“Lots of good unique items that you can't get anywhere else. Love the various dunders and specialty items that we take back to our friends in Hawaii. Also, Love their spices.”
“I love buying items here that you won’t find at other stores. The price on eggs are so ridiculously high right now and I’ve found the cheapest at Trader Joe’s!??”
“Such a great place to come for an excellent selection of snacks, produce and groceries... Amazing food court and shops inside as well! Definitely worth checking out ?”
“Trader Joe’s is one of those rare grocery stores that actually makes grocery shopping feel like an experience rather than a chore. From the moment you walk in, there’s something undeniably unique and welcoming about the atmosphere. The store isn’t just about food—it’s about community, creativity, and fun. The staff are always friendly, upbeat, and willing to help, whether you’re hunting down a specific product or just need a good dinner recommendation. The decor is charming, the chalkboard signs give it a homey, local feel, and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes it totally different from your standard chain grocery store. What really sets Trader Joe’s apart is the food. They carry tons of items you simply can’t find anywhere else. From their famous Everything but the Bagel seasoning to seasonal gems like pumpkin butter or chocolate-covered peppermint Joe-Joes, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. The frozen food section alone is a dream—loaded with creative, globally inspired meals that are actually delicious and surprisingly affordable. Their selection of snacks, dips, cheeses, and ready-to-eat meals feels curated and intentional, with a fun, gourmet twist that doesn’t break the bank. Another huge bonus? Trader Joe’s is actually fun for little kids. A lot of people don’t realize this, but every store hides a stuffed animal—at mine, it’s a plush horse—and if your kid finds it while shopping, they get to tell a crew member and earn a prize, usually a lollipop. It’s such a sweet little tradition that makes the store feel even more warm and personal. It gives kids a reason to stay engaged and excited, which in turn makes shopping way easier for parents. All in all, Trader Joe’s is more than just a grocery store—it’s a little adventure. Whether you’re there to stock up for the week or just stop in for your favorite frozen meal or snack, it’s a place where people feel happy to shop. You walk out with great food, new things to try, and maybe even a smile on your face (or a lollipop in your kid’s hand).”
“One of my favorite grocery stores of all time. I remember the first time I went to a Trader Joe's in Massachusetts it had formerly been a DZ (Discovery Zone). I'm very fond of all of their unique and special foods that they have. They have so many Staples here that I've loved for almost two decades and counting. This place would get five stars but it has one star deducted because the parking lot is atrocious. Getting in and out of this parking lot can be extremely challenging. Other than that it's a great place to shop for food.”
“This review is only because of the MASSIVE locally grown zucchini’s they have right now for 99 cents. I love Trader Joe’s and always have but that was a find deserving of a good review. Would love to see more of this!!!
While I’m here - Trader Joe’s could be a lot better about their plastic use. I normally end up at Whole Foods for my veggies because most are wrapped in plastic at Trader Joe’s unfortunately:( Whole Foods has loose plastic free veggies! You’re gonna wash them anyway, might as well not have plastic.”
“Love the snack selections. I love chocolate and this place has such a healthy selection of chocolate snacks to choose from its diabolical I always end up buying more than I need!”
“The Byron store in North Park, San Diego, is truly exceptional. It’s the best store in the area, offering high-quality products and consistently fresh food. Most impressive is their salmon—so fresh and juicy that it’s practically sashimi-grade. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making every visit enjoyable. Additionally, their generosity stands out—they donate food weekly to local churches, which is deeply appreciated. A fantastic store all around!”
“I went in hungry to get a bite. I picked a 2 item plate with rice & beans. The mole was disappointing as was the shredded pork in chile verde. However, the chile relleno was delicious as were the beans.”
“Got everything that I needed. Layout was great. Staff was helpful, but this location is really busy (can't necessarily help that, and I went at 5pm when everyone is getting off work)”
“The deli at the 4S Jimbo’s is the best without a doubt. They are always so kind and take the time to make the best sandwiches! The lonestar and the grilled sourdough chicken are me and my boyfriend’s go-to’s, and the deli workers always deliver. Thanks guys:)”
“i came here in my search for fresh wide rice noodles and was so happy to find such a great variety. they also have a great “chay” vegetarian frozen section with every kind of mock meat you would need, fried spring rolls, sticky rice desserts, etc.”
8AM - 11PM
2677 Mission Village Dr, San Diego
Grocery Stores
“This is a local liquor store and every time I walk into it, the people buying the counter are always in a great mood going off one of those places that will know your name”
“I really love Trader Joe's, but I have purchased half and half creamer from them before and it's sour, even though the expiration date is two weeks or more out. It's frustrating as I have had to throw it out and purchase another, as I can't go back cost too much in gas.”
