Aloha guys and gals! Couldn't find a decent Veggie tray a for an upcoming family beach gathering. Decided to stop into Smart and Final and found exactly what I was looking for at a reasonable price. I also found other goodies that I could take to the beach as well. Love the way Smart and Final sets up their seasonal in-store displays. They' re so creative. I can always count on a great shopping experience here. read more

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I do see there's complaints about Smart & Final advertising one price in overcharging customers. I was in this store and they had a great deal dozen eggs for 99 cents but the checker at the front said they're $1.99. I told Rob I think the manager when I went to take a picture of the price he said oh that's a digital coupon price .. false that's what they advertise. So I went to the front he would honor the price and I said let me go get the tag so you're not doing the fading switch sale and he said no don't take the tag. I told him it's bait and switch and he said we're not doing anything wrong. I could do an AI search but I'm fairly certain false advertising is illegal. That Encinitas store probably is made hundreds of dollars in overcharges just today read more

New young cashiers are inattentive and seems like they're doing you a favor by checking you out

What a shame. I hate leaving bad reviews, but I feel that I must in this case. This has to do with S&F's weekly coupons that need to be scanned with your phone. Previously, when you checked out, simply entering your phone # automatically applied these coupons to your order ( just like every other major store in the 21st. century). Now, there is no option to input your number anymore, and the poor cashier must manually scan each coupons off of your phone. Surely, I can't be the only one that finds this to be ridiculous? Now, I've emailed thre times now, the last being tonight. The first two were simply automated replies stating that they're escalating my concern to the correct team. That was over a month ago, and obviously nobody at corporate (or the store if this was their idea) cares enough to address it. Yes ,S&F has some good prices and great prices. Do I NEED to shop there? No. There is only one item I purchase at S&F that I can't get at Staters, Vons or Sprouts. Now when I go to S&F, do I just buy that one item? No, of course not! I always leave with an almost full cart. So, apparently I'm gonna need to find an alternative and just cut out S&F from my shopping read more

I think their prices are so much more fair than the other major grocery chains... I always feel good about stocking up on things and their selections pretty good. The lines are pretty reasonable to. They always open up another register if there's more than a couple people in line so this is my go to place! read more

All the customers are wearing masks -- excellent! No one in produce to ask where things are. Took forever to find someone to ask where distilled water was, and that was out. Go to checkout, first cashier (woman) isn't wearing her mask at all. It's just around her neck! ‍ Second cashier (man, named Aiden) is wearing his mask below his nose, only covering his mouth. I ask him to wear his mask correctly, since I have family going into surgery soon. He pauses, then ignores me. In front of me during the checkout is a sign to wear a mask. Asked to speak to the manager, and told him I felt unsafe shopping when his employees don't obey basic masking requirements. He apologizes, says he'll talk to them... but his body language disagrees. I love the awesome rotisserie chicken and other things available, but I'm not sure I'm coming back. Ugh read more

5 stars to Adam for helping me locate an item. I was on the hunt for Airheads Extreme Rainbow Candy Belts today to make St. Paddy's Day cupcake treats for my daughters class. I usually see them everywhere but of course when I need to buy them, they are no where to be found. I struck out at 4 different stores before I hit up the Smart & Final San Marcos location. They didn't have them so I called the Vista location. They had me on hold forever and in the end, they confirmed they didn't have it. I then called the Encinitas location and Adam cheerfully answered the phone and was able to locate the items within minutes and mentioned he'd put them aside for me upfront. I arrived 15 min later and the items were set aside for me like he mentioned and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. I didn't need this item in bulk, sadly only needed 2 packets, but instead had to pay for 18. I'm just grateful I was able to locate in time. Thank you Adam for helping me out today. read more

Charisma was so helpful and wonderful! Made a boring task feel easy:) Nice to see a smiling face

I was in the store tonight to purchase a bib or Coke for my restaurant. I have purchased bib of coke for the last 20 years and today I could not. The store has changed systems. So I asked to call the manager. Jeff Smith he chose to not answer the phone when called by the manager. After 10 min he texted back and sent the manager to the office She returned and did not have my information. I wasted my time. They suggested that I return tomorrow and see Jeff face to face to get customer service. It seems that there were alternatives to me wasting my time and energy. Instead of fixing my problem Jeff Smith said I should waste my time and come see him tomorrow so I can purchase from him. This is the most ridiculous version of customer service I have ever experienced. King Jeff demands his subjects( customers) to do as he pleases instead of taking the time to serve his paying customers. read more

