Meh is right when it comes to this location. I LOVE Trader Joe’s and I’m no stranger to this chain of stores. Most of the store is their«generic» brand and that’s how you save money.(It’s the Aldis of «healthy food») The employees in this location however I found to be rude at best. I wanted to get some produce and a female employee was stocking the shelves. I was patiently waiting for her to move; at which point she turned towards me and said«do you need something?» in a rather rude tone. I told her I just wanted some brussels sprouts and she sighed at me and moved. Wow? I wasn’t even angry about waiting, but you sure made a big deal of it. The older guy at the sample area also kept glaring at me because(shocker) I took two samples of a new juice; in my defense I liked it so much I bought two whole bottles. The older female(strong accent) who took his place kept flirting with my husband and it made him a bit uncomfortable to say the least. It got to the point where he told her he was married because she was following him around the store talking to him. She didn’t much seem to care. A few of the items I was looking at didn’t have prices and it was a big hassle asking someone to look up the price(one guy was arguing he knew the price, the other guy said he was wrong… spoilers they were both wrong). I was more unimpressed by the fact neither of them went to make a price tag for the item. I doubt I’m the only person who wonders? I’m new to the area so I didn’t know where a few things were so I had to ask for help. There were two ladies sitting on the floor in the section with the ketchup stocking shelves. They were very into chatting with each other and rather ignored me when I asked for help. After asking for help 3 times one of them finally asked if I needed something. Sigh. I got one of the two things I needed. The other they didn’t sell here. We checked out and at least the guy working the register was nice. Overall worst TJ experience I’ve had and frankly I won’t be returning to this location.
Stephen L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo Grove, IL
Unbelievably great customer service! They were out of a product we like two different visits. After the second one, they got it for us immediately. They definitely went beyond normal grocery expectations on satisfying our interest in one of their products. We continue to enjoy the quality, taste, and value of almost all things we buy at Trader Joe’s.
Abby B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Libertyville, IL
I love this Trader Joe’s location! The staff is what makes this one special… always SO helpful and friendly, I truly enjoy every visit(once or twice/week).
Tom P.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
Pretty much your typical Trader Joe’s. The staff is very friendly and they’re bagging pros. The low rating stems from two cons. The first and most important being that the baked goods, namely the bread, are notoriously low quality at this location. Twice I’ve bought moldy bread: once bread that actually had mold on it by the time I got home, and the other time rolls that went moldy within twenty-four hours. Their cookies and muffins are also suspiciously soggy. The other con is that the small size of this store makes it practically unnavigable with a cart if you go any time on the weekend or in the evening. It’s absolute chaos in the aisles. I like Trader Joe’s, but I mostly use this location for my TJ fixes and get my perishable groceries across the street at Mariano’s.
A B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
Great way to shop and fun! Good way to try some new foods & not pay a lot for it. Always friendly staff & shoppers.
Bobbie V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vernon Hills, IL
Been going to this location for a year, staff is always friendly, store is always clean and well stocked. Today my 18 month old decided he wasn’t in the mood to shop and was screaming at the check out …but at least 4 cashiers came over with kind words, stickers, lollipops, and extra hands to get us out the door – and none of them had a mean look or word. Moms appreciate this kind of patience and love because sometimes we DO have to bring our kids. Thank you!
Eric B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
Cheap but great alternative to your standard supermarkets. Our son has only drank milk from Trader Joe’s, and he is in the 99 percentile for his height? Coincidence? No way! Decent selection of beer for not being a focused beer retailer.
Jennifer L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Vernon Hills, IL
I’m no stranger to Trader Joe’s. My father, a lover of the infamous«Two Buck Chuck», introduced me to the chain several years ago. A girlfriend of mine also raved about TJ’s and so, I became a TJ convert, making frequent trips to the Northbrook store before the one in Libertyville opened last year. However, a switch to predominantly organic & all natural eating led me to another grocer(I won’t drop any names, but I’m sure you can guess who it is!). But, I’ve made my return to Trader Joe’s, having discovered that prices for certain organic items are cheaper than my go-to grocer. For example, a 32oz tube of yogurt, which we use for smoothies costs $ 2.99(vanilla, low-fat), which is cheaper than the competitors who are in the $ 3.50-$ 5.00 range. We’ve been making smoothies regularly this summer, so I see no sense in purposely paying more when I can buy the TJ’s brand, which tastes just as good. Also, the organic fruit is slightly cheaper than our other go-to grocer. For our lunches, we eat ground turkey with green beans and potatoes. We’ve discovered that a 16oz tub of ground turkey costs $ 2.99 as opposed to $ 5.99-$ 7.99 at our go-to grocer. Needless to say, we’ve been buying it from TJ’s. With regard to their other food items, I enjoy their frozen food selection. Favorites include the mushroom and black truffle flatbread, pre-cooked turkey meatballs and mushroom ravioli. Also, you cannot go wrong with their sweets, which are located above the frozen food items. Favorites include dark chocolate covered almonds and dark chocolate toffee. I’m a big fan of their chips & popcorn selection as well. You must try the white cheddar and bacon popcorn. It’s a steal at $ 1.99, though, if you’re like me, you can devour the bag in two sittings. In the winter, make sure to try their Peppermint Joe-Joe’s. Joe-Joe’s are TJ’s version of the Oreo, but ten times better. It has pieces of peppermint in the cream filing. The store clerks that I’ve interacted with have all been friendly and professional. The store does seem a bit smaller than other locations I’ve visited, but is easy to navigate. The only downside would be the fruit section, which in terms of both organic and conventional is nowhere near as good as other grocers. Despite that, I’m definitely back on the TJ’s boat and can see myself stopping in weekly to purchase my ground turkey and other items.
