Coming away from this gas station and mini Mart alive is the objective. This gas station mini Mart continues to be the most horrible, yet convenient, experience in the San Francisco Bay area. Today there were people parked in front of the main entrance to the mini Mart, sitting in their car, or rather unconscious in their car, with vomit and beer bottles around their car. I walked inside while my tank was filling hoping to buy a bottle of water for today's hike. There were four people in line and the employee was having a screaming conversation with someone off to the side without even acknowledging those in line. Object of the conversation with something to do with the employees last trip to the doctor. This horrible place is unfortunately convenient for me. I frequently risk my life getting gas here. I only hope and pray that one day my luck will not run out. It does not take a statistician to realize that there is a reasonable chance you will be robbed or murdered at this gas station. read more

ampm - One of the most horrible mini Mart gas stations in the United States - Convenience Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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I came by here becauese I needed gas and they saved me a trip to Costco. I was passing by on my way home from Oakland and was looking at my map app. I saw that they had a decent price, about 3 cents above Costco's, so I decided to come here since I was driving by it. I'm glad that I did. Now this isn't the fanciest place ever and at the time I went, you couldn't pay at the pump at all. You had to go inside, but I had some cash and was able to pay inside. I think I got $20 worth of gas and it was worth it. There were very few people there, so I was able to get in and out rather fast. I don't know if I'd come again, only because the last time I was in that area, it was to get my vaccine and that was in March 2021. And since we're in a pandemic, I haven't been going out nearly as much as I used to. But, if in the area and they have the right price and I'm driving by because I'm avoiding freeway traffic, I'd stop in again. read more

Amazing !!!! Quality Gas best prices, and .89 cents fountain drinks . I also forgot to mention they have the best slushies in town. read more

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A God-awful gas station. It's cheaper than other ones in the area, but it's also far more unpleasant. When I went this morning, the price at the pump was ten cents more than it was on the sign. And then later in the day, my bank called me as someone stole my credit card information from the machine after I left. Avoid if you can. read more

ampm - The cost on the sign... - Convenience Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Came for a car wash because I parked under a tree and the birds bombed my car. Came around 8am. You have to pay with debit either at the pumps or at the cash register. They have 2 options, platinum or express. I chose the platinum option. You basically drive through the car wash, enter your code, and drive up until you see a red light. Pros: -cheap! It's $9.00 for platinum Cons: -debit only -debit fee charge -car wash didn't wash my car. All the bird poo is still there. It was a waste of money in my opinion read more

One of the cheapest gas stations in the area, but definitely not a safe place to fuel up after dark. There are always sketchy people in the parking lot loitering around and asking for money. I would never use the ATM machines on the island to pay for gas. Strictly cash only and paid at the counter to avoid getting potentially ripped off from machine skimmers, which seem to plague ampm's. Although I gas up here a couple times a month, I'm always making sure that I keep an eye on my car and belongings. read more

The staff were VERY HELPFUL when I got gas here on Tuesday night. I left my phone on the counter and another customer snatched it pretty quickly. I realized I didn't have my phone on me a few minutes later and the man working at the cash register was kind and trusting enough to let me borrow his phone to call my phone. He even let me take it to my trunk because I wanted to make sure I didn't drop it in there. When I was calling it with his phone at my car, an unhoused man admitted to having taken my phone from the counter. I brought the cashier's phone back to him and thanked the unhoused man with $10 worth of gas. Meanwhile, the 2nd gas station attendant came outside to make sure the man would give my phone back to me. He did. These two staff went above and beyond that day. I imagine they have to deal with a lot of stressful situations working at this location. They didn't appear burnt out, but dedicated to supporting their customers. I only get gas here and at the Valero near where I live. I am grateful for these two kind humans and I hope they get pay increases, because they are very valuable for our Oakland community. Thank you both, and God Bless, Annmarie read more