Friendly service. This S&F location really stepped it up during CoVid19. JoJo always remembers me with a warm welcome and the entire staff is super friendly! Keep up the great work! read more

I used to love coming here. They sell a lot of what I need at great prices. But I went in this morning and was shocked when I got to the checkout to see that the cashier wasn't wearing her mask over her nose which renders it useless. Additionally, as I was standing there getting ready to pay, another employee came and stood right next to me to chat with her as I paid. So employees are not wearing masks and not social distancing. I will not be going back until we live in a post-Covid world again. read more

Smart & Final is part of my grocery rotation, about once a month I pop in and stock up on specific items that are essential in my kitchen. It is the best store to buy my favorite "Gardenburger" veggie patties. Do not mistake them for Boca or Morningstar Farms, or any of the meatless patties at Costco. Gardenburger is the best patty for me, they are much larger patties when you buy a sleeve of them instead of the boxes at the grocery store. Other highlights include ricotta cheese, fruity juices (think mixers), panko, and pepitas from their bulk bins. These items alone make it worth a trip to Smart & Final! I never get out of there without picking up extras. The decor is reminiscent of decades past, you may feel like you are in a time warp with the fluorescent lights and flooring and shelves that just miss the mark. It it is not sexy or laid out to entice shoppers to visit frequently. This is your place to find professional kitchen supplies such as massive kitchen tools, mason jars, chafing dishes and more. Hit 'em up before throwing a big bash. They recently added more organic products and expanded the produce section, this may be a trend towards this store coming into the 20th century, read more

I love the store. Great prices and well stocked. During this critical time of COVID-19 they are doing everything they can to keep their customers safe. They also have senior mornings. seniors can come in before the crowds come in and get first pics of important items. Call the store for which mornings. read more

This is just another odd little Smart & Final. It always feels a little dingy to me, and I can't always find what I'm looking for. The staff is helpful, but I'm just not a huge fan of this location. I keep going back and trying to like it because sometimes it's the easiest one for me to go to, but that doesn't always mean that I leave happy. This is a good place to go and stock up, but I always feel a bit lacking. Strangely odd, but definitely true. read more

I would not recommend this store. The customer service is the worst. If you want to wait in long lines and then have a new line open for the customers who have not been waiting. Or while DOUG the senior assistant manager watches a whole checkout and sees lines and doesn't help. What a lop. The food is sub par and the prices are too high. Def will not be back for this kind of experience again. read more

i was pleasantly surprised by this smart and final. I have actually never been to this location before. i usually go to the one in clairemont and ages ago i went to the one across the freeway (which is no longer there) the number one thing that sets this smart and final apart is they have a vast fresh fruit and veggie section! it has many aspects of a regular grocery store. on the down side...the only reason i went here is to get a giant bag of corn (and it was closer to me at the time than costco)...well...no giant bag...same 16 oz bags as the grocery store, for the same price. wish i had waited for costco (5 pound bag for $5 vs 1 pound for $3) read more

I'm very glad the hours are still the same, still open until 10 PM. Everyone has always been very polite to me, before and during Pandemic. I wish that the PetCo in the same shopping center was open later, so it would be easier for me to go to both retail outlets during the same car trip. read more

Given the choice between sleeping in the back of your Ford Focus and smelling your own farts for dinner or waiting in line for 45 minutes for wilted produce, breathe deeply and accept the fartitude. read more

Although I am a frequent shopper at this location lately the cleanliness of the restrooms have become completely unacceptable. I have informed the checkout clerks about the disgusting the have become take a look. They really don't care! read more

Smart & Final Extra! - Grocery Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I visited Smart&Final recently and was unsatisfied with management, and how rude and unfriendly they are with the custemors. They have poor people skills and don't know how to treat their custemors with respect. It's a mistake to come here. read more

