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61 reviews for Trader Joe's
Review Highlights
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"No trip across the border from Canada is complete without..." In 5 reviews -
"I also wish they had more organic options." In 9 reviews -
"...and make a 40 minute trip at least once a month to stock up." In 4 reviews
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Christine R.
Updated - 4/24/2012
Good god, in what universe did I give my beloved Trader Joe's only 3 stars? Must rectify that immediately. In fact, Trader Joe's has become pretty much the reason for a trip to Bellingham. (That and cheap gas.)
The parking lot's still a nightmare (I'll never forget the time I managed to park an RV here - thanks DD!) and the place always seems too small for the throngs. We love it anyway for the cheap cheese, chocolate covered everything, frozen goodies, and bigger sizes of some of the same natural goods we get in Canada at higher prices. (For example, my favourite Puffins cereal comes in a box about 1 1/2 times larger than the same product in Canada.) And when I'm down south long enough not to get dinged at the border for my wine, look out. Though I'll never get used to the idea of having to maneuver around people's children to browse the wine section.
I won't pretend Trader Joe's is all healthy food or bargain basement cheap, but the goods are quality. The people who work here are all young, cute and friendly too. Sometimes I wish other people liked it a little less ...Listed in: Shopping for food, Vacation in Washington State
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/22/2010
This was my first time to Trader Joes. I'd heard a lot about the place, and I still want to like it… Read more »
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Review from Navita R.
4/9/2012
I come across the boarder for this store and can't get enough of it! It carries a lot of gluten free products at a good price- you simply cannot go wrong. I usually bring a cooler with me for all the frozen goods.
It's a good thing this place is across the boarder or else I'd be there all the time! Everyone needs to have a trader joes moment!!! -
Review from Brian S.
4/1/2012
I bicycle from the Peace Arch to Bellingham with Traders Joes as the destination of my sortie. I enjoy the Great Coffee the Frozen Organic Blueberries and Nuts. There large selection of Kosher Items some times makes think I'm shopping in a Jewish neighbourhood in New York City not suburban/rural Washington State. Recently I had some Heirloom Oranges from this location that tasted wonderful.
One suggestion this locaiton needs more bicycle racks -
Review from Lou Diamond Phillips ..
Bellingham, WA
5/11/2012
Hippie costco = 1 star
Mildly attractive checkers bumps it to two. Great hiring management. -
Review from Ellie C.
3/31/2012
Trader Joe's is truly an amazing grocery store and should be on every Vancouverite's list during a Bellingham run. I've been consistently impressed by the quality of the trader joe's brand products. You will find all your Whole Foods staples here - great rice, grain and quinoa selection, most of the healthy cereal brands, a variety of almond and soy milk and a great range of curry sauces and spices. The dairy isle is fantastic as is the cheese and wine isle. The prices are absolutely ridiculous - a fraction of what I am used to spending on my groceries in Van. My love affair with Whole Foods is officially over!
The staff couldn't be nicer. Friendly twenty-somethings around every corner offering their help and engaging in thoughtful conversation about food and recipes.
Come early to beat the mad rush. -
Review from E C.
5/19/2012
Now this is a grocery store. Americans working here are quite friendly and chatty. The products are good quality and cheaper than Canadian versions. Like the fact you can buy your liquor in the same store. Something that Canada should learn to do.
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Review from Jeff W.
Bellingham, WA
2/29/2012
I live a few blocks from TJs and was so happy when I heard they were coming into town. After going there a few times, I've been unimpressed. Sure they have funky stuff, but lack many of the staples that you think a grocery store would carry. If you like cheap, processed food, this is the place to go. But the veggies aren't very fresh (and way overpackaged) and the nuts were rancid.
And although they effectively tout the local theme, I doubt very little is locally produced/sourced. (I even heard that they wouldn't locate amongst stores that weren't national chains, which is why the mom&pop video store left. Don't know if this is fact or fiction though, as Sportsman Chalet has since moved in.)
Needless to say, other than the shopping experience and people watching, I don't feel very compelled to shop at Trader Joe's. There are better choices in Bellingham, like Youngstocks across the street. TJs feels like a Wal-Mart for yuppies. -
Review from Gina I.
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
As my boyfriend says "Trader Joe's has convinced people that processed junk food is okay under the name of Trader Joe's."
And you know, he is so RIGHT. That is, if you're buying the 'junk'. I have to admit I like a good bag of olive oil popcorn.. and their cinnamon buns.. and their lemon tart.