Heather M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Round Lake, IL
I absolutely love Trader Joe’s! I just wish they had one closer to my home. You can find some really unique items here and at reasonable prices. I love their lemon meringue cookies. They have some really healthy snack food items and their wine is phenomenal. Great selection of organic foods as well. It’s a great lower priced option to Mariano’s across the street. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will help you find whatever you need.
Susan S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vernon Hills, IL
Love this place! Wonderful efficient staff. Very knowledgable and they make great recommendations on their food products. Great value for your money interesting selection of ethnic foods. When I was a temporary vegan they offer an extensive sheet of there items that meet your dietary needs. Such as gluten free, vegan free etc.etc. if you like salami the one that comes in a pair with a white skin that’s edible, bring it to room temperature like eating butter.
Ken T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Grayslake, IL
Trade joes Libertyville I’m not only impressed with the store and the quality Of the products. I’m really impressed with The quality of there staff, friendly and Very knowledgeable. Ken T
Syretta H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Waukegan, IL
BESTTHINGTOHAPPENTOLIBERTYVILLESINCEMARIANO’S OPENED… yes I need to type that in call caps so you could hear me. Prior to this location, the closest one was Northbrook, and for some reason, I don’t really enjoy that one. Good meats, great vegetables, cookie butter, that popcorn with the peanuts covered in caramel, the sparkling pink lemonade and limeade… I could go on and on and on… oh and the great prices for the much healthier choices wins every time. My ONLY gripe– the fruit could be better… I feel like the choices are sparse and it just always look old… and unappetizing…
Stephanie M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Ingleside, IL
I love this new location. It’s never over crowded at least not when I’ve gone. They have an amazing selection of greens, salads, cheeses and fresh flowers! The prices are very competitive too. The staff is always friendly and I enjoy my trips here.
Kathy K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Libertyville, IL
The friendliest crew around. Fun music. Samples! Free suckers for the kids. Bells. Great produce. What’s not to like?! Well, I wish they stayed open until 10 but I can work with 9. Seriously, there is a reason this chain has a cult following. Cookie butter. Cookie butter cups. Cookie butter ice cream. Cookie butter cookies. Two Buck Chuck is a great base for sangria. The coconut pancake mix is to die for. My son eats the salsa like I wish he would eat fruits & vegetables. And the organic choices are vast and affordable — fresh and frozen. I wish I had lived near a TJs when my kids were younger; we would’ve eater fewer chemicals!
Victoria W.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Vernon Hills, IL
3 stars for you! Not because you are not well lit, not clean or has a shady parking lot. But because the store clerks here are mostly nonchalant and borderline rude. I come to trader joes to buy those special items that are cheaper than you can find at grocery stores or ethnic places. Produce here is not particularly cheap. Overall, trader joe’s is for the uppity and hippies, i would not rely on this place for SERIOUS grocery needs. Better trader joes around, don’t need to compromise.
Nataliya A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
This is my go to trader joes and I love it. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Great selection of organic products, and very competitive prices to Mariano’s across the street. Love their sprout bread selection. Great frozen products such as veggie medley, mandarin chicken, specialty foods and etc. If you are dairy sensitive like me you’ll be happy with their dairy substitute products such as coconut milk ice cream(the chocolate one is to die for), coconut and soy milk yogurt, and all at very reasonable prices. They have an awesome organic brown quick cook basmati rice that I love, it’s a must try. Large wine and beer selection, most at very cheap prices. Oooh and the goat milk brie for $ 4 is incredibly delicious, it makes for a good«cheat day» treat. So many yummy dessert options, from cookies to chocolate covered almonds, to waffers and ginger snaps. Aaaah so many goodies! Come here, get good clean products, or something extremely yummy,(yes not all products are«clean» this isn’t whole foods but be a smart consumer and read labels), great prices, you will not be disappointed! Oh and if you don’t like something, you can return it no questions asked.
