We come to Albertsons for our organic carrots and celery and red leaf lettuce. Also they have. Great deals on to go packaging. We also got our Thanksgiving King's rolls here today. Anne is wonderful when we go through the line. She's the fastest. The ambience is always inviting here. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Great prices on tuna, and Lays potato chips - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Just feels like this place is well managed and run. I never run into a problem here. This isn't my closest smart and final but when I do catch myself in the area, it's one I search out. Even when they are restocking, it never feels messy. They are mindful to tear down boxes as soon as it's empty and get them out of the way for people even though I usually pass by here during the weekdays during non rush hours and there's hardly anywhere here. There's some products outside and as soon as you enter there's produce on your left side, meats and dairy on the back wall and liquor on the far right. They also sell caldrons, balloons, plants and other items! Staff are okay. They are working, they are diligent, they make life easier. read more

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Clean, fully stocked, well priced, fully staffed with fast service and attentive employees

Omg was absolutely mortified after walking in the deli section nothing was clean and there was moldy food everywhere definitely don't recommend read more

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The actual store is just fine, but today there was a clerk coughing with a runny nose. She'd wipe her nose with a tissue then continue to check items. I called the manager to alert them Of this and was told she's not sick. Well if she presents as sick to the public that's not a good thing in a good handling establishment. read more

I've been coming to the store for a while now and each time I come I always get greeted. People are super friendly. I've been meaning to leave a review for a while, but I'm the worst. Luisa was helpful very quick and wasn't too chitchatting. I had to run back to grab something I forgot luckily the store was a little empty. She told me exactly where it was so I didn't have to run around looking for it. read more

so I went to get a case of energy drinks but the security guard automatically started profiling me because I had a sling bag and had to leave it in front yet he let other people with backpacks on in, so I just went to the bathroom and said F it and F This place, and I'm going to tell everyone about this, I was livid read more

Usually a wonderful store, but they need to get all the employees on the same page of things. I go here ALL the time and I'm ALWAYS getting a rotisserie chicken. I have been told SEVERAL times by SEVERAL cashiers and on plenty of DIFFERENT occasions that the bag for the chicken is FREE. Of course I get the select few of cashiers that tell me it's not and then ARGUE with me when I tell them I always get a free bag. Today was Jennifer. The chicken is HOT and juice LEAKS from it, that's why I like the bag and I throw it away when I'm done. I called and talked with the MANAGER Theresa, she was just as RUDE as Jennifer, telling me the bag ISN'T free and it's my PEROGATIVE to throw it away and that I should BUY a REUSABLE bag and then wash it and use that. I'm not happy as I spend a lot of money here. read more

Im just hoping Luisa is okay. She obviously had to do something very urgently because she couldn't take a minute to charge me for my 2 items that I had. I understand you just closed your lane but it would've taken a minute to charge me and not 10 minutes of waiting on the other lane. Thank you for your business though. I hope you are doing good. read more

Ive been going to this Smart and final location for 5 years now since moving to El Cajon.This unit seems to be a little more organized as of lately and very well stocked more than before.Always very clean and maintained.The Staff is always very pleasant and helpful. Great job guys. read more

I came in on Friday, January 26 and asked the store to hold three cases of corn for me that we're at a price of $25 per case. They didn't tell me that the case was going to be more expensive or offer a rain check for not having the corn at that time. The manager refused to honor that price, because I did not have a rain check and kept saying that the prices change every Wednesday, even though I came in before the prices changed and requested the cases of corn. Bad customer service. read more

The prices are good,store is kinda dirty out in the parking lot. At times a random nomad or traveling person will be out from asking for money. Lines at the registers are common. Would be nice if they picked up the trash in the parking lot more than once a day. Provide a trash can in the parking lot would also help. I understand people should be more responsible, but that's not going to happen. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Natural dressing set - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Awesome selection and they also have big bulk so that you can skip the Costco membership. This is my go to grocery store read more

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If you want to know where the get the best in my opinion band name good quality food at a great prices this is the place. I love there first street band name food, tastes great and has flavor to them. But what I like best about this company is there bulk items. I love that in the crisis we are having they right now have a lot of food and have stocked up with a lot of the chili's and breads that I have been looking for. There shelf's and floors are clean and stocked. Customer service is top notch. If there is something you need or need help looking for something they are more they will get it for you m. read more

