It's easy to find what you need and there is a decent selection. It's never super crowded and parking is pretty easy. However, there are never enough cashiers, the line is always backed way up down the shopping aisles. Sometimes only one register is open, while I see other employees around the store that could be helping. They don't even have a self checkout lane, which could move things along substantially. Also, it's near impossible to find shopping carts. None are in store, and you have to get lucky to find one outside. Combining that with long lines for check out means trying to carry your groceries in a tiny basket that gets really heavy while waiting in line, or results in dropping half of your items while you wait or try to shop. I've also had long waits at the deli line, where I recently overheard one employee berating another. Totally unprofessional. read more

Awful experience. I went inside to the deli to get chicken tenders with my friends and once we were done, the worker by the name Margrine or Maragrine? something like that, tells us "She will take us up at the register near the deli" so I said,"Can we take it to the other registers because there are other things we wanted to get and she says "No you can pay over here," giving us a disrespectful look. So, I went to grab a water to also get and when i go to the deli register it turns out I couldnt pay with my ebt card. (I just got it and I didnt know). So, I leave and put the water back because i didnt want it after that. then later my friend went in and bought chicken and Margrine says "Thanks for ACTUALLY paying unlike other people." Refering to me because I COULDNT pay. I felt very disrespected and uncomfortable in this position because this has never happened to me before EVER. When I was walking out I saw her staring at us after we went back inside to get her name so I could write a review. Again, I may not EVER return to this safeway again because of this awful interaction with this girl. It makes me very uncomfortable and surprised that safeway would hire someone like this and I truly feel disrespected. read more

Ashley is a TERRIBLE cashier. Horrible customer service skills. I have NO idea why they have her working in customer service in the first place! She was nice to the man that was in line before us. However when it was our turn to be rung up, she didn't bother to greet my husband or I. She just began aggressively scanning and bagging our items. Not sure what we did wrong as we approached her with smiles. She then circled on our receipt the remaining balance I had on our gift card and coldly said to me "your balanced is circled" in which I took from her and walked out. I could hear her scoff as we walked away. We literally just left Safeway and I normally don't feel compelled to write negative reviews unless my experience was extremely unpleasant. My only hope is that management sees this and provides corrective action on their employee. I also hope that Ashley gets to the bottom of her anger issues and stops taking it out on Safeway's paying customers. read more

Safeway - Not really. - Grocery Near Me - Martinez, California

Worst customer service in you could ever think of. Only one person at checkout with 50 people in line. And on top of all that the employees have the worst attitude read more

I have shopped at the store for about 40 years now. This store is very unique as in if you didn't know better you would think you're in a small local market in the olden days. When I'm inside I hear employees greeting customers by their names like they are friends for years it's wonderful. I really appreciate that during the pandemic this store in particular, was very methodical in their cleaning and disinfecting keeping the store safe for my elderly aunt and uncle. Virginia Hills had more in stock than my store in concord so I would drive past 7 Safeways to shop at the best, Virginia Hills Safeway. I appreciate you all!!! read more

This is the best Safeway in the Martinez/Pleasant Hill area. The cleanest of the stores close to my house. The alternative one on Alhambra near the high school attracts a bunch of tweaks & low life's outside. If you frequent the store in the mornings 8-11am there are a lot of MILF's which is always nice. I would much rather drive a little farther to shop in a cleaner space with attractive women around then deal with the nasty low-lifes that gather outside of the one downtown. read more

Updating my review again. It's been over a year since I left my first review. I've been treated decently since. 3 stars. Thought I should update my review. It's been 4 months, I've been back a few times and have received decent service. Giving them one more star. Let us see what the next four months will bring... Safeway struck out today two of two. I spent a total of 40 minutes waiting in line twice from being overcharged on my purchases. Went in this morning to buy popcorn for my son's daycare which was on sale for .99 cents a box, was charged $3.49 per box! I pointed this out to the cashier and was told I needed to go to Customer Service to get my refund -where I waited and waited until a supervisor? manager? came over to give me a refund. Later on that day, I went shopping for stir fry ingredients and was charged $3.99 for two carrots. I understand they have to program their computers, I understand people make mistakes. What pisses me off is having to wait in line to be rung up and then having to wait in line AGAIN (for over 20 minutes total each time) to have them fix their error! With a minimal, dismissive, "I'm sorry you had to wait." Gee, they had to page you THREE TIMES to get you to come over to help me. Worst of all, the supervisor? asked me if I wanted my carrots after all. Well, I wouldn't be in here shopping for them, if I didn't want them. Safeway is an overpriced "supposedly" higher end grocery store. I'm paying for quality and not getting it. Their Customer Service is lacking and needs improvement. Frankly, I'm not impressed with their produce, it all looks tired. I also have to check expiration dates here, because pretty much every time I shop here I find something on the shelves that has expired. Doesn't the Manager understand I don't have to shop here? I spend on average $100 a week here. Lucky and Trader Joe's is less than 10 minutes away. Lunardi's, which has amazing produce, is on my way home from work. You know, if the supervisor? manager? had given me a sincere, "I'm sorry" instead of the shrug off he gave me, I would have been satisfied. Has Safeway ever considered empowering their Cashiers and giving their Cashiers the ability to correct their errors (i.e. refund money) at the check out instead of forcing customers to wait in line again? If Safeway is uncomfortable trusting their Cashiers -perhaps they can limit refunds they can process to anything under $20? It's just a thought. read more

The selection is good, prices are decent especially if you get the items that are on sale, however, this store has the SLOWEST checkout process of any grocery store around. They typically only have one or two lanes and lines backed up causing traffic jams in the main aisle. It takes FOREVER to check out I do have to say that their customer service when they make a price mistake is great.....once you wait the 5-10 min for them to notice someone at the customer service desk and get someone to help you. read more

Ok... this Safeway feels "off" to me. I know it was remodeled, but it still feels odd. Like it was built over a Indian Burial Ground or something. Not the greatest selection of food and the meat department is pretty bad but on the bright side the produce is decent. I would rather spend an extra 10 minutes and head over to Trader Joes in Concord. read more

Two days ago I have to say was the first time that i have ever had excellent service in their deli department Katie was so awesome I really loved her attitude, helpfulness, and everything she greeted me told me she would be with me in a moment I didn't have to stand there and look at the wall to finally be helped which is usually the case this is something I would love to see more when visiting this location , because when I have gone back since it's back to the usual and even the feeling that it's a inconvenience to want to help make your food. I would visit this location more if I had Katie help me every day or that kind of personality and attitude read more

I should not have to call the store at 6:07 am and ask them to open the store. I saw about 5 people come and go because they can't open the store on time. I only waited and called because I didn't want to drive around town. What a horrible way to start the day. read more

Fey in the deli was amazing! 10/10 on all charts. Attitude and professionally, thanks for the ranch hand it was great !

What makes this Safeway great is definately the staff! I like to go into Maurice's line. John is great! My son Jordan also says that Nancy in the deli makes the best sandwiches and is generous with the portions! The kids at Alhambra High need Nancy to keep them running! Thank you to you all! read more

This Safeway is badly in need of updating with products and staffing. That said I will say I love when "Elvis" the cashier is working. I have no idea what his real name is but he totally has the look. Not the slim sexy Elvis but the latter days when he had.....ahem.....a tad more round the belly. I just wish he would also do the voice. I would love to hear "Thank you. Thank you verrry much. Uh huh." You have to imagine it in Elvis' voice. Just thinking about it makes me giggle. If he would do the voice, as much as I dislike this particular Safeway, I would shop there every day. read more

Safeway - Jason in the deli makes the BEST roast beef sandwiches! - Grocery Near Me - Martinez, California

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I prefer shopping at Safeway I'll post to any other supermarket. The staff at the Safeway is very friendly and personable. I have a great experience every time I come to the store. The friendly staff checkers, baggers and cart grabbers are all very welcoming. I moved here from Concord where I primarily shopped at Costco. I love being next to Safeway that's only a five minute drive from my house. especially one that has such a friendly crew/team. read more

This is the worst Safeway to go to. The lines are always so long I just sometimes put my stuff down and leave. But the worst thing about this place is the deli. I went there to get something to eat one evening and these two boys that work there, one African-American and one boy with glasses and curly hair were just talking and ignoring me.I know they saw me. When I asked them for help they gave me this weird look and said, We're closing up now. At 7:00 PM? I had to beg them to get some chicken wings in a bag! After that they refused to ring me up in the register. The chicken wings were ice cold and hard as rocks. Save your money and get better service at the Virginia Hills Safeway in Martinez. read more

I love the fried chicken in this store. The delis food is always fresh. The management here is amazingand will help you with any issues. The produce i bought today was also very fresh. read more

They never have any stock so they make different ration rules everyday. Instead of employees simply advising or reminding customers of that day's ration they scold you. They clearly see you, let you wait in line 15 minutes then admonish you at the front of the line as if you're trying to get one over on them by purchasing two of an item instead of one. Then they allow self righteousness male customers, who are jumping the single line by the way, accost single women and expect them not to defend themselves. All the other Safeway stores have better stock. It's like a strange post apocalyptic environment. read more

Nice enough. The are can seem shady at times, but the people inside the store are nice and for some reason the fire department stops in the parking lot for lunch. All in all, I recommend this place for a day run to get groceries. read more

I've been to other Safeway stores and they all have great customer service except for this one near Downtown Martinez. Go to other Safeway locations if you want better customer service & staff who are very helpful. read more

With all of the negative reviews, I thought I'd add something positive for one of your employees. Claudia, who we normally find at the self-check-out stations, always has a welcoming smile and friendly greeting. She always asks about my kids and knows them by name. From what I see, she works a lot of hours and has worked through the pandemic and still, always friendly. It's employees like Claudia that keep me coming to this Safeway... I hope Safeway treats her well!! read more

Well here i am again regretting AGAIN that i went in, ugh when will I learn. They had a sign miss marked for price and i was annoyed but I was fine. The checker did say she would adjust but you know, getting off work, wanting to get home, lines so other had to wait etc. I said no but maybe you should just fix the sign. As i was walking out the cashier next to her was BAD mouthing me and rude people. Really an employee bad mouthing a customer. As i walked out the auto doors i walked right back in. I stated I was not able to hear him bad mouthing me since the doors were closing and he said she offered to make it right and I said all i said was making you should fix the sign. Do they get customer service training, can't wait until you are in your break room like everyone else, putting on a "show" for other customers? Where is the management for this store!!!! read more

I would give 5 stars for the employees, but I am only giving 3 because of all the garbage in the parking lot. I live very close but go out if my way to not shop here. There is always so much filth in the parking lot because people use it as a dumping ground, and it seems that they do not have the staffing or trash recepticals available to keep it clean. I am constantly walking over garbage, broken glass, vomit, and rotting food containers. It is also a hangout for local homeless. Some of the regulars are respectful of local residents, but the ones just passing through are another story. And there have been several campers as of late who have made the parking lot their home. Wish something could be done so I wouldn't have to shop somewhere else read more

This place is an absolute total disgrace to the name Safeway - it's easily the worst I've ever been to. The produce is practically composting on the shelf, the parking lot & ambiance of the store is completely shady, and with no self-checkout you will be waiting forever (even in the 15 items or less line) because the majority of the employees give ZERO fucks! AVOID THIS DUMP LIKE THE PLAGUE! read more

This review is for Richard , the manager at the Martinez Safeway. I had ordered a cake and when I went to pick it up the decor was so terrible .....that I received the cake for free. It's not just about the fact that I received the cake for free.. what's important is that Richard , and there was also a girl that worked in the deli that was awesome that help me, were proactive and rectified this situation by going above and beyond!!! Seriously you just don't see that type of customer service anymore. Thank you sooo much! Those are the types of employees you must value! read more

But then again, supermarket cakes always taste too bland or too sweet. My tres leches cake looked very aesthetically pleasing but contrary to how pretty it looks... the cake does taste pretty bland and soggy. Either way, the red velvet cupcakes are really good. Everything else just blows. read more

I frequent this Safeway every now and then since it's located near my work. Not the best Safeway I've been to, but offers the usual Safeway fare. Service is okay. Parking is easy - large parking lot with ample parking. I usually stop by for lunch - pick up a sandwich, grab a bowl of fruit, and snag a bottle of water - so this Safeway satisfies my needs. Peak hours, like lunch, are pretty busy, so be prepared to do a little waiting. read more

This place is a mess. The deli is never prepared in the morning so I have no idea why it is even open. Only 1 person working or things are not made yet. They need an overhaul read more

The slowest and most inefficient checkouts I've ever experienced. I only come here because it's not worth driving the extra couple miles to the Nob Hill nearby. Plus the Refreshe brand flavored water is worth the wait. read more

I just wanna say thank you very much to the employees and manger working Christmas Eve. They not only had my $200 order perfect for my bar I work at NuRays, which they where meat n cheese trays and side salads. They went more then way above and beyond by giving me all there donuts that I was able to give out to the homeless and people who don't really celebrate Christmas Day. They also stayed open like 20 min after 7pm for me. Which Agin I just wanna say thank you very much you guys and gals made not only my night but tons of peoples day on Christmas Day when I opened my bar at 6am. There where five people working that night so I broke a $50 bill and gave each one of them $10 it wasn't much but I just wanted to show how great full I was with you All. Happy New Years! read more

I took my brother to have a procedure at the nearby hospital. On my way back I saw Safeway. This was great. Quick in quick out. I usually shop at Raley's and I am not from Martinez so was trying to figure out where all the things I needed were located. I ask guy in produce where the bread was. His attitude and tone of voice was so rude. He acted really annoyed. I was so mad! Simple enough question dude. Why the attitude? I will say the checker and bagger made up for that JERK'S response. The checker Rachael and bagger very polite very nice. This was August 14th at approx. 8:45 am. I give jerk in produce minus if I could and bagger checker 5 plus. read more

This is the smaller sized Safeway. It has some recollection of the old time grocery stores. This area has a dearth of coffee shops. The one time I needed a hot tea and know that just about every grocery store is now a coffee shop too... well they didn't have it for me. read more

So here we are at 10:30 am..about 5 people in front to of us..called for 3s a crowd 3 times..Noone showed up..now lots of people in line and still no one shows up..so much for 3s a crowd....bunch of BS!!.multimillion dollar company and they are to stingy they can't even get another cashier....hummm...not good not good at all..and ND it's not the employees fault..it's the company read more

I come to this Safeway when I'm in the area. It was remodeled not long ago. It's still pretty dark for a Safeway though. The sandwiches are decent with plenty of filling, but the ciabatta bread that they use is hard and dry. I'd choose this one over the Rodeo location. read more

After trying to come here for a carton of milk and some tortillas one night I will never be back until this place has self check out, which will likely be never. Honestly three lines and the lines are to the back if the store! Its not a good place to go if you want in and out at any point in the day outside of the 10am hour. Honestly I'll just go to Pleasant Hill of I want to go to a Safeway. read more

Since I've made my last review in march some things have seemed to get better. & i didnt mention a few people there that I was impressed by their customer service. They're are two men & I'm not sure of their names. I wish i was because they are fast, very helpful. & very friendly. I would say they are older than 45. There's also a lady name Toni that's just as impressive. It is clean in there witch is nice. But still out dated. Too pricey but thats any Safeway. read more

Can you do a Yelp on a checker? Last Sunday we had a great experience with a checker named Daniel at this Safeway. Previously we had had a terrible experience at this store, with a wait so long, we finally dumped our purchases and left. But last Sunday the lines were short and we stopped there for the great wine sale:10% off for club price, and another 30% off for a special sale. Good thing Daniel--smart, efficient and friendly--was our checker, because he caught the "system's" failure to give us the full discount. He went out of his way to report the problem and get help and change our receipt--and incidentally to help the manager fix the problem for other customers. What an unusual experience, to have a salesperson find the error, instead of having to discover it yourself and then take all the extra trouble and time other Yelpers are reporting to get the problem corrected. Good workers are the best asset--and advertisement-- for a business! read more

I like shopping at this Safeway, the clerks don't project too much attitude, the new (to me) manager has fixed a whole lot of problems I had shopping here in previous years. The store was kind-of-remolded by Safeway, no way to the extent of the remodel for the 6xxx Alhambra store, which is fine by me. Hey the prices are not an issue (if you track prices- you already shop at multiple stores), I don't understand the comment as to parking lot "drug dealers", I haven't seen that activity & I have LE background. Bottom line: I can get what i want at prices that are competitive without hassle from the staff or with parking. read more

AWESOME sandwiches. Not too many people know that they can make custom sandwiches, almos everytime i order mine people in line behind me as what item it is on the menu. be creative and make your own! parking is horrible. all the spaces within 100 feet are all handicapped spots. ask for cordell, amy, luis, or liz to make your sandwich though, the other people in the deli are a little rude read more

I stopped into this particular Safeway out of desperation for something to drink after a long hike. The girl at the check out was so rude and unprofessional. let me just reiterate - UNPROFESSIONAL. I was appalled at her conversation with the boy (yes, boy) bagging groceries. While ringing me up she failed to even give me a simple "hello" and instead discussed issues within the union and overtime pay. The most shocking part was the cashier at the next lane over, jumped in on the conversation. Really?! I was so uncomfortable I quickly paid for my stuff, yanked the bag from the boy and high tailed my ass out of there. read more