Where else can I get a bag of just pistachio nut meat for cheap? Or fig butter? Or cheap mesquite honey? Or frozen tom yam soup.. the list goes on. I love you TJ's, come to Vancouver. -
Review from J N.
3/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The absolute best place for groceries--just not on a Sunday afternoon, however! Lines move even faster than Donald's which is quite impressive. Bathroom lines are huge but they somehow remain clean!
Staff is super helpful and samples are awesome if you don't arrive after trying a tasty meal in Bellingham first.
The produce is actually a bit of something left to be desired, and in some cases, the prices are higher than Vancouver, depending on where you shop.
It's funny to see "Canadian Cheese" sold here (which is tastier, and sharper, fyi--and still cheaper.)
And it's so packed with Canadians that when someone accidentally bumps into you, they say "sorry" rather than "sari" .
But you know you've met an American when one asks you, "Are hothouse cucumbers hot?" They are grown in BC, so fair enough. But definitely not something you hear at home.
Finally, the cashiers are so nice and friendly. No complaints here. -
Review from Ellen L.
2/12/2012
I quote Yelper Gina I.'s boyfriend: "Trader Joe's has convinced people that processed junk food is okay under the name of Trader Joe's."
Hahahahaha.... *wipes tear from eyes*
Actually I have to sort of agree. Much of the store sells processed food in the shape of boxes and cartons. The fresh produce selection is quite minimal. But there's still a place for processed food in the modern man's diet. Trader Joe's is perfect for stocking up healthier road trip snacks and non-hot lunches. We got some pita crackers, cheese, meats, ready-made salad, yogurt, and then drove over to a peaceful rest area. Made for a great lunch picnic on the road.
And yeah, that olive oil popcorn is crack! -
Review from Odette C.
4/26/2012
Why can't we have a Trader Joe's in Vancouver??? It's like Whole Foods but a lot cheaper. My absolute favorite place for groceries...dried nuts, cheese, flaxseed, snacks, frozen goods. Also, the bottled water is super cheap. If you can buy a bottle or 2 of there super cheap wine, I think it's $3.99 it's actually quite drinkable.
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Review from Jeremy H.
Bellingham, WA
3/9/2012
I loved Trader Joe's when it first opened up, uncrowded great prices and decent foods.
Their produce has always been poor. Often times i buy it and the Avocados don't ripen, the fruit is moldy within 2 days. my girlfriend bought hummus and the next day it had mold. Their milk usually goes sour before the due date.
It has gotten so busy due to the Canadian influx that I can no longer stand/find it worth going there. It's to crowded. Maybe my frustration is more with the Canadians that frequent there. I have seen lots of people with 4 to 5 of the same items, which wipe out the shelves and I can't find what I need anymore. It is a frustrating endeavor. Parking sucks as well. -
Review from Michelle W.
3/20/2012
Love this place! Has rice pasta that is half the price than in BC, the best Speculoos butter that is awesome, what more can I go on about? You simply have to check it out yourself!
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Review from Chantal D.
1/7/2012
The food and price is amazing, as all the other reviews have mentioned.
What is terrible is the parking!!! UGH! Go early in the morning, or go after dinner. Don't go on a Saturday afternoon unless you want to risk fender benders, frustration, and possibly mowing down people. The problem is that Trader Joe's likes to be smaller, and part of the neighbourhood. They aren't the type to take up residence in a large Walmart like building. I am sure this works at other Trader Joes, but all the Canadians (myself included) come down specifically to go to this store. They just don't have the space to deal with all us Canucks.
They also will never be able to take root in Canada unless Canada allows grocery stores to sell alcohol. That's where a bulk of their profit comes from. If they lose that, and have to pay taxes and all that other international fun stuff, then they wouldn't make it. And it is such a shame.
I love you Trader Joes. -
Review from Melissa E.
10/31/2011
Everyone has their crack. For some women it's shoes, for some men it's electronics. For me it's food. I love good quality food. But I love good quality food at a discounted price even more.
I lived in LA for 2 years. I was a poor student with very little time or cash so I couldn't exactly take advantage of the "scene". But Trader Joes kept me sane (and well, properly buzzed...2 buck chuck anyone?).
From candy, to veggies, to frozen alaskan salmon...I was in heaven. That and everyone who worked there was shockingly chipper and helpful. It was odd. Go to Albertsons across the street and it looked like employees wanted to off themselves in the freezer aisle.
