Love this place so much! Always a lot of parking available very organized a lot to choose from good deals my go to for smart and final

Beautiful new store, all the great catering & restaurant supplies you expect from smart & final plus a full fledged grocery with produce & a bakery. I wouldn't come here just for regular groceries though, and that's not what the intention of this place is. But if you need stuff for catering a party or a large amount of baking supplies or just general kitchen supplies this is the place to go. I'm pretty sure it's the only spot you can get 1.5 gallons of vinegar which is what I'm here for and they also have an awesome price on beer so I got a 24 pack of Stella for about a dollar a bottle. read more

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FINALLY HAD IT!!!! Every time I go to this store I get overcharged! Not going back. I was too busy bagging my own groceries to keep the line moving to be respectful of the people behind me and forgot to keep an eye on the items being rung up. Most of the time I will get done with checking out and get my receipt and take a moment to check if I get overcharged and 80% of the time something is and I have to get a manager to come over and run back and check if the items was actually supposed to be cheaper (all while my frozen items are thawing). It's gets old. I never find that I've been UNDERCHARGED! What is up with this place? This time I got home and remembered to check my receipt and there it was, overcharged $2 for something. I called the store and they said there was nothing I could do unless I got back in my car and physically come back to the store and get my money back. I called corporate and left a message and waited for someone to call me back and it's been almost 3 weeks and rather than try to get my money back I've just decided to write this review and try to save other people the headache. There aren't many choices in this area but shop somewhere else. Maybe Smart and Final will go out of business and something more honest will open in its place. Not likely but I can stay hopeful. read more

Assuming this Smart & Final was just like all the others I've been discrediting it and taking my money to Ralph's and Trader Joe's down the street. Granted they're closer to home for me but after doing some BBQ shopping at Smart & Final last weekend I'd gladly swap Ralph's for this Smart & Final. Props to the weekly ad that is dropped into my mailbox for bringing me in. The ribs were on sale and I have recently purchased a smoker. Done deal. When I walked through the front door I was instantly surprised by how much this location did not feel like a Smart & Final. Not as "warehouse-y" and totally picking up where the ghosts of Albertson's and Haggen's left off. The store just seems cleaner than it had ever been. The meat counter is gone but the space was replaced by another cold box for, you guessed it, more meat. As I mentioned earlier, I came for the ribs but will return for some of the other meats that they had lined up. Nicely done, Smart & Final! read more

This store has the laziest staff I have ever seen! They dont even put price tags on some of their items. When asked how much their unlabeled goods cost, they act like you are bothering them. Then they say that they could scan it and find out, but....... Then nothing. No action. They just stand there looking dumb and lazy. Yes, go put price tags on your goods so customers can buy them!!! read more

I never review grocery stores, it's kinda weird. But I decided to come on here and give Smart & Final on University 5 stars, for one reason and one reason only. Lourdes! She is this sweet older Latina woman that always sparks up a conversation with you. Every time. I'm this fully tatted woman that looks 19 but that never stops her. I normally don't like talking to randoms, especially at grocery stores but she is just the sweetest. Businesses need more workers like her. Give this woman a raise, seriously. read more

The only reason I'm giving this store 3 stars is because REGGIE constantly has attitude then ends the transaction with "have a nice day" while being extra passive aggressive. Not just to me. To everyone in his line! Everyone is usually very nice and accommodating. I get people have bad days. Someone needs to talk to him about his habitual line stepping. Lol! read more

I love this grocery store, I come Here almost every day to pick up a few things. I think all the staff are very polite and helpful. They have good produce and many organic options. There are good prices on beer. Make sure to check out the sale rack in the back left of the store. Sometimes it's great !! I think this low key store provides a fun and cost effective shopping experience. My one complaint is that they sometimes need more chaise rather open and that they close the exit door early. I have to walk back towards the entrance every time- minor seeming but annoying!! read more

To me it's always a smart place to shop because the prices prove it, most of the other big grocery stores are in my opinion expensive. I prefer to keep money in my wallet where I can and since grocery shopping is always needed, well it's a no er . read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

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Large parking lot. Easy to find things and navigate through the store. The store is bright, clean, and well stocked. Good products. Great prices! read more

