Trader Joe's

The Trader Joe’s we visited was probably the smallest one ever — but don’t let the size fool you! Despite the compact space, it had a great variety of products. The staff were polite and friendly, adding to the pleasant shopping experience. Their selection of unique organic produce and out-of-the-box options really stood out. Definitely a fun place to explore for something different!

Smallest Trader Joe’s in the Universe (read as USA) 🤪 Smallest TJ but had the longest queue of all 😂😂 Nonetheless, friendly cashier as always and pretty much has most of the essentials. Parking is available outside on the road. The place is tightly packed and feels a lil bit claustrophobic, which should be worked on, but cute place ngl. Despite being right opposite Prudential, the prices are pretty much still the same as other TJs.

Very small compared to the other locations I have been to in other cities. If you have a large shopping list you might want to consider going out to one of the larger Trader Joe stores. This is more for stopping in on the way home from work, church, etc. It's for "just picking up a few things*. However, as I shopped I began to appreciate the warmth and coziness the store gave off. It was definitely a "neighborhood store" overflowing with kindness and familiarity even among strangers.

This Trader Joe's has pretty much everything you could expect. Lots of good quality produce, ingredients, and frozen snacks. However, this specific location is pretty cramped, and the stock isn't always well-kept.

I was hungry, jetlagged and desperately looking for some good vegan food. I wanted to buy the entire shop!! So many vegan choices - I wish these would be better displayed cause sometimes it says directly "vegan" next to the price but some other times you have to check the label. Other than that, it's super convenient, their vegan kale pesto was an absolute bomb.

Not sure if the cashier was just tired, but the experience left me feeling uncomfortable. They didn’t offer to help with packing or assist in any way. I left one item on the counter, but they didn’t notice or say anything. I had to turn back to grab it. They also didn’t hand me the receipt; I had to awkwardly retrieve it from the machine myself.

I will always have positive things to say about Trader Joe's. No matter what city or state I visit a Trader Joe's, I am never disappointed. The store is always well stocked, customer service excellent and they always have the same items in pretty much the same area in every store. The prices are really reasonable for their regular as well as organic products. Fruits and vegetables always fresh and lots of premade food items. Checkout always fast and smooth and employees are so grateful and friendly.

It’s really a very, very small Trader Joe’s in downtown Boston!!! The mall is located in the basement and is full of people. You have to queue up whether you are selecting products or checking out, and sometimes you can't even find the end of the queue. The store employees are very enthusiastic and willing to provide assistance.

I think this is the smallest TJ's I have ever visited. Customers are mostly college students from nearby universities. Located in Back Bay near Green line. Parking is going to be difficult. Clear signage but the store is in the basement level. One of my favorite cheeses, Amsterdam Gouda, is no longer carried:(

This location is convenient and one of my favorites. They are sometimes out of items because they are so busy, but shelves are always being stocked. They also offer beer, wine and liquor at this location as well. Busy, but I'm in and out quick. They always have ample staff at the registers and I never have to wait long.

I've been to the first Trader Joe's in Pasadena, so I had to visit the smallest Trader Joe's while in Boston. It was definitely tiny and cramped, and you can pretty much do all your shopping from the line that winds around the store. While that's something I'm used to from shopping at peak times in NYC stores, you could feel the difference from having so much less space. But everyone working there was very friendly, and they seemed to still have a broad selection of products crammed into the small space. We found our usual snacks with no issues, and of course, picked up a Boston reusable bag. I don't think I'd like this to be my regular store because of the size (and the bigger store down the street was needed), but it was nice to visit.

As we entered, I didn't realize that this was the smallest Trader Joe's in the chain. We are from sunny Southern California, and there are two TJ's near home. How may Trader Joe's have escalators? This one does. I really liked the Fenway Park mural as we had just toured Fenway. The store is really small but cozy, somehow most of the favorite items were on display...The staff has the traditional Aloha inspired attire, and made one feel at home.

This place is amazing, cheap, healthy and good! Customer service is awesome! Deserves 100 stars!