“So much cool stuff and such great prices, one of our favorite places to get groceries in San Diego!
Shoutout to Ian who did one of the best jobs of grocery bagging I have ever seen.”
“This is a great store for the basics plus some home wares, and the produce is the only thing that can be a hit or miss. It’s going to be a little crazy being downtown and the employees know how to keep things in check.”
7AM - 10PM
2796 K St, San Diego
Grocery Stores
“It's worth a trip if you like delicious Carne Asada and adobada. They prep the meat really well and it taste delicious. We seriously drive here just for the meat. I wish I could tell you more about the store, but the carniceria/butcher shop is always our target, and it's always a win. Try it.”
“Pola Market is crucial part of this neighborhood! This is a small market in the middle of a neighborhood and they treat you like a neighbor! Always friendly and remember your name. They got a little bit of everything. You can count on this place to come through for those things you forgot to pickup when you were at the grocery store and didn't remember you needed it until you go to use it and it's gone. For me that always seems to be coffee creamer lol. So it's nice to be able to walk to the corner and know that they got what I need!”
“It's okay, I just always feel like they think I am there to steal. It's projecting on my part because I don't get harassed when I go in. They don't even bother me about my backpack. I can't give it a five because it's a drab and dreary little place”
“Amazing hand picked beer selection, staff is always friendly and helpful. Sometimes prices can be over compared to others outside of downtown. But I always overlook the prices by the great selection, central location, and friendly service. Try out the sandwiches and fresh deli options, they even have Togo artisan pizzeria slices! It's really a one stop shop. :)”
“I love this little place. The selection is small but the fruit and vegetables are fresh and fantastic to the taste. Its a strange little store with odd offerings of canned goods, bakery products, produce and plants. They have a pretty good nut selection as well. They are not cheap but the quality may be worth it to you.”
“(May 2014) Needs to be viewed more in the context of the entire business (ie high quality deli foods, wine and beer). Not the biggest range but for most punters and especially tourists will be more than enough. Didn’t visit the taproom but looked pretty good. Only 3 minute walk from our holiday digs and for mine was easily OB’s best source of quality beer and wine.”
“Always clean. Prices can be a bit outrageous at times, but they have a great hot and cold bar. If you're into olives, the olive bar always looks fresh. That makes it worth it. I've always had a friendly cashier, and they do a great job keeping the line moving. It's one single file line, so you never have to make the tough choice of trying to figure out which line is going to move the fastest. Don't you hate when you pick the line with the least amount of people, but then someone pulls out their checkbook to pay, and they can't find a working pen. Or another person gets one thing with no price tag and is an item from the other side of the store. Then the cashier has to call the manager over to explain it. They never hear it all on the first go. Now you've seen everyone that was in the line you should have chosen outside in their cars, and now new people are getting in that line. Well, Baron's saves you from that frustration. There's a few tables outside for you to eat at if you like. It's a parking lot, so not the best view but nice enough if you need a few minutes to yourself before getting home to your noisy children or unhappy spouse. I often drop my car off at the car wash across the street, walk over, and do my shopping. It's a very peaceful store.”
“I've been coming to this market for 30 years, it's nice now the newest owners are the best yet! The store is always playing really good music that gives your body rhythm! So stop by and get a big drink of Rhythm.”
“Fantastic salad bar always fun during the holidays they have special items. Sometimes it's a wait to cash out occasionally there's one employee that's grumpy.”
“The staff is always friendly. Great variety of delicios sandwiches. They would get a 5 stars, but their cole slaw side is very salty. Grest selection of wines and food.”
“I love this place! They carry all the seasonal items I grew up eating from our 7acres in Northern Michigan, and soooo much more. Reasonable pricing as well! Knowledgeable Staff, friendly and helpful. Wild Mushrooms galore! This isn't just for restaurants, open to the public. Foodies and amateur Chefs, inspired home cooks... this is THE place in San Diego for the freshest produce you're likely to find.
Now... where's the 6-star rating option?!?”
“Very clean and organized!
Tons of parking and easy to get in and out of.
Been coming here for years and will continue to do so.
A wide variety of fresh flowers, meat, seafood and produce all at reasonable prices.
Everyone here goes above and beyond to ensure customers leave satisfied.”
“I've been to 90 percent of grocery outlet stores in San Diego and this one is on my top 3...well stocked unique products fresh produce will definitely come back again”
“This Trader Joe’s is 10/10. The parking was easy, the staff was friendly and helpful, the options in the store were all stocked and the store is clean and not too crazy busy. You can actually get around! It’s my favorite location.”