One of the few Arco/AMPM's with a car wash. The third star is specifically for the added convenience of a car wash station. This Arco, not unlike many others, is not well maintained. Aesthetically, it is an average gas station. It is not one of the newer stations that is well lit and clean. The weeds adorn the stained pavement and it blends into the surrounding areas. The cashier was pleasant, however. I would only come here during daylight. read more

Unbelievably rude and overtly racist and homophobic employees. Called my partner a "stupid white f*ggot" for the crime of trying to buy a soda when they didn't feel like being open. Door said open 24 hrs, lights were on, and the front door was unlocked. Completely unacceptable. I will never go to an AM/PM store again. read more

I walked in there this morning to get some gas like I normally do, with my mask on notice the sign at the front counter stating that if you want to be served you have to wear a mask. I looked over at the cashier who was not wearing a mask and I asked him why aren't you wearing a mask. He stated sometimes I wear it sometimes I don't, I then said will you have a sign that says no service without a mask so does that mean I can take my mask off. He stated you don't need a mask to be served in this location. read more

ampm - AMPM - Convenience Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

Went to wash my car and the car machine was not working properly. The store own clerk "employee" cussed me out because i would not move my car and because asked for the manager or someone fix the machine as before. As an AFRICAN AMERICAN lcan't do business in our community. Back to the other side where l came from! DONE! read more

It's plain and simple Getto bad customer service representative. Store unstocked they charge for hot water... They don't let you use your own thermos cup do you have to buy their cup for hot water very unfriendly unfriendly unhelpful poorly stocked employees who don't want to be there just overall bad attitudes read more

I came here to pump gas and they charged me for it, but when I went to the pump it showed as if I hadn't paid anything at all. When I confronted them about the issue they told me that the would have to charge me AGAIN for the gas and would not be providing me with a refund for the previous charge. The staff is highly rude and unprofessional I do no suggest going to get gas there unless you want to loose money!!!! read more

Currentlly this station is being remodeled. Hopefully it doesn't become the crackie zombie magnet it once was... 4 stars for remodeling! read more

ampm - Convenience Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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The car wash was not too shabby after I finally got through a few obstacles: 1. If you're in a hurry at all do not go here. You will more than likely be waiting at least 15-20mins for your turn to wash on any given day. This is due to there being only one machine. 2. Thanks to reading the previous reviews, be sure NOT to put your code in until the car in front of you has driven off. 3. The machine literally stopped working after the car in front of me and I had to call/wait for a while until someone came over to reset the machine. Not to mention the staff is incredibly unprofessional. Kind, but UNPROFESSIONAL. Which depending on your mood can make your experience awful. Overall, my was cleaned decently so I give this place a 3/5...Be patient and use this self service at your own risk. read more

ampm - The sketchy code machine - Convenience Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Went to get lottery at 8:00 and coffee. No lottery at that time mega super and Powerball, and no lids for coffee I drive a city bus. No way for me to take just left it. read more

Came here for the car wash and it wasn't even open nor does it look like it's been used in a while.

Y'all haters can keep on hating. All I know is the uglyazz food monster from tv told me the newish ginger ale Rockstars are ONLY at ampm's. Which is why I went. Which is why I'd return. read more

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Where else can you get charcoal, beer, and gas on a Superbowl Sunday? Three in one one-stop shopping : )

What an effing joke with this car wash. Car in front sits there in the dry station for half my wash, so all it does is rinse my car. Go back in to get another code. The manager was a total and complete dick, saying hat it's my fault. That the only issue is operator error. So my question: "ok, well either you can give me another code to wash my car or I will contest with the bank". Says he will not issue a code, sits there arguing with me and says go ahead and call the bank. I will Be contacting the owner, right from the parking lot I am still sitting in. read more

They ripped of my GF for $70, when you hit cancel it doesn't actually cancel, and the pump will still pump gas on your card, so some crack sold the gas for cash on someone else's card. Which is why there are so many crack heads here, the pumps don;t turn off easy when your done pumping. So then the crack heads can go and pump more gas on your card. Also they just try and pump your gas for you, so then then can fake shut it off, and then pump more gas on your card as soon as you leave. Anyway they get to sell more gas cause there customers are getting ripped off. read more

