I was in the area and decided to stop Into this smart and final and I was very Impressed. This particular location is huge, very clean, friendly staff and surprisingly carries a lot more items than other locations. Immediately upon entering the store the staff friendly greeted me which is rare because not much places do this anymore. I came in for flowers for Valentine's Day and saw they had chocolate covered strawberries too and had to get some and oh my gosh they are the BEST I've ever had and priced at a very decent price. I've paid high prices for chocolate covered strawberries at other places/companies before but this one beats them all. I would highly recommend for your holiday needs. One of the best markets I've been to in awhile! read more

Smart & Final Extra! - The BEST spot for flowers and Chocolate Covered Strawberries during Valentines Day/Mothers Day. 10/10!!! - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The storefront register employees are always very nice. The employees in the middle are stocking items on shelves, will give information for item locations correctly 75% of the time. (From my observations). The prices are good, selection very good. And you could find some fun, seasonal / holiday items such a specialty cakes and cookies and decorations. Many times there are no sanitary wipes for the shopping carts as well. A concern I have experienced : when a disabled family member parks in the handicap parking On the right side of the store entrance, they locked that entrance, (Unexpectedly different times, to leave only one of the two and exits open ) And then we had to cross the parking lot with a disabled person to get to our vehicle. - to make things worse it was raining heavily! read more

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I prefer to shop at Smart & Final when I shop for an upcoming event as I can buy items in small or large quantities in one trip. The fact that it offers weekly specials and coupons are definitely a plus. I took off a star because it is always a test of patience at checkout time. It usually has 2 cashiers, sometimes only one. I also miss the time (pre-COVID) when I can buy nuts and oatmeal by weight instead of prepackaged boxes. Maybe one day since items will be available in bulk again. read more

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They don't get it. Again I am in line and they open another cashier and grab the people behind me. Talked to the Manager once and he said he would fix it but clearly he didn't This place sucks read more

Many times that I use a digital coupon I don't get credit for it I have to go back to the store and talk to a manager and get it reversed on my card. I'm in the habit of saying did I get digital credit for this item unfortunately I was engaged in conversation and I forgot to ask. Why sould I have to ask but I do it anyway to save a trip back to the store. 80% of the time when they give you an offer of a free item when you spend $25 the item is not there. 80%. read more

It's an inexpensive supermarket with a rather large selection of brand & off brand choices.

I love Smart & Final. They usually have everything I need. Their personal shoppers for online orders are on top of their game...the delivery service by Door Dash not so much! I'm a senior with a temporary disability, not able to lift or carry any substantial weight. I've had several deliveries since my injury and each time I've had to have multiple communications with the delivery drivers both by text and phone calls because "your driver is having trouble finding your location" almost without fail! This after I've left multiple clear, precise delivery instructions which include description of my building, Gate code #, Lobby code #, number and floor of my apartment so that delivery can be made TO MY DOOR! My Dasher today was JORGE and this person has been my delivery person more than a few times...knows the instructions for delivery. Well JORGE left my order on the street facing side of my building and texted me a photo of the "completed delivery". When I texted that the delivery was not at MY door the response was this was the only address I was "owed to deliver to". WHAT??? I texted and called a couple of times with NO RESPONSE which left me to have to go downstairs to the side of the building and not having a wagon or dolly...hand carry my groceries back up to my apartment. If I didn't need the service I'd be going shopping and delivering my groceries myself! Needless to say I'm very DISSATISFIED with DOOR DASH DELIVERY! Oh and JORGE the tip I pre-authorized for you tody was not earned but I've learned my lesson. Smart & Final Lake Forest, CA is Great - DOOR DASH NOT! read more

I'm writing to share feedback regarding a checkout experience I had recently at your store. During my transaction, the cashier initially worked slowly, then began rushing us while asking repeated questions that had already been answered (such as whether I needed a bag). When it came time to pay, I stated clearly that I would be paying partially in cash and the remainder by card. Despite this, the cashier repeatedly questioned the process and made comments implying that I was holding up the line. I understand checkout can be busy, but I felt rushed and spoken to in a way that was unnecessary and unprofessional. Paying with both cash and card is a common and valid payment method, and I did not feel the interaction reflected the level of customer service I expect. I wanted to bring this to your attention so it can be addressed moving forward. Thank you for your time Please imply good service again and respect read more

