I would give Safeway one star but there are still some things I like to buy there. They have locked up just about every product related to OTC pharmacy purchases as well as shampoo, conditioner in long cabinets. They used to have a bell in the lockup isle whereby you could summon assistance to unlock the cabinets. Not now, they got rid of those, so you end having to go find someone to unlock them. The guy unlocks the cabinet and instead of handing you the product to put in your cart, he walks off with it to put behind the check stand - he doesn't tell you which and he's rude with it. The bathrooms there are absolutely disgusting. I have seen better bathrooms in beat up old gas stations in backwoods America. Awful store. Avoid it at all costs. read more

This is what I suppose they call a mega Safeway. Huge wide isles, bulk areas, a full deli, bakery etc. But in this case, size does matter. Because when you have to cross the store multiple time to get related items groups in some alternative universe of logical methodology it creates just enough anxiety! it pays to have a Fitbit! You know peanut butter not near jelly and nowhere near bread, sliced cheese separately from blocks of cheese. But the clincher The attitudes of the staff.... mmmm lets just say I was treated way better at the DMV down the street. "That's not my department sir I have no idea where basil is." Attitudes. I've seen staff coping a tude; hands on hips, nine inch nail wearing- pointed finger waving, head bobbing in a challenging way, arched fake eyebrows.... you get the picture, as some poor customer with English that isn't even a second language.... more like whale sounds, can't relate. So the clerk yells it slowly annunciating each syllable as if THAT was going to make English more understandable. Sometimes it's not the staffs fault. Sometimes folks with nothing else to do but try to impose their miserable existence on others, think the check out line is a great forum to announce the inequalities of the system that discriminates against (fill in the blank) their maladies , disabilities , disenfranchisement , discrimination around whatever affliction they have. And how it's the fault of the check out clerk that the hormones shots not covered by Medicare to change sexual orientation are so expensive that there is not enough money to buy milk and eggs, as they rummage through a junk filled purse with multiple pockets and obviously none containing money. That's sad, not necessarily inconvenient. But to not open up other lanes to allow other customers to simply do what they come to Safeway to do, purchase stuff and leave is what upsets me. No initiative from other crew workers to open up another lane. Is it union rules, laziness, or are they so embroiled in the spectacle as a by stander that they forget they are at work? I don't expect a trip to the grocery store to be a pathway to reach nirvana. However when it creates enough anxiety about where items are, how long the lines are, how the staff could care less if you were Dwayne Johnson buying a protein shake or a homeless person trying to negotiate a free muffin to feed his too cute ragamuffin dog chained outside within full view of the check out line. Life's stressful enough, and there are so many other choices. read more

Safeway - Oops! - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

This used to my default grocery store but at some point in the last year they decided to start treating customers like criminals. They've installed barriers to exit, hired much more aggressive security staff, and reconfigured the aisles to eliminate the middle walkways making it much less convenient. I'm sure it's tough on them with the increasing competition from discount outlets and delivery services but it seems this location has lost sight of the fundamental need to create value for their customers and have decided instead to treat all customers as potential thieves. I guess a consultant probably convinced them that cutting loss from theft was the only way to survive and that customers wouldn't mind as long as they kept prices low. I think it's an odd strategic choice and very poor competitive positioning to give up on customer service given that they'll never be able to out compete the Wal-Marts, Costcos, or Grocery Outlets of the world on price. Seriously, what is there to gain by completely alienating your customers and trying to race to the bottom when you can't possibly win that race? As for me, even though this place is a super convenient few minutes walk from my home, they have totally lost me as a customer. I'm now driving to Whole Foods and Grocery Outlet (and occasionally the Lucky at the Plaza) for my regular shopping and going to smaller local places like Giovanni's as much as I can or when I just need to grab something quick. So far those places still seem to treat customers as something they actually want and not as threats to mitigate. read more

I am sorry but again I hate coming to Safeway's. They try so hard to have this image as a great store but it's not. Staff are rude, they are constantly under staffed, one time it took me so long to get someone to help me get something out of there locked cabinets was ridiculous. Today 09/23/2021I went in for something specific that another store that I normally go to didn't have. I had to go to the restroom and was met with a stench of death, water all over the floor, one of the stalls was closed with period blood one it (see picture). The water from the sink wouldn't turn off (hello we are in a super drought) which I think was the leading factor of why the floor was flooded. Piss was covering the other toilet seat. No soap ( yeah eww gross even when we are not in a pandemic). After using the bathroom I felt more gross coming out than when I went in. I just hurried up to get out of here they didn't have what I needed the shelves of what I needed were completely empty #rolleyes. Ok enough bagging in the store on complaint I can give them is that I liked the remade fresh meals that you just need to pop in to the microwave (this was there saving grace) I got the pesto and salmon and the lobster mac and cheese. It was the perfect meal/serving size. But yeah just ewww please clean up your act y'all and hire some staff. read more