I love Smart & Final! I started shopping at S&M when it was membership and in the other side of I 5 in Encinitas. It sure beats going to Costco! S&M brands are my choice over name brands I think their quality is better, but in bulk no problem, staff has changed but never a problem. If you can't find something ask someone they will go in the stock and get it for you always a pleasant interaction. I shop here weekly soooooo much better than my local Vons or Costco! Cheers! read more

I used to buy bulk peanuts from this store a couple times a week. However, the store didn't keep the peanut bins filled. Most of the time they were completely empty. It appears they only maintain the bulk foods once a week. The employees are very helpful, but if the peanuts weren't ordered they won't be in the back room. Why have a bulk section if you don't keep it supplied? It's too bad this store didn't want to sell me peanuts. I have since found another source. read more

Discovered this store since I frequent Petco often. My daughter and I now double cart ship here so I'm not shopping everyday. They had more of everything during the hot days of Covid so I came here more often. Lots of organic, nice wine selection, love the crisp snack parsley (not organic though), huge bags of coffee and fresh chicken. It's a medium size Costco with medium packaging. I purchase the larger shredded cheese and freeze in small cartons. I have found numerous handy kitchen tools and supplies. And the prices are incredibly good. read more

Known to locals as SNF, Smart and Final has found a way into even the staunchest bulk critics heart. The residents of Encinitas are a proud people and they take being intellectual as a prerequisite for residency. So it was obvious that when it came time to fill the void left by the demise of Albertsons, that hole would be filled by a grocer who was also known for their intelligence. SNF isn't just some grocery store, it is a path to enlightenment. If SNF drove a car it would be a Prius with an Obama '08 sticker on the back, and KPBS member license plate holder. Sadly, the previous reviewer Jay D failed to recognize what makes Encinitas so special. He is most likely a disgruntled employee of some place he used to work that just might have been in Encinitas. Seems like Jay D's main concern is a good wiener. read more

** FOR MY EXCITING 500th REVIEW ** This is the NEW location of the only Smart and Final in Encinitas. It was formerly on the westside of the freeway. Evidently, they moved into a new plaza and a bigger space to provide a better inventory. The space was formerly an Albertson's that closed a number of years ago. I cruised in to check it out and pick up a few things that I could pick up in bulk - something that I could get at Costco - but the difference is that I don't need a membership. Costco is great for what it does, but given location for the Encinitas community and the lack of a membership needed, SNF is the way to go. It fills the gap between Costco and a regular grocery store since they not only provide stuff in bulk sizes, but they also provide vegetables and fruits also. Mind you, because of their focus, speciality items are limited. Like I've said in my other SNF reviews, if they could match Costco's hot dogs, I'd be an awesomely super fan. RAWERAWER ** THIS CONCLUDES MY EXCITING 500th REVIEW ** read more

Great place to buy bulk supplies especially if you own a business/restaurant, or simply just for a gathering or occasion. They have everything here from groceries, to bulk supplies of boxes, trays, pans, cups, utensils, parties supplies and so much more. Great affordable prices as well. The store is very spacious and welcoming. I've bought parties supplies here for my son's birthday as well as other gatherings I have. I also stop by this location for supplies for my mothers business. Always receive great service, everyone here is so friendly and welcoming and willing to help. read more

Poorly stocked, under staffed, long lines, old produce... seems the new owners of smart & final are running the name into the ground with their poor management and lack of hiring qualified staff... they'll surely be out of business in no time!! read more

We are dealing with the issues from the Covid 19 so I called before going over. Adam answered the phone and REALLY went out of his way to check on stock, etc. I had spoken to folks at Gelsons and Lazy Acres and Vons and none of them were as nice and helpful as he was. Most of them didn't choose to be bothered. He even offered to go check on another item for me without me even requesting such. Wow. Good Hire, Smart and Final!!! read more

The roasted turkey legs in the refrigerated section are awesome. Not too salty, easy to heat up in the microwave. Also the produce is much better than Vons or Costco. read more

