I actually did not know about this place until very recently. I recently read a book, Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge by Gordan Edgar. The author has worked at this grocery for decades, and is in charge of the cheese department. Naturally, when I visit SF, I have to come by for a visit. I was a bit worried about the parking situation, but glad to find that they have their own parking garage. I thought it would be a more hippy kind of grocery store, but I was actually blown away when I walked inside. First, there were jars and jars - I mean shelves and cases of jars - of teas, and different types of herbs and spices. Some I had a hard time finding, like butterfly pea. Besides the variety, the quality is excellent. I got so excited, as if I were a kid and those jars were candies, that I kept finding more and more stuff I wanted to buy. Then the bread - okay so thisis SF and great bread is to be expected, but I was surprised again at the wide variety of selection on offer. Well, I don't want to repeat myself, but I love their chocolate selection too - so many interesting flavors and brands to try. Finally I made it to the cheese section. I didn't see the author there by the counter, but I was not disappointed with the selection they have. The cheeses also have little cards with useful information, that helped me pick up a nice variety of cheeses from different countries and different parts of the US to try, including some award winners. I most certainly love my first visit and look forward to the next time I will visit SF. It's an awesome place that is truly employee owned and managed, so most certainly worth supporting. read more

If I made more, I would shop here almost exclusively. But alas I can only come here on occasion when I cant find it elsewhere. Best place fir supplements!!!! They have the best, wholistic, hippy foods and items ever! I love this grocery store so much & its very well stocked & a great part of SF for years! It has everything a earthy, health consciousness, green person would want. brands that are non toxic and ethically correct. ugh they are the best store ever for supplements and prices are fair basically the same as whole foods... Bulk stuff its wildly overpriced but worth it. I only get a few items here ...Its a co-op which is super good but kinda means employees are free to do whatever they want & they are sometimes helpful sometimes not with questions. read more

Rainbow Grocery - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

Shortly after posting an honest review, I was contacted and told I am no longer allowed to shop here. Banning a customer for speaking publicly about their experience is retaliatory, plain and simple. It sends a clear message: feedback is only welcome if it's positive. That's not accountability--that's suppression. For a business that promotes itself as community-focused, this response is deeply inconsistent with those values. Customers deserve transparency, not punishment for sharing their experiences. I stand by what I said, and this response only reinforces it. read more

Been meaning to write a review for Rainbow for a few months & really just had better things to do... BUT yesterday did it. Went in w/ my elderly client African American nit tht shld matter but here it kinda does.. Now not being helped, smiled @ interacted with or ANY type of human kindness is the NORMAL here I feel.. we'd gotten used to it.. everyone just seems so "WORK" focused. Lol Total Bs.. but anyway we get to the counter & after ringing ALL my clients merchandise I have to tell the cashier to add her senior discount.! Wtf now Ik blk don't crack but I feel like as a cashier this shld be a given! But NO not this asshole! He gives me attitude the whole time we're at the check-stand. Now we're standing there bagging our stuff while the next guest begins her checkout & he IMMEDIATELY says ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS you'll be using Today!!!!!!!! Wtf are you kidding me so I ask him right in front of said guest is there a REASON why you didn't ask us were there any discounts we were using!!!! He begins stuttering profusely with absolutely NOTHING coming from his lips but GARBAGE!!! Never once formulating ANY words while shaking his head .. THE NERVE like we had done something to him.. I walked off on him mid stuttering to leave him in his fckery.. smh Most of the employees in this place have trash attitudes & ZERO customer service skills!! Idc wht ethnicity you present as you should never be treated in a way tht even feels like a hint of racism in business you are exchanging energy, money & effort. I had adopted a go in & get wht I need attitude be intentional about choosing my check-stand blah blah & move TF ON with life!! But I don't know if it's even worth tht!!! Shit like this GOTTA STOP!! read more

