Super well kept store! Easy parking and picturesque panoramic views. Well stocked, clean, and air conditioned haha. Shout out Monique for the conversation! A great stop when shopping for groceries - and not too crowded on a weekend morning :) read more

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Most the cashiers are very nice, helpful, and fast. But it seems like every time I come to shop now they are very busy and not enough cashiers. Last two times I asked why it was so busy and didn't have more cashiers and the girl said that she was sorry, one cashier called out sick and they're doing what they can with the staff they were given. Unacceptable that being down one person makes the store fall apart like that. Another issue, most times I come in late at night it is just one girl or two working, sometimes a guy but not often. This is not a good area, scary people around, and I never see security or anyone to make sure these girls are safe. I once had to step in to stop a creep from bothering the girl. Sometimes just two people on cashier and long lines and they say "we are so sorry, we are the only ones here" And one day, I heard an older blonde lady wearing a red vest so I think she was manager, I heard her yell at boy for using the restroom when she was calling him. She then said to other girl manager hispanic womna "he's so f*ing r**arded" they both laugh and laugh loudly sounded like mean villains from a movie! what the heck!! I'm old as a dirt and I still know better that to say something like that to my employee especially teen boy! They say curses loudly and berate their employees! Unprofessional Treat your employees better! They are suffering and seem exhausted and overwhelmed! How can you expect a store to run good when you can't even make sure there are more than 2 cashier!? I can't imagine what other things are falling through cracks because of lack of staff/manager care! Is the food even safe or things being properly clean? Do better smart and final! I'll post google too and even call corporate now. Only gave two stars because most of employees are great read more

Yeah! $6 Sushi Friday! It seems each store works with a sushi-making company. Again, I'm very impressed with the quality of the sushi - it's fresh and savory. The prices can't be beaten either. The food is right up there with any first-rate restaurant. Don't let it fool you - it's like getting a gourmet experience in a state fair environment. Do yourself a favor and give it a try on Sushi Fridays! read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Sushi makers for this store - yum! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Went in to pick up two items. No wait time in checkout line so obviously I was pleased. The check out person (sorry, forgot his name) was friendly, courteous and able to perform duties competently. I would recommend this location off los Coches in El Cajon. read more

MOLD EVERYWHERE! Mold in the freezers and fridge, and on the shelves. It's so bad I've returned BOXED food with mold INSIDE! This is an OSHA hazard. Children and pregnant women shop here and are at risk. Also they allow the people to work when they are super sick and one lady coughed I to her hand and handed me my money.... So gross!! Never coming back read more

Have a question for the people on here since I cannot get a answer from Smart and final customer service. For the past 3 weeks they have had hams on sale for 99c a pound. None of the local stores the 2 in El Cajon and the one in santee have these hams. When you ask they will not give a rain check because in the ad it says while supplies last. Don't you have to have some to have the supplies last? Is this false advertisement? Oh by the way the new sale that starts tomorrow has the hams on sale again. I asked the manager today in the El Cajon location today if they would have them the 1st day of the sale tomorrow and he said they will not have them. Just looking for your thoughts read more

I felt bad for the blonde cashier (New York accent) working the end register, close to produce today. The line was long and tense. I know she was under a lot of pressure with so many customers and so few registers open. I don't know how she managed to stay so kind and professional, but she was wonderful. I hope she gets a raise. read more

First of all a couple of thank yous! I went to Walmart to find our soda and they were out. So I decided to check next door at Smart & Final. Number one thank you, you were fully stocked with our soda. Kara, who checked me out was so friendly and seemed happy to be working! I went next door to Dollar Tree and she met me in an isle. She had left a bottle of soda on the counter and brought it to me. She went above and beyond with another smile and an apology. My second thank you is for hiring Kara. read more

Great food at affordable prices friendly employees I have been going to Smart & Final since I was a kid so glad there's many locations

The manager assistant at smart & final at 13439 Camino Canada, 92021 his name is RICKEY was so rude & unprofessional, the lotto machine had a sign saying Quick picks are currently unavailable, so that means you can still play your slips or buy scratchers. I inserted $40 but it turned out the machine wasn't working at all, so i told RICKEY & he was so annoyed & rude. He said why did you put money it's out of service. I said your sign doesn't say out of service. So he said call California lotto & he asked me to leave or call the cops [ call the cops for what, what have done] unfortunately we've been spending over $4000 a month at this store shopping for my restaurant. This store has very poor management, I've attached a photo of the sign that was posted on their machine.. RICKEY shouldn't be employed by smart & final he's a bad image read more

