And Now We Welcome: Trader Joe’s

Maybe you were like me, and you woke up at the crack of dawn to join the seemingly hundreds of people who lined the entire plaza of Hyde Park Shopping Center, awaiting the launch of Trader Joe’s newest store. Or perhaps you got a full eight hours of sleep. Either way, you’ve either been to or heard about the newest grocery addition to Hyde Park. Sure, like any other grocery store, this Trader Joe’s has the essentials like milk and bread, but these small grocery stores are widely known for their one-of-a-kind foods and drinks. They also have some delectable fall-favorite items right now. So, whether you got a first-hand look at their products on opening day, or you couldn’t really care less, here is a round up of the best of the best at Trader Joe’s, Hyde Park, right now.

Still needing to get in the spirit of autumn? Trader Joe’s should be your first stop. Elevate your apartment, or, yes, even your dorm room, with a bouquet of mums.

The sign says it all for these guys: “celebrate fall & add flair to your home” (or dorm).

Now on to the food: Never go to Trader Joe’s on an empty stomach. If you do, I can guarantee that you won’t leave empty handed. I made the mistake of doing this, and I stopped by the sampling kitchen (bad choice for my wallet, I know), which introduced me to our next item on today’s round up: Trader Joe’s mini-chicken tacos.

Do yourself a favor and skip the line at Chipotle for this Taco Tuesday, and give these boys a try; they won’t disappoint.

Another thing to love about Trader Joe’s is their prices. They may be a small grocery store, but they serve a big bang for your buck. Dining on a budget comes at no expense to flavor at this store. Don’t believe me? At least try our next item before writing off Trader Joe’s.

I promise you: these sandwiches are the perfect lunch, and for only $4.99 they taste that much better. Next time you consider ordering a tiny sandwich from one of the campus coffee shops for $8.99, consider instead trying these sandwiches right here.

Next on our list is something one might be hesitant to try, considering it comes in a frozen package. But speaking from my own personal experience, do not overlook the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe’s. My taste buds have yet to be disappointed by a frozen anything at Trader Joe’s. Next time you’re perusing the aisles, I suggest trying their potato latkes. 

Add an international twist and try these guys with a dollop of Trader Joe’s tzatziki sauce to accompany.

Enough with the food items. The only thing to rival Trader Joe’s fresh selection of foods is their selection of beverages. There’s something for everyone. Let’s kick off the beverages with something to help out your fall mood: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Coffee.

Call me #basic, but Trader Joe’s pumpkin coffee slaps. We all know how expensive on-campus coffee shops can be. Spend the equivalent as what you would at an on-campus coffee shop, and get pumpkin-spiced coffee that will last you for weeks. Admire your fall-favorite mums, while enjoying this cup of Joe.

And finally, this next item is perhaps, my own personal favorite: Trader Joe’s famous $2.99 bottles of wine. The wine from Trader Joe’s, however, tastes anything, except cheap. 

My own personal favorite is their cabernet sauvignon, but fear not. They have a wide variety for those of you who aren’t fans of dry wines.

Whoever you are, Charles Shaw, we salute you.

These items don’t even make a dent in what Trader Joe’s has to offer. And since it’s within walking distance from anywhere in Hyde Park, next time you have some free time, consider making a Trader Joe’s haul. 

Which of these items is your favorite? And which of your favorites did I miss?

Photos courtesy of André Hall

Cover photo via