Honestly, for what it is, Tanforan is surviving. It is a place of so much history that a lot of us don't even know. I've been told it used to be a racetrack, Japanese American internment camp, to name a few. It's hard to believe this place has so much history but can look so abandoned on the outside. This was where I had my first job working at Miller's Outpost / Anchor Blue. That's when it used to be a very alive mall then, with the super cheap double show movie theater. The good old days when life was much simpler and we weren't glued to cell phones, lol. I could've sworn I read somewhere a while back this place was sold, and it was going to be like a biotech/ apartment in like 5 years or so. I could be wrong. Like most malls now, it's mostly all about food. I believe they still do off the grid here every Tuesday. For what it is, it's still a cool place to just walk around, catch a movie, and get a bite to eat. read more

This shop is truly on its last legs now. Only a few major places are left open in and around it, and one of them (Barnes and Noble) is going away for good in less than a week. Such a shame that the once vibrant mall has been reduced to...this. read more

For those that grew up in San Bruno, it's really sad to see the second fall of Tanforan Mall. I've been coming to this mall my whole life, back in the day when KB toys, Sam Goody, and the $1 movie theater was a thing. I remember when it started to go downhill the first time before the major remodel. When the remodel happened, I worked in a couple different stores, shout out Finish Line and Aloha Island BBQ. Lots of memories over the years and fast forward to the end of 2025 and Tanforan is on its last legs with 75% (maybe even more) of the storefronts closed and empty. As of my last visit, the Chipotle and Panda are still open. Shoe Palace is the last remaining shoe store, BJ's, Barnes and Noble, target and century 20 are still open though. Outside of that, there's really not much else I know they are eventually going to turn this into a life science space with offices, retail and housing. I really hope the developers can turn this place around with a refreshed retail/restaurants that people want to go out of their way for. read more

It's time to tear this place down and start over. SERVICE Very few businesses exist in the mall. A jewelry store, Hallmark, movie theater, and a food court that had one broken down escalator (going down from 2nd floor) and about 3-4 restaurants only. There was a restroom near the food court but it feels precarious to use it as there were not many people around. SELECTION Not even worth visiting. Save your time and gas. VALUE Very little. I remember when the racetrack was torn down and this mall was erected. It was a place to go to on the way to visit family and friends in and around SF. It's now a shell of its former self. read more

See all

This isn't a shopping center, it's a deserted ghost town. Aside from Target, there's no freaking reason to go there!

I rarely give low stars...but this place is empty! We came to eat at BJ's since it's close to the airport at SFO...but the rest of the mall is pretty much shut down, store fronts are empty...and I didn't see signs if there was renovations, or if they're shutting down forever, or what's going on ‍ read more

This is a belated review but it's also an easy one. This place sucks. I've seen cemeteries with more life than this mall. I remember seeing on the news years ago that this place would get shut down in favor of a biotech campus. Is that still happening? A part of me thinks it won't since this old relic is still somehow standing but at the same time, after actually stepping foot here for the first time in years, unless businesses come to occupy the VAST amount of empty space here then I don't see why this place still needs to exist. A lot of stores and eateries are gone. The only things I like about Tanforan are that Barnes & Noble and BJ's are here - but I live in the East Bay. I have no reason to go all the way to Tanforan for either of those places. The escalators when I went here were nearly ALL broken which makes going up and down a complete pain in the ass. It surprises me that whoever works here bothered to put up such a nice Christmas tree during the holidays because who the hell is coming here to see it? There's nothing to do here. Even freaking JOLLIBEE isn't here anymore. I dislike Jollibee but if even that can't stick around in an area where there's a ton of Filipinos, there's no hope for anyone. This mall is washed. It's sad, it's depressing, it makes me want to start drinking again. Yes, I will revert to alcoholism because of Tanforan. I hope you're proud of yourselves. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

I'm calling it, this mall is dead and doomed. This place is pretty much gutted. No more Aunt Annie's pretzels. No more Smoothie place. No more Old Navy or Daiso. The food court has like 5 places, most of which suck. No more Five Guys, not that I like them at all, but still. No more Poke place. This place is a ghost town and really looks like something out of a zombie horror movie. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Empty - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