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I do like shopping at this store even tho it's pricey. The only issue I have is all of the store showcase items sitting in the aisle ways. You have extra large baskets and small aisles. We have to constantly pull over and wait for each other to pass so we can proceed. It's not like there's only a couple of items it's many down the whole aisle. I know you are trying to sell things but it's really excessive. So annoying! read more

This store has a nice selection it's not as big some of there other stores, but still got most of what you need. There shelves are stocked and clean and faced nice. There meat department was a little low in selection cause they where still getting there load in. One thing I like is that there turkeys where full witch was nice so I was able to pick a good size turkey. There produce was full clean and fresh. There employees or nice and helpful and asking if you need any help that's was my biggest concern I come to grocery stores and you walk around and no employee asked you if you need anything, but when I come here they actually ask you if you need help with finding everything all right. That is a reason why for the majority of me giving a five star rating on top of having their clean stocked store. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Some stuff for thanksgiving. - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Smart & Finals appear to be taking over the grocery scene all over San Diego so it's not surprising to be finding them all over town and so far I have been please with their product and service. I stopped in this particular Final to pick up a number of items. The main item I needed was some avocados, but I was not pleased with the Mexican imported ones they had, so I passed. However, I did find the large bag of "On the Border" tortilla chips that I love, some very large mangoes at $1.49 a piece, some adobada chopped pork for tacos, and some peppermint herbal tea that I I just ran out of. It was on sale too! The staff members were pretty nice, asking me a couple of times if I needed any help, and the girl at the register was quick and efficient. The store was well organized for the most part, except for a couple of sections they were restocking, so boxes were scattered about. Oh yes, I learned that this location has a Sushi vendor called FujiSan Handcrafted Sushi so I paid them a visit. read more

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Good smart and final extra location. It's next to a 99¢ store. They have a bakery and large fresh produce section. Lots of parking. read more

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

Huge shout out to William A, the cashier who took the time to provide genuinely friendly customer service to myself and two daughters. He was patient as my toddlers each wanted to "pay" and allowed them to help with the transaction as well as placement of groceries. The smile and service provided was a fantastic experience for a mom trying to manage the grocery shopping with two toddlers. Thank you for the memorable experience! read more

expensive...my god every time i go in that store the prices go up ...but they have the best produce in town...and as high as they are they are cheaper then walmart who has rats in their store...so...smart and final is my go to for groceries..the only thing to watch out for is when they have produce on sale you need to eat it by the next day or it goes bad..except the oranges they have the best prices and best oranges in town...the people who check you out are ok i have my favorites....i bag my own groceries...i dont think they pay their employees a fair wage....so that sucks...but figures...some of the stuff i have to pass on because it is so expensive now... i think they take advantage of people the ice cream is way out of hand price wise..its a fairly clean store could be better. i buy most of my paper goods next door at the dollar store. read more

Store is big with freshly made sushi, bakery area and deli, customer service is great. When checking out I wanted cash back and the machine didn't give me an option to do so... bummer!! read more

My experience at this smart and final was amazing. The produce guy (I think his name was James) was very kind and helpful. Andrew (who was the cashier) was also very friendly to me and my kids and was super quick on my transaction which normally takes me a while with a full cart. A price for one of my items came up higher then what it was supposed to be and he did everything possible to make sure I got the right price! Shoutout to one of the manager Erin for helping him out as well. Will come back! read more

Alpine resident here. This store is so much more reasonable than the two grocery stores that are in my town. I used to have to go to Walmart to get good prices until this store opened. The ailes are clean and orderly. I'm not dodging 40 people to get to an item. I love it here! read more

I stop by for some lunchmeat and half gallon of milk; $ 14.58 ... in my opinion that is a little pricey. The store is very clean and well stocked. You may want to bring coupons. read more

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I ordered my grandson's birthday cake and I was unsure how it was going to turn out but it turned out fantastic! She asked me to give her creative liberty and I'm glad I did. Everyone thought they did an awesome job. I was so happy I ordered my younger grandson's birthday cake here as well and was pleased with the way his turned out too. read more