So I used to special order meat from the RSM smart and final for probably five years. My butcher retired and I tried to do it this time with a new butcher. The guy literally claimed I did not want it or something even though I called and checked on it. He said it came in and said I don't want it? It was like a total BS thing But anyway this store sometimes has it on the floor and I got lucky today so I don't know if they started carrying it again or not but at least I was able to buy meat this time. It's actually cheaper to buy this and freeze it and then you buy the ribeyes individually usually. There's an app trick you can use where you get like a 50% off your first purchase or whatever at least they used to have that I don't know if they still have that but anyway whatever I got my meat so I'm actually happy and I will go back here again instead of my old, smart and final because they literally blame me for their own mistakes read more

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Every single thing that was discounted did not come up at the adverised price. To get Torani syrup dicount they claimed I had to but six of the same flavor, which is a big and ridiculous change if it is true. The drumsticks (checker thought it was correct but it did not show 99 cents a pound) and cabbage came up at higher price. pasta that was supposed to be free with purchase did not come up free. I am done with smart and final, they have a poor system they cannot manage. Should be negative stars for the time they caused me to waste. read more

I have always found prices here expensive. This chain is best when you're in a rush and want to purchase a few items when prices don't matter. When shopping, be sure to check the price labels as they don't always seem clear as to how many items you have to buy to receive a better price. Smaller chains like this do not have the buying power like a Vons, Ralph's or Walmart. Prices are not as competitive. read more

This location always seems to have the products I am seeking. I was pleasantly pleased to see they also carry the Bonne Maman preserves I use to sweeten my Greek yogurt. They offer lots of different flavors which surprised me even more. I like the First Street oat bran which they also carry ample amounts of. read more

This smart and final is pretty big Clean store nice open aisles Products are easy to find and well organized Parking was easy also Customer service was good read more

Nice & clean Summer stuff all the the entrance atm Need those umbrellas & cute summer cups !!! So would have got a drink but forgot my wallet lol read more

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Clean and every one friendly and as I am always on run I ask the Emp where I can find what I want and every one very help full show me where I can find what I wanted read more

The store itself is fine and when I asked for help the employees were helpful. This review is about my experience at the register and parking lot. The check out lady named Yevon didn't leave the best impression. I was going to use the digital coupons for the items I was purchasing at the register & I showed that I clipped it. She looked annoyed and said "no I can't accept that". So I asked her how to use the coupon. She said I had to download the app, make an account, and put an email and phone number and first and last name (as if that's gonna take forever lol) and then said the signal in here is terrible so it takes forever to download the app aka discouraging me to download the app and use the digital coupon because it was a hassle or something. I ended up downloading the app in ten seconds and doing everything she told me in less than a minute so idk why she was making it sound like getting the digital coupon was such a huge hassle. She could've just helped me find the barcode to scan on my app and then we'd be done but no she just stood there waiting for me with poor body language as if I was the greatest inconvenience in the world. To top it all off, the shopping cart guy in the parking lot hit my car with a shopping cart and I had to confront him. He's lucky the cart didn't leave a huge mark on my car. I asked him to be more careful next time & I made up in my mind that I won't park near the carts again. read more

This place opens at 6 am every day, which I really appreciate because that is a great time to shop for us older folks - significantly less interaction with others. They've really planned the check out process well. They have one line and customers are able to proceed to the next available checkout when the person before has stepped forward to the payment position of check out. It works really well. Masks are currently required by all entering the store, which I appreciated. read more

Looked all over the city for pork shoulder to roast. No where only cut up boneless loin chops. Smart n Final you had a perfect whole pork shoulder roast. Octoberfest in full swing! Will check back for a whole turkey on sale in November. read more

Most disgusting public retail store ever. Every time I try giving one more chance I always leave shaking my head. The employees act as if the public owes a red carpet to them. I waited over 10 minutes for an employee to come help me get something off the top-top shelf. I looked over the aisle only to see the employees sitting there talking amongst themselves. And I reach up there to go get it myself and the employee finally comes and says no no no no no. Not to forget at check out the cashier thoroughly saw items in my cart and on the belt. For some odd reason she rang my order up twice all during the time she As a first conversation with a cashier next-door. And let's not forget that minimum wage is now $15 an hour + Our society needs to go back for an education first and then worry about pay increase. read more

This store has some incredible buys when you know where to look. I'm a regular because a rotisserie chicken can feed my doggie and me for 2 days. I love coming in because the staff is so friendly. Sheila always has a smile and a helpful attitude. I'll be back for the eggs, cheese and pistachios! read more