I shop at this store at least once a day if not more. The grocery selection is adequate and having the choice of buying in bulk is always a great option. The one fault I see is the folks at the registers lack in basic customer service skills. This morning while in line to pay for groceries and after waiting a few minutes for a large purchase ahead of mine the clerk asked for another register to open. A stock boy proceeded to open another register and escorted the last person in line to his. This left myself and another person who had been waiting standing there with no courtesy offer to help us next. In fact the last person to arrive at the check stand line was out of the store before my turn in line even came up. The truly disturbing part was when I mentioned it to the cashier his response was "why are you telling me? Talk to a manager" I said I would and then he called one. Exceptionally unprofessional behavior for any business to conduct. read more

I will never again shop at Smart and Final! I bought 4 lbs of pecans and when I went to use them the next day, I saw that there were little worms crawling in the bag. I was DISGUSTED. I brought them back to Smart and Final but they refused to take them back because on the receipt it says "ALL SALES FINAL". Even after I told them about the worms, they refused. So I sent a message to corporate and they basically said that I am out of luck! Horrible customer service. I am attaching the exchange I received from S&F corporate: Me: I bought 4 bags of Pecan halves at store #940 on 5/25/20. Yesterday when I was going to use them, I looked inside one of the bags and saw little white worms in it. I was completely disgusted! I brought all 4 bags back to the same Smart and Final and told them I wanted a refund. They said on my receipt it says "All Sales are Final". While this is true it says that, I told them that the pecans were inedible due to the worms. She again repeated that the policy is ALL SALES ARE FINAL...Naturally I was very upset and told her in no uncertain terms that I will NEVER shop at Smart and Final again because of the way they treated me. So basically I threw away $55.96. What I am asking from you is to refund me the $55.96, the total amount I paid for the pecans. I spent a total of $104.44 that shopping day. S&F: Dear Andrew, We are extremely sorry for the unfortunate experience with you recent purchase in SmartandFinal store #940. We unable to do refund for offline orders and requesting you to contact the store on the matter. Thank you, S&F Online Support Team ME: Your email did not say anything. What am I supposed to do with wormy pecans? I want my money back S&F: Dear Andrew, We are extremely sorry for the unfortunate experience with you recent purchase in SmartandFinal store #940. We unable to do refund for offline orders and requesting you to contact the store on the matter. ME: I will just report you to the Better Business Bureau read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Pecan with worms - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

8/13/2016: I know it's just bat sh*t cray cray how I keep updating this review but I hafta!!! These MoFo's carry BRAGGS AMINIOS, BRAGGS SALT FREE SEASONINGS, BRAGGS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. What to the WHAT and cheaper than Amazon or Sprouts. THANK YOU Smart and Final!!!! Thank you for that redheaded Manager who is funny and a delight too but that's another thing. I have noticed that they now have sections that say "Healthy something" or other sorry, Ima little tipsy with joy. :-/ Thank you Smart and Final for you, no silly really you for being you!!! For the Redheaded Manager, for the Braggs, the super sized beans and rice, for your organics and cubed firm tofu and girllll, don't get me started on the red wine selection!! Will you date me? *awkward silence* ****************************************************************************************************************** 7/18/2016 Quick Edit: The last three times I have shopped here, the customer service from the lovely ladies who cashier has definitely improved. I have not seen "Miss Cranky Pants" here since I wrote this original review. They have a little ways to go though, the volume of customers is going to triple now that there are four more major apartment complexes being built to further destroy the quality of life in North Park. Good luck S and F ! I never thought I would say this but I actually miss Haggen. This place is "okay", they don't have a good selection but it's great for people who want to buy in bulk for parties and such. Also I have seen some owners of restaurants in North Park making large sized items here so I am glad there is place for owners to stock up in a pinch! As a consumer, it's not that great. They have a very small frozen section stocked with meat and fish related items, I needed some frozen spinach for a recipe and then realized that their freezers weren't stocked with veggies or frozen fruit. First world problem I know. Haggen blew their organic section away, not a very big selection of produce and organics. I make due because Sprouts has become so over crowded and I hate Ghetto Vons so much that I come here. South Park needs a real grocery store - a fully stocked one, why that is so hard to figure out is beyond me. For now, I have to shop here. I am making my diet mostly plant and fruit based so I may be going to NP Produce more and only running in here for dried goods and dairy as needed. By the way, the staff here especially cashiers are lacking in people skills. Not impressed with the rude cashier with an attitude who waited on my husband and I. She never said a word to me or even looked at us. My husband bagged ALL of our groceries himself to help her out, no thank you, no nothing. Also, I spent about 20 minutes walking up and down aisles there were several people stocking not one of them asked if I needed help. read more