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I do not appreciate the store clerk commenting and questioning me about purchases that I'm making for example I purchased a Starbucks doubleshot energy drink Not only was she rude with her question about why in the world would I need so much caffeine this is unacceptable it is my money I will purchase what I would like! I don't need the third degree from a clerk read more

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

This store...man if I could get everything I needed here for any grocery list ever, I would live here. The employees are friendly, it's clean, BUT THEIR SELECTION IS SO WEIRD! Spices? Ya they have SOME. No 'Italian seasoning' which is a really standard spice. Pasta noodles? Nearly every kind except the ones I need-manicotti Bread? Sure! But not any 'whole grain' Tampons? Only 'super'. Every. Time. Honestly, if I have a list of 10 items, 4-5 won't be here and I am forced to go to another store. So, why would I do this to myself? I need to stop trying smart and final and just go straight to a store that is a real grocery... Oh but fear not, they carry EVERY type of alcoholic beverage or mixer you could ever dream of. Some of us aren't killing our selves slowly with alcohol addiction, some of us. Carry more food varieties and WAY less alcohol variety. Or just become a liquor store. Whatever. Just figure it out. read more

How do you run out of rotisserie chickens by 530 and not have a plan to make sure you have made more of them for at least another hour to hour and a half later, when people are actually coming to the store after work for dinner?? There should be chickens in there till like 7. Is there a chicken shortage? read more

We had an amazing grocery shopping trip coming from out of town everyone was so helpful until we went to the register and Ashley was so quick and just being rude... didnt say much just was in a rush to get out. Pretty much rushed us and forcefully gave us our receipt my daughter and I walked out to our car to u load and somehow she passed us and got to her car and sped through the parking lot to go home I guess she must've been in a hurry she was off but why didn't you close the register read more

Replacing the well known Von's super chain after a dismal appearance by a Northwest based grocery chain - the Lakeside / Unincorporated El Cajon area still has not risen back to the grandeur it once held. It seems we will still be required to travel up the hill to Alpine to find out quality fresh ingredients at Barons. Stark, barren, and half the size of both predecessors - it doesn't take much effort to find what you are looking for from the front door. A poor attempt to carry a large array of alcohols from local breweries is met more with boxed wines and a selection smaller than the smallest liquor store just down the block. For a store usually located in less affluent areas it is almost insulting to have the majority of liquors behind a locked cabinet. While it is understandable that employees may still be learning the ropes - walking around on their cell phones is the customers job; ignoring patrons and nearly running into them time and again is not. Similar to its predecessor the aisles are difficult to fill with product for some reason - even though it is half the size of both previous chains. Taking a shopping cart into the store with me nearly required earplugs as the sticky and squealing tires surely noted to my fellow patrons that I was on my way. Ahhhh the coffee aisle - thank goodness. Oops. Passed the single bay of cheap coffee before I found myself deep into a bulk candy selection filling shoppers with whatever candied treat they may desire. But no. Coffee. I give. A few small bags of chocolate covered goodness to satis...what...the...ergh?! Even the brand new dispensers fail to dispense just the small amount of yumminess I seek. Into the top I go as I am sure those behind me will do as well. Yum. In an attempt to write my SKU on the wire tab found at most most bulk foods dispensaries I find that the chain is so awkwardly short and so far away from the food product that I have to resort to memorizing one SKU at a time and writing in such a manner that I have to read it back to the cashier once I pay for it. As I scope out the bakery goods I am quickly reminded that Jessica needs an override on Five while Donald needs to meet his manager in the Meat Department as the glaring overhead pages do not cease. As I finish my shopping experience I note that 'Jessica' is still waiting for that over ride as the cashier whisperly greets me and finalizes my total. Another unfortunate investment in an otherwise nice area - I will not return. read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Typical shelf quantities found throughout the market. - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

I got a chocolate cake at this smart and final and it turned out amazing. I asked if they could do a beer bottle since it was for my 21st birthday and they told me they would call if they could do it. A day before we scheduled to come get the cake they called and told me they could do the beer bottle design. I expected the beer bottle to be small and on the side, but they went above and beyond putting the bottle in the center with 21 on the label. Thanks smart and final!! read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Look at how amazing it turned out! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