I like Trader Joe's and was out for the day in Boston and wanted to stop in and visit. I heard this one was the smallest of the chain stores. You take an escalator to go down and they sell lots of reusable bags. I liked the Boston one. The store is filled with groceries and very busy. I enjoyed walking around through the hustle and bustle looking at all the fruits, vegetables, meats, prepackaged sandwiches, salads, to name a few that they offer. It is very small but very organized and clean. I wanted my favorite coffee that I get here and couldn't find where the coffee was. I asked a sales associate and she was so friendly and lead me to it. Unfortunately they did not have the one I love. But I still enjoyed coming and walking around. I would recommend this store. It's so fun to see your favorite store in the big city!

I've had a thing where I get TJ reusable bags when I visit a city. I love that this location is in the heart of Boston. It also happens to be the smallest TJ. Once you enter there are escalators that lead to the supermarket. It has everything a Trader Joe's typically has; it's just the format of the market is different. With how busy the market was I still easily managed my way around.

[Out-of-Towner Review] The smallest TJ's in the US! Fact! I didn't realize this when I walked in, but I shortly understood exactly what this is. First, I've never taken an escalator down into a TJ's so that was new. I loved all the Boston-themed decor that adorns the walls at the entrance. So vibrant and tells the story of the city. I love that the escalator brings you right down to the flowers, it's such a welcoming sight when you get to the bottom. If there was ever a cute dungeon, this would be it. They've literally crammed everything a normal TJs has into this little spot. The main difference is the registers are laid out a little differently than that of their 'regular' stores. It's not bad, just a little different from what I'm used to at my California stores. I was so happy to learn they had the TJ's Boston reusable bags. My family gifts these to everyone as souvenirs -- cheap, location-specific, and reusable, the trifecta of a souvenir. I was told they had just got them in and hadn't had them for months due to supply chain issues. Lucky me! A must-see if you are a TJs aficionado!

Apparently it's the smallest Trader Joe's in the whole universe! We almost missed it, So cute. Compact little store, stocked with the basics. The cashier who helped us was friendly. The only issue for me is the entrance and exit are through the same way. Got a cool Boston themed reusable bag.

Very small and limited items. Sometimes the line loops around the entire store which is insane. Escalator going down is always broken. However everyone is friendly and helpful. Don't expect to come here and find your limited Trader Joe's item. Also try to come here early during the day. If you come here after 5:00pm it's swarming with students and expect to wait awhile before checking out.

Love that the prices have remained the same. Best cottage cheese and Mac n cheese ever. We also love the portions are more for two people. You eat less.

Good value, and fun to shop there. Staff is extremely helpful and polite. I wish the stores were closer to my location.

If you want to see a very high ratio of Trader Joe's goodness vs. square footage, this is the place. I love my TJs and zipped through finding all of my usuals. There are some narrow aisles, but everyone was very aware of their own space and considerate. Once it was time to wrap up, there was an intimidating line for checkout. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the cashiers kept everyone moving. Definitely will add this TJs to one of my regular stops.

This Trader Joe's is located in a basement. You will be using an escalator to get to it. It is a small but nice location. They carry some good organic products, pastas, frozen foods, vegetables and fruits. The workers always look pretty busy stocking shelves and what not but are always ready and willing to help you out if you need assistance in finding what you're looking for. The produce is always fresh and attractively displayed. They usually have a good amount of cashiers at the registers so while the lines can get long during busier hours of the day it the lines keep moving and you will rarely wait very long to pay for your stuff. I would recommend this location to others.

Store: It's definitely a smaller location, but usually I can find what I need here - it has a good variety, in my opinion. Only thing with the small space is the lines get LONG - do NOT recommend going on Saturday or Sunday because it's really packed and the store is small so you feel like a sardine in a can. Also don't recommend going after work hours (5pm) because lines can get LONG. Service: Likewise to many Trader Joe's, everyone who works here is REALLY nice. The cashiers will try to make small talk with you, and when you can't find something or want something to accommodate to your diet, the workers will try their best to personalize your shopping experience. They're usually pretty positive, kind and helpful to make your shopping experience the best. Back in 2019, I had a TJ blog and a nice employee gave me these pretty flowers b/c it made her so happy that I had a blog dedicated to TJ.

