Review Highlights
“Regardless, I braved the rain and walked a few blocks up to TJs at 11AM on a Saturday expecting the worst.” in 42 reviews
“They have crew monitoring the inbound flow of cars into the tiny parking lot (which is free!) and directing traffic.” in 13 reviews
“I am an acolyte in the ways of grocery shopping, and thanks to the TJ's in Center City Philadelphia, I have found my way.” in 24 reviews
Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices. That's what we call value.
Ask the Community
Q:
Do they have a parking lot?
A:
Yes, this location has a fairly large outdoor parking lot.
Alexandra K.3 years agoQ:
Do they sell wine/champagne?
A:
They don't! Darn restrictive PA liquor laws ::shakes fist::
Alexandra K.5 years ago 2 people found this helpful
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
505 reviews
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1 star
- Dec 12, 2023
We can all agree Trader Joe's as a whole has some of the best prices and products around!
This location keeps most of their products in stock, but the building is very hard to access (entrance on back of street) and a very small parking lot that is almost always full or has a line around the block. The store is always extremely crowded so navigating can be hard, but they do get you through the checkout line quicker than you'd think.
Overall - worth it for the great products and prices! Just expect a crowd and very limited parking.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Dec 10, 2023Updated review
Always crazy busy but the staff manages the chaos well! The shelves are normally well stocked and the staff are friendly. Line moves fast and it's efficiently managed. Value is great and they have all the basics. I just wish they carried more grass-fed meat and wild caught fish...
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Aug 14, 2013Previous reviewI'm always telling myself that when I am rich, I will buy everything at Trader Joes. For now, I limit my purchases to the items I need but every now and then I treat myself to one of the awesome cheeses or expensive (but yummy and high quality) meats.
Some of their stuff is reasonably priced or even cheaper than Whole Foods or Super Fresh (Greek Yogurt, Veggie Chips, Hummus). The majority of their stuff is better for you than most Super Fresh products/brands but you do pay more for it (produce, meats, etc).
What I love most about this store is the unique items that you won't find at other grocery stores. Their Blueberry Goat Cheese is one of my favorite TJ snacks as well as their dark chocolate covered pretzel crisps. I always get good dinner meal and snack ideas from their mini-kitchen where they prepare and offer samples to customers while shopping.
Don't be intimidated by their long lines. They move very fast as the cashiers are super efficient and they always have all lanes open during busy times. I once waited 5 minutes in line but that was the longest and I had easily over 20 people in front of me on this Sunday afternoon.
Great place to but up unique items and staples too.
PS- They have a parking lot for those of you who have a car... - 8164966Nov 17, 2022
Trader Joe's has earned its brand equity as a quality grocery store that differentiates itself from others in the marketplace. The store sizes aren't overbearing, the products that are store branded are high-quality, and the service is exceptional. The store has such a phenomenal reputation, that it's difficult to decipher when you can shop without a long line to check out. Luckily, they are very well staffed and organized, and lines move quickly. Weekdays before 3:30pm are the best days to go, although, I have arrived shortly after they've opened and by the time I checked out, there was a wait, but only under 20 deep. On a Saturday or Sunday morning, even if you arrive within a half-hour of opening, there's a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot!
Some items are priced well and very reasonable, while others rise near the level of Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck). But, the number of people on staff is much more effective at Trader Joe's. If you have food allergies, just head to the customer service desk behind the registers to check out, and they have a preprinted list, several pages long, of most items in the store, with indications of which are safe for those who are gluten intolerant, vegans, etc.
Employees are very helpful, the store is always clean, and at all times they are constantly restocking shelves with everything they have in stock. From produce, to cheese, meats and fish, fresh flowers, snacks, beverages, spices, dairy, paper, and pet products, Trader Joe's has you covered. With at least 12-20 registers going at any time, it's well worth the short wait. They offer free parking within 50 feet of the entrance. Convenience and quality makes Trader Joe's a great place to shop.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Feb 1, 2023
As a Rochester-native I think I am "supposed to be" a true Wegmans evangelist, but I've been shopping at TJs pretty much exclusively since the early pandemic days. When choosing an apartment here in Philly, I won't pretend "proximity to a Trader Joe's" wasn't on the criteria list. This location has a lot going for it, including a parking lot, fairly well-organized checkout processes considering the volume this store does, and great staff.
Yes, there are often a lot of items out of stock and yes, it gets really crowded and hard to get around during peak times. Kind of par for course, so go during the week if you're able. Wednesdays at 8:30am is peak peaceful vibes, and I never have a problem finding what I need.
Grateful this location exists and appreciate having access to all my fave things so easily!Helpful 15Thanks 0Love this 18Oh no 0 - Holy S.Arlington, VA34357Jun 25, 2023
The crew here is just such dogshit. They clearly hate the customers, and it kind of seems like they are awful to one another too. The vibes are just so bad.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Kamora C.Murrieta, CA0264Oct 15, 2023
Between the two Trader Joe's near my apartment, I'd say this one is my preferred stop. The vibe here feels more welcoming and warm. This location is very busy and fast paced, and since it's a smaller store - it tends to fill up quick. However, the staff handles this place perfectly and kudos to them. Most of the time, I'm rung up by someone that's full of positivity and conversation!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - James L.MD, MD01Sep 3, 2023
Trader Joe's is the best! I'm amazed that they are able to pack in a large amount of good stuff in a relatively small store. The staff is welcoming and accommodating. Their checkout process is terrific. Even when long lines wrap around the store, you get out rather quickly. The on-site parking lot is a bonus for people who need to drive. It's a great addition to Center City and my favorite place to shop for groceries and produce.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Cie R.Manhattan, New York, NY08Jan 13, 2023
I've been to 7 diff locations so needless to say I love and support Trader Joe's. Recently I accidentally left a personal possession in the store. I was very frazzled in getting back there to retrieve (hopefully).
The store was so gracious and put me at ease with their professionalism upon my arrival. Eric W. was a standout being kind, empathic & a ray of light and positivity!! He was genuinely happy that I was able to get my belongings. Not only that but he apparently took it to heart finding & following up with a manager. :) Not many would.
In this day & age of people caring less or not at all- Eric W. is an amazing team member whose light shines bright & I hope he is recognized accordingly. Any company would surely be lucky to have him. My purchasing dollar always goes in the direction of aligning with my ethical & planet friendly practices and additionally with kind spirits, professionalism and thorough knowledge/training. I will definitely be using this location even more. Thank you Eric, I appreciate your spirit... your light shines bright!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Dec 26, 2020
Lines are long during COVID, but they move fast! Everything is usually stocked, so you can get your grocery shopping on :)
One interesting thing is (being from Alabama) that Trader Joe's in Pennsylvania do not sell alcohol. For anyone trying to get their peach bellini, you're out of luck. I had to go through the heartbreak, so I'm warning y'all ahead.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Aug 27, 2019
Having Trader Joe's right in the heart of Philly I think is an amazing idea. Even New Jersey does not have many Traders around. When I visited my friend in Philly and saw the store available just 2 blocks away I could not believe my eyes. Whoever came with the location was definitely very creative. The entrance is in the back of the street with an accessible handicapped ramp it. The store is clean with welcoming staff.
Thank you for reading this and I hope you find this helpful.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
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