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I don't live near this Safeway but have friends who do and therefore I come here about once per year to get stuff to make dinner. Although the inside of the store seems to be cleaner and more open than it was last year, I did notice a couple changes. First, the toiletries were all under lock and key, which is pretty annoying. But then, the kicker: I went through self-checkout to try and save time, tossed my receipt (as I always do at all Safeway stores), and headed to the exit, only to be blocked by a barricade and a scanner asking to see my receipt. I was in a hurry, like I always am, and this was a really unpleasant surprise. I'm not proud of it but I created a loud stink and someone let me free, but the whole interaction made me feel gross. First off, are we now living in some post-apocalyptic dystopia where our robot overlords can block our freedom of movement? Second: Safeway, if you're going to take away jobs and outsource your grocery scanning to your customers, the least you could do is trust us. If you don't trust us, why let us do it? Why not keep jobs in the community and have folks scan our stuff for us? Third, it appears that you treat your customers like common criminals with so many items locked up and not letting us do self-checkout the same way as at your other locations that I've recently visited (in a number of different cities and states). If you don't feel like you can trust your community members, why even have a store here? The whole thing feels really depressing. **Edit to add: Dawn M: Instead of giving me the same copied-and-pasted bland/corporate response that you've given everyone else, why don't you either change the fact that your store feels like a prison *or* just tell us that this is the new normal and to deal with it? Your empty words do nothing for your customers except make us even more annoyed. I don't want "further review," I want to feel like I'm not being trapped by machines.** read more

This has been my neighborhood grocery store that I've been going to every week for years. They just set up this police state blockade and force you to scan your receipt before leaving. It's incredibly antagonistic and creates a very unpleasant, oppressive atmoshpere that I can't imagine anyone enjoys while food shopping. I've decided to forego convenience and take my business elsewhere. No business that treats their paying customers like criminals deserves to stay in business. read more

We recently moved to the area, so this Safeway has now turned into my local Safeway. Although this location shares a complex with a few other retail storefronts, the parking lot is big and we have never had an issue finding a spot to park in. The store itself is quite large with a very big selection. All the shelves tend to be pretty well stocked, even for sale/freebie items on Just4U. And all the isles are clean and well-lit. I never find myself stepping over merchandise that stockers are stocking our maneuvering around pallets here during regular hours. I tend to prefer using the self-checkout option because it is easier for me to see the price of individual items as they are rung up so I can make sure there is no issue with certain coupons or prices not applying properly. During our last visit, we had a quick talk with the associate who was manning the self-checkout registers, and she was super friendly and very helpful. I may be new to shopping this location, but I look forward to it being one of my new stomping grounds. read more

Dystopian capitalism at its "finest". Going to the grocery store shouldn't feel like crossing between East and West Germany. Guards and gates are everywhere. You can't just go in, not find what you're looking for, and leave. No. You either have to wait in a long line (there's no where to squeeze through). The closed lanes warn, "EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY. ALARM WILL SOUND." The self-checkout lines also have a line to get out while customers are approved to leave, and if you bought something, your receipt and cart are thoroughly examined. There was also a sign that said "scan receipt to exit," so I guess that's in the works. I'm surprised I wasn't patted down. None of this is to protect people. It's about protecting STUFF. If people are steal *so much* that you have to make your store feel like prison, maybe your price gouging is too high. I seriously hope they lose more revenue with this set up than they did from shoplifters. read more

member named haliey was very helpful she helped me get my bottle of titos and was very respectful

My beef should last extra long, because it was packed in the future! A lot of the meats I saw today (11/18/20) were marked with tomorrow's date (11/19/20). Aside from the lines and some iffy produce, I don't like how this store's hot items (like rotisserie chickens) never seem to have times marked on them. They're typically dry, probably from being out all day. read more

Safeway - Beef from the future! - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Always short staffed at the money center. You can stand there for 10-15 minutes and cashiers won't bother to call for help and get attitudes when asked. read more