It has everything FRESH, greatest selections of Organic vegetables, nuts, grains, cheese, teas, herbs, flours, best Healthy foods available. Bins of "you name it--they have it." Wonderful for single seniors who need a little of this & that. Fresh breads, pastries. Tons of Household items, dishes, soaps, health food, kind service assistance who are well acknowledged in vitamins, minerals, probiotics, probiotics, and so many more items I can't even name. They are fresh ready-made health foods. Fresh tofu, fresh pickles, fresh almond, tahini, peanut butter, all kinds, honey. It has more selections than you can name and what I love most is: one can bring their own jars and they have bags & pens to put item number for check out. Everything is very well organized and the staff is wonderful and you get a senior discount. And did I mention it's owned by its workers it's Co-op. Where They wear their heart on their sleeve.. read more

Rainbow Grocery - Cathy - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

ye anciente hippy-ish, bulk items, organic, meatless, omni-health store. Run-owned by a collective to boot! Huge array of bulk items including about a dozen olive oils. Likewisely [sic?] huge variety of supplements. RAW MILK PRODUCTS!!!!!! read more

This place is awesome! Such a great selection of various artisanal and healthy products. My favorite thing to buy here is the black sesame paste. Made from 100% organic roasted black sesame seeds and nothing else, it is jet black, super fragrant and extremely healthy for you. Highly recommend checking this place out and seeing what suits you best -- the prices are pretty reasonable too! Just one thing to keep in mind is that the store is vegetarian so you will have to get your meat elsewhere if you wanted to make meat dishes. read more

Rainbow Grocery - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Been going to this co-op since 2004. Love that this exists. Staff are 99% friendly (like anywhere really, I give grace for bad days). Food is delicious and intended to be more for the community than corporate interests and environmental exploitation. The space is clean, organized, and well-staffed, with fun music frequently playing. Love that it could serve as a one-stop shop for gifts and skincare. As an artist and teacher who has been struggling to afford living in the City, I don't do my regular shopping here because I can't always afford it. Today I was able to shop there, and while I thought I was leaving there with a 100% positive experience, the trip pivoted. Getting checked out seemed standard. I come from a working-class family and I make sure I treat staff like human beings and as warmly and helpfully as I can. When I was about to select payment type, the clerk in his 60's asked if I was part of some rewards program, I said no, and a customer in back of me said I should get rewards because it's worth it. I said, "Oh, can I do that?" Then he leaned back and said with a quiet and heavy attitude, something about going to the help desk to get $5 off and that I need to go online to sign up. He started talking to the customer in back of me in hushed tones and discouraged her from telling people about the rewards program. He told her verbatim, "Then I have to tell customers about it all day," and did micro eye rolls, leaning back while I was quickly bagging my items, but also asking me in a condescending way to look at the atm to press a button, like I'm trying to inconvenience him. Why is it okay for staff to discourage customers who could benefit from this perk when people spend their hard-earned money in here? It only took 30 seconds to tell me in 2-3 short sentences about the rewards program. Why take it out on the customers when you can put a sign up or enact a different way of giving that info out? Do all the staff practice this exclusive rewards program, or is it just that one should avoid this specific clerk and instead go to the longest line rather than be helped by him? But if it's a co-op, then my money is still going to him regardless, so maybe I'll go back in several years. read more

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative started in San Francisco with their original location on 16th street in the Mission District ( a half a block where I grew up). One of my earliest shopping experiences happened to be at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative on 15th and Mission ( second relocation) with my late dad who was a vegetarian for many years. I soon learned not all peanut butter tasted the same especially organic peanut butter. Today Rainbow Grocery has relocated on 13th street on Folsom. This location has a variety of drinks and organic foods and also an interesting book section. It seems the Easter egg hunt started earlier this year. If Costco runs out of eggs and you don't want to go on an Easter egg hunt around the city this is a great alternative to get boxes of Non-GMO eggs . Overall a great place to shop for locally sourced foods. Go to Rainbow Grocery co-op to shop Natural foods are sold inside and not slop but top US organic crop read more