The drive-through car wash cracked my windshield. Not only do the employees not care, one of them has been standing on the street corner screaming obscenities at me the entire time I've been on the phone with my insurance company. Do not go here. read more

It's not quite as sketch as I think some have said. I only came here for dry ice. For some reason I thought it would be around $5, but my 5 lb piece was $13.99! I was so shocked. Go to Smart & Final for dry ice - $1.45 a lb. The staff was really nice, and was willing to give me more for the "5 lb price", which I appreciated, but didn't need. Christ! That was an expensive way to keep my ice cream cold for the day, and we didn't end up eating it cuz it was so dreary. read more

Needed to get some witnesses for a car accident, Young and Myiesha were extremely helpful, great customer service!

They don't take cards; which is a complete deal-breaker as far as I'm concerned, because 1) my AmEx gives 6x points on gas and I'm not about to give that up and 2) when a store doesn't take cards in general, what that says to me is that they want to prevent me having recourse when they rip me off. What's extra super sketchy is that they actually do have card readers on the pumps. But when you try to use them, they message you to go in and see the cashier, a surly lout who will rudely yell "cash only" at you and not-helpfully suggest a trip to an ATM. Nope. All kinds of nope. With a side of "go to hell". Ain't happening. And, of course, these crooks already have my card swipe from when I tried to buy gas. Suffice it to say, AmEx is sending me a new card and I'll be watching my statements like a hawk for a while, in case these scum get up to any further shenanigans. read more

Horrible place you cannot pay with a credit card and it's going also to complications of the pump do not visit do not waste your time here

I was initially turned off by the reviews so I didn't try this place for at least a year. I'm pleased to say that I am very happy with the $5.99 car wash for my hatchback. Don't expect your car to be completely dry when you leave but I'm used to drying the car afterwards regardless of where I go. And I'm happy that the water used to rinse the car isn't dirty (scratches paint) and smelly like other places I've gone to for twice the money. Buy 5 get 1 free. read more

AVOID! Can't pay with your credit card and charge you to use your debit card. Really? I would avoid, in addition, the older black male cashier asked was I a secretary...I don't even think they still use that term in job descriptions. I wasn't dress like a secretary....anyway I wouldn't recommend, plus the car wash cheated me on my drying time. read more

Recently remodeled. Looks nice (and sterile), like a bathroom. Decent price but... no credit cards at all? Guess the idea is to force people into the usual Arco ripoff 45 cents debit fee (I'll be paying cash, and buying less gas as a result, thank you). No latches on the nozzles ( to force people to stay docilely at their cars, not noticing the lack of paper towels and squeegees). Jury's still out on security. Will the usual sketchy characters begin hanging around, begging for change and offering to pump gas? read more

Last time i was there, there was shooting cross st! Plus the workers are mot helpful at all and there is always homeless people just outside the door! Not safe read more

Would have given this review a 3 star rating except their bathroom was absolutely filthy full of crap. Looked like a friggin porta potty. I did think it kind of strange that they were more then eager to direct me to the key sitting on the counter attached to foil of all things for the keychain cuz Smokeland...I mean Oakland establishments don't always let the people use they bathrooom. Other then them being full of $#!+ its a pretty nice station with 16 pumps and a drive thru carwash...and of course there was some young guy asking everyone for a 'dollah'. read more