This small store Trader Joe's has done wonders, I live behind on the adjacent street and purchase small quantities of food since my kitchen is small. But these last days I had been depressed due to the loss of two close relatives and I haven't been able to leave the country -fear of this pandemic time and preferred to grieve home alone. Last week m, on Thursday I run to get some food but my pantry was empty and purchased more than what my Venmo card had and was very embarrassed, the gentleman at the cashiers was a little serous and said you are the first one that purchases this much, not encouraging me for my actions, I felt more anxious and wanted to cry... they called the manager and "SHO" saved the moment but being gentle and smiling took all my purchase and set it on the side so I could run back home where I had additional payment... packed my groceries and gave me a Trader Joe's Big Yellow bag and on top of all his work, a Flower bucket and said I'm sorry for your loss, that's all I needed, a human to easy my pain... Trader Joe's has been present and on the front line through outer this pandemia and will always be my Hero store, specially because their employees are so down to earth, naming Sho of course and Peter and many, many smiley faces. Thank you from all my heart.

IF this Trader Joe simply called himself a "Trader Joe's Express" much blunder and heartbreak and exasperation would be avoided: after all, one enters into this store and descends down and downward deep into the very intestines of the Boylstons themselves with their notoriety, and upon arriving into these entrails one finds oneself in a tight and sweaty and cramped maze of paths with no maize, and for that matter there is very little to be had in general--which, it must be said, is an absolute and utter pity because, truth be told, I do like intestines and had a delicious tripe stew last month, but that my friends is another story; although this Trader Joe is so petite, its few stocks and shelves are themselves only sparsely populated with the goods we know and expect to find within a Trader Joe himself (the sweet potato and the rice and the oil and the apple and the milk and the yogurt and all of the other things little and large) and, ¡let me tell you!, this is not a regional or even localized food shortage so please kindly do not even get started with me about shortages of goods and their microeconomics and financials blah blah blah blah blah, because the other Trader Joes nearby are bustling and booming and filled to their brims with all kinds of goodies, and they are not even in the Boylstons' intestines; in short, eager and robust shoppers find themselves out of luck because nothing they came looking for is actually to be had within this Trader Joe, he is void; indeed, this Trader Joe is simply a hoax and we are all its targets, not least of all I your writer who bore witness and fell into the very trap I have always sought to avoid; it however must be said that the cashier was absolutely splendid and loving, and provided much consolation to make up ever so slightly for the inadequacies around her, and for this reason and this reason alone I have awarded this Trader Joe one (1) single star, rather than the zero (0) stars that an experience without this splendid and loving cashier would otherwise demand; and so someone who does not hold a grudge like I hold a grudge told me, you must only go back another time and you will simply fall enamored and be carried away by Trader Joe himself and his voluminous bounties and voluptuous sweet potatoes and you shall forget the horrors of your first experience in the Boylstons' intestines and you will love them and this Trader Joe like you loved the tripe stew several months ago; and to that I simply reply, ha ha ha ha ha because I will never go back, I will never go back and you cannot make me.

Quite possibly the smallest Trader Joe's you might ever come upon but they're not lacking in selection nor customer service. Although this location is probably only about 1000 sq footage, they carry a good majority (excluding alcohol) of the products you'll need. They may have a smaller quantity of products available on the shelf but the staff are always restocking and won't mind helping you check if there's more readily available in the back. Because the space is limited, the queue does quickly wrap around most of the store during rush hour, making it hard to navigate around the arrows to search for a product during those times. Come during slower hours if you can. Basement location with escalators but they DO have an accessible lift.

This is now my favorite Trader Joe's! They have so many items despite the size of this location and so many reusable bags to select from! The highlight was the nicest team member Steven who patiently packed $70 worth of groceries!! Lastly, I also recommend the lemon bars but overall I wanted to write this kind review to give Steven the biggest shoutout for being so sweet and hard-working (:

According to their cheeky signage, this is the smallest TJ location in the *universe*! That being said, I'm reviewing it for what it is: a VERY SMALL but FUNCTIONAL location. Plus, it's kinda cool being in such a unique store. It feels like you're in Trader Joe's secret underground location! Despite the size, they seem to carry everything the full size stores do. I've rarely seen low stock here. The crew members are all very helpful if you can't find something specific. Lines are usually a bit long, but they go quickly. This location isn't my first choice because I like to peruse without bumping into the others in the aisle, but it does its job!