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Soooooo many options here and sooo many things to purchase at your desired quantity as they're in bulk. Was on the hunt for black sesame paste and wow they had it here! Though it's called raw black tahini ( same thing) Loads of bulk fermented foods, grains, olives, chocolate, etc read more

Rainbow is a SF institution but I'm not going to be a regular there. I haven't been in years and decided to go back and check it out. First problem is getting in the parking lot. I had to wait in a line of cars but finally got a place to park. It seemed to be a nice store but the prices are insane. Way too expensive. Long, long lines at the checkout. Too bad. I will stick to the farmers markets and Trader Joe's and Parkside market. But I know Rainbow has some very dedicated shoppers . I did find the Anika spice I was looking for , which was great but it was about $35/lb and a small bag was about $10. read more

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Today was my first time at your store. I had looked forward to shopping here for quite some time. My partner and i were impressed by the variety of food and other products. It surprised both of us and we had already decided to come back. Until we met the cashier. He was the rudest person i have ever seen in a grocery store. He made me feel like i was inconveniencing him. He acted as if he hated us and as a trans woman I really felt super offended. He was just talking so nicely to another customer who was checking out ahead of us. When it was our turn to check out he acted and talked weirdly and rudely to us. Just to let you guys know: He was wearing a gummy bear necklace, and he had short black hair with the tail on the back of his neck. He is the reason i wont be back to your store. read more

Rude customer service person on the phone. I called Rainbow two days ago with what I expected would be a very simple question about a product purchased for me. The product looked as if it may have been opened and I was concerned about potential tampering. As is customary in retail I asked who I was speaking with. The person muted me and put me on hold without warning. When they finally came back to the phone, they said weren't comfortable giving their name. Good grief were they in a witness protection program?? were they on the lamb? Was this really a retail phone? They could have provided me with any name and at least I would have had a reference and some accountability for whatever answers they're giving . I was then transferred to someone who said their name was Jeff. Jeff said that that the store was in "training." Jeff also said there was a problem there with stalking. At first I thought she said "stocking. ". Good grief didn't know Rainbow grocery was so dangerous. Jeff's explanation was the bottles were filled inches from top due to the supplier, a small company. could only obtain one size only get one size plastic bottle. Okay. The whole thing was really strange because the purchase was whole milk powder from India through a corporation in Canada. Maybe rainbow should just have AI answer questions. read more

I hate giving rainbow a two star by I have been shopper for a long time and I always knew that many of the emphases serious attitude. I love this place and but really can't take it anymore. Major attitude when simply asking for avocado oil. The canister was empty and the employee said it wasn't after I showed her that nothing was coming out, she shrugged rolled her eyes up as if it was not her problem. Anytime you ask a question it's always an attitude. read more

This is a natural food store of the highest quality. I'm judging primarily based on my two favorite specialty items, kombucha and tempeh, and Rainbow Grocery had extensive options for both from local and regional producers. Love that, so much. They had some kombucha brands that I did not find anywhere else in the city such as Lev's and Huney Jun. Awesome. I was even more blown away by the tempeh selection. Rarely do even great natural food stores have anything besides the big brand tempeh varieties. Rainbow Grocery had multiple types from three brands (Surata, San Diego Tempeh, and Squirrel & Crow). Crazy! It's a fairly large store with a wide and thoughtful selection of just about whatever health food item you're into. read more

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This grocery store has a huge amount of non-produce items, which makes for really fun aisle browsing Produce section is okay/good - some selection better than Whole Foods but didn't blow me away But no meat and fish read more

I love this place and hope it never goes away. It's too expensive for me to go here for everything, but I love that it's worker-owned.