Anyhoo, my point is, to this day, this is one of my happy places. The peanut butter pretzels make me happy. The whole wheat pasta for 1.99 makes me happy. And the 2 buck chuck would make me happy if NAFTA could suddenly apply to under 24h trips across the border. I digress.
So if you are in Seattle for the weekend, make a stop in Bellingham before you hit the border. You won't be sorry.Listed in: Yelp's 30 day Challenge
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Review from Daniella P.
Maple Falls, WA
Updated - 3/18/2012
GAH tTrader Joe's I LOVE you. Okay, this might be long but I dont care.
Joe, you are the onl;y gorcery store that I rush to anytime I am in Bellingham. Even if it just means to walk in your isles and just bask in the smell and light...I love you! Everytime, everytime I go there, those buggers (US citizens) are hogging up the lot. Thats the ONLY think I can complain about. Get a bigger lot! Now!
As for the store itsself, AMAZING. The atmopshere itsself is so lovely and nice. I love their brochoures! I have two bags from there, once of which I bring to schooling with me to carry my things in if it doesnt go into my backpack that day. Their products, omigosh the best! You got you organic cereals, rice, veggies, you got your sushi, you got you coffee, you got you sharp cheddar, organic popped corn, apple wine, dark chocolate, organic chocolate icecream toppings, salad dressings...must I go on? They have the BEST products. Grant it, it ain't all "local" BUT it is close enough! My FAVORITE prodcuts there are (which you MUST buy and try at least once!):
Gorrilla Munch cereal (reasonably priced here!)
Puffin Cereal(s) (normally priced here, too)
Kettle Corn bags
their whole wheat pizza dough
their cream cup yogurts-ecspecially mango flavour!
their hand Vitamin (A or B I dont remember) oil
their apple and mango tea
their unweetened vanilla Almond milk
and my favorite...their Glueten Free Yogurt Covered Raisins. To die for. My one an true weakness!
They send out free sample all the time! I love it! And its only whats in season! Like just this last summer they were giving out fresh oiled tortellini salad samples! Delicoius. Last time I got there in the morning they were giving out Irosh Oatmeal for the festive Irish holiday or St. Patties! AND all the time I get one (okay lets be honest here, 2) small somaple cups of organic coffee! As for the service, amazing. Always so freidnely. Okay, they arenet "trained" or anything, which is why it is so liberating! They are just nice! No, not extremely talkative all up in you rface nice, but just chatty and freidnly. Well, Im sure they are told how to keep a conversation etc. but not "trained" as I said. Basically, they are good people.
Come here for good time!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2011
Love this place! For an organic consumer like me this is the placve I sually come to for gorceries!… Read more »
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Review from Cory J.
Bellingham, WA
12/31/2011
I come here for the frozen items, pita and hummus, and a good deal on cider.
BUT--the parking lot is so busy, once I simply left after circling for 10-15 minutes. The back and surrounding alley was full as well.
Inside the store isn't much better as far as space goes.
Also, with TJ, although they have good deals on many items, their selection _is limited_. So for a more complete shopping trip, I go elsewhere. For food, it's usually TJ. -
Review from eryn p.
11/7/2011
Went to Seattle for the day to see Thrice play (and whoa was it an amazing show), and we decided to stop in at Trader Joe's.
I spent a significant amount of time in Nashville and Trader Joe's was always my favourite place to go for cheap, healthy, delicious groceries. So a trip over the border was not even slightly complete without stopping at Trader Joe's.
We didn't know too much about border regulations on what to bring back with you after such a short period, and so after some iphone google research we picked up two cases of beer and two bottles of wine, some chocolate (because holy hell how can you not buy a freaking 8.5x11" BRICK of 72% dark chocolate for 5 bucks), a pound of delicious French Roast coffee ($7.00...seriously??) and some marsala simmer sauce, and then sheepishly called it quits.
$40 bucks. For two 6 packs of new belgium, and two bottles of wine...$40 would barely cover it in Vancouver. Or you'd be buying Lucky lager, and two bottles of just okay wine) So the fact that we got all of that for so dirt cheap = happy girl.
Anyway I was still nervous about getting over the border with alcohol after less than 24 hours, but we didn't get any hassles, and have been enjoying delicious New Belgium beer all week.
Thanks Trader Joe's. Now please put a location in Vancouver. PLEASE. -
Review from Margaret O.
Bellingham, WA
12/8/2011
This is one of my favorite chain stores as it carries items I cannot find anywhere else. While I wish it had a less busy parking lot, by shopping here late in the evening or early in the day I can usually find a good spot. Their cool looking shopping bags rate highly with me too. Purchase price is around $1-$2 each and I use them everywhere else I go shopping for groceries!