I have no problem with the staff or store, BUT I have had it with dogs being allowed in stores, restaurants and bars!! Not everyone is a dog person. People like me fear dogs and have allergies! I don't appreciate dogs putting their ass** in the carts where I put my food! It's out of control. read more

I live within walking distance of this building, and have seen it go from Albertsons to Haggen to now Smart & Final. Let me just say I am happier than ever with my ultra-local grocery store! Their prices are really affordable. I am in looove with the section with all the trail mixes and nuts and goodies you pour into a bag. They always have great fresh produce. Lines are usually very manageable, but maybe try to avoid shopping around 6/7 o'clock. That's when all the North Parkians seem to descend upon this store. Employees are friendly. I've enjoyed getting to know some of the workers, they really work their asses off to make this place run smoothly. Go S&F! read more

I go here, Ralphs, and Trader Joe's. Sometimes only one per week, and it's usually S&F because it's closest! I have found it to have very good prices -- not too much cheaper than other places, unless you're buying bulk! They've always had everything I've needed. The staff I've interacted with are GREAT! Not really sure what the complaints are about. However, I'm not typically there at busy times of day, so maybe it does get backed up and maybe some of the staff aren't as nice as the midday staff (or they're under more stress). I really like this store! Way better than the Haggen that was there previously. Once we got some AMAZING cookies from the clearance rack in the back that were like a dollar... hoping to see them there again soon ;) read more

This is a Smart and Final EXTRA, so it has way more everyday food items than a regular Smart and Final. It has improved since they first opened. PROS: Lots of deals. I shop at Sprouts, Vons, Walmart, and Target. This place had the lowest price on many items when compared to other stores. Wide variety and selection. CONS: Fresh produce is not as good. Customer service is sometimes poor- some cashiers seem to have a grudge. I was so excited to see that they had Ballast Point beer on sale for $8.99, but It was old and acrid beer that tasted bad. Overall, it is a good place to go if you want cheaper prices. read more

this is one of the finest grocery stores i have seen. it's a lot cleaner than some of the other grocery stores i go to. the staff is nice, and seemed to know where every item is in every aisle. also the staff is really nice there. read more

First time in. I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. It's a full on grocery store with everything and the prices are good. They even have organic produce. Deducted one star for the meat section but otherwise, its well stocked, clean and the employees were helpful and friendly. read more

Always happy doing my groceries in Smart and Final. Reasonable prices including Managers Specials!! This store is clean and well organized that's why I can locate all the items that I need easily. The staff as well as the manager are so friendly and helpful at all times. read more

The experience I had today is very unacceptable. Starting off with the produce several items had mold on it the red onion, cuties, and tomatoes. (I did let an employee know to take them out)Very gross, but the worst part was the cashier. My boyfriend had purchased alcohol along with our groceries and the cashier (Lourdes) proceeded to say she needed both of our ID'S which is false. I feel like we were definitely profiled based off our age group and ethnicity and something should definitely be done to repair this store! I will be taking this to corporate! read more

Only good for basic items and a wide variety of cost-saving First Street items. However, it seems that they never have what you need. For example, I went in tonight for crushed red pepper in the spice aisle. There was five different types of black pepper but zero red. It happened again when was looking for washer pods. Didn't have them either. They used to have ready-made sandwiches and salads for to-go, but that refrigerator only stocks beverages now. The more popular beers have limited quantity such as Stone Tangerine. If you need a milk and cereal run, or coffee and creamer run, this place will suffice. Disappointed on more than one occasion. read more