See all

It's really not as bad here on a Friday afternoon, but not sure about weekends and holidays. This shopping mall has the most parking spots and the parking garage is nearly empty on the upper levels too. It's a beautiful piece of property with Century Movie Theaters on the third floor. Very clean and well maintained mall area. Best of all, the food court area is more spacious than most typical food courts at small shopping malls. It doesn't have a lot of great choices, but at least you can find a Sakura restaurant, Chipotle, and then right above or upstairs is a delicious dim sum food place, plus Pate A Choux/French cream puff snacks. BJ's restaurant is downstairs. Not much, but you won't starve. There's more delicious foods and restaurants across the plaza where grocery store is located too. Retail staffs are friendly. Inexpensive items can be found here. Saw a few security guards. Not much happens here these days. Small shopping malls have all suffered over the years. Yes, you get an emptier feeling because of many retail spaces available for lease or have been shut down. If you like fashionable ladies clothes, they certainly have a huge Q store and Demasque store inside. Those stores are much larger than ones located in the South Bay Area. Glad to see Barnes & Noble bookstore with Starbucks inside. Target store should be enjoying and still around. Love reading books and sipping hot beverages. JC Penny is still around. I actually enjoyed the short walk in the well lit white colored shopping mall. High ceilings too. Two floors is enough, unless you really want to catch a movie on third floor. I would say the location is pretty darn convenient, right off Hwy 380 on El Camino Real exit. Love it on Friday. Depends on your purpose for coming to shopping malls. I'm just glad that this place still exists, especially great to sit inside on rainy/foggy days. Hopefully, retailers would come back for business, but knowing the current conditions of San Francisco Bay Area shopping malls, it's unlikely to fill up, so just appreciate what's left of it today. read more

See all

So many memories here Tanforan especially JCPenney. I was emotional seeing it gone. Today was a sad day. I went to BJ restaurants ordered Fresh Atlantic Salmon finally my order was served and I could smell a bad order coming from broccoli that came with it. It looks old, it looks very bad smells was so bad I couldn't eat it. I throw it out. I won't be coming back to this place. BJ thinks customers are blind about their order especially food they will consume at their restaurants. BJ ashamed on you. Check your veggies before serving Customer check your food if it's fresh. read more

I miss when this place was fun and had the theater downstairs. It used to be so busy. Thank for BN and BJs (although they can be better too). A lot of stores closed and even the food court is lacking. It's a slow Sunday afternoon, and the coffin is being built as we walk down the corridor. read more

See all

I went to Tanforan a lot when I was younger, there were a lot of people and it felt alive. Now half of the stores are closed and some of the places in the food court are closed too. It's depressing to see such a live place turn into a ghost town :(. This is an example of what the 2020 COVID-19 virus can do to a place. I still remember when Sears was still a thing and I still remember going to the bathroom there. I now only go to Tanforan to see movies and to go to the food court. :( read more

Dwindling popularity of the shops - lots are closed. Food court had great options - maybe a good place to come watch a movie and have dinner. If you live in an area that still has an open bookstore like Barnes and Noble - it means you live in a good area. Word on the street is a lot of SF cops actually live here in this area - I guess they don't trust the streets that they patrol with their own families... A cell phone repair spot. JC Penny.... Given that so many shops are closed the place still has some dignity. Maybe its a refection of the surrounding neighborhood. Convenient to Bart - might want to give that a try this month as I heard there is a 50 percent discount. Yeah, everybody loves a good deal. In fact, there might be nothing more American. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

See all

This is to the GUESS store in particular There was a short Latina and a flamboyant latino working that day, me my mom and kiddo walked in that MF disheveled as hell, moms wig was not wiggin, I didn't sleep the night before because my toddler went to sleep at 8am that morning and well I needed a small handbag because my north face backpack was making security look at us like we was gonna rob the place ‍ Those two talking down on me and my mom because we ain't trying to pay 74 for a fanny pack and asking them about prices apparently was funny & well a burden to them and their empty store. Customer service was garbage, my mom made it a thing to start picking up whatever just to make them look up prices now because she was confused as to what crawled up their gluteus maximus that particular day that talking bad about a customer was an option that was on the table. We speak Portuguese and they spoke Spanish so we kept the English going to act like we didn't understand them until they called us broke... Now. Now my mom don't take that word lightly especially from two kids that are struggling making ends meet while working retail in a soon to be abandoned mall, that don't know how to apply make up or maybe clown-chola was the look that day and from a boy who identifies as ZIM! I went to get this 25 dollar bag and woops credit card denied and these losers laughed until I got my man on the phone who said while on speaker, "baby request what you need honey I'll send it right now!" ‍‍‍‍ Humbled the kids right up. See while we leave and enjoy our day you enjoy that 43 dollar paycheck. Tuh, my man got me. Just rude. And double rude for providing no positivity not even something good to look at... ‍ read more