What do I like most about the food here? Lets see...
1) Wine selection!
2) Coffee selection!
3) Meat selection!
4) Cheese selection! -
Review from Dave S.
Bellingham, WA
2/25/2012
Great place has lots of good items that you are looking for sadly enough some of the employees seem a little short with you, not all of them just a few when we were asking where some of the items where. However, still a rather good place to pick up your organic item needs.
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Review from George H.
1/3/2012
You can't beat Trader Joe's... Even if you factor in the gas and the border wait it's still worth the trip. Everything is fresh and cheap. Go check it out and you won't be disappointed!
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Review from Cathy S.
6/3/2011
I am an addict. An addict who goes and gets her TJ fix at least once a month.
When I lived in the SF Bay area I had the good fortune to have a TJ about a 10 minute walk from my house. It was where I did about 80% of my grocery shopping for many years. When I knew that we were moving to Vancouver, before I even figured out how to import our cars, I was emailing TJ headquarters asking them to open a store in the border area. Where else did they expect me to find my mini cans of light coconut milk?
I was there with my cooler the day they opened.
Their cheese selection is broad and priced very reasonably. The dried fruit and nuts fill half an aisle - they have about 4 different types of dried cranberries alone! They have gourmet foods, vegetarian and organic foods, foreign foods, frozen prepared foods plus the everyday staples. I must also mention their outstanding beer and wine selection, although I am rarely down for 48 hours so I don't even subject myself to the pain of walking down that aisle. Oh, how I love and miss you "Two-Buck Chuck".
A glance through my pantry, fridge and freezer may lead you to believe I still have a TJ a 10 minute walk away. From the selection, to the pricing, to the awesome staff and to the best return policy around, Trader Joe and I will make this long distance relationship work. -
Review from TimandDanielle E.
Bellingham, WA
2/6/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Great food for a good price. parking sucks!
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Review from Royce V.
South Pasadena, CA
2/4/2012
Trader Joe's Garden Patch
The guy above up there hated it back in 2008. I am drinking it for the first time in 2012 and loving it! Delicious! Better than V8. Add a splash of Tabasco sauce. Fantastic! -
Review from Dee B.
8/6/2011
I LOVE TRADER JOES!
I frequently make trips south to hit up TJ's for some of their GIANT tubs of non fat cottage cheese and 0% Fage greek yogurt.
Other noteworthy items:
- TJ's Masala Simmering Sauce
- TJ's hummus... all flavours and varieties are awesome. My personal favourite is the cilantro jalapeno
- TJ's raw crunchy almond butter. This shit honestly tastes like halva, but it's just plain raw almonds ground up - they don't even add any salt
- TJ's free range eggs/whites and meat products
The prices are great and worth the little bit of extra gas and time. -
Review from Laura C.
Bellingham, WA
6/10/2011
I love Trader Joe's. We buy about 80% of our groceries there. They're great for interesting and unique sauces and flavors. If you have time to browse the selection, you can think up something new and interesting to cook for dinner.
Can't go wrong with their frozen foods, and one thing I like about Trader Joe's -- I don't need to scour every label to check for hidden high fructose corn syrup, MSG, hydrogenated oils, etc. -
Review from Billy L.
1/22/2011
This has to be my favorite grocery store in the states. It was my first time there this weekend and I went APE SH!T in the store. Came out with 2 bag of groceries for 40$. Can feed me for a week or more and i cant wait to make another trip. I opened the bag of turkey jerky and it's so delicious. The people working there were also super friendly and helpful.
Paper bags, they use paper bags...hell yeah! Why can't we Canadians ban the plastic and bring back the paper?
Thanks Trader Joe's! Will be seeing you more often. -
Review from Brian L.
3/7/2011
Let me tell you! This place is awesome price, awesome food!
I used to work at Trader Joe's. I love their work ethic and what they stand for. They select quality items and offer it at a super reasonable price. I was there yesterday and bought 12 wines for 70 dollars. That amounts to $5/bottle. Since I live in Vancouver, this is such a deal! I went crazy... -
Review from Katy H.
Much, MUCH better than the Trader Joes I frequent. Very large, very tidy, and very friendly service.
You know how they set up all those awesomely tempting treats as the check out section? I typically avoid those but here they were too hard to miss. I walked out with a bunch of yummy goodies I hadn't even intended to buy. And they were as delicious as they promised to be! Big fan of this TJs.Listed in: Bellingham, WA
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Review from Eva B.