It really is the smallest Trader Joe's and though it can sometimes be tough to navigate when busy, it usually has everything I need. The cashiers are always super nice and helpful when it comes to bagging my items and always have a smile on their faces which makes the experience all the better!

So my five star review may be a little biased as I live in a state that does not have and in all reality never will have a TJ's for me to shop at. Therefore this TJ's gets five stars from me just for location! I mean really? How cool to be able to be in the city and drop on by for some much needed items. It is very accessible from the T and even though it it tiny it had all the items I wanted. The customer service was excellent and the line was not that long I waited at the most two minutes to be checked out. AND I got to take a picture of the smallest TJ's in the known universe so BONUS!!

Came back during COVID. There is an employee at the entrance spraying hand sanitizer on everyone's hand. Go during the day, so it won't be crowded! There are also super high plexi glass barriers at all the cashiers. Here are some of my favorite TJ items: -Unexpected cheddar. The employees there recommended it to me and its unexpectedly good! -Everything but the bagel seasoning- goes well on everything. -Everything but the elote seasoning- amazing for Mexican corn -Frozen Mac N cheese- a guilty pleasure of mine -Tea Tree Tingle shampoo and conditioner

I love Trader Joe's, but I tend to avoid this particular location just because it's tiny size makes shopping a bit of a nuisance. I appreciate how they tried to make the most of the cramped space, but it is a bit of a puzzle trying to find things. Add in the crowds of people--it becomes a strategic game of figuring out the most efficient way to get shopping done with the least amount of dodging and weaving through other food shoppers. The inventory is pretty much what you will find in any other Trader Joe's store, except it lacks an alcohol section. The lines tend to be long but check-out is quick and efficient. Despite the cons, this place does get the job done so I can't complain much. But it's definitely not my go-to spot-- I only come here when I'm in the area and need a few things!

I love Trader Joe's. In a city filled with overpriced grocery stores, it's refreshing that TJ's offers affordable, adventurous, and high-quality products. Usually I'd give TJ's 5 stars, but this particular store is so small that it makes the shopping experience pretty stressful. During peak hours (after work or weekends) the line will often go around the entire store. And sometimes there's even a line just to get into the store before you shop! Plus, unlike other locations, this one doesn't sell alcohol. My advice? Opt for the one in Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville. You'll likely have a calmer shopping experience and the possibility of buying $3 wine!

Great customer service from the cashiers during my quick trips here to grab seaweed. It's pretty cramped so brace yourself if you don't like being crowded in a small area with a bunch of people. Also, note that since you are in the Back Bay area, you are kinda out of luck for parking since Boston, in general, isn't well known for being friendly to drivers. Decent location, just note that you will be in a very compressed area with a lot of people. IG: Mood4foodeatery

Where does one go for anything and everything when visiting a new place? Why Trader Joe's of course. This location is in the heart of city and below ground. There's just something big city about stepping straight from a busy sidewalk and 10 seconds later doing your grocery shopping. Like all locations, this one has the generic and the eclectic. That day found me in search of some cold-brew (prepackaged) and of course it was there. But I also left with a few, unplanned items. Friendly cashiers at check out and a convenience I wish I had back home. Always a great experience.

I love this place. Has everything you'll ever need and more! I'm a sucker for the corn salsa and chocolate covered everything! The free samples are nice too. Like Damien said below, it's tiny but it's chock full of so much! From the outside it doesn't look like much, but hop on the escalator down into yumminess. Best times for shopping here is at lunchtime or the weekends. :)

Definitely one of the more unique Trader Joe's I have been to, it is located next to the Prudential Center. If you're ever in the area and need to go food shopping, this Trader Joe's is a good location! It is quite smaller than most as it appears to be in the basement of the building it is in and even sports a sign that reads something along the lines of "smallest Trader Joe's in the known universe" I believe- that smaller environment makes it seem more like a small market than a chain grocery store. Even though it is a chain, Trader How's does a good job at feeling like it isn't a chain and I like that! It also caters to the area it is in with references to it and this one is no different. Great place for food shopping overall.

