Trader Joe's

Their produce, free range eggs and a few other items look cleaner but costs less than in most supermarkets around. I go there to get cheap chopped lettuce and end up buying between $70-$100 worth of things on average, and even though many of their other items are not cheap, they are unique to this store and I can?t give them up. Where else can you get real Stevia (not the chemical filled new products put out but some major companies lately who claim to be ?pure and healthy?) or wild rice, cute tiny mini pitas and tasty Yerba Matte tea? Bottom line: They have some surprisingly cheap products mixed even more expensive ones but they offer a very pleasant shopping experience with some interesting products. Most of their cashiers are very friendly and seem happy to work there. A major drawback is the parking. It?s always frustrating. I?m guessing they are getting more popular that they planned to be. more

This is one of the worst TJ locations I've been to -- you would think Santa Monica could afford some better digs! The parking is atrocious, the aisles are ridiculously small and the shoppers here are rude, obnoxious and always stressed cos this place is so packed. Although I have to give credit to the cashiers who are SO nice! Even so, I suggest the TJ's in WeHo on SM Blvd -- who knew TJ aisles could be so big?! Pros: It's a Trader Joes Cons: parking, aisles, people more

I almost always go to Trader Joes with a short list and seem to come out with bags and bags of great stuff. The frozen foods, the bakery items, the produce, and pretty much everything are some of the best selections of any store. I live right around the corner from this store so parking is never an issue for me but it sure seems to be hectic in the parking lot during prime hours so I recommend off hours or parking on the street. more

While you won't find all the mundane items on your weekly grocery list, you will find an impressive array of healthy frozen foods from around the world. Before you grimace at the thought of frozen food, consider that each item is hand-picked and sampled by the staff before it's stocked. Prepackaged tamales, pot stickers, pizza and seafood are full of flavor. Dont know what to cook for dinner? Stop by for great options at rock-bottom prices. Wine and liquor is delightfully dirt cheap as well. While parking and checkout lines may be a nightmare, the value and fine selection far outweigh the hassles. Pros: cheap, good quality Cons: parking lot, checkout more