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Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Near North SideGrand (Red)
Mon-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Trader Joe's is now my standard grocery store. I missed out for a while because I thought it was just some fru-fru Whole Foods clone. How foolish I was!
Even though it's cheaper than Jewel or Dominick's, you can actually recognize the ingredients in TJ's products. That's basically why I shop there. They also have great frozen meals for lazy nights (I have my own cheer for the battered halibut) and a huge selection of beer and wine at unbelievable prices.
I wish they had more produce, convenience items (like kitty litter, etc.) and a deli counter. But that would make it more expensive. For basic groceries, there's nowhere better in River North than Trader Joe's. And they have free parking to get you through winter!
I love all TJs. This one definitely isn't the largest I've seen because of its location, but it competes against the large chain grocery stores nearby (i.e., Jewel & Dominick's) that are within blocks of this TJs. However, TJs is way cheaper. Aisles are a little cramped, but that's ok because I'd rather pay $4 for my tub of Fage yogurt than $6 anywhere else, less than $4 for 8oz of mascarpone cheese, $0.19/banana, and $2.49 for a bag of 8 apples. Fruit and produce, although there isn't much variety, is usually pretty fresh.
I think there might be validated parking too, but I'm not positive. Otherwise, street parking is very difficult.
I feel like Trader Joe's is the step-brother of Whole Foods...a little quirky, a little messy, but still lovable and cute.....
This Trader Joe's has everything you need....from fresh cut watermelon to exotic beer to a ridiculously large selection of crackers. I feel like this location of Trader Joe's is designed for tourists, because the bulk of the inventory centers around snacks, and non-perishable items.
The staff wasn't exactly the friendliest...the manager was yelling at the employee (with the employee yelling back) right in the middle of the produce section. I felt embarrassed just witnessing it, and thought it was pretty unprofessional. Then the check-out guy basically asked me out...all while on my lunch break!
But all in all, this location is perfect if you are looking for party food. It's got more trendy snack items than you can imagine. So plan that party, and get your goodies at Trader Joes.
What a beautiful, clean, and new Trader Joe's. It was located right next to my hotel (4 points - Sheraton).
I went next door to Starbucks and grabbed my coffee then went in with my boyfriend to shop for goodies for our hotel room.
It was packed as expected, but with smiling, happy people. Why were they happy? Could it have been the cheap prices? The good quality of most of the products? Or maybe it was the smiling friendly Chicago hipsters working the cash registers?
Regardless, there was a Utopian feel to this TJ's or maybe it was just me, happy to be back home visiting Chicago!
Dear friend,
What would I do without your better-than-average-grocery-store-priced rBST free dairy products, vegetarian fed eggs, not from concentrate and no sugar added orange juice or your wonderful "processed cheese food" less cheese blends? Starve, that's what.
You don't need me to tell you how awesome Trader Joe's is - AWESOME food and customer service. I go all the time, particularly for these favorites:
-Very Cherry Blend Frozen Berries (amazing plain, with icecream, in a smoothie, etc)
-Frozen string beans and asparagus
-Shrimp stir fry
-Organic creamy tomato soup
-Salad in a bag
-cous cous
-Two-Buck Chuck
-string cheese
-Fresh berries/apples/tomatoes/avocados
-goat cheese (chevre)
-Sparkling pomagranite juice
-Fruit leather!!!
-The paper grocery bags with handles which I always reuse as recycling bags.
-SO MUCH MORE
But today, I had an especially great experience with the super-friendly staff!! I was waiting in line to pay, with a bunch of the above-named items in my hands and credit card in my mouth, and a staff member came up to me, grabbed some groceries out of my arms and said "I couldn't just let you stand there like that!" and opened up a lane just to check me out!!!! What awesome, friendly customer service!! I wish I coul have gotten her name (she had short hair) so she could get commended!
In general, the produce at Whole Foods is cheaper or the same price, but in either situation it's fresher there than at TJ's. Same thing with their meats. Some of their meat products at times look like they should be sold only at Jewel.
Their organic dairy selections are lacking and pricier than other stores.
Their frozen meat can be hit or miss. I've had a really fantastic steak or two from there, and then a lot of just OK ones. Most of their frozen pre-made stuff is complete garbage. Find me a premade frozen meal worth eating twice and I'll pay you for it. I've tried most of them, and they're all just one step above a Stouffer's. The only thing in the freezer section I'd go back for are the frozen onion soups. And maybe the fruits. OK, and maybe the mochi (though you can get this at Asian stores...).