This store is usually pleasant, but tonight, my son was treated very rudely by one of the cashier's on register 6. Maybe she was having a bad day, but that is no reason to be rude. The price came up wrong for what he bought (should have been $3.99), but she didn't even check it out when he questioned it. She made a rude comment and charged him a higher price while not offering a receipt for it. Our family will not be returning to this store. At a time where many are struggling, it is a shame that people like this lady on register #6 make it worse. (No receipt means no cashier name.) I hope she doesn't treat everyone that way. read more

Only about half of the employees were wearing masks. CA covid guidelines currently state that all indoor workers must STILL wear masks. I guess they can't be bothered to care about public health. read more

This review is for Smart&Final at Camino Canada El Cajon. They have great prices, that's why I give 2 Stars , but during these challenging times of COVID, I don't feel like they are not taking enough precautions to make it a safe environment to shop. The store was way overcrowded, no body respected the 6 ft distance while shopping or when waiting in line to pay and the management doesn't make sure that people respect that, people were literally on top of each other by the meat fridges and by the freezers. A lot of people not wearing masks inside the store, disrespecting the law. I didn't feel safe shopping there and I rather pay more for groceries at a different store where I'll feel safer. read more

Decided to give this location another try, it was a lot better this time, Staff was friendly, great prices on bulk packaged meat made a very pleasant shopping experience. read more

I would not recommend this store rather go to 7-eleven for my groceries the front of the the store smells like raw sewage, the sushi counter smells like heavy cleaning chemicals, all cashiers have been extremely rude and unpleasant to deal with, I'm guessing they're uneducated because I have been short changed every time, I tried making a comment on how to bag my groceries, who wants crushed fruits and breads? I wasn't trying to be rude to which they replied "I know what I'm doing. That's what i was going to do" then proceeded to crush my food in front of me. Then I came to the conclusion that they don't like their job, if I wanted that kind of treatment I could've just went to Walmart... read more

Yesterday I went to THE best Smart & Final ever. I got everything in the order. being an *Instacart Shopper I've been in 3 stores, in last 7 days . This s&f was The nicest, friendliest, most helpful ever employees, even the Manager was on floor helping me & other people find stuff for my order. It was Clean , organized, as all s&f are laid out differently.I like this one best.10 out of 5 stars. read more

WHEN WILL WE GET OUR VONS BACK????!!! I'm am so tired this is bs it is not a substitute for vons and if they were complaining about vons having a monopoly what about Albertsons now? That's the only close place to go in lakeside. Bring vons back, this store sucks. read more

The customer service was terrible. A worker, Caitlyn was very rude and gave me and my sister attitude. She should be fired..

I like this smart and final. They opened it instead of the vons and I do save a lot of money on food here. The prices are very great compared to Vons and they have a large variety of ice cream! They even have lactose free ice cream. And they have Kim Crawford wine which isn't available at wal mart for about $12. I wish they would have more cashiers. read more

Don't go there. The prices are all lower at Walmart and Albertsons. The prices are also misleading. I thought I was buying 4 12 packs of soda for 10, which is what the sign said on the shelf. At the check out, I was told that you only get any of the sale prices if you spend $25. My total was $37, but I still didn't get the sale prices for some complicated reason. Very misleading pricing. I will not be going back. read more

I think this store is amazing!! He staff is so nice, if You put into consideration that they are all new workers and are learning where everything is just like we are do to it's a new store and all. They are doing pretty well! I seen the picture that was posted of the empty ice cream shelf and I was there that day and also questioned it like what the heck I want my ice cream!! So there was a nice young lady who was there stocking and very willing to help me. I asked her what was the deal, she said that the refrigerator systems went down and whatever I may need she will grab from the back for me and that she did!! He was super sweet , they need more people who know the store like her.. I had also asked her where the dog food was and she quickly responded and even walked me to it and showed me where it was! It does suck that their registration system was down but they sure did make the best or it! I Aldo wnt to buy some meat from the meat department and they we're so exstramly helpful!!! I will definitely be returning!! Love it: ) read more

Honestly, I'm pretty impressed with the cleanliness of the store, the politeness of staff and the quality of produce. 10/10 will be back regularly read more

I drive five miles to shop and get a roast chicken and once again they are out 40 minute wait on a Saturday at 10:30 this is the third time how can you let that happen on a Saturday if it happens 1 more time swear i will never shop there again Walmart is right down the street they need to have a talk with whoever is in charge of that department SUCKS ! read more