Worst experience there tonight!!!! And the only reason I'm writing this review is because this is the second time that I have had a horrible experience at this gas station. I prepaid in the store for 40 dollars gas with my debit. I've been pumping gas for over 30 years and could not get any gas from my pump. I tried all the different octanes and still nothing. I go in to tell them and the guy that rang me up said well it won't charge you if you didn't pump any gas. I looked at my account and it had already charged me. Then a girl who worked there tried telling me the same thing as if I pumped the gas and put nozzle back. I said you guys wanna come outside and see that the last person to pump gas got 10 bucks gas, not 40. Neither one of them cared to come outside, give me a refund, or anything but "its not gonna charge you once you put the nozzle back" 2 hours have passed, charge is still there. We shall see how it all pans out. Horrible customer service is worse than the money almost. NEVER GET GAS OR A CAR WASH HERE AGAIN!!!!! Well never got any refund from them and it is now 9 days later!! Failed to mention that when I called the number on the receipt to complain, the man who answered the phone had such a heavy accent I could not have a conversation with him!! read more

Gas is cheaper elsewhere... Make sure you got your psycho eyes going too, cause the baseheads are rampant and your bound to be asked a million times before you hit the doors for change...have fun in West Oakland... read more

Are you in need of a little late night entertainment? Come to the ARCO on Grand! They lock down the store at night, which means everyone gets to talk to the employees via a knee-height drawer hole in the glass. Watching this is always good for a few laughs, particularly as the night crew staff like to wander the store slowly, like beaten down employee zombies. You have to sort of catch them on their hourly lurch past the half-open drawer. Their lack of desire to help customers is not hidden by a thin veneer of possible caring or even vague disinterest. Watch as they assure a would-be customer they don't carry the brand of cigarettes he is requesting: "No." "Are you sure? I can see it right there," he says. The employee's head turns as if in slow motion, eyes tracking across the shelves. The cigarettes, by virtue of being requested, have become invisible to him. Make sure your phone is charged and you have some good games; you may be here awhile. The best, by far, is the church ladies who sometimes come to get gas and a few snacks late at night. They narrate the wait, the employee's fruitless search for the bagged popcorn clearly visible to the rest of the line waiting to pay for gas or, God forbid, get change, the employee's unexpected veer towards the cigarettes--perhaps the synapses have just connected from Cigarette Guy's request, 15 minutes earlier. "Oh Lord Jesus!" "Bless his heart!" They are a warm group. Occasionally something happens with the pumps and they become The Slowest Pumps In Oakland. It's not clear why this is, but it does offer an opportunity for meditative reflection as you stand next to your car for 20 minutes waiting for the gas to dribble in (note: this last happened to me more than 3 years ago; perhaps it was finally fixed, or maybe that's one of the last times I got gas there, hmm...). If you can drive a few blocks over to A&A at Telegraph and Grand, the gas is cheaper and the employees more communicative. The car wash is basic; it works fine when it works, which is sometimes. Some staff don't know how to sell you a car wash. Good luck. Car wash advice: there is usually a big line. The driver in front of you will want to use the 60-second air dryer to dry off their car after the wash--especially after the 10-20 minute anticipatory buildup leading into the car wash, they want their money's worth! You may feel a sense of urgency from the line of cars behind you, a need to enter your car wash code. Remain steadfast. Wait to enter your code until the driver ahead has finished with the drying. Note the car wash is closed at night. It reportedly opens at 7 am. read more

Do you like being stolen from by the business you are trying to patronize? Then this place is for you! I bought the $8.99 car wash. Waited in a 30 minute line to get into the car wash and . . . it didn't work. So, I went inside and the guy told me the code was valid (he checked it on some machine) and to try again but to align my car with the panels *just right.* I did that and waited in another 20 minute line. This time, the computer said my code was invalid. So, I go inside (bird poop and dust still all over my bone dry car) and the cashier accuses me of using the code already and getting a "free" car wash. Um, I paid $8.99 and got NO CAR WASH and 50 minutes of my time wasted. He was really rude to me and then told me to calm down when I got upset by HIS rudeness and accusations of stealing. Some nerve! Never going there again. read more

