I just had to log on and defend this grocery store. Some of the kindest, hardest working people work there, and they're doing their best with what Safeway gives them. An employee of a different Safeway told me that the number of staff members a store can employ is based entirely on sales. So it's a bit of a catch. Just practice patience if you're there on an understaffed day. Additionally, I've never been bothered by the homeless. Asked for change maybe once or twice, but never bothered. That's what the 7-11 is for. And there's all the food I want, and usually a ton of good deals, especially on beer. No, I don't buy everything there - the eggs are usually too expensive - but I'm happy to have it in my neighborhood. If you find this place "nasty" or "ghetto", you've been in Marin County for too long. read more

I hate this Safeway. I hate this Safeway so much that I wrote a poem: S is for the surly employees A is for the a-hole customers who open packaged food, manhandle it, and put it back on the shelf F is for fire, both as a verb and a noun...as in "you should fire everyone who works here," as well as "I would not shed a tear if this building burned down in a fire." E is for eww, is this expired? W is for why can't you pronounce my F'ING NAME?! IT'S PHONETIC! PHONICS! A is for the a-hole employees who find the aforementioned manhandled packaged food, tape it back up with clear packing tape, and put it back on the shelf - again - for some unsuspecting customer to purchase Y is for yes, I will continue to go here notwithstanding its faults because of its proximity to my job. Sigh. read more

Now I know that there are a lot of negative reviews of this place, but despite its flaws, this Safeway has some history to it. It has been here for at least 30 years, as it was around when I was a baby. Here are just a couple facts The top of the front says "Serving San Rafael since 1929." If this store WAS opened in 1929, that would mean this store dates to just before the Great Depression. The interior has an arch that is reminiscent of the "Marina Style" Safeway was famous for back in the day. Marina Style Safeways do still exist. I saw one in Eureka a while back that still had a big mosaic tile (S) logo on its side. (NOTE: the parens represent the actual style of the logo). Now granted, since the store is rather old, it can be small and hard to find things. But even with these flaws, it has a certain charm you miss at other Safeways. A lot of the older stores close or relocate to newer modern buildings. Its sad to see them go, really. They had character. So reviewers try to look past the flaws and see the history of a chain that has served the Western US for nearly 100 years. read more

Came in during my lunch break to get something to eat and use the restroom.....as I was walking in the doors toward the restrooms an older man in the service counter yells at me "hey!! The restrooms are back there!!" I was confused as I saw the restroom literally in front of me, I got to the back and saw a really nasty restroom that said employees only.... management please educate your staff to be more polite..... horrible customer service...I did not catch the guys name but he was an older man taller and wearing a polo dark shirt....did not have a Safeway vest read more

I have lived in the Gerstle Park area in my entire life and the Safeway on D St. has been my preferred grocery store. This store gets a lot of criticism because it is too small even though Safeway wanting to expand and San Rafael refused to let them and in the past has not been fully stocked and kept up. There is a new manager named Lisa who is running the store now who is absolutely fantastic. She has done an amazing job making Safeway run more efficiently. Gracie is the supervisor manager of the store and she is the most fantastic and amazing employee. She is knowledgeable helpful kind courteous and has made sure that the store has been fully stocked ever since she has worked there. The story has never looked so good! read more

The worst, worst store I've ever shopped at. Now that I've shopped there, I've promised myself to never go back, and drive 5 miles out of my way to get groceries elsewhere. SLOOOW service, dirty surroundings. Just not a good store. read more

I will say I like the staff here, they are almost always friendly and cheerful, despite working very hard. And that's the thing, it always seems understaffed. I waited in a line of 12 today at 7pm (with only two checkers!), and have never seen the lines shorter than 4. Things are out of stock more often than other Marin Safeways in my experience. And they don't have a recycling bin for plastic bags like *every other Safeway and grocery store in Marin*. That's bad enough, but when I asked about it, the checker tried to convince me that no one has plastic bag recycling any more. I think most other grocery stores in Marin, including the other Safeways, are better. read more

Marco provided excellent customer service to my friend and me. We were very hungry 15 minutes before close and we asked him to heat up an instant mac and cheese meal and he happily obliged. This was honestly life-changing for us in the moment. Miranda, who was working security, was also very helpful and kind. Thank you very much for wonderful service! read more

I love my local Safeway. The clerk's are always friendly. Most of them know me by my first name. I am always greeted with a hello and a smile! read more

Ok, I usually wouldn't waste my time writing a review about a place like safeway, but I can't help it. Why does this Safeway even exist?? Ick, its the worst Safeway I have ever seen! there is always only one person working in the deli and the people are so rude!!! Don't buy ice cream because it will melt before you even make it to the cash register. Why do the cashiers have conversations amongst themselves when they are checking people out? No "Hello," "Your total is..." "Have a nice night." Nothing. Not a single word has ever been said to me. Its really ridiculous. And I would appreciate walking into the store without being hasselled by panhandlers outside crying for more meth money. Ugh. I would expect so much more from a Safeway store, especially since they are really improving their stores all around the bay. Go to the store in Novato or Mill Valley if you can. read more

I've visited this store a lot over the past twenty years, and have appreciated the updates they've made. My experiences overall have been great. I try not to go later in the evenings because of the reduced staff (but the Safeway in Terra Linda is even worse), and the longer wait in lines.... but you know what helped me cope with long waits in lines? This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwEMOt2HTJc&list=PLrnRhivyBnUK2diTa8GXSWAcqs4tPhh9y&index=1 I thought of this store when I came across this video, as it put everything in perspective and actually made me a better person. The staff is always friendly and efficient. read more

We moved basically next door to this safeway, so it's become our go-to place for quick grocery runs. The store itself is small, cramped, and usually a bit messy. Due to it's size, it's missing a lot of items you'll find at other stores. Other than that, it has the base necessities you'll need for your dinner/lunch/brunch/breakfast/snack/party. The parking lot is absurdly dark, and I feel that it would be really easy to mug someone/be mugged by someone in it, and nobody would even see you. If you need to quick get something and this Safeway is close, by all means hit it up. If you need to actually go shopping and Safeway is your store of choice, drive down to the Terra Linda location. It's larger, cleaner, and better. read more

An average supermarket close to the hotel that I'm staying at. Looks nicer from the outside but doable. Found what I needed and ventured into other findings. Since I was starving and there was a hot food area, I figured that can't go wrong with chicken wings. The wings were average and I've definitely had better. It seemed like an eternity while I waited for the woman that was there before me to taste test. Golly! She even had to taste potato wedges which she called fries. I'm finding that courtesy goes a long way in this town. I was pleasantly surprised that the cashier helped me pack my groceries in my own bag unlike the Scotty's person. I actually found the bottled water after zigzagging the store 4 times. It's in the front and is not seen from one entrance vs. another. Didn't see anyone to ask except the guy where I waited to get my chicken. I'd go back and have 3 stars mainly for the cashier. I'm used to having my bags not only packed for me but also carried to the car. I guess that some businesses show that they place higher value on customer service while others probably feel their high priced items absent good customer service will keep people coming back. Usually doesn't work that way. read more

I'll keep it short -- all the reviews have already summed up the typical experience. I just wonder what happened to this Safeway when the company decided build new/renovate all the other Safeways in area. I'll always hit up Safeway for their club card $avings, but if you are going to do your serious weekly shopping, at not a 'need 1-2 items QUICK' session, go up to the one in Hamilton (and hit up the Safeway gas station). read more

I live in the neighborhood. I keep giving Safeway a shot but in the last week, I'm over it. Listen, I've shopped at a lot of Safeway stores and have been very happy but this location... here are my issues: 1) It does not carry the same items as Corte Madera or Northgate. The selection is very small. It's like a mini-Safeway. 2) The lines are obscene. I'm talking 6-8 people long. Enjoy standing in the frozen food aisle for 25 minutes because the lines are THAT LONG. 3) I just bought my kid some Flinestone Vitamins today. Got home to discover that someone had already opened the aluminum seal and that they expire in 1 week. Awesome. 4) The drugged out/transient element hanging in the parking lot is a problem. I work in social services and have empathy for the drug addicted and homeless but it's not acceptable that this Safeway allows them to loiter in the parking lot and follow me to my car making conversation. My husband doesn't like me going there alone...and I don't like it either. Clean up your act Safeway! If I can mention one bright spot, it's the employees. They've been friendly and helpful. I feel bad for them- they work in a nightmare grocery store and I'm never mad at them after standing in line for 30 minutes. It's not their fault. It's managements fault for not having more lines open. Tip: Drive another mile down to go to United Grocery or go to Corte Madera or Northgate. read more

Here visiting and went to go get a sandwich. I waited around the counter for about 5 minutes before someone showed up, and then she was rude to me about my sandwich like I was inconveniencing her? Very strange. read more

Stale donuts, wilting flowers, and NEVER ENOUGH EMPLOYEES. Please find it within your budget to have more people on, not only for the check stands, but for the flowers and baked goods, too. read more

Safeway - Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

The people working behind the deli were fantastic, took care of my sandwich order really fast and I was out almost as soon as I walked in. The only complaint I would hold is the constant presence of police outside due to disorderly people around. Getting yelled at by random seemingly drunk people outside isn't really my cup of tea. read more

Many of the staff during the day are very nice and professional, BUT tonight I was absolutely shocked. As my items were being wrung up, my purse was in the basket right next to me. All of a sudden, a woman pushed my basket away from me into the main aisle in front of the registers! I was horrified and said, "OMG!!! My purse!!" Lo and behold, it was a woman who later identified herself as a manager, (not Lisa) with no apology, no "Excuse me," nothing kind, just pushy. I reacted to this scare to my friend before I knew she was an employee, "What an idiot!" Next thing you know, my clerk and she started admonishing me in front of EVERYBODY for having said that. To add to that, I grabbed my bag trying to just get away as fast as possible from being ganged up on and to my horror, the clerk came out of the store announcing that I hadn't paid!! I, of course returned immediately, realizing I hadn't paid. The purchase was $19 and change. I gave him $100 bill, he slapped the change in my hand! It takes rude and obnoxious employees to make someone never shop there!!! I will certainly call the manager tomorrow and follow up! I only shop there for the convenience of location. Update: I just spoke to a terrific manager, Kimberly. I'm confident she'll get to the bottom of this. read more

Understaffed, yet staffed by the nicest clerks you could hope to meet. Overstocked, yet stocked with none of the things you actually need to buy. Basically, this Safeway is some sort of bizarre paradox of having a convenient location and having inconvenient everything else... or is just a product of really bad design thinking. The planners were most likely asking, "How might we succeed in making a trip to the grocery store be as lengthy as possible?" Perhaps they weren't asking anything at all, when they decided to make a grocery store be as small as possible to satisfy the shopping needs of a large neighborhood? Don't bother coming here between 4:00pm - 7:30pm. That's when you'll reach peak customer madness. The parking lot will be rather a mess, with drivers eager to swerve in front of you if it means they can escape into oncoming traffic two seconds faster. If you do get a spot, mind the panhandlers and the occasional dog tied up to the garbage bins/ railings near the front entrance. Once inside, hunt for your favorite products that may or may not be on the store shelves this week. Then, wait in line with the other shoppers for anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Try to ignore the painfully awkward small talk the drunk man, purchasing only vodka and a Hershey's bar, wants to make with, really, anyone around him. I firmly believe a redesign of the floor space would give shoppers and employees a renewed sense of sanity. Until then... I wish whoever shops and works here my best wishes. read more

OK. I hate shopping. So one star off for that off the bat. Not there fault. Although the layout isn't that of other Safeway stores. I'm lazy. I want continuity. So another star off for that. However... The staff are ALWAYS friendly. The manager works the registers and the floor when needed and always does so with a smile. I'm getting used to the wonky layout. And the location is primo. Parking is difficult during busy times but if you just keep circling, you'll usually find a spot. All in all not the best Safeway, but not the worst either. Seriously...try the Safeway stores in the Sunset in SF. read more

I wish I could leave no stars.....this is the closest, most convenient stop for me on my way home. Unfortunately it is almost always a super unpleasant experience. Homeless, very shady panhandlers lurking all over the outside. Inside, is always a mess. VERY rare that there is more than two lanes open which at prime time 5/6pm is ridiculous. An express lane? What a joke. I watched a homeless guy walk in, walk up right where I was standing put a bottle of Jagger in his pants and a can of redbull in his sweatshirt and walk out right past the "security" what joke. read more

Very odd Safeway. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. Beware... Some things on the shelf are expired! I got some protein shakes for myself and turns out they were expired August 2013, it's October now! They are constantly out of stock of items too and fail to restock. The cashiers are ok, but can be very inappropriate. We know you probably hate your job, but if you have nothing positive to say how about be quiet at least? I heard a cashier say "oh god no I don't have to be here tomorrow at 7, I'd kill myself!" Seriously lady? I'm younger than you and know what is proper to say in front of customers. I totally feel welcomed when I am rang up for my groceries (can you sense my sarcasm?). read more

Ok Safeway as far as I can see. Staff seems friendly also. The outside is weird as a lot of street people seem to like to hang out here. Probably because it's very near downtown San Rafael and the soup kitchen nearby. Some part of San Rafael is very nice, but parts of it are kind of run down. read more

Decent Safeway, nothing super spectacular. Pretty neat and tidy and they usually have what I need in stock. The only friendly associate I've been in contact with is the butcher. He's super friendly and really helpful and tries to get you to purchase steaks lol. He's usually kidding around with you when he's pressuring you, but I think he's an all around good employee. He keeps his case really clean and the meat section stocked. Cleanliness for a butcher is key. I usually go to Safeway for the bread... honestly I can't stand organic bread going bad within a few days of purchase so I have to buy the chemically compounded loaves. Pricing is decent. They are definitely trying to compete with TJs and Whole Foods so the whole idea of a free membership is fine with me to get low prices. Like I said, nothing spectacular. It's your normal run of the mill Safeway. I just take advantage of the short lines and the ability to walk around the store without banging into people unlike a few other places in the area. read more

The staff is definitely interesting and this makes for a more eventful shopping experience. Being carded for beer one day and having an Indiana driver's license the clerk proceeded to tell me his bro was in the Indy 500 last year. For some reason I just didn't believe him. He then made sure to tell me not to root for Danika Patrick... I am sure after telling this story only few people here will even know what the Indy 500 is, let alone who Danika Patrick is. Another clerk (different trip) handed my 14 mo.. old son one of those separators they use in between orders and taught him how to bang on the conveyer belt. And did a little who could laugh the longest competition with him. These people have got some character! Prices seem ok for the area but am still searching for hopefully a more price friendly market. Pretty decent selection on produce and meats. A little lack in the deli department and baby food assortment. The do seem to have good deals when you catch them, 2 for $7 on good oj and sometimes 10 for $10, and you can even get free movie tickets if you buy selected items. It is kind of like a grocery store scavenger hunt! Does any one here in Marin carry noodles to make chicken and noodles? not the egg noodles.. either frozen or new mill style? I am not giving up hope! read more

Truth be told, this is probably the worst safeway in the North Bay. It looks old and dirty. If you show up past 9 pm you'll easily spend at least 15 minutes in the check out line. Not too mention that the people who work there tend to be rude, trashy people! They close at midnight, but locked the door at 11:45. I told a man who worked there that I only needed one thing and that I just got off of work. He asked a cashier and she said "No, we're done." Please! What kind of bullshit is that? I cant pick up ONE ITEM 15 minutes before you close??? And speaking of rude, trashy people, can we please escort the strung out dope heads who chill right in front of the store AWAY from the front doors. I dont want to hear "Can I have some change" every time I shop here. read more

This place is like the old safeway on Market Street in SF before the renovation in the 90s. It's not always orderly and there is ALWAYS A LINE. Did I mention THERE IS ALWAYS A LINE? This is a pretty great neighborhood and while I've never been much of a Safeway fan (except for the fact that they are the only store I know of in the area with a Union) I still expect a little more especially since their prices are not really low and they have such a limited supply of organic options, like meat and dairy. The least they can do is put in two auto-pay lanes. I know they loose business to 7-11, TJs and Whole Paycheck just because folks don't like standing in line. read more

They have delivery but good luck. Previously, after placing my order I would receive a confirmation. Delivery would always occur within the final minutes of the stated delivery window. Safeway would never notified me that my contactless delivery had taken place. Instead, during my two hour window, I would open the door to find warm milk and melted ice cream. Today was even worse. I placed my order, I received confirmation of my order and confirmation of my delivery window. I waited. After my two hour delivery window expired and no groceries at my door, I phoned the toll free Safeway number (twice) and spoke with customer service. I was told (twice) that Safeway never received payment for my order. I looked at my credit card account and the pending charge is there. I never received a notification from Safeway that payment wasn't received...instead I waited for ... nothing. Previously, I mostly shopped at other San Rafael markets where service has never been an issue. I've been ill at home for the last few months and took advantage of the Safeway delivery program. Looking back, it would have been better to take a ride service to my dependable markets. Now that I am able to get out and about I will return to the markets where I can depend on the quality of the goods and services. Safeway = Undependable read more

Update 7-20-10: So nobody else ended up getting a stomach ache, only me. Plus I realize now that, can't judge a store just by a bad sandwich. Needed a few things today and went by here again. It's really not a bad place, but also not great. You find what you need. :) read more

WORST. STORE. EVER. Avoid like the plague. Hello corporate. Are you listening? Not sure what Safeway's business model is, but clearly it is broken. read more

Bad: Hmm.. Homeless people all around (two blocks down is St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen... Grumpy and Idiots behind the Sandwich counter. Its a small safeway so they have limited items from other safeways have. Their cooked food sucks. Lines are usually long... Good: Checkstand People are nice read more

How does this garbage dump even have two stars? Felt bad about even buying anything from here. I walk in and the smell made me Al Is sicker than my girl at home who I'm shopping for because she is sick. Ugh gross. Also completely unorganized took me 10 minutes just to find a basket. No self check out. I hope somebody buys this property and turns it into something good. 2 thumbs down Safeway. Step your game up. read more

While the lines can be long at this Safeway I like the store overall since they remodeled and upgraded products. There are a lot of organic options in the produce section and I find it much fresher than Molly's. Some of you seem to have had issues with the deli, but Kathy in the deli is always nice and very helpful providing great customer service. read more

If you love the DMV you'll love this place! Took 10 minutes for checkout with 3 people ahead of me all of which had small amounts of items. I'd rather starve. read more

This is my go to place when I'm in need of a delicious lunch at a good price. You have the option of either getting yourself a sandwich like mr pickles at half the price or get yourself a 2 item combo plate from their hot/cold selections. I would give this place 5 stars if they knew how to regulate the temperature inside. It feels like a refrigerator which is great on a hot day but not a gloomy one. Prices are all fair and match those of other safe ways in other cities. Service is ok but could be better. read more

Whole Foods, United Mkt, Sprouts or Andronico's it is not. A Safeway super store it is not. What it is, is a compact little grocery store that tries to make the most of its shelf space. The people that work there obviously work hard and are usually polite, if not friendly. They keep the line moving and if you have an issue with the price or whatever, the really friendly customer service gal will handle it with a smile. If you're looking for a chichi boutique market with a "Marin County" vibe keep walking. We don't need you. xo read more

I feel for the employees here. This store is being neglected by corporate Safeway. They called me back to further discuss my experience, I'm not playing phone tag though - they need to answer a phone call they requested to be returned after my initial conversation with whoever at corporate. These employees deserve better resources and training, some of these employees are incredibly customer service oriented and do their job VERY competently. Safeway is dogging on this store. Shame on Safeway. P.S. I worked for Safeway once upon a time though not at this particular store - don't even get me started..... Product that is 2 WEEKS past expiration date? Really? Shame shame SHAME. read more

I do LOVE all the Safeways stores! I used to shop here to bring flowers to the MT Tamlpals Cemetery where my grandmother, grandfather and my later father is at! Mine is their also over looking at San Rafael Valley Marin CA! read more

Like all Safeway stores this one is no exception. Long long lines. If you come to this store you better pray none of the cashiers called in sick, or had an emergency, or had to go to the bathroom, or is on break, or lunch, or is being trained. Because if any of those things happen you're looking at standing in line for about ten to twenty minutes. I hope the money they save by not hiring more cashiers is worth it, because they've lost quite a bit of mine. I've walked in there and counted about thirty people in line and two cashiers, then I went across the street and they had the same number of cashiers at the 7-11. I don't know what they're thinking, they aren't even that great a store. read more