Anyone posting 5 stars for this shop are out of their minds. Come on in for yourself and youll agree that this store is super ghetto.This has got to be the worst grocery store in the area. The meat department in this store smells terrible. The deli gets two thumbs down also. Just doesnt seem like anyone there wants to help. The kind of place you just get what you need and dont expect much else. read more

They upped their game a lot. Excellent prices, good veggies and fruits, and decent meats. Did i mention EXCELLENT prices? read more

Great addition to the neighborhood! Everything is so fresh and so clean. Lots of items that you need on the daily, plus bulk items, deli, a pretty nice produce section, and everything you need for your bar, but no kimchi :( read more

This is the best supermarket in the Noth Park neighborhood. It is clean, plenty of parking and a very good produce section. I don't buy cheese or meat here because of the limited selection but it really is a nice simple no frills store. read more

I shop at Smart & Final than Costco just because their products and prices are more competitive. I am very pleased on the customer service of Smart & Final in University. They greet you and ask if they can help you find anything. They make you feel at home. The store is tidy and they have good stocks of their products. I like it that you can buy in bulk and individual. I can save and get the best deal. Kudos to the Store Manager who handle this location; I've been to other S & F but I can tell the difference on the service quality of this location. More Power to y' all! read more

I "Finally" got over today to the new North Park store. We moved from Clairemont to NP in 1990. I have always loved S&F and so happy I don't have to drive downtown anymore. It was never a long drive, maybe 10 minutes or so but Instead of going once every 1 or 2 months I can stop in weekly now right in the hood. Let me just say this (aka Bernie !!! :-) - - they have Kirby cucumbers (pickling cukes) for only 99¢ pound. If you grew up on the northeast coast you know how wicked good these are compared to the hothouse crap in shrinkwrap or that thickskinned stuff with no cucumber in the middle at the supermarket. Seed City. Their S&F oven roasted whole cold chicken is the bomb. They are new and I got charged a buck more on my chicken then the sign said which was a bit annoying when I checked my receipt but kudos for a much better effort than Haggen ever put forward. Friends had complained about narrow aisles. I did not have any too many problems, no different than Vons or Trader Joe's really. read more

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I like having it in the neighborhood but today when I went in it smelled like dead animal in the produce area . I couldn't smell it near the bakery , better check it out read more

I was in the store the other day waiting in a line of probably 5 or 6 people and the cashier announced he had to "stretch his legs" and proceeded to come around the checkstand to retrieve the empty baskets under the counter and then take them over to the door and plop them down. He then went into where the ice is kept to get his bottle of water he'd put in there earlier and take a few sips. All while the 5 or 6 of us were waiting in line. Isn't his break the time for him to "stretch his legs" and get a drink of water? I finally got to the point of paying and I tapped my card on the machine and it froze for some reason and would not clear out. We stood there for at least 4 or 5 minutes while the cashier kept saying there was nothing we could do because "it was buffering". I offered to pay cash and he said he couldn't take it because he "couldn't stop the transaction".....so we continued to wait. I felt sorry for the 4 people in line behind me and told them there was an issue with the payment machine and they may want to go to another line. Was that my job to tell them that? Probably since the cashier was too busy taking more and more sips of his water and be-bopping to the Taylor Swift song that was playing all the time staring at the buffering message. Another employee, a female, came over and asked what was going on and he told her and she finally took the initiative to take me and my 5 or 6 items to the next register and ring me up so I could get outta there. That's what should have been done in the first place instead of having the cashier just stand there like I had all the time in the world for your systems to clear out. SHE was very apologitic which was appreciated. He however, was more interested in going on his break offering no apology for the delay. I've worked in customer service positions and would never treated someone who was paying my salary by patronizing my employeers establishment that way...like I was doing them a favor by stopping by to buy some things I can get at any number of other stores in the area. I really feel like I should by this guy a sympathy card for having to ring me up in the first place and hand it to him next time I'm there.....that is if I EVER GO BACK. If I do I will avoid his lane due to the, "you're such a nuisance to me" attitude he projects. read more

I recently moved to a place which is close to Smart and Final. It is clean, organized and less pricey than other grocery shops around me. I have been going there since December. Only reason I gave four stars is because the water filtering machine raised its prices %100 in last week. read more