I don't really care much for their "3 buck chuck" until I tried their newest Chardonnay, which is Australian as opposed to Californian... it's much more bearable to drink. A lot less buttery/vanilla tasting.
This particular location gets soooooo crowded after work that it's unbearable. The other day I went and had 2 things to buy, but ended up waiting in line about 15 minutes. What is this, Jewel? No express lines? I don't think I'll go out of my way to go back here any time soon because of this, Whole Foods is just much easier to deal with at that time.
I've had terrific experiences at all the Trader Joe's locations I've visited. This is no exception. I love the quality, prices, and staff. It's just awesome.
I have nothing to add to the 137 reviews, but I must say ...
Employees here are super friendly ... like "buddies" friendly. Well, almost. Close.
I had to return a product, and I was greeted by at least three other customer service employees while another handles the transaction. Call me uber-cheesy, but I like smiles. (I usually get eye-rolls and sighs when I return or exchange anything.)
It's a whole different story at Jewel stores ... especially at Aldi. I know depression is overdiagnosed but employees there seem very miserable, and should be provided with free psychotherapy. This is what low morale does to employees.
At Trader Joe's, is it the Hawaiian shirts? The bell ringing? The affordable wine? The laid-back attitude?
Friendly, positive attitudes can be contagious.
Maybe that's one of the reasons why I enjoy shopping here. I feel my patronage is appreciated ...
... and it doesn't hurt that people who work at Trader Joe's are generally attractive. :-)
For years, I despised grocery shopping.
But now that I have you, Trader Joe's, everything is different.
Your employees prance about and conduct straw polls for me and actually smile and laugh in my direction.
You are small and compact but still manage to have a million awesome things.
You have taught me that buying organic food doesn't mean I have to default on my student loans.
You have shown me partially-prepared food doesn't have to be gross.
Your prices are there-must-be-child-labor-in-here-somewhere-even-t hough-you-say-it's-all-free-trade low.
You have reaffirmed my belief that drinkable wine doesn't actually cost that much to produce.
You have provided for me reasonably priced packs of protein bars without making me visit the lugubrious people of GNC.
And you have reminded me that Dr. Bronner is, indeed, an verifiable whackjob.
You have convinced me to travel five stops on the Red Line just to see you. That is practically long-distance.
I don't know what you're packing in your employee's pipes, but please.... never change.
D-list Chicago celebrity sighting here this week whilst cruising down the aisles Weds night...Bill Rancic from Trump/The Apprentice/his new reality show w/his super cute wife, Giuliana on E! He was cute too, but very tall and thin...kinda surprising. anyways, i digress...
i love this store, they have everything yummy at low prices and the staff is extremely helpful and nice - more so than any other grocery store anywhere. i wish there were a Trader Joes location closer to me...this one is over a mile but i schlepp my groceries to my apt because you cant buy these things just anywhere! my fave is the mochi ice cream they carry and the fun, great variety of inexpensive wines and dried fruit.
This place is really great! Wide variety of food and stuff and service is great. The staff is very friendly... I like their chicken wings a lot..but should watch out my diet.. fats...Chould check out their prices.. very cheap for the quality you can get..
They have 3 dollar wine fit for human consumption. That's an automatic good grade in my book.
Additionally, like all other TJs', the prepared food section is huge and has lots of variety for those of us too "busy"/lazy to cook yet who get tired of eating spaghetti every night. Store is small enough that it's easy to find what you need yet big enough that I feel as though I'm always discovering new products. Also, staff is very helpful.
Only drawback, which is franchise-wide, is that lots of the produce can only be purchase as part of a multipack (no way to buy a single Asian pear or sweet potato). I know this is done to keep costs down, but sometimes all a lady needs is one head of garlic, not a whole bag.
What's not to love? Great food choices, awesome vegetarian options, decent prices (esp. for GC/downtown location), and lovely staff. Plus they validate parking for 90 (count them, 90) minutes and my 3 year old daughter LOVES the mini-shopping trolleys - how thoughtful of them. Only reason I am not giving them a five is because this particular store is so small they did not (could not?) carry some basic items - leeks and kale and red lentils. Yes, to me those are basic items. Gotta love T. Joes.