The Shops At Tanforan - All that for what? I just needed a smaller bag... Not as small as your paycheck but around that size ‍ - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

It's sad to see this mall dying. Most stores have shut down, and the vacant spaces have turned into storage sheds. The Target that stands is decent and it's always nicely stocked. Theres also still a Barnes and Noble which is also a great store. I heard that they were going to close this mall, but I'm not sure if that's still happening. I hope eventually Tanforan comes back. read more

Honestly my kid loves to come here for the toddler playground near Target on the the first floor. Especially on a hot day, it's a great free place for kids to hangout and run around. There are also a few paid activity places as well that's around. There a bounce place and another activity center on the first floor. All of them require adult supervision. But my kid is pretty happy with he free toddler playground and small little driving arcade. Enough kids come and go that he is able to run around and play until he's tired. And of course Target is a nice plus. Otherwise, it's not a great mall. read more

Rating is for the shoe stores - lots of good selection even though the mall is mostly empty since it's going to be torn down soon!

I was content with the service. Weighed the dessert for service~~~ my friends left me there lol. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Tart and Mango - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

See all

Yeah this is a dying mall located in San Bruno, CA. There's a Barnes & Noble, Movie Theater, and a Food Court here, among other things. I came here with my friends for the movie theater in particular. We saw Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel III. spring song. The movie theater itself was pretty standard. The seats were somewhat comfortable and the security was loose. I was able to sneak in some snacks that we bought in the food court. The food court was good but depressing. Half of the restaurants there were closed (including a Jollibee that looked sad and deteriorating). Jake's Hawaiian BBQ was good though. Great prices, friendly service, and tasty food. The parking lot here is huge, so you won't have a problem finding parking here. The location is great too. It's located along the I-380 (what I call the connector) which gives you easy access from the 280 and the 101. Looking back, this mall has a lot of charm but unfortunately I think it's dying. Enough talk. read more

1 star because I still like this shopping mall even though it's pretty much a ghost town. Sad that they keep posting monthly Family Events on both Facebook and Instagram when the events didn't even happen such as today. I am extremely disappointed to have to find out from a security guard that these events will not be happening anymore. There's no notice of cancellation and it was also not announced on social media (Facebook & Instagram). I also did not get an email of cancellation despite being on their mailing list. :( 1 Star for having spots like Sarku Japan and Happy Lemon. This Sarku Japan gives you more chicken (if you order teriyaki chicken) than the one at Hillsdale Mall. Please keep them open until next year when the mall shuts down. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - The area where the monthly family events took place. - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

I am shocked that Sears, Starbucks, and Old Navy are not inside the mall anymore. Only Target, Barnes & Noble, JCPenny, Game Stop are still in business inside the mall. I remember in 2000's the mall was being renovated. They added Hooter's, Old Navy, Century Theatre, and Barnes & Noble. It is sad how COVID-19 took away businesses. Hope Tanforan can come back alive once COVID-19 eases down. It would be sad that the mall turns into housing development. read more

This mall has been around for quite some time. I remember almost 10 years ago, this mall existed and it had a lot of the same shops. The food court seems to be newly renovated, and this mall has a great amount of shops that are low budget or opening price points. They also have a diversity of things you can purchase - from wedding items to dress, food, books, etc. They also have a moving theatre along with a Target and Petco nearby. I enjoy coming here to stroll around walking into Charlotte Russe and Forever 21. Usually there is a good amount of parking nearby, so it's not a concern. If you haven't been around here, you should pop in and check it out! read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Food court area - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

this genuinely feels like a ghost mall. There was basically no stores aside from the JCPenney theater barnes and noble and the target.