Really a neutral score because we didn't have the time to explore the store. First impression walking in was two security guards at the front of the store apparently keeping an eye on the armored car guard who was probably there for a pick-up. Second impression was, wow, this is a huge store! We were only there to search for a container of Peach Ice Cream. While I haven't bought one in a while, I know Breyer's makes one. It's listed on their website. Safeway did have Breyer's Peach Cobbler but I didn't think that would pair well with the cake that our friend had made. So, we settled for another flavor. When we're in the area again, we plan to spend some time in this store, exploring. It was just so spacious, reminding us of Livermore. Lines were short and there were at least three check stands open as well as six self-checkouts (which I will never use anywhere). read more

I recommend you check your expiration date labels BEFORE you check out, especially if you're purchasing something for a child. I bought some yogurt pouches and I discovered after arriving home that they were over 1year past their best by date. Why are you holding items on the shelf for over a year?? I brought them back and waited at the customer service desk Patiently for about 10 minutes before I approached a checker to ask for a manager. It took another 15 minutes before a manager finally came out. Her response to my complaint was "oh wow". She proceeded to give me my change back. The cost for the complaint items was $7.98 (before tax). She gave me $5 and started to walk away. I looked at the $5 bill and back at the receipt and was a bit flabbergasted. Did she really give me incorrect change?? Yes, she did so I called her back. She tried to argue and I actually had to point out the item on the receipt. She gave me an additional $3 back. I feel slightly robbed by safeway because shouldn't the change be what I paid for the items ($7.98+tax)? Whatever... i just had to get out of there. I couldn't believe she was a manager. read more

Safeway - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Online shoppers, be careful specially if you do online shopping and pickup, make sure the stuffs they are in the cart, otherwise you are paying for the stuffs are not in the cart, and also do not return and ask for refund, staffs are very lazy they will just take the paper and circle the amount and says refund and tell you expect the refund with in 3-5 business day and refund will never come in your account. Be careful read more

Safeway - What they charge from my bank - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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I had a wonderful experience this evening at checkout with my cashier Araceli!!! The woman checking out ahead of me was clearly struggling to pay for her groceries she was going to set aside her bread and she said it was OK I asked if it was a program that safeway had to pick up the odds and ends cause I saw her scan something but it was in fact her debit card this warmed my heart that she did that and it's nice to know there are small acts of kindness in the world especially in a grocery store where it's a struggle to pay for food right now!!! read more

One of the worst customer service I have ever seen in tye safeway. Despite of requesting for assistant for liquor or any other stuff. U literally have to stand there and wait for more than 15 minutes and when u ask for help they will give you an attitude. Worse experience and will never come here again and will suggest everyone to do the same. I m one of the regular customer from last 8 year's and it's sad to share this kind of review here. But it is what is it. It has definetely become the worst place to shop. Today I had t9 gonempty hand without shopping anything despite of waiting there forna representative for more than 20 mins. read more

This Safeway is 3 stars imho. Could be 4 stars, but I had an annoying interaction with the guard. I had to go take a piss, so I went up to the guard and asked for the code to the restroom. For some reason he seemed annoyed that I was asking HIM.. it could be because he's not a Safeway employee, but someone hired by the Safeway. Anyways.. while I was shopping I noticed someone stealing and he didn't get stopped. But who cares what I think. read more

This has been our neighborhood grocery store for years. I can hardly go there anymore because it has become so inaccessible. I use a cane, and walking is painful. The store recently removed the perpendicular center aisle. I cannot walk the length of the store over and over to access grocery items in different places on different aisles. Today there was one out-of-service electric scooter and two already in use by other customers. The store was inaccessible to me. The list of items behind locked cabinets is ever growing: most OTC meds, soap, coffee. I understand it's about loss prevention but it's trading one loss of business for another. I would happily buy these items there if they weren't locked up. I will never, now that they're such a pain to access. read more

Finding someone in the bakery to place a special order is near impossible, either by phone or in person. Checkout lines are long forcing customers to use the self-checkout. Even the entry to the parking lot and the entry to the building are poorly designed. The problem is that we need worker cooperatives to open grocery stores nearby so we can put Safeway out of business. Drive them out of town. Horrendous experience. These corporations don't give a damn about customers. read more

Worst store ever, shut it down! Come on we can do better. Waited over 20 min for a pickup order the day I was supposed to pick up. Called the store with no answer. Had a broken leg so I couldn't walk in and pickup. I tried again the next day, they kept putting me on hold and took another 25 minutes to bring order out. Never again. read more