I have ordered online ((they use SHIPT)) first time was good no problems, next time WAS DISASTER they never delivered my order and was charged ((it took one month to get my money back)) so after one month I said let me try them again and that order was delivered and charged appropriately. Today I received an order and was charged for items I did not receive and charged for other items that I did not request but received. I am a believer that mistakes happen. I have previously worked for ALBERTSONS.COM when they started up and these things were not outsourced and whatever item that you pick for the customer MUST BE SCANNED and if its not scanned it will not show on your receipt and you aren't charged. I will say USE THEM CAUTIOUSLY. I AM NEVER USING THEM AGAIN!!!! THEY SUCK- NO PAPER RECEIPT WHEN THEY DELIVER the product either. read more

Worst cashier ever This is place needs corporate ATTENTION!! Cashier are very rude , eating sandwich at the cashier side and don't know how to handle customers Very disappointed read more

They had exactly what I needed: foil chafing pans for my turkey dinner! I had gone to Walmart and they were out of stock on Turkey eve. Smart and Final saved the Day! read more

I have only been shopping at Smart & Final for about a year now. I love their selection and the staff is great. The prices are reasonable and I love that they carry organic items as well. This is my "go to" store for supplying my work. I'm so glad I discovered this store! read more

I have so many unpleasant encounter in this store, but this week was the worst. My husband and I on the line to pay for 2 big packs of coffee and some chips. This cashier named Luisa asked me "Is this our bag?" Her facial expression was flat and appears irritated. I did not understand the question, I was smiling at her and said "Huh?" She asked again "Is this our bag?" Still don't know what to answer because I don't know what bag she's referring. Luisa then said "Do you understand my question?" Still appeared irritated. I answered "Actually, I don't." Luisa pointed on one of the coffee and said "did you get this here?" I answered "yes". Luisa then said "That's a very simple question." I verbalized to her, "Why will I bring an item from outside and pay in your store?" Luisa answered, "some people do." She tried ringing the item again and still did not scanned. Luisa ask again "Where did you get this?" I Politely answered "at thé coffee section." I was so tempted to answer her rudely "In the freezer or detergent section where coffee suppose to be stocked!" Luisa left for few minutes, look for the manager. The manager scanned the item and shake head no. The item still did not scan. I was thinking of insisting to get the item to see what will they do, but second thought, don't want to waste any of my energy and time. I tried to tell Luisa to choose her words next time, but she continued to speak at same time I was speaking, still saying "It's a simple question" over and over. I departed with the last word "very rude." The manager was beside Luisa and did nothing. That will be the last time we will enter Smart and Finals in Lake Forest. read more

I was in the Lake Forest store on El Toro Road, and ready to check out. There were two check stands open on either end of the store. The first, near produce, was filled by a long line, with giant baskets full of food. Since I only had four items I walked to the far line, which I knew was 15 items or less. It was the 15 items or less line, but a family had about 100 items on the conveyer belt. The cashier seemed to be having a hard time with the order cause it was taking too long. Behind them was an abandoned cart holding someones place in line. After a few minutes of me wondering if anybody was going to claim the cart ahead of me, a guy showed up to his cart with more shopping in his hands. I was behind him. The cashier is still struggling with the large order on the conveyor belt. We are not moving. As things were moving very slowly with the checkout I waited and several people got on line behind me. Finally, the guy in front of me was able to get his 10 items onto the conveyor belt. Then an employee yells out, "I can help the next person on Lane #2" I quickly respond, "I will go!!" And moved my cart toward Lane #2. I was next right? But a random couple passing by darts in front of me onto the line newly opened line. I told them, "I am next". He responded with a grin, "I don't think so." I asked the checkout employee if he meant to grab the next person in line? The guy who darted in front of me answered again, "I don't think so." The checkout guy is suspiciously quiet. Obviously doesn't care. I asked the guy who was cutting me, "were you behind me in this line over here?" Thinking that he would see the logic that he should NOT now be ahead of me in the new line since I immediately said I was going to be next. He said, "no, I wasn't in line, I was just walking by" and looked proud of himself. I somehow got in front of the the rude couple, and started putting my 4 items on the conveyer belt. The checkout guy robotically asked, "how are you today?" I said, I would be a lot better if you took the next person in line." No response. I want to assure you if I had to wait behind the guy who cut in front of me I would have left the store on El Toro road without purchasing anything and never gone back. I have only recently started shopping at Smart and Final on a weekly basis, buying cleaning supplies, snacks and bulk food, and fruits and vegetables. You probably wouldn't miss me. You must be aware that if you randomly open a new line, the last people on line are going to get there first. But that is not FAIR to those that have been waiting the longest, are the most frustrated, and the most likely to post the negative experience on Yelp. Customer Service is what makes the difference, and that was the last thing I saw at Smart and Final yesterday. read more