I like this store the emplpoyees are friendly and helpful and it is very clean. They have a nice selection of merchanside.
Seriously, would any other grocery store come remotely close to the overall rating Trader Joe's has?
I originally thought this was too hoity-toity, hippieish, or hipster for my buttoned-down, cold-cut eating self. However, this place has helped me stock fridge and freezer at work so that I save money on lunch and don't stand in line at Chipotle for bowel-challenging burritos with the rest of the lunchtime Loop crowd
Everyone on the staff is cheery and super-helpful, and most of the time so is the clientele. I actually saw 3 different people in one aisle singing along to that disco song "Love Machine" while getting some honey-roasted peanuts, made my day!
Anyway, the food is cheap, tasty, and filling. It also is within walking distance of work so I can hoof it to and from the Loop. Anyone who is tired of spending way to much money on lunch, or simply likes the song "Love Machine" should absolutely become a patron.
I just saw Rick Bayless shopping here tonight. No joke. On top of that I bought some amazing lobster sushi for less than $4 and some delicious Fuji apples. God I love TJs.
Did you know that Aldi owns Trader Joes? Let that information sink in...
To be fair, I doubt whether…
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I cannot believe there has been a Trader Joes located in the downtown area all this time!!!!! I'm disappointed in myself that I didnt do more research!!! The store has all sorts of organic foods and at reasonable, relatively cheap prices!!!! I found soy mango ice cream and had to buy it!!! I'm eating it right now and it is outstanding!!! Its basically half ice cream and half mango sorbet. Soooooo good. I wish I bought 5 more quarts of it. I will definitely be back now that I know its here.
One of the things I was excited about moving to Chicago was that I could start shopping at Trader Joe's on a regular basis. I discovered them on the West Coast on business trips, and quickly became a huge fan of their subculture - from the sweetly tacky decor, employees in Hawaiian print shirts, and tons of private label products.
This location is the closest to me, and it's a tiny one, but that's ok. They regularly rotate in new product, so you can always find something new to try. Some of my faves: their whole wheat pitas (Jewel's don't even come close), basic humus, frozen pot stickers and edamame (so cheap!). Also love that I'm 'rewarded' for bringing my own bag - and huge bonus points that they always pack the bag well! Seems like such a small, easy thing to do, but I'm always amazed at how stupidly the check-out people at Jewel manage to load my bag.
I'll continue to be a regular : )
Oh, Trader Joe's, how I love thee...
Trader Joe's is one of my fav groceries back home, so I was glad that Chicago is also home to one! There are so many selections of great food to choose from, especially the snacks and desserts!! Yes, it is a bit overpriced, but where else can you get some great desserts?! My recommendations would be the tiramisu, Fruit Floes (strawberry!!) and mochi ice cream (green tea is a must!)!
And if you're too lazy to cook, try any of their frozen entrees! There's always a station giving away free samples of food and coffee, so you'll probably end up buying something just because of that. There's also a great selection of wine to round off the perfect meal!
Never had been to one prior to moving to Chicago.
Fun store, great prices on a lot of items we like to buy.
On our list of markets we will do business with.
(and we like their beer)
First off, let me say that I live in Northwest Indiana...We don't have places like this in "the Region." But, man, I sure wish we did!
This is my go-to place on my lunch break. Once a week I come here to pick up their delicious sesame seed bagels and other items. I love their frozen bagged pasta dinners, breaded eggplant cutlets (for quick eggplant parm), affordable cheese selection, and out of the ordinary snacks. A perfect place for a girl on the go to pick up stuff for meals and snacks. I cannot get enough of those frozen bagged meals--me and my fiancee utilize them often since there are only 2 of us and we don't get home until after 7 on a work night...They are quick, tasty, and affordable.
The employees at this location are always friendly and helpful. I can't say a bad thing about Trader Joe's!
I went here for the first time yesterday during lunch, and I was really surprised. I was expecting this place to be expensive, but I think I paid less than I would have if I had gone to Jewel. I only got a few things (since I had to go back to work, and carry everything on the train, and I was running out of time).
The Pomegranate Limeade is as delicious as it sounds. The honey wheat pretzels are even better than I was expecting. I didn't really like the chicken Shu Mai frozen appetizer, but I don't generally like them in restaurants either, my boyfriend did like them though (and they were bought for him, so it was all good).