Rainbow is great, if you know what it's for. This is an upscale grocer -- it has become moreso over the years as well. Very high quality foods, and they stock hard-to-find items including vitamins and supplements I can get nowhere else. I can't afford to shop here on the regular, and that's OK. Same goes for Whole Foods and a lot of other places. It is similar along the lines of Berkeley Bowl only a more ethically setup that makes sure the workers have a stake in it all. It's clean, well-lit, with bulk foods and rare treats. The produce nad cheese are top-notch. They have an awsome community board, and I always seem to run into cool people here - it's literally the most socializing I ever do getting groceries! Add-on the fact that they support crucial local community events like Food Not Bombs and the Howard Zinn bookfair (they were the primary sponsor) and you have a real community gem, not just a "business." read more

Horrible. How did I spend $72 on a few things? Got home to see my receipt: All herbs were $48-$91/ lb. Called for a refund and she hung up on me ‍ They charge $82.90/ lb. for bulk chai. It's a tea. Unless there are flecks of gold in there, there's no way to substantiate this. We have the same chai near where I live for under $6/lb. Spent over $18 on a lil satchel of tea. All the bulk herbs and spices are astoundingly expensive. $91/ lb for dried berries. Don't shop here and support this. They're taking advantage of customers. Go somewhere else! read more

Rainbow Grocery - Bulk herbs $48-91 / lb. How do you justify this? - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a workers run grocery story. Great service, plethora of organic/healthy options in regards to food, personal care. The spacious environment it's in is great, feels like a sprouts market but a bit bigger. The parking lot is in a garage, San Francisco is pretty chaotic when it comes to parking but there setup makes me feel like they rolled out the red carpet for me before entering. It's not the biggest lot, and you might have to wait until someone leaves to enter, but I promise you.... It's worth it read more

Today I was treated horrendously by one of the employees, a young tall blonde woman with green dyed hair. It was pouring down rain and when I got out of my car, I lost my cell phone, which I'd placed in the pocket of my coat. She was the one who sits at the entrance of the garage and allows cars to enter. I asked if she could call my cell phone so I could locate it and she said she was too busy, so we stood there haggling over that longer than it would have taken her to call. She said to ask customer service to call me, which did not work because by time I asked them to call and then walked back to my car, the phone was no longer ringing. And then there was more haggling with the green haired girl and she was lecturing me on whatever, and I just told her to shut up. I know that's rude but I'm old enough to be her grandmother, and it's shameful she'd be so disrespectful. So I went back to customer service, and this hero Rainbow employee came out to help and we located my phone. But when he and I were approaching my car, green hair said to him right in front of me, "She just told me to shut up." Why the need to escalate things? So, I shopped, and when I was exiting the store, she was at the customer service desk hanging out with some co-workers. I could see them from my car, and was stunned to see they were all turned around looking at my car and she's gesturing towards me and laughing with them as they watched me get in my car. There were maybe four of them. It was totally high school mean girl behavior. I've been a dedicated Rainbow customer since they were located on 16th Street near the Roxie, and then moved to Valencia and 15th. Over the years my experience with the employees has been very positive. A number of them have been artist and writer friends, as well as former students. I'm going there less due to the prices. They're even higher on some things than other boutique groceries. But I do still go there. I've found most of the workers to be caring and friendly and helpful, and I've witnessed them repeatedly helping customers who needed a little extra support. But if this woman is the wave of the future, I'd rather deal with evil Amazon than to be publicly shamed while buying groceries read more

I do love Rainbow -- it's a San Francisco institution and a true cooperative. The selection is incredible: vegan cheese to die for, supplements galore, and just about anything you could ever need (including non-food items). That said, I still can't quite figure out the logic of the layout, so it's hard to just drop in for one thing. The staff is always kind and helpful -- though I wish someone would re-map the store so we're not all constantly asking for directions! It's also a bit dim inside... or maybe I'm just getting old Still, Rainbow is one of those special SF spots you have to experience. read more

A great place to find organic and local products! I love this place and will choose this over and over again over whole foods. Staff are always great! Very accommodating, happy and kind people! Always great to support local biz! read more

Sigh . I love the products rainbow sells just wish I was able to shop in peace . I went yesterday on my lunch break fully in my work uniform( including my name tag!)which is another grocery store in the area . I was literally followed from the time I went in but I ignored it because I know I'm not Rainbows usual clientele until the security literally chased me through the aisles as I went to get in line to pay for my things .... All while they have the whole place decked out with black history month flags and etc etc . It was an insane experience , never have I ever been chased through aisles while literally shopping , I guess a first time for everything. read more

