Good everyday needs for a low-ish price. Okay fruit and meat.

Safeway Lafayette just can't seem to keep stepping on it's own (insert slang word for Richard here). Today's cashier loudly informed her adjacent cashier that she was stepping away for a bathroom break. She never looked us in the eyes even once, and didn't speak to us until she was required to ask us for cash back. The wife complained to the manager for the rude service, and of course the (7 day new) manager albeit naively was concerned, but you've got to realize nothing will change because the unionized cashier can't be touched to the detriment of overall customer service. If I sound pissed, I am....since we all just roll over and continue to patronize this soulless business. read more

You have an indentation in the cement outside the west entrance of your store that is very hazardous because it is inches deep and difficult to see. This morning, I stepped on it unknowingly and then fell to my knees on the pavement hard enough to knock my glasses off of my face and it was quite a shock. When I told an employee and asked her to come outside with me to look at it, she said, "The 18-wheelers push it (the concrete) down, yes, we're aware of that." She did ask me if I was ok and she did tell me she'd tell someone about my comments but it was also obvious that it's a chronic problem that hasn't been addressed properly. YOU NEED TO PUT CONES UP/AROUND IT. If an elderly person has the same experience I did, the outcome could be very much moe serious. I will take this down once I know it has been repaired and fixed. read more

My doctor submitted a prescription for me Wednesday morning to the Safeway pharmacy in the Mt. Diablo Blvd. store, Lafayette. I purposely waiting 24 hours before contacting the pharmacy to see if the prescription were ready. I called in about 11:00 a.m. and got an automated message that the prescription had been filled and was ready for pickup. I was at work in uptown Oakland, about 15 miles away. I planned to drive by on my lunch hour, pick up the prescription, buy a sandwich at the store, and come back to work. When I got to the pharmacy there were no people waiting and only one person behind the counter. She was at the side window where people drop off prescriptions. I stood at the pick up area near the cash register for 8 minutes and she did not notice, so I left my place and went over to where she stood to bring to her attention that I needed to pickup a prescription. She was looking at the screen of a smart phone. She put it down and came over to help me, asking me my name, and verifying what the prescription was. She looked on the computer and then went to the back area to get it from a plastic bag with all other prescriptions that had been filled. She walked up to me and the register and said "your prescription is ready," dangled it about 6 inches from me, and said "but I can't give it to you until the person in charge comes back." It was 1:45 pm. I explained I had driven a long way on my lunch hour to pick up a prescription I had been told was ready. My comments fell on deaf ears. She could not have cared less. I left, explaining I would never come back. It took me another half hour to drive back to work, then go to my desk and begin the afternoon working. I never got anything to eat and had to wait until I left at 5 pm to drive home and get something to eat. Tonight I'm writing this and I don't have my medicine the doctor advised me to get Wednesday morning at my 8 am appointment. This is not the first time I have been to this pharmacy and had problems. They cannot conduct a routine transaction without interrupting the flow, creating problems, asserting an authority that they fail to realize obligates them to serve the public. Tomorrow I will call HR at Safeway headquarters and explain that when you advertise you are open for business during certain hours, you should be able to transact that business, lunch hour at 1:45 pm or no. I also will inquire from the secretary of state if there is an office that accepts complaints about pharmacists licensed by the state of California to serve the public. I would like to complain to a licensing agency in the same manner an aggrieved patient lodges a complaint about a physician. read more

Just another Safeway. Checkers are completely normal here, I've never had a bad experience. The produce isn't the best, but it never is at the large Chain stores. General food items are much cheaper here than the trendier surrounding stores, so I'll stock up here but still go there for veggies. It's normally pretty empty after 7 and the lines are short. read more

Sanders' Bumpy Cake! This Safeway store sells Sanders' Bumpy Cake. Sanders is based in Detroit. Sanders is beloved and iconic in Michigan. Every once in a great while a Calif. candy shop will sell Sanders Hot Fudge ( just eat it right out of the jar), but I have never seen anyone sell the iconic Bumpy Cake (keep it in the frig). I am actively working to get our Millbrae Sanders to also carry it. If one has it they should all follow suit. This makes the Lafayette Sanders the best Safeway in the world! read more

This is the second time that I ordered a cake from the lafayette safeway and it wasn't made. I ordered a cake on Monday for my sons birthday, I was supposed to pick it up today (thursday) and they never made it. They did offer me a pre made cake for half off... I think I will order a cake somewhere else from now on... read more