1/16/2011
Every time we go through Bellingham we stop at this Trader Joe's. They seem to have everything we need and a lot that we don't and buy anyway. I have been to the box store versions in San Francisco and the tiny road stop ones in L.A., but as Goldilocks would say , "this one is just right". They even have clean washrooms for the wayward traveler and of course offer samples in the back if you're feeling peckish.
Some of our must have items that we can't seem to beat the price and quality anywhere else are: Tom's toothpaste, lavender laundry soap, Trader Joe's organic butter, huge variety of cheeses, honey and organic free range eggs. We also love their garlic naan bread, lemon pepper pasta, turkey bacon, chocolate covered raspberry jellies, lime chili pistachios and cashews, sourdough rye bread, and the cranberry oatmeal dunkers.
They also have a great selection of libations, but of course one must always consider the border. I don't even go into the alcoholic beverage section as can't help compare the prices to those in Canada and get upset. -
Review from Orin M.
3/6/2011
I LOVE Joe's nuts!
Did that come out right? Yeah I think so......
I love getting all my raw nuts here, plus they have the best veggie burgers there and I love how the whole store is set up.
I really need to find out what I can and cannot bring across so I can try some of the produce as well.
Organic milk there is cheap. We also get the Cuban style black beans (so delish) and then stuff the cart with whatever else looks appealing.
I also love the fact that they have free coffee samples all day as well as a food sample of the day. MMMM today was vegan gluten free minestrone. Honestly the best minestrone I have ever tasted!
I wanted so badly to give it a 5 but they do have a somewhat limited selection in some areas. Like toothpaste and spices.
I am going back again and again though, and I think next time I will splurge on a few of the cute cloth shopping bags =) -
Review from Pamela L.
Bellingham, WA
4/8/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Blocks from my house. It's a good place for pre-made food, cheeses, dips and some produce.
If you are looking for one particular item, they usually don't have it.
Oh and good deals on wine. -
Review from Katie F.
10/3/2010
Wish you were up in Canada!!
This is so worth the drive to Bellngham - your grocery savings will cover the gas over! I was introduced to Trader Joe's from American friends and this is one of my favorite grocery stores - the perfect balance of cost and quality!
Wonderful selection of cheeses, nuts, snacks, meat and produce. Nice atmosphere and fabulous quality (mmm, currently munching on my honey sesame almonds and cheese selection from there!) And all at Superstore type of prices... how can you go wrong?
Solid 5 stars! -
Review from Kimli W.
8/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
As more and more once-unique American stores slowly infiltrate the north - Sephora, Apple, BB&B, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Bodyworks - the list of reasons to go south of the border gets smaller. Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're the US economy), Canada is unlikely to ever get a Trader Joe's because of the differences in food regulations - and as long as TJ is a US-only institution, I'll be making the trip down over the border.
I love Trader Joe's. The selection and prices can't be beat, and it's a must-visit every time I'm in the area. I was delighted when Bellingham got a TJ's; it made it that much easier to completely fill my car with their chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzel bites. You can also buy fancy alcohols at TJs, since they don't live in the dark ages and actually allow people to buy liquor wherever they'd like.
The staff here is always friendly and understanding of the silly Canadians that will come in by the carload to stock up on treats, and very rarely do they ever laugh at me when I buy things in batches of 6 or more at a time. As a matter of fact, I DO need this much trail mix - thanks for asking. -
Review from Nina I.
1/30/2011
Amazing selection! I love this place!
The first time I don't know what I was expecting, but I browsed through and bought a few items. But if you look closely you will find some amazing buys! Trader Joe's have their own brands for many items which helps to keep their costs down for us!
If you want to put together an impressive cheese platter for a party, you must stop by to pick up some wonderful cheeses! For under $35 I was able to pick up 6 decent (handful sized) chunks of cheese and 4 boxes of water crackers!! Some were cheaper than others but here's what I bought: Italian Truffle Cheese, English Cheddar with Caramalized Onions, Aged Vintage Cheddar (12 or 24 months...), Parmasiano Reggiano, Smoked Gouda, and a Brie Log. The Brie log is a must try for brie lovers! It must've been made by a true cheese lover that doesn't like the messiness of spreading a soft slice of round brie. It's made so you slice the pieces and they fit perfectly onto a cracker. Water crackers are 99 cents a box. It's wonderful.