All in all I really can't believe I've never been here before. I'll be back!
I used to visit the 3745 N. Lincoln location.
I prefer this store much more. The layout of the store adds a nice flow to shopping, even when the after work crowd floods in. The staff are incredibly friendly, and as with all Trader Joes, the product is fantastic.
I will say the produce at this location seems to be a little fresher, though I have been disappointed on a few occasions.
In general, TJs remains the only store where I can shop and get enough food for one week for just a little over $40. Woo hoo!
Thank you Trader Joe's for making spending money ENJOYABLE. I now scoff at Whole Foods. This place is fucking amazing. Coming here makes me a better person, now how many people can say that about where they grocery shop?
PS Everyone should try the veggie string chips. They may not look so appealing, but man- there's a reason why there's usually only one left in stock.
Love is not a strong enough word to express how I feel about Trader Joe's. How is it possible that you can sell all of those healthy, organic items for so cheap??? I don't really even go to Jewel anymore. Why should I when I have TJs? Whole Foods? pffft...I don't need you either.
I cannot go into this store for just one thing. $2 Buck Chuck, shampoo for under $2.50, and lets not forget the Cat Cookies for People. And thank you TJs for introducing me to my new favorite grain...quinoa. I can't get enough! Grocery shopping is fun again!
And all the employees are so nice! I once went to TJs when I had a bad cold and my cashier asked me if I was ok and told me to go home and get some rest. I was touched. Really.
I cringe at the thought of moving to a place where this store doesn't exist. Trader Joe's...don't ever leave me.
Holy mothers and strollers galore! Do not! I repeat DO NOT shop here on a Saturday!
Otherwise I love me some TJ's. The deals, the steals and the wine oh my!
I love this grocery store! Trader Joe's is a great store altogether, but the staff at this particular location are some of the friendliest ever. They are extremely helpful and seem to really enjoy their job. This is the type of customer service you would expect at Whole Foods, where you pay through the nose for your groceries.
They have a fabulous selection of foods from around the world. A nice offering of various cheeses at reasonable prices. And RIDICULOUSLY low prices on wine!
Last night they were giving out free hams, because they had ordered too many. They really seem to value their customers and appreciate your business.
Wow, what have I been missing out on?!? I don't know why, but I've never ventured to Trader Joe's, I always went to Whole Foods, Treasure Island or Jewel...until now!
Either Trader Joe's is more affordable than all the other grocery stores, or I came during a really good week of sales. I think it's the first one!
I loved the selection of wines, and they are sooooo affordable!!! I bought a few bottles (because I could afford them) and I liked 2 of them so far. Haven't opened the third.
This is the first grocery store that doesn't mark up the Morningstar products, I think my veggie burgers were $2.99.
Trader Joe's just won a new loyal customer! I can't wait to go back. My only concern is that I'm going to start spending more money on wine than groceries....Wait a minute, I already do that.
I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's. I go to this location several times a week. For price and quality, Trader Joe's can't be beat. I get bags of apples (49 cents) and bananas (19 cents) each time I go, both of which are half to a quarter of the Jewel and Whole Foods prices. I also love the tart frozen yogurt, which is just as good as Berry Chill, but 1/8th of the price! The Italian chicken sausage and Almond Butter are great too.
All of the cashiers are friendly, and although it can get crowded, the lines move quickly.
My favorite location of my favorite grocery store!
I love that it's close to work and I can pick up the standard staples on the way home.
I always get the:
chipotle hummus
mini pita circles
soy ice cream sandwich Cuties (they are delicious and I bet you can't taste the difference)
frozen burritos (chicken chile verde is especially good)
frozen bowls (massaman chicken and chicken vindaloo are dece)
baby carrots
Conti Neri Ripasso (delicious malbec-esque red wine)
You're not going to come here to get everything, particularly produce, but it's good for lunches and snacks. And the prices are fantastic.
People are quirky/nice and lines may look long, but they move fast.
Parking lot is a nice touch, but I'm glad I can walk here and jump on a bus or redline to go home.
I hope Trader Joe's takes over the world!
Best time to go: I won't tell you. Okay, well it is usually best to go about an hour before noon. No lunch crowd. After work, it is crowded up the ass. Lines are long and debit cards start to not work.