This store has a good range and good prices thats the plus This store is so so so slow on check outs with most of the time in store is spent stuck in line waiting to check out... The owners of this store need to realise the faster i can get outta the store the more i will come back... They could install express checkout like EVERY OTHER supermarket chain has done in the world and get self check outs that i can use as i always have 15 items or less and so do others in line also... I have asked a number of times why this is such a slow store in checkout and am told that head office are so tight on wages...heres a tip for them from when i ran a business happy customers mean more customers that spend more... Use the data you collect on customers to improve check out times as its pathetically slow... Staff are great and super friendly!!!!!!! read more

I shop this place for business and personal. Prices are good but, I very often get overcharged on fresh groceries, sometimes I go back and complain, often I don't waist my time. But after the last visit, I had it! Although I still have to shop there, I will get my fruits and vegetables at sprouts from now on, fresher goods and prices are always exact. You think you're saving when you shop, then you get ripped off at cash register. All of their Cashiers seem to be miserable at all the time as well. So sad! read more

This place is awesome. It became our new general grocery store once Albertson's closed a number of years ago. Lots of good stuff, great prices, friendly staff. read more

I just think the costumer service could be much better. Better help by the cashiers in packing up bags and especially helping the elderly and women. I have seen the elderly struggle with packing their bags with little help. Kindness and helping the weaker goes along a long way. read more

They have good selection of meats ,vegetables ,frozen foods as well as wines and spirits. All at reasonable prices.

I don't think of Smart & Final when I'm headed to the grocery, but that's starting to change. Did you know they are owned by the folks who used to own Sprouts? Went in the other day to pick up cleaning supplies and was surprised at their produce section. Lots of great looking stuff - some of it deliciously oddball like baby Mexican onions. Good organic and juice sections, too. Just bought some organic yellow peppers for .30/lb. LESS than their conventional ones. Their bulk bins are awesome - foodie heaven with a large variety of organic grains, nuts, dried fruit, candy...even turbinado sugar...all at great prices. Lots of parking, long hours...the only thing this store is missing is an organic meat section, but given how far they've come, I'm confident that's probably coming soon...and I'll echo someone else's sentiment about slow checkouts. read more

It' nice that they offer organic produce, but I wish there were more and they were fresher. The vegetables are often wilted and old looking. There are NEVER enough check stands open, so prepare to wait in long lines even if you have few items. read more

Definitely upgraded from the old site west of I-5. Without a doubt, their vegetables are fresh and high quality. One of my beefs with the local "organic" places is veggie freshness. Too many times we've gone to the local "health food" alternatives only to find the produce going bad within a couple of days. S&F lasts two to three times longer without spoiling. The produce inventory may not be as wide, but it fits our requirements. Can't make any comments on the rest of the store because we have little need for bulk foods but the new store is well laid out and pretty complete. read more

When I've been there, there are only 2 checkers and the lines are 5 or 6 deep. So you spend as much or more time in line than you do shopping. There's no 10-items-or-less line or not one that's been open when I've been there. Also, if you bring your own bags, they don't load them. Last time I was there, they charged the regular price for an item versus the sale price on the tag in the isle. A fluke maybe, but annoying. read more

I give this store a negative 5. Absolutely the worst place to shop!! Cashier walked away leaving me to pack my own groceries and didn't even offer me my receipt!! I have no idea if I was charged correctly. read more

This store is always busy located right off the 5 fwy and Encinitas Blvd. Let's face it Smart n final's main draw is price and is my go to when I don't want to make the trip further inland to WinCo especially for dairy and frozen foods. The prices on food items are typically better compared to regular grocery stores. Selection is low to average on items but if they happen to carry something you like you will likely find a larger pack/ container at a good price break down. Produce is just okay, its comparable or slightly better than Walmart. They have cheap cat litter but you get what you pay for and also carry the top 2 cheapest brands of cat and dog food. The cleaning aisle and food service aisles are extensive if I was having a big party and didn't have Costco this is where I would shop for party supplies. 4 stars for what it is but not 5 as I can only imagine they must not pay or treat employees well it's rare anyone at the checkout is in a friendly mood. I was there last night and one of the female cashiers was publicly coming down on a new hire for a rooky mistake right in front of a line of patrons and I felt bad for him, he happened to bag my groceries extremely well with care and efficiency and maintained his poise and smile even after his public shaming. read more