I've been meaning to write a review of Joe's Pharmacy and Tony for some time but wanted to have been using them long enough to justify it. If there was ever a time, it's now. There are a lot of negative reviews on here, but be aware that there are also a lot of four and five star reviews that aren't shown because they aren't factored into whatever Yelp's special formula for review is and therefore not shown as "recommended" reviews. But you can see them all here: http://www.yelp.com/not_recommended_reviews/ZfDy15zBZlyKte5hJF6JRA I moved all of my prescriptions a little less than a year ago when the dosage of my bupropion had been shorted, not once, not twice, but three times in 5 months by the Walgreens across the street. And the last time it happened, the tech actually questioned me about it possibly "being my own mistake" what I might be doing. I was diagnosed with depression when I was 8 and in my 30 years since then, it's the only antidepressant that has consistently and successfully worked for me. But because I've had problems with it lasting through the half life, my doctor prescribes me 150 mg of the extended 24 hour release twice a day. That means instead of 30, 150mg pills, I have a specific prescription approved for 60. At Joe's they understand that and they never get it wrong. And here are some other reasons happy to get my other prescriptions filled here: When a prescription for any of my long term medications is set to expire, they call my doctor and have it renewed when filling the last refill so that I have no delays. They just take care of it without me even asking them to. Tony will always tell you that he is a pharmacist and as such, he only needs to fill prescriptions and sell OTC medications or medical products. He doesn't sell pepsi cola or chia pets, because it's not why he became a pharmacist. Tony, all of his staff, interns, and other pharmacy techs are consistently friendly, pleasant, and caring of their clientele and they always remember you and your medication needs. And finally, as someone who used to work for OFA and the DNC, as much as I really fought the good fight to get the Affordable Care Act enacted, I have to admit that it has been nothing but a total shit-storm rolling out. You see, I'm one of those unfortunate people who's insurance company dropped their individual coverage plan so that it didn't have to comply with the ACA. So like a responsible person, I signed up for a new plan with Anthem Blue Cross as soon as the ACA went live. And as the year closed, I had yet to see anything for my premium payment. So again, like a responsible person, I called Anthem Blue Cross, who confirmed that they got my application, that I would definitely have coverage, and then took my first premium payment over the phone. As of today, January 7, 2014, they still have yet to process my payment or issue me a member ID and group number. And after spending hours on hold they still assure me that I have coverage, but they have also, and very confidently, given me a lot of misinformation about how to handle getting my prescriptions filled, and now they don't even answer the phone at all. As a result, I am paying out of pocket for everything. I called Tony and compared to the other big box store pharmacies actually has the best value on medication. For example, for the last year, my birth control pill has supposed to have been free with insurance under the ACA requirements. While I'm in insurance limbo hell, I have to pay full cost for it and after researching it, here is what I have found the out of pocket cost for a 91 day supply of generic Seasonique : Costco (generic not carried): $315 for name brand Walgreens: $295 Target: $247.50 Walmart: My soul and dignity + BART fare to Oakland Joe's Pharmacy: $180 Yep, the guy who makes really nothing compared to the bigger retail pharmacies is the least expensive, not to mention most accommodating and neighborly. If money were no object, I would go to Costco and stick it to Anthem Blue Cross when they have to reimburse me. The small neighborhood pharmacy is dying out, so sorry, while some reviewers may have issues with Joe's Pharmacy, I have zero complaints and will continue to fill my prescriptions here. read more

I have to agree with many of the low rated Yelp and Google reviews. Male pharmacist was just plain rude. He didn't listen and let me finish talking. The lady who answered was nice but when my call was directed towards the male pharmacist, he just said his part and hung up. Take your business to Amazon, Costco, or somewhere with better customer service. read more

Been going to Joe's since 1975 and then I moved in 1982 and recently visited the pharmacy after 42 years! New owner but so good to have that personal touch in the neighborhood. That's how it was back in the 70s! Joes pharmacy, Connie's Grocery, Rancho Burgers, etc. read more

I just had a great experience getting a prescription filled for my daughter who recently moved into the neighborhood. Tony was very professional and provided prompt service. It is great to see an independent pharmacy still doing well in this day and age. I am a retired pharmacist and it was easy to see that Tony has what it takes to provide expert clinical pharmacy services to the people in the Richmond District. My family and I will definitely be customers going forward at Joe's Pharmacy in San Francisco. read more