Tiny joes. This is basically a miniature version of trader Joe's. They have the bare minimum in food. If you're looking for your two buck chuck, you'll have to adventure further to Coolidge corner. Also, if you're in a rush, head to star market across the street because I can guarantee you, there'll be a line here.

I cannot express just how much I absolutely love Trader Joe's. Me inside TJ's is like a kid in a candy store (no joke). Even though this store is way further than other grocery options, I will still make the 20+ minute trek out here. Yes, the shop is tiny and super cramped, but I think TJ's still has the best food selections out of all grocery stores in the city. Plus, I was able to find everything I wanted from my grocery list (and then some). Because the store is smaller, the layout becomes a bit less intuitive (e.g. I grab my crackers from above the freezers of the frozen food section). This is compounded by the fact that there's pretty much always a huge crowd of customers, and also store employees restocking shelves. However, everyone's pretty polite and friendly, so it's not an ordeal to navigate the store. The checkout line can be a bit long, but the cashiers are super efficient at getting through the line. Plus, they're great at packing things into your bags. Even when I have a shopping cart full of items, they're able to fit everything into 2 bags without crushing anything. I do wish it were a bit closer to the T (it's a couple minutes to walk to either Hynes or Copley, which can be a bit trickier if you're lugging two huge bags of groceries). Otherwise, no complaints, and I'm already counting down to my next shopping trip.

I LOVE TRADER JOES! TJs offers options I can't find anywhere else, allowing me to try new, exotic offerings each month. Fair prices for organic produce and ethnic packaged food. NOTE: The store is VERY SMALL (single file sometimes) and the LINES ARE LONG, but they MOVE QUICKLY!

Love TJ's. Staff always helpful. Lots of fresh fruits! But this one is truly the smallest I've ever been in!!

I visited this store on 3/7. A friendly, helpful cashier pointed me in the direction of what appeared to be a customer service station/Manager Desk to inquire about the availability of a Fearless Flyer, since the cashier wasn't sure. I walked over, and simply asked (whom I assumed to be) the manager if he had any. At the time, I did not realize there is a pause between printings, and he did not have sufficient customer service skills to explain this in a kind manner. He just made an abrupt gesture with his hands as though annoyed that I disturbed him with such a stupid question, and in a rude tone said "They're done!" Until that day, all Trader Joe's employees have made my shopping experiences enjoyable. Maybe this man was having a bad day, but come on, at least treat your customers nicely. I am looking forward to buying a lot of gifts for an upcoming trip to Japan and the Fearless Flyers always aid the process. I will not return to this Boylston Street store due to the unpleasantness of this employee.

Smallest Trader Joe's I've ever seen, crowded, but a nice change of pace from the nearby Star Market.

RUN AWAY Lol Zero parking ! And every single time I have been there the LINE to the register is 30 to 40 people deep! They don't offer a fast lane for fewer items , the lines are a bitch fest everyone complaining as you wait the 25 to 30 minutes to check out ! Love Trader Joe's but the person that selected this location is an asshole lol

This is cool underground Trader Joe's. Was disappointed they didn't carry alcohol, but oh well , still found some great finds.

Is there a better grocery store out there?! I don't usually review grocery stores, but I felt the need to share my experience. A couple of days ago I walked in to get a few items with my sleeping baby in the stroller. The small handicap lift was out of order and as I turned back to walk out the door one of the staff saw me and asked if he could help. He offered to help me by carrying the stroller down, which I declined because I'd have to take baby out for him to do that and I didn't want to wake baby. He then offered to do my shopping for me and insisted when I was hesitant because I didn't want to trouble him. He promptly returned with the items, and when I offered to tip him he didn't accept, saying, "don't worry, trader joe's takes care of us." No wonder they're all so happy and friendly all the time! I was so touched by this experience and wanted to somehow credit them for the great job they're doing.