Government website if you're unsure about what you can bring back into Canada."What Can I Bring Into Canada in Terms Of Food, Plant, Animal and Related Products?" http://www.beaware.gc.... -
Review from Reena M.
6/29/2009
OMG! I fell in love with Trader Joe's! It definitely kicks Capers/Whole Foods' bum! Coming from Vancouver, regular groceries are already pretty friggin' expensive. Add organic/natural blah blah blah to that and it's definitely not something in my budget.
But coming to Trader Joe's, I was so impressed! The selection of everything was awesome and appealing! I was impressed with their cheese selections. The organic milk was way cheaper than in Vancouver. The cost of a gallon (4L) of organic milk at Trader Joe's is as much as a half gallon (2L) in Vancouver! And the sausage selection was very cool, and unique in flavours. Yes, everything probably cost a bit more than other regular US groceries stores perhaps, but I find the prices at Trader Joe's for the quality quite reasonable. I think I will have to stop by every time I cross the border.
Plus, the wine and beer selection was fun and way less expensive than in Vancouver too. Enuf said. ;-) -
Review from Brian G.
8/23/2009
Trade Joe's is by far the best grocery store out there. Selection is awesome, and all if their housebrand stuff is tasty and reasonable. I absolutely love trader joe's and make a 40 minute trip at least once a month to stock up.
Oh, and can't forget the staff. Friendliest staff ever! -
Review from Sean B.
Tacoma, WA
12/21/2009
Mmmm, I love Trader Joes and this store is no exception. It's a little smaller than the one at home, but still great.
Good beer selection. Managed to humiliate myself when the six-pack I was attempting to buy split and all the cans hit the ground. Thankfully the super cute cashier was gracious enough to help AND flirt with me.
Will be back for phone number and/or groceries. -
Review from Roanna Z.
7/1/2010
*Dear Trader Joes,
Please get Udi's gluten free!?
I'm down on my knees, I'm beggin' ya please!
I have never met a Trader Joe's I didn't like.
In Seattle I had a conversation with the checkout boy about how "all these people keep coming down" there to shop and yes, he's heard the stories about the prices being so much lower in Seattle.
So here's my review for Bellingham's T.J's:
(apple)C / (apple)V
;-)
I love you Trader's, oh yes I do.... I don' t love anyone as much as you... if I could have you
say... in Canadaaaaa !!!!?
oh Trader's i love you.
I am SO going to fill the car with goodies like your Gluten Free Cereals and Dark Chocolate bars and Gluten Free Pancake Mix and your awesomely priced Earth Balance and Tofutti Cream Cheese.... and I could go on and on.
I'll meet you in Seattle every month. Like an affair of the stomach.
T.J's ROCKS !!!!Listed in: Somewhere over the rainbow…
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Review from Allison F.
Aurora, CO
9/15/2010
LOVE Trader Joe's. It's an absolute must visit when down in Bellingham or anywhere on the West coast. Mention it anywhere in Vancouver and people automatically get excited and all have a favorite product they get there.
There is a huge section of pre-made food that's perfect when you need a picnic lunch. Salads and sandwiches always are high quality and are usually $4. Had the chicken pesto wrap last time and the pesto dipping sauce was fabulous. Also love the precooked chicken breast slices and the mushroom asparagus tortellini. Heaven. Here you can also find a wide variety of meats and cheeses, as well as fresh pizza dough.
Freeze dried strawberries and pure dried mango slices win us over in the 'dried' section. They have a wide variety of dried fruits available and I've never come across anything a) I didn't like or b) that wasn't of high quality.
Dairy and fresh meats offer a wide variety of products. I love the soy options and the variety of fancily marinated meats. The frozen aisle is huge and offers everything from fully prepared meals, to tiny bite sized desserts.
The pasta/cereal/canned goods aisle is always packed with people and is one of my favorite aisles. Try the grain mix that includes israeli couscous, orzo, and lentils. Add in chopped onions and chicken broth and presto! Side dish extraordinaire! Their oil packed tuna is heaven and is only $1.99/can. The tetra packs of broth are super flavorful and taste just like homemade, though beware that the veg broth is tomato based.
Of course, the alcohol section is crammed with any and every kind of wine, all for very reasonable prices. You can also get specialty beers and ciders here.
Due to almost everything being under their own brand, prices are kept extremely reasonable. They make their own versions of products and have wonderful options that you would never think of. While the parking lot is always packed, spots quickly become available. The latest visit revealed a picnic table in the middle of the lot, which we quickly grabbed to enjoy our purchased lunch. Fabulously done Trader Joes!