I thank Joe's pharmacy verymuch for moving my Ozempic Prescription from a national Pharmacy to Joe's Pharmacy. Not only had the national pharmacy not been able fill my prescription, but they had terrible communications. They did not show any interest in filling my Ozempic Prescription by even contacting me. Tony Bastian, Senior Pharmacist immediately filled my prescription yesterday, and assured me that he won't have any problems filling my monthly prescription. If anyone has problem getting their prescriptions, I am sincerely advising that you try Joe's Pharmacy in San Francisco. Thank you, Jim Vorrises read more

My special thanks and appreciation goes to TONY who helped my mom so much! He takes care of all needed logistic and communication / prescription / insurance issues. Never ever we had such fantastically dedicated and nice person in SF pharmacy. I am so happy we switched to Joe's pharmacy. They all are amazing! Knowledgeable, helpful, always do their job on time. Also they have Russian speaking people who are very nice and helpful as well. read more

Really glad I switched to here from Walgreens. It's nice to have a pharmacist who actually remembers you and takes the time to explain medications to you. I would definitely call before coming in to confirm they received your prescription though. Despite having sent the prescription almost a week before they didn't have mind ready and had to look through the system to find it. read more

Tony takes low-income insurance. That's why people love him. He is honestly not that bad of a guy. However, he CAN be a bit rude, loud, long-winded, and inefficient. Usually I just want to pick up my prescription and go. I typically make it a point to drop by during his off hours, when no one else is in line (or even inside). But I have never gotten my meds in less than 30 minutes. NEVER. I have no idea what he is doing in his back room. (The cashier has ever apologized to me a few times.) When he does get around to handing over my prescription, he usually subjects me to a long lecture about the terms of my insurance (which I already know - nothing tends to change in between visits) and how to use my medication (which I have been on for years - I remind him of this every visit). I usually have to repeat myself several times because he is long-winded and does not listen. He makes inappropriate comments and asks personal questions that are not relevant to his duties as a pharmacist. HOWEVER, the place is conveniently located and takes my insurance. That's about it. I kinda think it's worth it to pick it up from the hospital instead of coming here, though. Tony works in a slow and inefficient manner (I get the impression that he is a bit scatterbrained); he is not always professional. But we do what we gotta do when we need our meds. read more

I should of read the reviews on this place. If I could give it no stars, I would. I had to pick up some OTD cough medicine for my hubby and since I was at Peet's on 16th & Geary, I thought I'd save the trip to Walgreens and "just pick it up" here. Boy, I am so sorry I wasted my time. The "pharmacist" was too busy talking to this woman about her upcoming trip to Europe to even talk to me. He finally "noticed" me after 10 minutes to ring up my purchase. Moral of story, I should have walked out right away when he didn't even acknowledge me standing there. read more

I couldn't agree more with Valerie's review of Joe's. I just called to find out whether they carried brand-name dilaudid and the guy on the phone cut me off mid-sentence, told me they didn't have it and then hung up on me abruptly. At first I thought he had treated me as such because he probably thought I was an IV drug abuser and that it's a-ok to mis-treat addicts but, after reading Valerie's review I realize he's just a big dick. How do these people stay in business? read more

LOL-- I couldn't agree with all of you more !! For those of you who gave him 5 stars or 1 star--you are all RIGHT! I know what it's like to be at Joe's pharmacy---I interned there as pharmacy student. The first time I heard Tony's voice (the pharmacist/owner of the pharmacy) , I thought I was going to have a rough time interning there since he sounded so abrupt and harsh on the phone. This was until I started working there. Of all the pharmacists I worked with, Joe is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable pharmacist I have ever met! He's not all about business like other chain pharmacy or even independent pharmacy may be. He really cares about his patient and developed a deep relationship with each and everyone of them. The longer you know him, the more you trust him with your medications---and with your life. While I worked there, he had saved numerous lives, catching both minor and fatal mistakes. A woman who had heart problem presented there with a drug for headache (Imitrex). He stopped her from taking the medication even though she protested at first ,and referred her right away to a cardiologists (one of his numerous doctor-friends). She was seen the next business day and the cardiologist sent her primary doctor and Tony a letter to stop the drug since it can kill her due to her condition. Beside being a great pharmacist to the community, Tony is an excellent mentor. Every time I see Tony, he would be bursting with passion for the pharmacy career. He sees his pharmacy students as seeds that he can grow to successful professionals that would promote the future of pharmacy. The first time I saw him, he looked me into the eyes and told me that he will not allow me to be a mediocre pharmacist when he's done with me. It's either I'm going to be a "Pharmacist" or a "Pharma-shit". Not only does he empowers his patients and students with knowledge, he shows great concern about their present and their future. Also, I love the his wife, Araxy, and his technicians, Nelly and Irena, who works there. You'll learn much more than pharmacy there with them around. I've learned so many cooking techniques and dishes there. They always bring Lebonese, Russian, and Italian food for everyone to indulge. Yum! So in conclusion, For those who desire a pharmacist who will take care of them passionately --Joe's is right for you. For those who wants to learn the possibilities of the pharmacy field--Joe's is right for you. For those who just care about dirt cheap and quick services-- he really doesn't care if you come or not. He probably fires you before you leave him. Trust me, I seen how his patient would crawl back to his pharmacy after selling him for a few dollars and switched over to another phar,acy. They would seek him for his help and advice later on ..and boy did they regret it. Once you give him up--you lose him forever. By the way, I enrolled on to yelp just so I can leave this comment. read more

Joe's is a great place with a family friendly atmosphere. I used to go here years ago and moved back to the area and am going back again. It's a welcome change as I used to go to a chain pharmacy when I was out of town and had forgotten how much I had missed. The pharmacist is helpful as always, love the nostalgic and retro feel of the place. Not sure if the negative reviewers understand that the pharmacist is simply not a cashier and cannot cater to everyone's needs on demand. Happy to be back and support a local business, and Joe is awesome as always. Try this place for yourself, or at least walk in for a pack of gum and see what you're missing. read more

Tony is the best pharmacist I have ever dealt with. He can be trusted to fully explain the medication he prescribes, to identify conflicts between the various medications I take, to help resolve insurance issues and give advice on how to contain costs. He is extraordinarily knowledgable and up to date. Steve read more

As many years as I have been to Joe's Pharmacy I Have done home care for both my partner and clients. He does care about what he does for a living and is one of the best in the business. I see more good reviews than I see the bad ones. They have to understand this business is not built on a model of Walgreen's, this is a family run and private pharmacy that is without equal in the city. And as to Walgreen's and CVS, if you go there beware the will not be informative and helpful. Unless you are looking for pill pushers that do make many mistakes... I have been going here for about 14 years and my partner many more than that. It has been a learning experience for me in health care and very informative. Thanks for the many years of service to our community and us Tony... read more

I went in with a prescription, and I asked him if there were any new medicines available for my condition, because the medicine I was taking was causing severe side effects. And he said in a very rude way "Ask your doctor! Don't ask me!" I said "I asked the doctor already. He didn't know. That's why I'm asking you. You're the pharmacist. Can't you help me?" Then he just gave me this real mean look and walked away. There were no other customers in the store, and he wouldn't spend more than 10 seconds answering a simple question for me. Usually I'll support a local business, but not when the owner's a COMPLETE ASSHOLE like this guy! read more

Undoubtedly one of my worst retail store experiences ever. I tried to fill a prescription there today. The guy there told me he was closed because it was four o'clock. It was actually five minutes to four and I showed him on my (accurate) watch. He then claimed that he didn't know the doctor who wrote the prescription. I asked if this was needed to fill it. He then falsely claimed it was certainly the case. He then feigned the doctor's signature not matching the letterhead on the prescription by misreading the name. The signature was clearly legible. All kinds of excuses! He did not fill the prescription.He just kept coming up with different lies, so much so that I would never believe anything this guy said. I wouldn't trust him to tell me the time in a room full of clocks! I promised him I would write a detailed review of my experience there and here I am. It's too bad too because I like to support local businesses. I wound up going across the street to Walgreens to get it filled. No problems there. I too would like to give no stars. Yelp, please add the option. read more

Customer service is something they've never heard of. I called to see how much a prescription would cost since my insurance didn't cover it. First I was passed around to 3 different people and then when I finally had someone on the line I tried to explain that I knew there were 2 different mg's and wasn't sure what my Dr. had called in but I couldn't even ask whether I could find out the cost of each strength. The man cut me off right at the beginning and told me, "I have no time." read more

I've known Tony ever since I was a little kid. Now in my adult years, he helps me with my prescription needs due to recent back surgery. He still see me as a young man patiently taking the time to explain to me the importance of taking my meds the proper way. Him, his wife, and entire staff are always great. He always takes my calls directly and my refills are ready when he says. Still get that young man lecture, but that's just his style. Great business, great people. read more

Tony is a knowledgable pharmacist and a truly caring human being. He takes time to answer any questions you may have about your prescription and most importantly takes the time to make sure your prescription is covered and approved by your insurance. I am visiting from NYC and he took the time to contact my doctor to authorize my prescription. read more

I have lived in SF 30 years, 25 years with the same Dr. Two years ago when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (no thanks to our wonderful health system) he asked if I would go to Joe's Pharmacy. As I walked into the store, I noticed a gentleman speaking to a woman. It was Tony, the Pharmacist. Not eavesdropping, I picked up that he was carefully explaining to the lady about her prescription. As a college student, I worked in a professional Pharmacy and my boss was just as concerned with his customers as I had just observed. Handing Tony my prescription, his first words were, "I'm not a dispensing Pharmacist, I am a PRACTICING Pharmacist." I immediately felt comfortable and safe. Tony has not only become MY Pharmacist, but my friend. His meticulousness in making sure I am covered and am doing well is impressive. He even consults with my Dr. when needed. Tony has customers of many ethnicities and cultures and patiently takes his time to be sure they understand about their medications. As far as talking to the woman about her trip to Europe, when people travel outside of the country it is extremely important they have their medications and what to do in emergencies. Tony is very well qualified in that area also. Too many people today are only concerned about instant gratification, they are continually on the cell phones, Ipoops and Dingleberries. Back in the 60's we had a saying, "Stop and smell the flowers." Walking in with a prescription may take longer than the instantaneous handing you your medications at the chain stores. But I bet you can't name the person that gave them to you. Call ahead and your prescriptions will be waiting for you. Joe's is a place where you not only get great medical advice, but you can even smell the flowers. I consider Tony as a second doctor. read more

I am sorry to see all of the bad reviews for Joe's. I am a firm believer in supporting local businesses instead of chains so when Evergreen closed, I moved my prescription here. They are sometimes slower than I would like, but I appreciate that it is because they know their customers and are serving people, not just RX numbers. They have been most helpful to me, both in person and over the phone. read more

Tony is an amazing pharmacist. Beyond filling prescriptions he has been super helpful in figuring out what I should be doing to help get better sleep! He warned me about the habit forming nature of some prescriptions and recommended a few OTCs that have really done the trick. read more

Support your local, independent pharmacy! Yes, they're slow because they do it the old-fashioned way: not only are they filling out your prescription, but they are developing a relationship with you. Try to do that at Walgreens! I've only been in once so far (cross my fingers, I've been healthy), but in that one visit I ended up having a friendly insult session with the proprietor. Straying off-topic -- I just googled "The Dozens" and found this great insult: "Your mom is so fat, that when she jumps in the air, she get's stuck!" read more

I start going to Joe's Pharmacy long time ago .They are very good people. Always ready to help.Yes, some time you need to spend the time or call before you pick up medication .Right now it is everywhere. read more

Joe's Pharmacy is accommodating and affable. I enjoy and benefit from the rapport the pharmacy has with its customers. The pharmacist has consistently gone out of his way to fulfill name brand prescriptions at discounted prices. If my question can't be answered over the phone right away, the pharmacist calls me back within 15 minutes. Their attention to customers' needs is unquestionable. read more

I don't think people understand the concept about Joe's pharmacy. This is not a pharmacy where you buy shampoo and toilet paper. But if you want one on one service to help your pharmaceuticals this is the place. After going to CVS pharmacy and getting no help at all, I came here and Tony sat and explained all my medications to me. Go to Walgreens for all your makeup and toilet paper, but for your medications that you're on this is the place. read more

This is a professional pharmacy that you would like to be in. You have a pharmacist who knows how to take care of high risk patients like me. I am a diabetic and suffer from many other chronic conditions. The pharmacist, Tony, helped me in improving to take my medications, as prescribed by my physicians, that I never understood before why I was taking them. I feel better. I would like to thank my doctor who referred me to him. read more

I have read a lot of reviews for Joe's and I have to say that most of the reviewers with one star ratings complain about the same things. Tony is, in fact, a talkative guy. I you are in a hurry, go somewhere else (honestly, he's busy enough and doesn't really need the business, and you will just be unhappy). If you need information about health, diet, drugs or advice and referrals to physicians, wait for Tony to have a free minute. It's worth it. Me personally, they treat me like long-lost family and have been very charitable towards me and my family's extensive health problems, accommodating us as far as the law and insurance companies allow. I think that (like most things involving people) if you have a little patience you will find your experiences much more satisfying, including Joe's Pharmacy. read more

Don't go to Joe's pharmacy if you want to be an anonymous RX number and you want to be treated with complete indifference. Do go to Joe's if you want to know your pharmacist (Tony) and have someone looking out for your well-being. Yes- it can be time-consuming because Tony chats it up with his customers and you have to wait your turn. BUT that said, I have waited on long long lines at Walgreens too- meanwhile, I never met a pharmacist at Walgreens who even cared to check whether the prescription they were filling for me was something I should be taking. I never recall even learning the name of a pharmacist anywhere else! Be warned, Joe's does not stock a full line of over the counter health and personal care products- just a bare minimum. So- don't go there expecting aisles and aisles of products. This is truly a pharmacy focused on providing high quality service for filling your prescriptions. Tony and his wife and the staff are nice, good, people. So rare these days. read more

Just figure my two cents didn't make the cut to share with the public. Boowhoo. Doesn't break my heart. Yelp is just as real as joe's pharmacy. Yah~ My experience was pretty much same as those who gave low rating. I am not against the ideal of supporting small/local businesses, or having a "unique" business practice with customers. In fact, I am all FOR it!! However, you seriously expecting an ordinary customer walking into a pharmacy to manifest all those precondition customer requirements?!! Seriously!! Not to mention, most customers who turn to a pharmacy when they are NOT FEELING WELL or enduring some forms of sickness. I don't think it is fair nor humane. At least have the decency to post a notice outside so that people would "know about the precondition customer requirements" and then people can "have a choice" to turn around or stay away!!! I did "NOT" know customer need to be in certain age, race, and making certain amount of household income in order to be treated fairly at joe's pharmacy. The majority people I have seen: seniors and Russians. Sure I have seen other race but Very rare. Therefore I said "Majority". I feel that my right to choose a decent pharmacy was robbed, my identity was insulted, and my feeling was attacked by Tony. All because I did not know the precondition customer requirements! For those who rated joe's well by desperately explaining what this place is about, and how Tony is not a bad person because he specialized in common duties as a regular pharmacist?? Perhaps, some experienced "HELL" customers service elsewhere, and comparing with Tony is certainly better. I then agree and sympathize it. I hope Yelp is a place for different people with equal right to share their experience whether they are good or bad. The goal is to inform the public with their real experience. If Tony continues to be rude, loud and discriminate his customers, no amount of review and essays of praise you guys wrote, will help his business or his image. read more

Terrible service ! Today I asked if this pharmacy carried one of my prescriptions and he said no very bluntly with no regards to my other prescriptions I needed to have filled. He basically pushed me out the door to go to another pharmacy with out any help filling my other prescriptions. I will never step foot in this place again! This may be a convenient place to go to if you live in the Inner Richmond area but I would not recommend using this place as your local pharmacy! Horrible customer service !!! read more

I agree with the doctor in the previous post. Tony definitely goes out of his way to help all his patients no matter where they come from. He not only spends his time trying to get medications approved, but also takes the time to explain to his patients what they are taking so they can take control of their health. As a physician, I always recommend that my patients go to Joe's Pharmacy to receive the best care, as Tony is also specialized in medication therapy management. read more

As a physician, I can tell you that Tony goes out of his way to help patients get their medication. Where someone at walgreens will hit the wrong key on their computer and just tell the patient the medication is not covered and it is their problem (or mine!), he goes the extra mile and gets the authorization. It is amazing, but when you discuss with other doctors a pharmacy and pharmacist with who actually helps people, Tony's name always comes up. read more

I am very sad to read the reviews below. My experience at Joe's for the last 5 years have been great! Obviously the people below were not aware that Joe's is a neighborhood pharmacy so the staff are very connected to their regular customers. If you are just looking to drop in once, go to Walgreen's. If you are looking to come in often and have a relationship with a skilled pharmacist, then go to Joe's. If I have a question about a drug, I will wait until the pharmacist has time because I want a thorough answer to my question. For those who want a convenience store with a pharmacy in the back, there are many chain pharmacies that will suit your needs. For those who want to go into a real pharmacy and speak with a patient advocate, go to Joe's!! read more

I've been using Joe's Pharmacy for over a year now and the experience has been amazing. At CVS and Walgreens I was always stuck waiting and then treated like just a transaction. Pharmacist Tony and his team take the time to make sure I understand what I'm taking and why, side effects, etc... read more

Tony has been my pharmacist for nearly 20 years. He's knowledgeable, articulate, compassionate, and always helpful. I would recommend him above any of the chain pharmacies any time. read more

Okay, this place is not fancy. But, I am giving it 5 stars for the excellent and friendly service. The pharmacist and staff are quite friendly and take time to answer any questions. This is such a contrast to the rushed approach at other places. I really wish this place were closer to my house, but I have to say that I don't mind driving because it is just such a nice experience. read more

The owner is an old world pharmacist. I like him a lot. Walk in say Hi and he's there to help. I'm not sure why the other folks had a bad experience. My family has been going to Joe's for over 30 years. We're still customers today. That should say it all. read more