This Smart and Final is close to my work so it's convenient. I like this store better than the one in Santee, but it is still a Smart and Final and still two stars. Smart and Final is still caught somewhere between big box store and grocery store. I'll stop in here every once in a while for a couple of things, but never could it be "my" grocery store. No butcher, only pre-packaged meats. The produce is okay. The prices are not all that great. If you're going to try and be a warehouse store like Costco, you should have more competitive pricing. P.S. Their house brand "First Street" bleu cheese dressing is horrible. read more

After years of driving past this Smart & Final on my way home from the mall, I stopped in yesterday, having been detailed by my Beloved to pick up a bulk-load of Vitamin Waters. I was surprised. I'd have sworn S&F was a restaurant supply store, but it's a supermarket! That being said, it's a supermarket that occupies a very interesting niche, somewhere between a local IGA and Costco. Of note: the store carries a wide range of brands, but isn't deep in many of them. For instance, they stock coffee beans roasted by Starbucks, Peet's, Don Francisco, The Coffee Bean and others, but there are no Sumatra beans in that section. Also, they sell bread from the California Baking Company, but mainly loaf bread and sub rolls. (Is it too much to hope for Gibaldi's on a grocer's shelf?) This store is clean and well-organized, and the workers I spoke with are enthusiastic, knowledgable, and willing to help. This includes, Gus, the assistant manager I asked about the Vitamin Water I needed. It seems that their VW vendor recently pulled the six-packs of the flavor I wanted, stocking only more expensive singles, because my choice was an unpopular one (Lemonade Zero... don't judge). Gus offered to special order what I needed, as much as I want, and gave me his card for followup. I like that level of engagement. This isn't where I'd shop for my daily needs (yep... I visit my grocer daily...), but I'd definitely return to Smart & Final if I were having a backyard barbecue, or stocking a snack bar. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - It's time for pumpkin risotto! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I enjoy Smart and Final shopping. It has what I need at reasonable prices. I'm happy it is close to home.

I had bought salad containers for my business and spent quite a bit for them. I went to another store where they were literally half the price I spent at Smart & Final. Today, In my mind I was just returning the items I purchased, well after speaking with the manager and them knowing I'm a regular monthly shopper he gave the containers to me as a price match. I was very much appreciated with the quality of customer service and the respect that I was given even though I was in the mindset of making a return. Thank you!! read more

Update: I decided to give the store another try what a difference like night and day they actually opened up extra lines and the cashiers were very quick, I was impressed, I am so glad! I used to like coming to this store because it is normally never over crowded and I am able to find items in a smaller size or a bulk size , however laevery time I go they have the slowest cashier I've ever seen, except for one that's pretty fast he's an exception to the rule , but all of the other cashiers move so slow and bag so slow that when I get home my ice cream is melted or my milk is warm read more

This Smart & Final is one of the larger ones I have been to. I came by here because I saw in their add that they had 24 packs of water on sale for 3 bucks. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lvtnkq0cpfPDVHVqZ2ayrA?select=FX7wJJuW0Vt2NaqUNBXvPA#FX7wJJuW0Vt2NaqUNBXvPA) When I arrived it was not that busy, so I was able to find what I needed rather quickly. While I was there, I took the liberty to check the prices on items I usually shop for at other store to compare. I have to say that I did not find many substantial savings compare to the other store I shop. In fact, a lot of the items actually cost a little more. I was expecting the opposite from a where house type store such as this one. Oh well, I just got to remember to be a smart shopper. read more

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Stuck in express line behind someone with. 25+ item. Another cashier opens up, but doesn't pull me over, rather addresses the other customer of her race gets in before me. A micro aggression at it's most clandestine read more

You guys really need to open up more registers if you're only going to have one freakin line (cause of corona) Not the smartest way to run your store, line all the way back to the meat sec. 25 mins in line for 2 bananas on my lunch hour. read more

This is such a nice store. Raihannah is one of the managers there, and I can't tell you how nice she is. I can get things here that I can't get anywhere else, and it's not as crowded as a lot of other stores that have lower prices. I really appreciate the quality of customer service that I get here. This store really contributes to the community. read more

Andrew is absolutely amazing, He is so sweet and will always make sure you are taken care of. Please tell him to have a great day if you have the pleasure of Him helping you. Thank you Andrew. read more