Large market offering good deals. Items were here that I hadn't seen elsewhere in the area, such as Nestle Abuelita, a Mexican hot chocolate drink mix. There's an olive bar, bakery, deli and meat section here. The produce has some organic choices. Lots of large quantity selections throughout the aisles. You don't need a club card and they accept coupons. Lots of parking in a shared private lot. Both times I have been here it has not been crowded and the check out was fast. They have a weekly mailer with information on the specials. read more

'The last time I was here, Smart & Final was in the middle of a full-on renovation/"face lift," and it full-on sucked... 'But I'd have to say, "This new & improved version looks damn good!" Store Front - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#d1WcjoaU5JkkjR31RVQtOg Huge, clean & organized - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#KCpvZU9HHNX-C6IfofOLbg My "go-to" store... If I can't find it @ COSTCO. (i.e. - 50# bag of table salt) I do love me some extra sodium on my pastrami sandwiches, beef jerky & SPAM Musubi! No, but seriously it's actually an anti-flea measure for a couple of properties. Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#t8otwYKIM3CD8bQZAloC7A As an anti-flea remedy, sprinkle generously around the house, let sit then vacuum. (Salt, used in conjunction w/Diatomaceous Earth, another non-toxic & safe flea control alternative works great.) Pure Diatomaceous Earth(DE) - 100% Food Grade Only (Available @ most feed stores) - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-feed-barn-costa-mesa?select=cJE4A20Ap_qbRdJTQWMzHw#cJE4A20Ap_qbRdJTQWMzHw The summer heat brings these blood suckers out like a buffet brings out da' Hawaiians! ('And we do love AYCE!) 'And speaking of locals, Smart & Final even carries linguica, 2-pack and a 5-pack! Winnahs! "Linguica - Da' Hawaiian Breakfast Sausage" Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA As well as: Salvadorean Style Pork Chorizo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#CjjpMVKWggjVoAyzEAfpOA Lamb Loin Chops - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/smart-and-final-extra-lake-forest?select=T0fg0YKDtErMI_mfpuojGA#NbeprdCOVST9Q7fN2yfKWw The meat dept. also carries some cuts of meat that one doesn't usually find in the local meat case such as pigs feet, ears, oxtail, beef hooves, knuckles & shanks... "Knuckles & Shanks" - 'Sounds like another cop/buddy movie... ('Either that, or a prison romance movie.) 'All good stuff that I know my bully-pit, HAPA, would thoroughly enjoy. 'And another huge plus, it's free to the general public. (i.e. - No membership required) - Big Aloha! Food: 3+ Ambiance: 3 Service: 4 Value: 5 read more

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In the 12+ years I've lived in Lake Forest, I've been here only a couple times (mostly to buy those little plastic containers for jello shots, heeeey!!) Imagine my surprise when on my latest visit, I discovered that it's now called "Smart & Final Extra!". I suppose the "Extra" part meant that it is still Smart & Final in all it's bulk bargain glory but now also a full blown supermarket. Nice! I found some fresh giant shrimp for a great deal as well as some frozen scallops that turned out to be great quality. Last, but not least, they had an abundance of jello shot cups! (Technically condiment cups, I guess. BORING.) Great place to shop. Any time I can muster up the energy to fight El Toro traffic, I will make it a point to buy stuff here! read more

I had never been to a Smart & Final until my friend recommended it to me as a place to go, to find decent quality steak - for a caveman style barbecueing experiment. Side note - caveman style is cooking the meat directly on the coals - no grill - which by the way turned out awesome! So, I put aside my reservations and went over the Smart & Final in Lake Forest, over on El Toro Road. I found the store to be clean and well stocked. Employees were friendly and very helpful. Found what I needed (and more) and left wondering why I hadn't ever stepped foot into one of these stores. I will be from now on - for their great selection and decent prices. read more

This is a new market just opened by the Smart and Final people. We walked in thinking it would be like a Smart and Final but is actually a pretty large grocery store with some great deals. They had some great grand opening week specials. My bf wanted to get their special on 12-packs of Coke for $1.98. They have some excellent deals on produce, Large salad tomatoes were 48 cents a pound. They have a bakery and fresh deli area and meat section. They also still have a warehouse savings area with bulk quantity items. They also had some great deals on fresh flower bouquets and plants. I liked the large selection of Mexican food items this store had also. I got some great deals on tostada shells and pickled jalapeno slices. The sale prices on items are really great deals here. We ended up with 40 bucks worth of stuff for $18. When I have more time, I plan on doing a full grocery shop here. read more