Nice place to go shopping, but just like many malls across this area, business is down. You do have to be careful... just like anywhere else. I do like the fact that Bart takes you there easily, and it also has a movie theater and BJs restaurant is pretty good. It could be better but not complaining. It sounds like this place will close in the coming years... still open... enjoy it while you can. read more

The stores are "nonexistent", there a few open which shocks me considering half the mall has empty lots

This review is more a eulogy of Tanforan and what it was rather then what it has become in recent years. The Barnes & Noble bookstore is still here and is excellent occupying two floors for book/movies and a Cafe. I used to go to the FYE movie store in the mall and scour through the used DVDs. Always found a cool movie to add to my collection. Spencer's was another cool shop that just closed. Sears was such a great place. We got our washer/dryer here and always bought our clothes fron the Lands End retailer inside Sears. After the covid lockdowns this mall lost probably 1/3 of its stores. Supposedly the mall is being demolished in the near future for offices. Hopefully the bookstore and Spencer's move over to Serramonte. This mall looks great and is well kept. It was completely renovated 15 years ago. It's too bad the owners have mismanaged this gem. read more

If you are tired of the big crowds at Serramonte or can not find much at Stonestown, I guess Tanforan can be your next go to. Yes, Tanforan is pretty big all around and has a good amount of stores...but in all honesty there is something about Tanforan that is missing. I do not know how to explain it but I really do think Tanforan can be hit or miss. So many stores are closing at Tanforan as well I cant keep up with what is still open or what is still worth going to. The two things that I go for at Tanforan at this point is Century Theatre and Target. I honestly feel these two places and the food court are the only thing keeping Tanforan alive to be quite honest. read more

Let's face it, this mall is DEAD. About half the stores in here are closed and the other half that are still open....most of them suck accept for Target and Barnes & Noble. The food court downstairs is depressing. Only like 5 food stand are still operating, nothing special about any of them. Even the movie theater has become a joke. They might as well shut this mall down, demolish it and start building the bio-tech campus now. R.I.P. Tanforan. It was nice knowing you. read more

I love and miss the shopping malls of yesterday. I went to The Shops at Tanforan basically for three things - Target, Lane Bryant and to kill some time. Sadly, this mall is going to way of the "dead mall." Thank you Amazon. There are lots of vacant stores and places you've never heard of selling basically the same thing (cheap clothes). It is, however, very clean and (shocker) not busy at all. I came, I saw, I shopped, I left. read more

Escalators not working shops are closing closed this place is basically dead af. Will definitely not go back

Growing up in the 80-90's this mall was my favorite and looked forward to come with my parents and grandma after church! It was a treat and so many things to do and goodies to eat! Now it's dead and nothing but Barnes and Noble or BJ's to come too. I miss the old stores and the people! Seems it's outdated and they closed the good stores. I now prefer Serramonte Mall! read more

Located where the Tanforan Racetrack and Internment Camps for Japanese ancestry used to be. This is a Smallish Mall but has most of the essentials to get you buy on what you need. Department Stores are Target, JC Penny, and a Pretty nice Two Story Barnes & Nobles. This mall really shines on Its Eating choices They have a BJs, Five Guys, Happy Lemon, Dim Sum place, Orange Julius, Hooters, Jolibee, and Chipotle; just to name a few. Wide variety of foods! read more

The Shops At Tanforan - Japanese Internment Camp Plaque - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

.::This place can do so much better!::. Although they have plenty of shops & department stores such as Sears, Jc Penney, Foot Locker & Target just to name a few. The Mall just feels really boring. I can't explain it but I've been to other malls where it just feels really good.(like watching a Family Matters marathon) Sorry lost my train of thought there. They do have a food court which does offer some of your shopping mall favorites, Chipotle,Burger King, Jollibee, and Panda Express, along with sit down restaurants such as Hooters & BJ's. Cinemark Theaters is also located here and parking seems to be busier on certain sides of the mall (Front El Camino side & rear next to the food court) Mall is really close to 280 and the 101 and directly across the street from San Bruno Center which offers extra stores you can go blow your dinero at. (Tip) They may have deals & special promotions if you join their mailing club. I once recieved a $25 Visa on one promotion they had to boost up sales I quess. I quess if your tired of the crazy crowds at Serramonte this may be a good option for you. read more