Sofiya C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Gurnee, IL
I have been a Trader Joe’s girl long before they came to Libertyville because I lived in Chicago. I find myself stopping by here on my way home every friday for the TJ’s triple threat: Wine, Cheese, and chocolate. Amongst other great items. At TJ’s not everything is organic, but it is much higher quality and tastes a whole lot better then the food from Jewel. Here are a few of my favorite items from there. Cheese: Brie light, apple cinnamon or garlic and herbs goat cheese, caramelized onion cheddar, tuscano, the shredded salad blend, pesto gouda, the brie medallions. just to name a few… you for sure can’t go wrong with these items. The antipasto meat platter goes well with any cheese… and wine. Wine: LaFineca Malbec($ 4.99, hands down my fave Malbec), Earth Tone Savignon Blanc($ 4.99), any of the Secca sparkling wines, and there are a few Reislings that are really good. I’ve also had the Greek white table wine as well as several sangria mixes from there. Honestly I stopped buying wine anywhere else since this came into the hoods. Food: Well, I could spend hours listing off things I like. because there are so many. But you really should try the cookie butter and some specalooo’s cookies… The frozen chicken quassadilas are so good. The indian food is actually pretty awesome… with some garlic Naan bread of course! I love the parmesan chicken skewers, you dip those in marinarra and its a perfect snack. I also am a fan of their fancy frozen pizzas. And did I mention they really go all out for their seasonal foods. Like in the fall everything you can ever imagine is pumpkin! LOVE! On top of that, pick up a nice flower arrangement. My only gripes is they never have the mild or medium fresh salsa or bruschetta like they do in the city ones! Come on L-Ville… we need the SALSA!
Kristina K.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Lincolnwood, IL
I don’t care for Trader Joe’s. Sue me, I don’t care. I hate shopping but I dont mind going to costco or Mariannos. Maybe because I have created strategies and surviving skills for those places. Still I do mind going to trader joes though. The size of the place is practically the same square footage of my living room. Not that it is a bad thing but everytime I walk in, it reminds me of a bit more pretentious and classier version of Aldis. It’s not bad price wise but it’s not cheap either. The amount of foods is beyond underwhelming. I don’t buy potato pancakes but if I did I would like to have more than one option. However, I really do like their hot teas so that’s the only reason I go there. I also do appreciate that they are a very eco friendly place.
Maria V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Lake Bluff, IL
Awesome to have a trader joe’s in the north suburbs. I would typically have to go out of my way to Northbrook if I wanted to stock up on some TJ items. So imagine my surprise when I was driving home from work and scoped out this place. The place is typical — small and well-stocked with their typical nuts, prepared foods, dairy, etc. I was surprised to see the prepared citrus chicken salad that I could only find in California! They didn’t carry this at the Northbrook location. More convenient for me, and so glad to have this in the area. The store isn’t crowded at all after work. Bonus!
Stacy O.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Gurnee, IL
It’s been open for three days, and I’m the first to review? Everyone else must be gorging on their organic produce and new treats. Their loss… Trader Joe’s is new to Libertyville, but obviously not to its residents — many of whom likely used to go to the Northbrook or Lake Zurich stores to get their fix. This location seems a bit bigger than most. Navigating down aisles didn’t feel like grinding on someone, which is a refreshing change. I don’t understand why Trader Joe’s insists on placing their aisles askew, but I’m sure they have a reason. It leads to confusion, as there’s no clear accepted culture of how to navigate the system. People are stopped in aisles chatting or looking around; head on collisions of carts abound. But the nuts and bolts — they have great, reasonably priced produce(organic or otherwise). The fresh flower selection is unbeatable in variety and pricing. The food is healthy, good stuff that you want to put in your body. No weird, unpronounceable ingredients or preservatives in this place. Even the junk food is the real deal with actual sugar, chocolate, etc. Get your staples here, but also branch out and try some of the fun things you won’t find other places. My biggest gripe about Trader Joe’s — and this isn’t specific to this location(or even just to TJ’s) — is that they have little grocery carts for little kids. In theory, this is a great idea to let kids learn the process of grocery shopping and how to pick out their favorite foods. In practice, it becomes a shitshow of toddlers running amok into the backs of people’s legs or unattended toddlers nearly being squashed by grown-ups cruising toward the Two(Three) Buck Chuck. Until parents can responsibly watch their children in the store, I vote the little carts out of the store. They can be phased in later — make Libertyville earn them.