I was aggressively yelled at in my face by this employee he said I was speeding in the parking garage (there is no where to speed)I told him I notice you only get aggressive with African Americans when them Prius drivers driver crazy in here you don't say nothing to them MEN so his employee who was at the garage apologized for him yelling in my face I complained but nothing is going to happen to him read more

Rainbow Grocery - The employee that got in my face and yelled at me I guess he was having a bad day - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

Rainbow is our weekly grocery stop. It's so convenient that it's right down from Costco, and I like that it encourages our family to eat vegetarian. The veggies are often fresher than even what we find at the farmer's market. Good vibes from the coop style too and the employees are so engaged and nice. Definitely try the Rose Tea that you can buy in bulk! read more

Rainbow Grocery - Butternut squash soup with kale. Thank you rainbow for always having such fresh veggies! - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

The parking is bad and the store is dim inside and could use more lights. Hubby said it looks like a hippie store from the past. I've been in the store about 3x and mostly recently because they carry 2 items I can't find anywhere, MamaTeay's garlic crisp (local Oakland brand) and Moses Sleeper Brie-like cheese from Vermont and Double Rainvow ice cream. They carry lots of organic products including Straus brand dairy and ice cream. There's local artisan baked bread companies (Josey Baker, Semifreddi, The Midwife, etc) and cheeses from all over, fresh pasta from Oakland, organic produce which are pricier. Staff isn't always friendly but I found our cashier and the lady working in customer service last time to be quite nice. I'll probably be back for the bread, cheeses and ice cream next time. read more

OMG! A grocery co-op that SF is famous for but a little hidden. You can tell it's great because all sorts of folks go there. When I'm there I have extended convos with other patrons about how to make x or y. So friendly and down to earth. It's like talking to neighbors On the weekends, it's way too packed with Teslas and SUVs trying to get in. Don't go on weekends or Friday eve. They have EVERYTHING (vegetarian) here and great prices. You can buy little bits of everything, non processed, organic, fresh. They also have incense, organic soaps etc. Rainbow makes food shopping fun again, like a place with sooo much to discover and have fun in. Thank you rainbow co-op!! Can't go back to WF/SW/MollyStones/Costco after this. read more

Rainbow Grocery is a good market to shop for non-GMO, organic, and locally sourced foods. We like to buy their bulk items like spices, beans, etc. Somebody recommended some lotion, and we also buy it here. read more

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I've been a loyal shopper at Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco for nearly 50 years. I shop there weekly and spend well over $100 each visit -- that's a lot of money and support over five decades. Today, I had a very upsetting experience at the Returns counter. I brought back an unopened block of goat cheese with my receipt, as my guests are allergic to goat cheese and I couldn't use it. An older man wearing a beret was at the counter. When I told him I wanted to return the cheese, he immediately became irate and began to berate me for bringing it back. I calmly explained the situation, but he continued to scold me, saying he "hates this type of return" because he has to throw the item out. I pointed out that nothing on the receipt indicated such an issue. He grudgingly processed the return, and as I was leaving, he turned to me and said sharply, "Next time you should ask your guests if they have allergies." After decades of loyal patronage, I found this treatment shocking and unacceptable. No customer deserves to be spoken to that way, especially when following store policy and presenting a valid receipt. This encounter left me deeply disappointed, and I no longer feel comfortable shopping at Rainbow Grocery. read more

After visiting Erewhon in Los Angeles a few times, I am compelled to give Rainbow another star and issue them an apology. Although their prices are still on the high side, I see now that they are actually commensurate with the quality and thoughtful selection of their goods. I have never been outright offended by a price at Rainbow, as opposed to what I saw at Erewhon. Rainbow employees could still be nicer and more approachable, though. Can't give that star back, sadly! read more

