken too at other locations that have worked at this location say this is the worst location! This must be the location that they send all the new hires. Because nobody knows what they are doing and they all don't care. Last time I was here apparently it was review time and this lady was talking to a coworker and she stated that she said to the store manager "make it a band-aide and rip it off, because I know that I have not done a good job according to them and I don't care..." This is the type of store this is! If you have the time go to other locations. The other Pasadena store is on like 5-10 minutes away. read more

This was my favorite grocery store in the past 3 years since I moved from Houston, the people work here are very nice and friendly. I usually go shopping this store in every 2-3 weeks. However, today around 5PM, the store manager Kurt gave me a hard time, he said I am an online seller to try to resale with nothing proof, even though he saw the shopping cart only has total value about 100 bucks (I still remembered what I want to purchase today: 4 Boxes of Truffles, Ice Creams, 2 containers of Peanut Butter Cups, 1 Coconut Oil, 2 Dark Chocolate Cherry, and 6 of B-12 vitamins). I told him several times I am NOT and left the shopping cart in the store because he still wanted to limit these 100 buck products. I think I will not shop here and go to Vons or Costco in future because of being discriminated against. read more

My wife and I love coming to Trader Joe's shopping for our groceries. So many things we see at Trader Joe's,we becoming more health nuts.. Especially Armenian cracker that I love call Ak-mak I enjoy very much. read more

Trader Joe's - ARMENIAN CRACKERS VERY GOOD. - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

See all

Trader Joe's sells Charles Shaw wines for $1.99. It tastes great. I sometimes use it for marinating steak or short ribs. Its smoked salmon is always fresh and priced below other grocery stores. I like Trader Joe's overall. I like its products and the pricing is very reasonable. The staff is generally very friendly here, and there's a copious selection of flowers out in the front. The shopping experience here, however, is sometimes a near death experience. Ok. ok. I exaggerate... The parking spaces are narrow as in most Trader Joe's. They're also hard to find. The aisles are so crammed that I feel claustrophobic shopping here. After an exhausting day at work, visiting this store exasperates my stress level. But this location is convenient; hence, I return for more punishment. read more

My "Go to" for most day to day necessities. So many healthy and interesting choices alo G with the essentials

Trader Joes Very hidden in the small city of South Pasadena, across the street from Senor Fish. Small place and brace yourself for the crazy crowds. Love their little spot of samples, coffee and chili was yesterday's goodies. Good deals with healthier selections is a steal. With some high price items it all averages out with the saving you get. I was able to find these pretty good baked cheese crunch, less cheese and 35% less fat than regular cheese crunch. Pre flavored packaged beef and chicken looked appealing so I bought one of each. Let's see how this works. Staff is super nice and helpful, don't forget your reusable bags folks!!! read more

Trader Joe's has its vigorous ways in the economy-- artisan cheese, bread, and packaged items, organic fruits, vegetables, and salads, smiling staffs that greet like folks from Hawaii, and affordable prices! Small, intimate, abundant, economical, and somewhat exotic. You just don't get this sort of deal from Ralph's or Fresh and Easy. My favorite section-- freshly packed gourmet salads, mostly under $4. Chopped Italian, Cobb, Lemon chicken & arugula...etc. I've picked up similar items from Fresh and Easy at similar prices. The quality from Trader Joe's are definitely more superior. Next favorite part are the cheeses-- tiny area, big selection, awesome prices. My favorite is the gluten-free prosciutto panino ($4.99). A dangerous and irresistible snack to go with a bottle of wine from the isles on the other side. Oh, don't miss the flower section if you are on the way to a celebration. Fresh bundles of roses, daisies, sunflowers....mostly under $10. You know you'd pay more at Ralph's or Pavilion. Parking is the only possible frustration. This is actually similar at many Trader Joe's. At least you know that people like coming here. The in-and-out traffic is busy but moves fast too. I have not had any experience where I had to go around fighting for spots, or wait outrageously for long time. read more

Trader Joe's - Chopped Italian salad--$3.99! - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

See all

Yes.. TJ is TJ Why this one in Pasadena? I tend to find they have the best and freshest flowers in Pasadena for the price you can find. There produce selection is better than the other stores too and more selection of protiens too. read more

See all

The parking lot is small so it's hard to find parking most of the time. There is street parking available near by. The store is on the small side, but it has the regular items you'd find. Lines can get really long. I prefer the location in San Gabriel in Huntington Dr better. read more

I purchased the peppermint fluoridated toothpaste with baking soda and it made my mouth extremely sore and even bled after a using the product a few days. Discontinued use and teeth and gum health returned to good health after about a week. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Two pigtails up! I love Trader Joe's, particularly my neighborhood location on Mission St. in South Pasadena. The prices are very good and I can find healthful foods with only a small amount of ingredients and plenty of organic options. I make delicious smoothies from their frozen organic fruit and whey protein. They have a really good quality pasta! Their walnuts and their nonfat yogurt are also favorites. In addition, the people who work there are friendly, efficient, and always ready to provide assistance. Today I bought the most delicious ripe blackberries that I've ever had.....yum! Wish they had more of those mini carts though. Recommendation: If you can, skip the often crowded parking lot (unless you go during off hours) and park somewhere on the street and use it as an opportunity to walk/workout. Carry your own bags with you as part of your workout (and then you can enter the TJs raffle as well as be environmentally conscious). read more

So impressed with this location's organization of social distancing. You have to stand in line across from the parking lot like you're attempting to get into the most popular nightclub in Vegas. Since it's been hot, an employee stands outside with water, umbrellas, and lawn chairs (for elderly or disabled) so you don't suffer from heat and dehydration. This store is fully stocked with all my favorite essentials which made me happy and amazed that employees can be upbeat, cordial and grateful for your business. The gratitude should be the other way around. Tip: Leave your reusable bags at home. There's no charge for paper bags now. read more