As most of these reviews can attest, this store is garbage. Every year or two I stop going there for a few months because it is such a bad experience but I inevitably get pulled back in because it is so close to my house. The management needs to be replaced so those of us in the neighborhood have a functional grocery store. I won't bother going much into the insane security theater at this Safeway because so many others have already done so. If you're going to lock up half the store, you absolutely need to have sufficient staff to unlock it when people want to buy things. They do not. If anyone shows up at all when you ring the bell, it is after an excruciatingly long time and many audible requests over the PA. I suggest they train the multiple excessive security guards to do some of that work. The service desk is often unmanned and if you stand there for long enough, one of the checkout people has to leave their post to help you. Where is the manager? Who is running this store? Carts are a problem. During the pandemic, they stopped placing carts outside the door in the place they used to go. The manager and some employees claim they put carts out there, but I haven't seen any in YEARS. When I complained, they forced an employee to fish one out of the cart corral for me, but that is not acceptable. Employees (again, maybe a security guard) should be retrieving those regularly. Today I saw an employee roll probably a dozen carts right through the front of the store into the back somewhere. It took several minutes to get the security guard to let it slip that the carts were probably being used for Uber Eats. So that's where all the carts go! If that's what you want to do, fine, but the store needs to get more carts so its shoppers can use them to ... shop. And the manager needs to quit lying to the public about what they're doing with them. What the hell! I honestly don't shop for a lot of items, but they are consistently out of stock or more likely just unstocked. Gatorade is hit or miss and I might find distilled water once a month if I'm lucky. It may be that those items run out early in the day, but if that's the case, they need to be quickly restocked so you can sell more! That's literally the entire business model of a grocery store: stock items that sell well so they can be sold. Brownies also seem to run out every day while stale-looking cookies and mini cupcakes are always there in stacks. Again, if something is selling out, that means you should make more! I don't understand why this Store is allergic to making money. In conclusion, please fire all the managers and turn the El Cerrito Safeway around. It is an embarrassment to the brand and a thorn in the community's paw. The employees seem miserable and the customers are speaking pretty clearly with these reviews. read more

I stopped going there. Most of the store is behind lock and key. I used to go there regularly, but they would have something like 12 registers, and only 2 or 3 of them open with someone on staff ringing people up, and a 45 minute wait. Then there's employees standing around talking. The bathrooms are always filthy. It's just sad. I don't want self checkout, I want customer service with a smile. read more

I haven't been here in a while but after having Britny at checkout, I'll resume this location as my go to Safeway. She was very helpful, knowledgeable about the store and overall friendly. I was even more pleased to learn she is the manager and in that role sets the example for the store since her customer service skills are rare in this current world. Thank you Britny! read more

I come here very often and this place is relatively clean and well managed EXCEPT it's gotten really hard to find available carts these days. Where the hell are the carts? What happened? It's even hard to spot used ones as well. Geez... read more

Safeway - It's really hard to find available carts these days no matter when you come here. They should hire more staff to manage carts. - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

This safeway is racist and racially profiles everyone that comes into the store. Every time I've come in here( as a taller black woman who sometimes where sweats and hoodies) security or a manger has happened to walk by me frequently as I've been in the store. I was there earlier during the middle of the pandemic and I was shopping for my grandparents when I realized they assumed I was attempting to steal by the way the had multiple security standing by the front door as I was nearing the front of the store. However I was unaware in the moment and went to the only cash register that was open. This is my second time experiencing this as well as the amount of security here seems unnecessary for a grocery store. I would no recommend shopping here as a person of color. read more

Safeway - cars parked in a parking lot at night - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I don't really go to this location, except to pick up packages from Amazon. For that, it's quite swell. I prefer to shop at Trader Joes, Sprouts, Whole Paychex, and so on, so I rarely buy anything here. It seems like a nice enough store, and their organic and gluten free game are on point, but I have favorites and none of my faves can be bought here. read more

This review is long over due and yes this is just a grocery store and Safeway at that. I honestly only come here in the early morning before work to pick up snacks or hit the Starbucks located within but I have to admit, most mornings when I do stop in there's a lovely cashier named Shannon who has the most pleasant disposition. I don't know this woman but I just know she's sweet. Just in the few words we're able to exchange during my transactions, she is ALWAYS pleasant and I'm in there sometimes before 6:30a - I've never experienced her having a "bad morning" always polite, pleasant with such a gentle Spirit. Thank you Shannon. Of course she's not there every time I go in but on the days I do go, I'm secretly hoping to see her because I know I'll receive fast and pleasant service. Keep it up Shannon, you're Awesome! read more

Just terrible. The worst green onions and ginger here. At least they're open until midnight. I go to 99 Ranch or El Cerrito Natural Grocery.