This is partly a theft warning about Arco at 889 West Grand Ave and partly a general admonition to avoid bank VISA Debit cards at all, if you can. Yesterday, I used my BofA ATM at this gas station. It's a VISA Debit card (BofA unfortunately no longer apears to issue the more secure old-style non-VISA debit cards that can only be used with a PIN) that I ordinarily use only for withdrawing cash from ATMs because these cards, unlike "real" VISA credit cards have no federal consumer protection (I used it for this transaction only because I was very low in gas and this ARCO doesn't take regular credit cards so I was forced to use my ATM card. As soon as I'd handed over my card to be swiped by the cashier to pay, there arose a distracting mini-drama (which, in retrospect, had clearly been staged) enacted by a woman in line who shouted demands for immediate service at the counter ("My baby's dedhydrated and overheating in my car out there .... She's very sick!"). This resulted in the cashier having my card for 2+ mins and probably 20+ seconds with my back turned, plenty enough time to write down my card number and security code. This morning I received fraud alert emails from BoA. I went online to find that, beginning at 3:30am, a series of fraudulent online transactions, using my VISA Debit ATM card, had been made on Amazon.com and MetroPCS totalling over $1,600 which has now resulted in my checking account being overdrawn. To deal with this, I had to cancel work this morning and it's taken me hours (from 8am until now, 2pm) to unravel and begin to reverse the damage done. Unlike with real credit cards where federal law requires immediate reibursement of any disputed charges, my checking account won't be credited back until BofA ("completes our investigation and verifies that these charges are indeed fraudulent"). The last time this happened was 15 years ago with $2,000 fraudulently charged to my card with an in-person transaction in Italy (a country I could prove I'd not visited in the previous 20+ years and could demonstrate with my passport entries that this could not be a transaction that I could have made), BofA took a year to return my money (no interest paid), so I'm not holding my breath on this one. Moral of this story? Don't keep a "VISA debit" card in your possession at all if you can avoid it. If you can't avoid it, use it only in your bank's ATM machines for cash withdrawals. read more

A little sketchy, but mostly harmless I think. I mainly went here for the automated car wash after searching in vain for an actual wash service near Jack London Square. Sometimes you just need a quick maintenance wash, and for $8 you can get it here. The wash was pretty effectively, but isn't touchless, so I am a little more nervous about going here frequently lest my side mirrors get smashed in by the washers. The dryers are AMAZING though for an automated wash. You get like 90 seconds and your car actually gets dry. I think the car wash is closed at night??? I tried to go once at night and the gate was closed. read more

I would not give any star if I don't have to. I wonder if the owner cares. The corner is little rough, but that does not mean they are bad people, there are people that are having difficult time in their life. I don't like to judge and like to have compassion and respect for all living being. However, there are also some people that are so nasty, unhappy and contributing nothing to society except creating problems, such as this young girl at the gas station. I lost all sense of compassion and feeling for her. The guy next to her was not helpful neither, he is the same as her. He didn't care when I told him about the nasty girl. This morning I went to get gas, and yes, I have lots of quarters and wouldn't mind get rid of it. My tank was empty and I was litle late for work. Man, that young girl, not sure her nationality but I was told she is Ethiopian? She was super nasty for no reason at all and with a big ATTITUDE. She refused to take my quarters and then say I'm not going to count it; I said fine, I could do it, no problem. She continues the attitude, after I asked her what is problem. Did I do something to her this morning, she became more argumentative and plays power trip...and she doesn't want to sell gas to me as if the gas station is hers. She was very GHETTO and SUPER NASTY. I left and got gas somewhere on Castro and they were super nice. Honestly, no one needs to deal with this early in the morning. She is obvious, Un-educated, stuck, unhappy, nowhere to go with her life, not a very bright person. Instead of better herself, she choose to be nasty. I can see where her life is heading for the future. NOWHERE, NOTHING. Why anyone hires someone like that is beyond my comprehension. read more

Beware of homeless people and pan handlers trying to rip you off by messing with the pumps. The owners know about the problem and have done nothing! read more

Would give this zero stars if I could. Went to get a car wash and there was a huge line and the thing barely worked. Kept malfunctioning and when our car was done being "washed" the dryer function simply didn't turn on. Ended up leaving with a wet car. read more