Descend, if you dare, down the faux Fenway escalator tunnel and into the bowels of a city grocer's madness... Only you don't. This micJoecosm may be a bit petite, but we're talking about a TJ's in Back Bay. They ain't payin' no Apple rent for a big space full of $2 marinara and tubs of milk thistle. Lo and behold, you can sauce your spaghetti and salvage your booze-blasted liver here! Like the wee pantry in your frenemy's Newbury high rise, there's just enough square footage for essentials, and the short midday crowds make it an ideal spot for a 20 minute post-meeting fridge filler.

The best experience! I was looking at my phone going through which trader joe items I had saved to buy. A TJ employee stops and asks " can I help you find something?" He then went skipping through the entire store helping me find the 10 items I wanted.. I was done in five minutes! At the end he said " this was quick and fun!" Not only did I get the best new grocery items I got the best service!

Genevieve recommended a wonderful cinnamon bread which has now become a staple in our household. She is always a ray of sunshine and has wonderful recommendations whenever we shop at this location! Thank you Genevieve!

Genevieve the cashier is a delight, please engage her in conversation. also almond butter cups

Small and extremely limited offerings-clearly the foot traffic and $$ here is so good they don't even need to try to put more of their products here, which is fine. During a Sunday evening, the checkout lined looped around a shelf of stuff and back. Since this location is right off of Newbury St. and next to Prudential Center, it's likely there are more people picking up a quick few things and a snack than getting groceries for the week. Make an express checkout line for people with 5 items or less or something like that. It would definitely make the process smoother for everyone. . .

If you want a great deal, you go to Trader Joe's. Their products and produce is fresh, organic and for the most part, delicious. You will not find your typical brands as you were in the Big Chain supermarkets. This market roots for the under dog but important brands. I have loved and will continue to love shopping there for very affordable rack of lamb, to delicious mac and cheese, and fresh cold cuts and vegetables and fantastic cereal brands. What I love about it, it is they get food from the world. My thought is if you want to go get organic foods but affordable come here instead of the Whole Foods.

This mini Trader Joe's is the queen of Joes. Small, quaint, and reasonably priced in a not so reasonably priced neighborhood.

I absolutely love this Trader Joe's location! I go in here all the time for groceries. It is a small store, which makes it a little tough to navigate when it's busy, but that isn't anything that can really be helped. The staff is very friendly and helpful and they do an amazing job bringing the line (which sometimes wraps around like half the store) down quickly. They work fast but I never feel like I am being rushed by them. Additionally, the prices are very reasonable. I love coming here : )

It's a tiny tiny space, which makes it difficult to maneuver your cart without bumping into something or someone... (my greatest fear = to knock down a shelf full of items & it be 100% my fault & i would be the biggest laughingstock of the year) But regardless of how tiny this TJ is, they do offer a large selection of their boxed and frozen products. However they do NOT sell alcohol... (no 2-buck chucks here) :-/ I came here looking for apples and left with $46 worth of goods... so proceed with caution. The amazing TJ prices will sneak up on you when you're checking out...

I'm a huge fan of TJ's and whenever I encounter a new one I've never been to I make it a point to check it out. Wandering through the Copley Square area of Boston my girlfriend and I were delighted to run across a familiar store! We went into this small store front and down a set of escalators into what must be the smallest TJ's I've ever encountered. Small as it was this TJ's had everything I expected to find, and in an odd way everything was ordered very similar to how others were such as having oatmeal by the cereal, frozen goods with a row of cookies on shelves above and so on. Even the snacks were near the coffee like the TJ's I normally frequent. There was also a mini-version of the "free samples" table. The staff was very nice from the cashiers to the young lady giving out free samples. I also noted the prices were very much the same as the TJ's by me in New Jersey. In general everything was the same, you just had to get used to smaller aisles. Overall it's good to know this place is in the area, giving you an option to grab some eats or snacks without having to hit an expensive restaurant or cafe.

Very crowded and chaotic, but I absolutely love coming here. I never see my go-to's out of stock, and the staff is extremely friendly. If you've never been to Trader Joe's - it's no Whole Foods. The prices are low and there's a lot of prepared and frozen food choices. I love grabbing their bags of avocados, sausage, uncured bacon (YES!), cheese, snacks like pretzel thins... The selection is great. The vegetables and fruit are always cheap and fresh too, definitely way better than the Star Market down the street. The line to check out might be daunting but it goes real quick. They serve samples time to time too!