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I've never been to or even heard of Smart and Final or SmartCo until I moved to California. I usually defaulted to Costco. I've been to this location a few times to do errands for work and I always come out with what I need. Today, I got tasting cups for a salsa contest we are having for Cinco de Mayo. You can get a pack of 125 2oz or 3.25oz tasting cups for like $2 a pack. Not bad! Considering Costco/Ralph's/Von's didn't even have exactly what we were looking for. Also, picked up this HUGE bag of tortilla chips (see pic) and 3 table cloths. Total for today was only like $16. That's about $10 less than other places. Sweeeet. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - huge bag - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The general retail theory is you give up customer service for less expensive items has taken on a new paradigm at the Smart & Final off of El Toro in Lake Forest. As I went into S&F at 2:36 PM, my goal was to make chili . My first stop was to purchase a good quality meat. So I buzzed the Butcher several times over ten minutes as I waited and waited to final moving on to my next item (planning to circle back later). My next stop was kidney beans from dispensers. As I pulled the handle it stuck in the open position. Like I was in a comedy, the beans would not stop and covered me, the bag and floor. I immediately looked for someone to assist me and clean up the beans before someone slipped and possibly fell. For the next six minutes, I went into the bake bakery area. Saw no one. Went in the back butcher area, again no one. Went to one of the three Cashier that appears to have misinterpreted my intrusion into there Spanish conversation as if it was a racist movement against them. So, I waited for thirty seconds while they continued chatting. I thought. If they don't care, why should I? So, I walked out. This is 100% a management issue. read more

Thank you to Alondra and William for helping us find items and check us out for a Thanksgiving fundraiser for our church. We appreciate their patience in finding, counting and ringing up our food items. The church purchased $950 for a donations to feed families. Yay for Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist church and Smart and Final in feeding the community. read more

Whenever I'm just not in the mood to deal with Costco or if I'm just short on time, Smart & Final saves the day! It's basically a warehouse store without the membership. I've found similar products and comparable prices as compared to Costco too. The lines tend to me long when I go in but they move quickly. The 10 or less line always gets you in and out and as always, customer service is great. They're always helpful at checkout and I appreciate the offer of assistance for larger or heavy items. read more

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You got a big party to host? Well look no further. This place will have all your bulk goods needs...without all the crowds and long lines of Coscto. And no membership fees to boot! This place is a grocery store on steroids. And that's what kinda makes it fun. Even if I just need one or two things I'll just go down the aisles to look at some of the other items and wonder 'why in the world would I need so much ______?!' read more

My sole purpose for ever walking into smart and final is for their Torani syrups. They have a great selection of regular and sugar free syrups. Normally $4.99 per syrup but theAsian in me goes for the buy 6 and get a $1.00 off each. Otherwise their prices are comparable or even a little more than walmart on other items. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Great sugar free torani options - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is a DUMP. It smells like a public toilet, the help is useless and can't speak English. I guess the sign that says express lane is just for show. 2 ladies in front of me had over 50 items each, when i asked the cashier about that he did not care and said in broken english that the manager is not available and to call HQ. Usually they have one or two cashiers regardless of how many people are waiting. Today there were at least 25 people in line and only 2 cashiers and one of them just took his time. I guess S&F is just another big corp. that does not care about service or quality, just money. read more

I'm writing this review to commend a cashier named Heather. I admit that I'm not easily impressed, but in my opinion, she deserves a 5 star review. My husband and I recently visited this store on a Sunday morning and purchased a large amount of groceries. As she checked us out, Heather worked quickly and efficiently, but she also took a great amount of care while bagging the groceries. She had it down to a science. Great job, Heather. read more

Well after contacting corporate, who then straightened out the manager, I receive a call from such manager who said he stood corrected and they can accept the return of the spoiled wine (initially he stated it was against the law to accept alcohol returns). At first he did not offer to accept all 4 bottles but after I pointed out that they were from the same batch he rescinded and accepted return of all bottles. I also learned that there is a date engraved on the bottom of the bottles which show when it was filled. Mine showed 0618 which meant to me that only 1-1/2 months were left for the wine to be good. Looks like my bottle did not listen. Anyway, I will now continue to shop at Smart & Final, my favorite grocery store. read more