See all

Nice mall,but one of those plague victims as about 1/3 looks closed. Food court is probably 50% boarded up. The main anchor store of Penny's is pretty much empty shelves ,while the Sears has long since died. Not quite hang yourself depressing ,but getting closer. Nothing like progress. read more

Review #387 - 2018 After we picked up our pastries at Mr. Holmes, we made the drive over so the baby could run around and expense some energy while mommy gets some Christmas shopping out of the way. We showed up around 9:40 AM, so we had to wait until 10 AM for them to open up. The baby was fast asleep so I was fine with it. When 10 AM came around, we were ready to tackle the day! It was nice to be able to walk around at a slow pace with no one else around to bump into or shove you out of their way because you have a stroller & they need to get by. We didn't actually go into very many shops, just one to be exact. I didn't get anyone else a Christmas gift, but I did manage to buy myself a few things! This mall really isn't that big so it didn't take very long for us to walk around the entire place in less than 30 minutes. The bathroom wasn't very clean considering that they had just opened up and there was water leaking all over the floor so they definitely need to repair that so no one slips and falls. We did manage to get a photo session with Santa before heading back home. We went with the 5 poses of digital photos package--because in this day & age, who keeps a real photo album anymore? They did a pretty nice job on the Christmas decorations. read more

The Shops At Tanforan - 12/17/2018: Huge reindeer out front - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Bruno, California

See all

Crazy tweeker lives in his car in the parking lot by Sears food strewn all around it taped on license plate and toys on his dashboard he was busy polishing clean a florescent light bulb insane They don't turn on the A/C and when its busy its hot and muggy with no air even though its not too hot outside unbearable when the sun is shining hot parking structure top floor is scary i would never park there and now i think underneath is a really bad idea the concrete is all cracked above which is super creepy and they have stupid concrete beams above that scrape tall cars this mall is very run down sears and jcpenny need to go read more

The mall is in sad shape. Almost a ghost town inside with plenty of empty store fronts and the food court is still active though Subway Sandwich is gone . read more

Love this mall it's getting better and better and always find something to buy for myself and everyone I cared. I always started with JC Penny and found good deals at this location. Then of course you can find some stuff from different shops. Another interesting thing is a movie theater with huge parking lot. This theater has elevator which takes you to inside the theater without walking outside in the windy day or in raining. We love food court too with so many choices including healthy food. I think from shopping to entertainment and food this place have it all. We been going to this mall since 1986 and still love it. Highly recommend plz go and enjoy with your friends and family. read more

This mall has definitely gone through several transformations from the mid 90's to now! I can remember the McDonald's that use to be inside this mall, just gross! Great for kids, I guess but GROSS! Fortunately, now this mall has become more prominent and up to date which is a huge draw for a lot of consumers. The Century movie theater is an upgrade from the old theater that used to be here in the 90's, seriously. If you remember that place you can recall the awful smell and sticky floors! Not a fun viewing time, trust me. The update food court is another nice touch as well. Five Guys is definitely a step up over any restaurant that used to be here. I do like that there is sit down restaurant as well, BJ's. Having a restaurant like BJ's be apart of the mall was a great move in updating this mall. A place to eat and drink and enjoy sports is a nice attraction to this mall, which is why I think Hooter's was added as well. This mall has turned around for the better in a HUGE way. While some of the older businesses have fazed out there are now new stores that have come in and developed and gained a name for themselves. Of course Sears will always be a cornerstone here seeing as it is one of the longest tenured stores at Tanforan as well as JCPenny's. I'm happy to see that this mall has taken the steps to remodel and build a new identity. The decision to make additions by way of entertainment, food, and expansion has really made all the difference in this mall. What's so surprising is that it took SO LONG for this to happen. #NewAppeal #FamiliarOldFriend read more

See all

I spent much of my youth in malls, especially when I was cutey pie back in the day & before Mother Nature punished me with exhaustion, lifeblood & a slower metabolism & a limited budget. Wells, this mall reasonably priced in comparison to Stonestown & SF shopping center, but right off of BART at San Bruno. The great shops are Target & the Cinemark are fab. Gone is the Sears. Hot Topic, Zumiez & Claire's , Petco & DQ are still here. Malls are a dying breed & I will miss this one. read more