I have given this one star rating because the staff is so very friendly and helpful. The management needs to do something about their sale items not being available. This has happened to me nearly a dozen times in just a few months, and twice yesterday. If you advertise an item have it in stock. A few weeks ago they advertised New York steaks on sale. I live a block away and was in there every day, sometimes twice, and the shelf was empty every time. I will just go to Ralph's and save time and money!! read more

Cupples cashier here super rude, one of my expirean,a male cashier ask me if I want a bag I said yes just one, then he swing my swing all my goserry to me I thought he didn't hear me so he dint give me a bag or I shoud grab my self, so i carry all my goserry without a bag to the car and I look at my receive he change me for a bag I go back to him and ask he said he gave me a bag I said no you do not he become supper bad mood and say ok whatever, just $0.10 for a bag and customer not a doormat who responded of your unhappy life!! And another time one old lady she yell at me that I take my own bag duing of covid, i grt confue can i take bag or have to buy bag ??? But not all cashier are rude here, one are nice to me I think she is new he very polite and kind, I wish I see her every time I go here,this place it closet goserry store to me,every time I walk in this place I wonder I will see the rude cashier or nice one, only 2 cashier open sometime once is ruder and one is rudless so I have to pick witchone lol read more

This place is an absolute dumpster fire and they make our neighborhood look bad. Every single time I have gone, there has been one cashier and if we are lucky enough, they will page another employee to open a lane. But at that point, there are 20+ customers trying to check out. On more than one occasion, I have seen homeless people putting their bare, filthy, probably Hep C hands in the bulk food and 'have a snack' without employees saying a word to them because and I quote, "It doesn't matter how many times you tell them not to, they always come back" There are employees hiding in corners of the place playing or looking at their phones and you're made to feel like you're burdening them to ask where something is. There are two enter/exit doors but one is usually closed, locked and barricaded because of endless shoplifting this place experiences. They sometimes have security guys but I saw one the other night smoking pot and talking on his phone on the side of the building nowhere near said entrances/exits. I can't even make this shit up! So here is the moral of this nightmare. Unless you're really craving a rotisserie chicken without the time it was cooked on the label, a 16lb of tortilla chips, or my favorite, potentially contracting a sexually transmitted disease from bulk almonds, stay clear of this place. read more

I wish they did something about their produce section. Every time I buy produce it spoils within 2 days. I had bought some cucumbers and tomatoes and by day 2 cucumbers had mold growing on it and the tomatoes were mush. I never have this problem at Sprouts or Ralph's. Not the 1st time it's happened either. I also bought a bag of potatoes and had to throw away a lot of them because they were rotting in the bag. Same thing with the bag of limes. I love this store because it's convenient for me but I won't be buying any produce from this store anymore. It's a waste of money. read more

The market is stocked to the top on everything. I think I go back and buy some Donuts,coffee,liquor,bread,cheese,milk,eggs ........:-). read more

Rent a cop here was real rude .. never will I come again to this store .. not even going to waste my breathe what happened just never shopping here again .. read more

Too much if the produce we bought went bad too quickly. I might go back for some of the meat sales but I'll get fruits & veggies elsewhere.

Once again, after I finally return to this store, I've been ID checked. The cashier needed to "verify" my credit card... I didn't use a credit card but used my phone/Samsung pay... what was there to verify? I was told I had to show ID for purchase over $50. Well, last week and the week prior, same scenario, NO ID CHECK. The last time I was asked for ID, months ago, it was because it was "store policy" to check ALL IDs, even though at that time I had been in the store 5 times including opening day and no ID was required. So, ID checking seems arbitrary. Is it, none required, always required or only required over $50. Perhaps a little training would be in order. ESPECIALLY on how Samsung or Android Pay works. The only person who can use it is the authorized owner of the phone. And there is nothing to "check" by asking for my ID. I'm looking at my receipt and the "name that popped up" according to the cashier which she had to check is nowhere to be seen, only the account number. I guess it's back downtown for me to go to the S&F that doesn't even demand ID from the homeless people who come in and shop. read more

I love this smart and final, it's like a mini Costco. Obviously it's a warehouse where you can get more for cheaper. Customer service is great and everything is organized. There is always plenty of parking. And best thing is you do not need a membership to shop here. read more