Reliable for what you need. The cashiers are friendly. Lots of male employees I've noticed. Nothing wrong with that, but odd.
GOOD WINE alert.
This Trader Joes has Oyster Bay Pinot Noir ($18ish) and Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($14ish). It's a bit hard to express how happy this makes me. Not that I endorse anything from New Zealand. That would be weird (said with Jamaine's accent).
That said, when times are tough, the tough drink cheap wine.
In such times as these, I'm happy to go for the Charles Shaw 3 buck chuck. The Merlot is drinkable, if you have a blindfold on.
PS. Is there some special test for TJs employees, the "friendly happy cheerful cute" test? They always make me feel special. They make everyone feel special. It must be all that dark chocolate and cheese samples.
I hate to admit how lazy I am but I always stop by to pick up a bag of peeled hard boiled eggs. No boiling, peeling and all that mess.
Darn good and the $7 champagne is actually quite drinkable.
I love you, Trader Joe! I love their cheap prices and great choices in organic, preservative free food. I know some of their frozen entrees are bit high on sodium, but I have been well cautioned.
Must haves from Trader Joe's:
1. Larabars (100% raw and 100% awesome!)
2. The pre-washed beans in its steam ready bag
3. Vegetarian burritos.
4. Trader joe brand soymilk.. so much better than rice dreams brand
5. Frozen orange chicken
6. Fage yogurts
7. Applefarm organic lunch meats
8. Great variety of cheeses at good prices
9. WW pita and hummus
10. All their great organic canned beans
11. Preservative free stir fry sauces
I do not like their produce selections, but other than that, I love it here. You have a great selection of organic foods, and they don't rape you with their prices like Whole Foods.
I am not a regular her in fact yesterday was really the first day I went in to actually looked around in and shop for food. My best friend always raves about this place and how great there food is and I just didn't see the purpose but she proved me wrong. I loved it! I picked up tons of frozen meals, potstickers, gnocchi etc. I am so excited to cook all week and try these new dishes! The service is awesome, I didn't know the name of the sauce I needed for my potstickers and he register guy said I have the perfect thing for you and went off to get it for us. He also, said if I didn't like we could bring it back. Satisfaction guarantee policy...impressive! I will not be one of those Trader Joe's regulars!
How have I not reviewed Trader Joes?! I LOVE this store! And here's why...
*Cheap Cheese. Why spend $9.99/lb at Jewel when you can get it for $4.99/lb here?
*Pretzel Bread
*CHEAP wine. I did have a bottle of chuck that was gross vinegar...
*Mini Pumpkins on a stick! CUTE. Pumpkin trees, who knew there was such a thing.
*Mint Hot Chocolate
*Free samples
*A Staff that knows stuff.
*Frozen Breaded Calamari for under $5!
*The best Tarter Sauce in the whole world!
*and so much more....
PS - they have a super awesome drawing. If you bring your own bag, you can enter a drawing for a free bag of groceries! I actually won once and it was, like, the best day ever.
This is a typical Trader Joe's. Awesome prices, funky selection, cheeky humor, free parking. Only this time with the added incentive of Gold Coast yuppies for your people watching pleasures. Enjoy!
if it wasn't for this TJ's, I probably would not survive in Chicago.
Love it!
Man, TJ's just CRUSHED the idea of a grocery store. Everyone else is running around trying to cut a few pennies here or there, whereas TJ's comes in with tons of products that are just better than what you can buy elsewhere.
To begin: frozen foods of all kinds that can be made very easily, like the Truffle Flatbread, the chicken potsticker dumplings, scallops, mochi, etc. Then you have snacks, like pretzels filled with peanut butter, smoked salmon at a decent price, and these absolutely delicious popped potato chips. The juice blends are great, and don't have corn syrup. The fruit is awfully cheap and good, at least when it's in season (which is more than I can say for a lot of grocers!) And they have all sorts of nut butters, like almond, sunflower, and so on.
And of course, everything in the store is more likely to be free of hydrogenated oils, unnatural ingredients, and so on. Good nutrition is more than the absence of bad things, but if you're interested in eating healthily at TJ's, you can certainly do it.
Also, the return policy is unrivaled. I didn't think I would ever need to take advantage of it, but I did, and they were good about it.
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