Great selection, prices and people. In my experience, Safeway deliveres. From fresh baked goods such as meats, cheeses and bread. To tamales and hand made sandwiches and burritos. And that's just the deli. Fresh bakes goods give way to a great selection of local wines and spirits. All well lit, nicely organized and diverse. In the course of 15 years. Ive punched in my number at many Safeways across the bay. Everyone has consistently delevered and imrpoves. It ain't perfect but what is. read more

Safeway - Love tbis place! - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I was in the store and saw an extremely long line at the only register open but the woman who was running the register kept everybody happy by running things smoothly and efficiently. Safeway needs more people like Medea. read more

Worst service, too expensive, if you want to throw away your money and get a headache from dealing with the staff, be my guest, and go there. read more

I asked about the fresh bread delivery in the bakery and the lady was rude and didn't help me at all. people with mental health issues in the front of the store yelling at people. Homeless people hanging out inside the store. Didn't feel safe in the parking lot. Ribs priced $15 higher than the grocery store close by. Probably my last trip there. read more

This is a review for the deli area. Apparently I am not the only person who has encounter rude customer service in that place. I just came back from the Safeway today and the girl behind the counter gave me so much attitude. No good morning or hello, she just said "what?" I told her I wanted to order and she threw the meat onto the counter like she was beating someone. I asked her about the special and she seemed confused. She didn't know the difference between a pound and half a pound. If I'm not the only person who has complained about the deli area, it seems like nothing will be done. read more

Been waiting in line for 15 minutes already... still have a while to go. Wish me luck. 10:14pm Friday 11/9. Just coming waiting in line to return grapefruit I bought 2 hours earlier... ends up after cutting into one, they're rotten. Asked some guy working (I.e bossing around someone) where to do returns. He said he was on his break and to get in line... the only one line that I'm still in, now 20 minutes later. FYI most toiletries are locked up. Alcohol is of course locked up. Ya'll are criminals. 5 people in front and 6 behind me. Get your shit together Safeway. read more

Safeway - Grocery Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Safeway is big inside, outside parking lot large too. checkout not an issue as there were 7 self-checkout lanes open. sandwich station had a few people in line, only 1 sandwich maker got a premade boars' head honey maple ham sammie(5.99) -tasted good, issue is less than 3 slices ham with l slice cheese. unsure how many pieces ham for made to order sammie?(6.99) doubtful repeat for sammie. 2 stars for poor value. read more

Decided to give Safeway in-line another chance to make pick as easy as picking up. But no if I can give it no starts I would. I get a message saying my delivery is ready at 12 noon I don't make it to the store until 4:40 and call the number and no one answer. So I have to call the store to get online on the phone. When she finally bring her slow walking self out she don't have the machine in which I can pay. I will be talking my online pick service else where because Safeway have some odds and ends to get together. read more

This Safeway is so big they have their own Starbucks cafe. Seriously, the cafe is so big, people are wifi-ing from Safeway! Just crazy. Normally I'm like meh... it's just Safeway, but this one is huge and well laid out. I think it's somewhat new. They have a great selection of food, beer, fire logs and booze. They even have self checkout, so I can swipe it and bag it myself. Plus I saved with my Club Card! What. read more

So easily impressed am I--- I found organic Dave's Killer Bread from my erstwhile residence in the Pdx area. Though not cheap, it's a quality loaf (not to mention a hard find). Silk Coconut Milk on sale....! Check A more than decent wine selection in their aisles....fun times. Lastly, a very sizeable outdoor patio for chilling and catching the tan while grubbin' may just persuade me to come here more often.....it's great for the Del Norte BART users. Starbux inside has actual lounge chairs. Blow me over! read more

This place treats it's customers like criminals and locks all of their products up like it's a high end jewelry store, it's absurd. They also lie about what time they close. I arrived there at 11:55PM and they were already "closed", despite the fact they can't be close because it literally says on their website from 5AM to 12AM. I needed to buy diapers but because this Safeway has some bizarre set of rules put in place by it's employees, apparently, I have to try and pick them up before work instead of peacefully enjoying my coffee with the 20 minutes I have to myself. So, suffice to say, this Safeway treats it's customers like hot garbage. If I could go lower than one star I would. read more

The WORST Safeway I HAVE EVER BEEN TO! No freaking way they have like 4 workers working the front. I will literally never go there again. UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE read more