So I hadn't been to a Smart & Final in years. I kind of remember this more as a place to hit up for company BBQ's or picnics. This store is set up more like a grocery store. Other locations I've been to are heavy on paper products and business supplies along with the huge amounts of your meats and rolls, ect. I liked the way this store was though. It felt more like a grocery store and you could buy everything in smaller amounts. The produce section here was pretty decent. They had a nice selection of vegetables and fruits. Not too heavy on the organic, or I would've been more impressed. They do have your typical selections of already prepared salads and smoothies, and cut up veggies and fruits. I already have a place I buy meat, so I didn't really check out that section too closely, but the prices seemed on par with other grocery competitors. The bakery has a lot of your typical temptations. They had pies, cookies, Danishes, cinnamon twists, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, fruit turnovers, ect. I'm happy to report I managed to resist them all. Crazy, right? I ate before I went shopping haha. I didn't peruse all of the grocery aisles, I didn't need too much beyond produce, yogurt, bottled water and a couple random items. My son managed to steer the cart down the canned meat aisle somehow, darn him! He then announced "look mama! spam is 2 for $5!" That little rascal. Naturally he chucked a couple into the cart. Elderly women think he's a sweetie, but I tell ya he's something to be reckoned with if you cut off him from his beloved spam. Next we made it to the water aisle. We picked up a couple cases of bottled water on sale. I noted they sell alkaline water here as well, not too many grocery stores do by me. I did see that some of the other drinks like vitamin water were on sale, but only if you bought a certain amount like 10 or more. Not cool, Smart & Final, not cool. Unless it's sold that way, don't require me to buy that many to get the sale price, that's just ridiculous. When it came time to check out, the service was friendly and fast. We always bring our own bags and sometimes the cashiers get grumpy about this, but not here. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - For those days when you just don't wanna cook. - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I just came from Smart and Final after not having gone for quite awhile. I'd forgotten how much I like it! They have a plethora of fruits and vegetables, meats and baked goods, dairy, frozen, canned, paper goods, you name it and all for good prices. I was impressed they were open till 10pm--lucky since I didn't get there till 9pm. I spent about an hour in the store stocking up (first big shopping trip I've had since I got back from my trip in Sept). I am very happy with the selection I got and it was under $130--compared with $200-300 when I go to Costco. I get so tired after walking all over Costco but S&F is much more manageable. I used to pop into the store in Pt Loma frequently when I worked near it, but this one isn't quite as close and convenient. I need to get here more often though. Even if all I need is milk, cottage cheese and bread it is an easy stop. Oh yeah, while you need a card to get the sale prices, there is no charge to apply for one and no requirements to join either. read more

Told Kris he needed to have someone clear the carts out of the parking area. He brushed me off w attitude saying someone was coming in. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - a shopping cart in a parking lot - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

I hate to say bad things. This is upsetting, undercooked chicken. I could of gotten sick or even catch salmonella . I know Smart&Final is struggling. I used to work and shop there but I believe the store won't Go well due to lack of unity. It applies to everything and everywhere. My point is, motivation can help them. So i do give it 2 stars because the cashier did her job to call Thor the manager, and he was good at handling the situation. A Refund and another free chicken. Please improve from this. And for sure things will pick up. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Everything FINAL sale. I bought a bag of Cutie tangerines and a bunch of organic bananas, all rotten before we could consume them.

You guys seriously need to get some training for Michael. He is the slowest employee and just takes his sweet time. Stood in line for 20 minutes cause he wanted to pack and repack the bag with a watermelon that clearly couldn't fit. and then after all that time called for assistance. He just stood looking around he is a terrible employee and not our first encounter with him taking his time. He couldn't possibly be any slower for real need to get some training... he aggregates me so much and it's sad. read more

I have a Costco membership, but this is where I prefer to do most of my bulk hauls; it's just usually much more pleasant, and I often feel a better deal. I also find their industrial cleaning products useful. And it's great to stock up on soup during sales. The store is really nice inside, I love the street signs On the check out lanes, although the bathroom can be disgusting, and smelled like marijuana and human waste today. The customer service is for the most part friendly and helpful. Although today, when I went out of my way not to leave my cart stranded in the parking lot like everyone else, and return them to the guy gathering them up at the trolley, he yelled at me for not pushing the cart into the others. Not really my job and I didn't want to push all those carts in to him. It was really an isolated incident, so I'm thinking it's just one bad, frustrated stoned (?) Apple in a barrel of employees, so to speak. But whom ever is in charge needs to consider that a lot of customers can take something like that very personally, and have a talk about employees' attitude toward customers. read more