They always carry natural & organic food . All the employees are very good &kind. All the customers who came to the demo table got a chance to taste authentic & home made fresh sour flat bread' injera with red Lentile sauce, yellow split turmeric & spinach ' all vegan dishes read more

Rainbow Grocery - Traditional coffee ceremony - Grocery Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's my favorite grocery store to shop for bulk products and peruse for specialty items (salts, spices/spice blends, flours, vinegars, oils, beans, coffee, nut butters and bath products galore!) This and Berkeley Bowl are my top 2 favorite grocery stores in the Bay! I love being able to reuse jars and spice containers to cut down on waste. The prices for bulk items aren't necessarily cheaper than buying in a normal store, but it's a great deal for bulk cocoa and soap refill. The spice blends are a fun way to experiment with your cooking and you can just buy a small quantity. We still need to shop at other stores for "standard" items and meat since it's meat-free. Also the staff have always been super helpful in finding items and their customer service desk. read more

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Absolutely love this place! The selection is incredible as is their commitment to low waste.

Rainbow grocery is my favorite food store, but it's also a fantastic tourist destination. There's really no other place like it that I've found in the world. This is a really big natural food supermarket with very carefully curated products and a huge variety of them. They have undeniably the very best cheese selection in the entire city, with a cheesemonger so dedicated to the craft that he's written two books about it. The bulk goods sections are also unmatched. There's a fantastic selection of herbs and spices, every kind of flour, a huge variety of dried beans, and all kinds of nuts, nut butters, granola, and more. They have at least 20 different kinds of whole bean coffee you can grind to your specifications, and the best supplements department in the city or in fact that I've ever seen in any store anywhere. And they have a nice selection wines, beers, and unusual liquors. It's possible to spend just a little money on basic staple goods here, or to spend a lot on fancy, carefully curated top quality products. In fact, the only reason you might need to shop anywhere else would be to get meat or fish products, since Rainbow is more or less strictly vegetarian. read more

Looking for beautiful, fresh produce to elevate your home cooked meal with? You've found it! Right below the freeway is Rainbow Grocery with its own parking structure so you can shop with ease. While prices are a bit high, I've never been to a grocery store where workers are so vibrant and friendly. This grocery store feels like its own little community that is FOR the community. Check out their cheese selection too! If you're lucky like me and go when it's not so busy, the cheese expert who works in the cheese department will let you try any cheese you want! (And they really know their cheeses.) Super fun and welcoming grocery store and my new go to for produce. read more

I am a 75 years old senior woman. Shopping today at about 3:45pm at this locator for the first time. At the time while I was doubted where is the right spot waiting for my returning pick up from "Fog City access" -- commute for senior handicapped, a young smiley Security Guard called "GRANDY" walked by ..... answering all my questions in a professional way. Beyond his job duties, he stayed with me till my pick up van arrived, assisted me to carry the heavy shopping bag into the van and gave me a thoughtful, kindness goodbye. He really made my night cheerful -- with his unexpected good manner to a senior stranger customer. I AM HIGHLY WILLING TO SEND MY BEST REGARDS AND APPRECIATION TO HIM! THANK YOU GRANDY! read more

I have been shopping at Rainbow Grocery since the 1980's. I loved it then and love it now. I appreciate that all of their produce is organic, their huge selection of supplements and eco-friendly products, an amazing bulk section and bulk tea and herb section. It's refreshing to be amongst those who work and co-own the cooperative, as there is a relaxed, fresh, alive vibe. I am so glad that Rainbow is alive and well and going strong. read more

12/13/24 Almost every Friday I do some shopping at Rainbow. I'm a rewards member. Anyway this particular Friday I was followed around the store. It felt really scary, and I didn't understand why. Might not go back there. Whoever is reading this please teach your security guards how to have some respect for customers that spend their hard earned money. read more

Dedicated parking. One of the best bulk shopping selections including spices, grains, oils, and cocoa powder. Great refrigerated and frozen food selection including kik alicha and injera, plant-based meats and cheeses, and krauts. read more