Sadly all of the negative reviews are spot on - bottom line, poor customer service and bad parking lot. Sad because I do like Safeway...just not this one. EVERY time I come between 5 pm and 7 pm, the lines are unbelievable. They NEVER have enough checkers. You'd think they'd have figured this out by now. I won't shop here anymore unless I drop off cans & bottles at the CRV center in their lot, which forces me into the store to get my money. Last time when I tried to put it towards my groceries, they said "We can't do that." I said, "They usually do it for me, at least for the past 5 years." The manager 'confirmed', "No, we can't do that." Funny, since you have, at least 10 times in the past... So I had to go to customer service. It took me about 15 minutes to get my $8 back for my cans & bottles. There was NO ONE in line in front of me, but despite several requests from me, other customers, and PA announcements, it took more than 10 min for someone to come help at the customer service desk. I will absolutely stick with the Orinda Safeway, which is light years beyond Lafayette Safeway in terms of customer service and has a decent parking lot. If I have to shop in Lafayette, there are plenty of other grocery stores within 2 minutes of this one. read more

I needed flowered for Super Bowl, the floral dept took care of me! They do weddings too!

Second customer in line I'm thinking yes!!!Had to wait 15min for two people to make three sandwiches for the guy in from of me. Then it took this lady 10 minutes to make my sandwich then another 6 minutes for her to finally ring me out! Seems like they put the slow and old in the deli!! Worst experience at a Safeway by far! read more

Typical morning at the Lafayette Safeway, long lines with only two registers open and no quick check; meanwhile employees running all over the store doing stocking etc. that in better managed stores is done at night. A sullen employee finally comes to open a new line and it is not a quick check, but a regular line and she seems to have no knowledge or concern about why that would be. There are a few great people here who are otherwise unfortunately outweighed by the rest. I would suggest finding another source for your grocery shopping needs. read more

It will be interesting to see if/how Safeway counters the new Whole Foods. One huge suggestion I think all Safeway customers would appreciate: teach baggers how to bag. I consistently place all my refrigerated items together on the belt "assuming" that all of them will be bagged together. This keeps the items colder/cooler on the drive home and I make sure to unpack these items immediately when I get home while other items may be unpacked later if I'm busy. Hmmm ... how many times have I gotten home only to find refrigerated items bagged with items that do not need to be refrigerated and things just casually tossed into the bags. Just returned this morning and all produce was in a bag together ... again probably because I organized them on the belt that way. Good start. Unfortunately, the bananas and nectarines were at the bottom of the bag with heavier produce on top of them. Another suggestion: employees should learn that arguing in front of customers is not a good thing. Today I stood there while the clerk asked several other people for help with bagging. One man who seemed like possibly a supervisor or manager stood there and said he wasn't going to help. He suggested several other people to her and with every name he tossed out she responded as to why that person wasn't avaialble ... "John is helping a customer out to the car. Paul is on lunch. Ringo is on break. George hasn't come in to work yet." During this discussion I started bagging my own groceries. Also, I have been a fan of their Safeway Refresh flavored water at 69 cents a bottle. Yikes -- went in last week to stock up only to find the price had increased. And, it hadn't increased just a little bit. It went from 69 cents to 99 cents. Today, it was "on sale" for 79 cents. What's that all about??? I also realize these waters may not be big money makers but they are stuck on the top shelf and always a challenge to reach them. read more

Always understaffed. Employees are usually very friendly. The produce is okay. I can't wait until the Moraga Produce market opens in Rheem Shopping Center. read more

Always a long line, even late at night. Always. I've shopped here for 22 years, but buy almost everything at trader Joe's, whole foods or Costco. I hate coming here. read more

I am officially boycotting this Safeway forever. I had the WORST experience here yesterday, and as it was the last of many- I've decided it's on my banned list. I will shop at Diablo, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or even the Orinda Safeway- but never again at this AWFUL store. I waited in line with my toddler for 15 minutes (the lines are always incredibly long) and when I got to the checkstand, the checker (who was new and nice) had to step away because his computer was yelling at him. He went to ask Denise, the manager, and Wesley, another manager, for help but came back frustrated. He started ringing my order even though there was an error sign and I pointed out to him that the previous woman's groceries were now on my screen. He called for help 3 times while Denise and Wesley chatted and ignored us, and then Wesley walked right by to open another register (because my line now had at least 6 people in it!) My checker tried to get his attention as he strode by, to no avail. So, he started methodically chucking my groceries back in my cart and said- sorry, it's probably faster to get in another line. No one wants to help me. The checker next door looked over apologetically at me to say that my checker was new. I said that was fine, but why were no managers helping and he said- Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. Take it up with them. So, with my groceries back in my cart, what I really wanted to do was leave or cry but I got into another line with 5 people in it to wait my turn. Again. It was the managers line and when it was my turn, he left. Forgot to give someone stamps so took off into the parking lot to find her. Nice, but by now my toddler is getting fussy and my frozen food is melting (it's been over 40 minutes since I got in line....) When Wesley finally returned, there was no greeting or acknowledgement. Definitely no "did you find everything okay?" He must have known better. That's it. I wasn't the only one grumbling that day and I won't subject myself or my toddler to this store again. read more

Ive travelled from one coast to the other and there is no grocery below this one. The upper management must be to blame!

Want to give them zero stars, but that's not a Yelp option. Worst store ever. I've given them chance after chance to step up their game and they keep failing. Miserably. Will never go back. Ever. read more

Went in this morning to purchase about 12 items. 2 lanes open, 25 people in line. Register associate was incredibly rude and practically threw my items at me and scowled under his breath. Spoke to manager on duty to let her know about my terrible experience. She barely acknowledged my concerns. Safeways' in general are not really known for their customer service, but this one is the worst. Been here several times before and always have to wait forever and can never find anyone to help me. Will NEVER shop at this location again. Much better to shop Whole Foods, Costco ,Target or Luckys. Those retailers have better service and not the unbearable line waits. No wonder Safeway business has been sold and their profits suck. Very shortsighted of this branch to not step up their customer service. read more

I have plenty of time to write this review because I am in line at this Safeway with long, long lines and only two checkers. Its clear they don't care a bit about their customers... Avoid this store! read more

I'm done with this store. I've been shopping here since 2009, SEVERAL times a week to feed my family of 5, & this weeks treatment was the last straw. My debit card was compromised while on vacation and I had to cancel it the day after I returned home. My fridge and pantry were empty and I needed to restock on the basics. I purchased what amounted to 2 bags of groceries + 1 gallon of milk and 1 case of water. I wrote a personal check, and they refused to take it. After being a loyal customer for 8 years I'm done. They'd have no problem with using debit or credit cards (which are compromised frequently) and would not take a check from a customer who has shopped here almost daily for 8 years! I ended up using a credit card to pay, (And they DID NOT ask to see my ID!!) & that was the last thing I wanted to do. Groceries on credit is ridiculous I'd rather have paid cash, but with no debit card the only thing close was a check. Well I'm done. Diablo Foods, Trader Joe's, & Whole Foods (when I'm in a pinch) can have my business and my $$ instead. So ironic, they wouldn't take a check but are happy to take a credit card WITHOUT the requisite ID verification. read more

I'm writing this review under my father's account since I'm still a kid who got ripped off by the Lafayette Safeway. I like their food selection but NOT the toy machine and the customer service. The machine took my money without giving me a chance to grab the toy. I tried to make a complaint to the service desk, but they were not helpful. I'm dissapointed! read more

Unless you are white or do not mind being treated rudely, then you should stay away from this Safeway Pharmacy. They only cater to white people and treat all others like you are wasting their time! read more

Every now and then I have to go back to Safeway. A few of the checkers are helpful, but most of the time the general service is sub-par.

Starbucks is okay inside. Pharmacy is fine. Parking can be a nightmare. Checking out is worse. And it costs a lot of money! It's always busy since the demographic it serves is large. DO NOT go there during a city event. People park there for farmers market and any other event. I have seen what a high stress, compact parking area can do to soccer moms. I end up driving elsewhere most of the time. read more

One star for long lines over and over again. Sunday night before Christmas and only 3 registers open. I feel bad for the employees who are doing their best. read more

Very spotty on inventory. It's the middle of avocado season in California and for three weeks the avocados are from Mexico and Peru and they are terrible. I will now spend all of my time at Diablo Foods and Whole Foods. 50 year customer says bye bye read more

I love this Safeway, cashiers are very helpful and always greet me with a smile! Yes, the lines are long sometimes but it doesn't bother me. The managers have always acknowledge any concerns I could've possibly ever have. Thank you Safeway staff! read more

Ordered and picked up birthday cake on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 and was absolutely in awe at the superb frosting and decoration job. At the party the very next day, we had unanimous raves on the cake and expert workmanship. It was an absolute work of art and I commend the woman, who decorated the birthday cake for Angel. I hope the bakery continues to do all it can to make cakes like ours true works of art. We will be back for the next occasion. Ladies, hats off to the two of you who give so much time and effort into making our desserts extra special. read more

Please do not go to this Safeway! Protect yourselves. I was robbed from there and there security department did not care. The lie and they do not care about the customers. BEWARE! read more

This place has become a nightmare.Seems like no one works there anymore.The lines are ghastly and poor checkers are at their wit's end. I've been informed that the manager "Sonny" is cutting back on labor. I'd rather go to Whole Foods and get in and out in a reasonable amount of time. read more

I would give it only one star if not for the bakery staff. The bakery staff has been very helpful, but I cannot say the same for the cashiers. I have had two terrible incidents with the cashiers. First let me say that I have been recently laid-off and apparently in Lafayette, food stamps are discriminated against. My first problem, was that I was told by a cashier that I could not use coupons or any savings and pay with food stamps. So she did not even try to ring up the coupons and put them in her pocket. The second problem I had was with a different cashier. I tried to purchase food with food stamps and use a $10 off total purchase coupon to buy some paper plates, forks, and spoons to eat on. She told me that if I buy food with food stamps, that I can not also purchase non food items and use the $10 off anything coupon for nonfood. WHY? It can be rung up separately. She then tried to keep the coupon???? I called the national office to complain and they told me that I was right that they can ring up the items separately and that there is no store rule not allowing discounts if you are on food stamps. He put the discount directly on my safeway card so that it will automatically come off next time. If you are financially well off the store may be a 5 star for you, but if you go here with food stamps and don't go to the bakery this place is definitely a one star. Oh, and if you use food stamps here, be prepared for the cashiers to announce it across the store when they call for a manager. read more

Careful buying meat or fish at this Safeway. You can't return anything over $10 without a receipt apparently, even if it's wrapped Safeway packaging and is obviously from their store. And their fish is often not fresh so it can be a problem. Well worth the extra money to walk over to Whole Foods for both better quality and customer service. read more

Never have enough checkers... especially at night after 8 or 9 pm. The checkers work hard and typically are very nice but clearly frustrated with management. read more

Today I decided enough is enough. After 16 years of being mild to extremely annoyed with the service and the products at the Lafayette Safeway I finally lost it. I came in to buy teacher's gifts for my son's teachers - 8 Barnes and Noble cards and 2 iTunes cards. The lines were long as usual. I waited 15 minutes on the express lane while the checker carried on long conversations with each customer. I believe her name was Kimberly. When it was finally my turn she took one look at the gift cards and said "That's gonna take me too long to activate all those cards. You need to go to customer service. Next!". I was getting a little hot around the collar because I suspected either she didn't know how to do it or didn't want to. When I got to Customer Service there were four people in line already. By the time it was my turn I was livid. I told the woman what happened and asked if Kimberly was just being lazy. She called a manager over and told him what happened. The manager said that Kimberly was supposed to have taken care of it. After charging $250 to my credit card, I left the store, still pretty pissed off. Then it dawned on me. Why give THEM $250 of my hard-earned money for terrible service? I returned to the Custoner Service Dept., waited another five minutes and told them I want my money back. Another manager was called to deal with me and I stood my ground as he told me it was impossible. He went into the office and five minutes later came out and "made an exception". He was very apologetic and even offerred to give me a Safeway gift card. I refused. I pointed out to him that now we have Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Diablo Foods just in Lafayette so Safeway should be bending over backwards to give good customer service so why isn't Kimberly bending over backwards to give good customer service? I asked him to make sure he tells Kimberly that not only did the store lose $250 today they lost a customer FOR LIFE. That being said, I understand why Lafayette Safeway is the way it is: unions. The checkers start at $40,000 a year with health benefits paid by the company at 95% of cost. (They went on strike a few years ago because the company asked them to contribute something). It is impossible to fire them and next to impossible to discipline them. If you don't like the products or customer service at Safeway, vote with your feet and your purse. Go elsewhere. read more

Have to agree with the majority of the reviewers, this is one of the worst Safeways in the area. Over the last 10 years I have visited many safeways in the contra costa area and have been pretty happy, this is an exception. Produce and selection are good but customer service does not get any worse. I come in on Saturday mornings when it is relatively busy and they usually have 1 or 2 checkers when they could use 4 or 5, seems like it is easy to figure this one out. I usually bag myself which I don't mind but when I put big items under my cart the checker asks me multiple times if I paid for it, they should be able to see after I unloaded the cart that it is empty, they can also easily check the bill (which they usually do anyway after I tell them I did pay so I get to wait another 10 minutes after they check), yes my intention is to pay $250 for a full cart and try to sneak out with a $2 six pack of soda. Service is slow, and checkers are beyond rude it will be interesting to see what happens after Whole Foods opens next door. I can tell you where I will be shopping. read more

Have you ever noticed that Safeway makes a lot of mistakes, and they are never in your favor? I started really paying attention to this before my kids were born, and almost every time I went to Safeway, I ended up bringing my receipt to the manager to prove that I was overcharged for something. After kids, I gave up because with two little ones in the shopping cart, it's virtually impossible to focus on what food to buy let alone how much I'm being charged for it. Fast forward five years later, and I've started to notice again. Case in point: last night I go to Lafayette Safeway, to buy a tiny piece of fish. It was labeled as 1.31 pounds. There was no way that fish weighed more than a 1/2 pound. Not only did I not get an apology or a thank you for pointing it out, I first got an argument that I was wrong (even though the scale proved I was right), followed by glares and sour faces. Although I do buy some products at other stores (Diablo Foods/Whole Foods), I refuse to be forced out of Safeway for fear of being ripped off. From now on, I am keeping a log for every time this happens. Especially pay attention to sale items that are marked but are not honored. I am on a mission to protect consumers. Thank you for reading my tirade! read more