It was very nice and convenient experience at the smart and final Elcajon because of the kindness and patience of Kirk the cashier. God bless you brother. read more

Gross & Disgusting...seriously! I have a toddler. This means we cannot go anywhere without going potty. Saturday, August 27, we stopped in and, of course, had to go potty. There were feces in the toilet on the uncleaned rim, visible without opening the seat. I thought, "Well some pig went potty in here and they haven't had a chance to clean it." We took care of our business and left. Then, today, we went back and, of course, had to go potty. The SAME FECES were in the same spot in the same potty! This is my last visit to this Smart & Final. There are no deals good enough to make this worth a stop. read more

Just wanted to share my disappointment with the El Cajon Smart & Final in how they treated my sweet momma friend. She was there purchasing a birthday cake for her son and dropped her wallet in the parking lot as she was getting all 3 kids in the car. She realized once she got home and went back. She spoke to Oscar (who I believe is the manager). He told her - yes someone had brought a wallet in but it's not their job to hold it. They told the person to keep it. She asked - did you get the persons number so I can contact them? Oscar - no - we aren't DETECTIVES. My heart broke - first off losing your wallet is the worst! Second - this stores response was heartless and lacks human decency. And to respond with "we aren't detectives" is beyond disrespectful to a mom who's spent a lot of money in this store. I have told all of my mom friends / family this story and we all agree this isn't the type of store we would want to support. We will choose to spend our money where we are respected. read more

They have some good deals but the customer service is just terrible. We got a cashier named Karli and she was so rude I'm not sure why she is still working there. She signaled for my significant other and I to get in her line first since she just opened it up and then she says, "Oh you can't go first." and she starts taking the customers from other lines and putting them before us. Maybe they waited longer in line than us, but still if you are going to signal for a person to come in your line and get their hopes up they should just go through with it, instead of rudely putting people before you. Not only was I in a hurry for a special occasion and didn't want to wait forever, but the first customer she threw in front of me had a ton of stuff in her cart that was $170.00 dollars worth and I only had 8 dollars worth of water to get! Then when we went to pay for the water she started ringing up another customers items and I said "Those aren't mine." She snapped at me "I know!" and rolled her eyes. I will never shop there again. I'm only giving this place two stars because of the deals. read more

Michael is slow. Please don't keep him in front. Stood in line for so long he needs way Better training

Recently started shopping here and is now 1 of my regular stops. Pretty good selection(s), pretty good prices, and is close to my location. Went from a 4 star to a 3 star because the parking lot is scary (I might back into another car- it's too dark I can't see it) and it is creepy (some guy may crawl into my car with me since its too dark and I wont see him). Overall parking lot is bad as hell. Need more light! read more

This is my 'go-to' store for most of my grocery needs. A very nice selection of fruits and vegetables which are always fresh and arranged neatly. They could use a bit more space for carts in the produce section, as any single cart will block all others. The canned and packaged goods usually are sold in the same size as most supermarkets, but generally at prices 10 to 20 per cent below the name brand chain stores. Their prices can't really compete with Costco for the giant packages, but who really has space to store 100 rolls of toilet paper? They almost always have special prices on sodas or beer, so look for those and buy a brand you normally wouldn't to get the best deals. A very good liquor section but not many wines to choose from. There's a discount rack in the back of the store with crushed and dented packages priced up to 1/2 off. I always check there for a good deal. Just be sure to remind your checker about the discount; they don't always notice the tag. Their in-house "First Street" brand is usually much better quality than Target's "Market Pantry" brand, and is typically priced lower. read more

I been shopping here for sometime. Love the selections of brand names and smart and final brands. Great quality better than Walmart any day. I think prices are better also Parking lot is great and plenty of room to load up The lines are a lot less hassle than costco Check out the beer and wine selections they have great IPA'S. They also at stock and sell hard booze. Love this place before large parties I can get in and out. I would not do my daily shopping here but this place fits the needs.with great service, prices and quality!! read more

Place is kept up pretty nice and the staff and clientele are pretty nice. I go here for any personal or business needs. read more