Trader Joe's
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
The Grocery Store That Inspires Cult Devotion
Who Runs It
Trader Joe's is a national chain with a fanatical following. The Cambridge location on Memorial Drive serves the university crowd with their signature blend of affordable specialty foods.
The Origin
What started as a convenience store in 1958 became a phenomenon by finding the sweet spot: interesting products at fair prices, sold by genuinely cheerful employees in Hawaiian shirts.
What Makes It Special
The curated selection is the key. Rather than 47 pasta sauce options, TJ's picks 4 really good ones. The house brand items are often better than name brands at half the price.
For Cambridge students and budget-conscious food lovers, TJ's is where you stock up without going broke or sacrificing quality.
What People Love
The value, the discoveries, and the vibe. People leave with things they didn't know they needed.
What To Know
This is Trader Joe's—expect lines, limited parking, and the perpetual search for specific products.
Generally excellent value. House brand items are often 40-60% less than name brand equivalents of similar quality.
Rating Breakdown
Excellent ratings for a grocery store. The chain's cult following is reflected in genuine customer satisfaction.
What Customers Say
“The Everything But The Bagel seasoning changed my life. I put it on everything now.”
“Best grocery store employees anywhere. They actually seem happy.”
“Parking is a nightmare. I've started walking 15 minutes rather than fighting for spots.”
Insider Tips
Early morning on weekdays. Avoid Saturday and Sunday afternoons at all costs.
Ask employees for recommendations—they try everything. Also ask about products returning seasonally.
The frozen section is underrated. Also, the flowers are a great value.
The parking lot is chaos. Take the bus (CT2 stops nearby) or walk if you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do products disappear?
TJ's rotates products constantly. If it's not selling well, it's gone. Stock up on favorites.
Is everything Trader Joe's brand?
Mostly. Their house brand items are often made by name-brand manufacturers to TJ's specs.
Known For
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Reddit Mentions
Nearby in Riverside
Contact & Visit
The average Cambridge business owner has 2.3 graduate degrees.
“I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.”
— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship