Consistently rated as one of the worst chains in the nation based on cleanliness and price, to write a negative review would be like shooting fish in a barrel. So, I got my gun loaded and am aiming in the water.
First I believe that previous reviewers who look fondly at the unkempt nature of this store and equate it with a "mom and pop" atmosphere are mistaken. This is a store that sells food. Places that sell food should be clean. Quirky, (handmade "on sale" signs, old registers,) is one thing, but dirty floors, messy appearance and outdated meats and produce are another. Reviewer Anna M. said in her 7/30/2012 review that she doesn't want this turned into a "chic-chic, high-priced joint." Prices at all Ralphs stores are set, so it's already high-priced. Many of their locations, while below par when compared to other chains, have still been upgraded and are pleasant shopping experiences. The prices at this store are just as inflated as they are at others, so why not at least get what you pay for when it comes to atmosphere. This is known as a "ghetto Ralphs." That's not quaint nor should it be something management should be proud of.
This is by far the worst Ralphs I've ever been to. The two closest to me, Lincoln at the 90, and a couple blocks away in the Waterside shopping center on Admiralty Way, are decent, by Ralph's standards. At these two, although you need to be observant, (I've bought meat at the one on Lincoln at the 90 where they flip the brown side down on steaks and stamp a new exp. date,) you can find decent meat. But what do these two stores do with that meat if they weren't able to move it? It would seem it gets shipped to this store. Three visits in two weeks and I've yet to see any steaks that are anywhere near the spectrum of red. It's borderline health-department looking. But at least they exercise transparency. If a customer is willing to buy brown meat, then so be it.
The produce department is no different. I just wanted a few Roma tomatoes and couldn't find one in the entire batch that wasn't overly soft and had spots from age.
The aisles in this store feel a bit more claustrophobic than most and dropped items and spills are not attended to very quickly. From a cleanliness standpoint, this store also suffers far worse than the already low norm for most in this chain. The parking lot is poorly kept but I imagine it's hard to keep up with the class of customer who shops here. Diapers, empty fast-food bags and boxes are common.
And then of course there are the astoundingly high prices, a trade mark of this chain. Nope, you don't get discounts for disgusting.
There are much better options nearby including a Trader Joe's and a no frills Smart and Final Extra, with infinitely cheaper prices and better and fresher selection of produce. Most of the meat there is frozen or shipped from outside vendors, but is much fresher. I bought two fresh whole sea bass for about $4.50 from there. It was outstanding. I wouldn't dare touch anything from the ocean from this particular Ralphs.
Now all these things considered, I'm guessing that this place will have no option but to upgrade now that the section 8 neighborhood directly behind it has been gentrified over the past few years and the new upscale units will begin leasing in a month. People who can afford a couple thousand a month for a 800 square foot apartment will most likely wish for a better shopping experience that this store can provide in it's current condition. Unless it's late and you are desperate for something in particular, (as long as it's not meat, fish, or produce,) this is one Ralphs you should avoid moreso than other ones. It is operated far below this chains already abysmally low standards. read more