I'm only giving it 5 stars as it is literally a 2 minute drive from us. We have gas station that's walking distance from us but they did not have any ice and they had not received their delivery. We found Smart & Final and were able to stop by and get ice. It was very convenient and close. read more

I shopped at the Smart and Final on Clairemont Mesa Blvd, yesterday monring around 7:30AM. The sale items I came for were 'sold out' or not restocked for the day. But what irked me most was the lazy & surly woman who was working the cash register..... Smart and Final can do better! read more

Hands down the best smart and final I've been too. Clean. Solid good options. You park in a huge parking lot that is shared with a laundromat and other small businesses. As soon as you walk in, the cashiers are to the left and the produce section is to the right. There's plenty of fresh fruits that felt decently ripe and ready to be eaten. There's a small vegetable section. Better off going elsewhere if you want veggies. Just behind the produce is the meat and bakery. The right wall has most of the meats. It's much larger than most other smart and finals. The bakery section is right there and mostly just a few stands. Eggs are tucked away in the back of aisle one on an end cap. Along the back wall is the dairy and frozen food section. It spans the length of the back wall. Staff were buzzing around. Seemed like they were a bit understaffed but were still happy to lend a helping hand when I was on the search for a few items that I couldn't locate. Bathroom is in the back left. It's gender neutral and you need a staff to open it for you. It ain't the cleanest but serviceable. You can find other things here that are good for small restaurants like rags and sponges. You can also find charcoal and lanterns. read more

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Well First I came to Smart & Final to get some drinks and As I walk in I look around and they carry lots of Bulk items like Costco but Costco is less expensive and it is much bigger inside Costco . Now I walk around each isle and try to find my drinks and it felt like I could not find any help here but I finally found my drinks but one of my drinks were sold out and I came across an associate straightening the isle and I ask can you check in back to see if you have anymore and she didn't even try and said we're out !!! Come on at least try !! But I grabbed my drinks and headed to the register to pay but here is an grocery store / Small Warehouse store Comparable to Costco but Costco is better and prices are a little higher also Costco Has better Service . Well hopefully next time around it would improve on their service . Overall 2 Stars and my experience was so so !! read more

I called 3 times and was placed on hold . All I was asking is if they had any vegan egg(Just egg) , every time I go there is only like 1 available. Well today I called and some young kid named Gaby answered. She left me on hold, then started giggling with her coworkers thinking she had hung up. Then I call again and tells me they don't sell it. I ask her since when and then asks a coworker and then hangs up once again. I'm sorry , all I wanted to know is if there are any vegan eggs available for me to drive down there and pick up. The customer service here is ridiculous. Gaby gotta go... very bad service if I could give no stars I would, just ordered from a different Smart & Final read more

Smart & Final - Ordered from a different Smart & Final - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a small Smart & Final. Aisles are tight, inventory limited. I used to stop here after work to pick up specials from the weekly ad.

This store is a travesty. From the tweakers who steal constantly to the inept employees who flub their way through the line of cash paying old people, it's like the island of misfit toys without the charm. Don't ever be fooled when you see three lines open and only three people in each line, it's still going to take you 15 minutes. This place sucks read more

My wife needed 4 large cans of fruit cocktail and the Costco Business Center was sold out. One of the employees told me his mother always got them at Smart and Finall Used Yelp to find the nearest Smart and Final and I was there in 5 minutes. Got my 4 cans of fruit cocktail and I now have a happy wife! Great ambiance in the store. You had what I needed!! read more

I feel that I was racially profiled. I am extremely upset and still in disbelief at the way I was treated here at Smart & Final. I arrived here at this location with my 4-year-old daughter. And while shopping, I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded as if I was about to faint. I managed to make my way to the front of the store to let someone know what was going on with me, and I needed medical help and ambulance service. But instead of someone helping me, one of the employees came and asked me if I was going to pay for what was in my cart. I told him I needed a paramedic because I wasn't feeling well and couldn't finish my shopping, but instead of the store employee asking if I was ok or if I needed any water. When the paramedics arrived, the store employee asked the paramedic for my information as if I were shoplifting or taking something from the store. I left my cart and the items in it in front of the store. The paramedic informed the store employee that they couldn't disclose my information without any probable cause. The paramedic asked the employee why he needed my information; the employee had no reason whatsoever for asking for it. People like this do not deserve to be working around other people, especially when it comes to helping someone during an emergency due to their health, then turn around and treat one person differently than the next person because of the color of their skin. I will never come back to this store again. read more

It was my first visit at this location and I normally do not grocery shop at Smart & Final. I wanted to spend the last $8 on my gift card, so I figured I'll stop by to get a few items and be done with the card. Actually, I preferred a Smart & Final closest to Kaiser Permanente hospital. I ended up making it the over after my medical appointment, within minutes. As I turned into the small shopping center, I see lots of parking spaces - a plus. The shopping center is older looking as with Smart & Final itself. It was surprisingly, busy. Not exactly overly crowded, but customers were everywhere. Every isle was occupied. I got all I needed and ready to pay. I approached the register area, I saw only two lines that were open. Each cashier had approximately 6 or so customers waiting line. Then, approximately 5 minutes or so later, a third cashier opened up. Good, we were noticed. Despite the store's size and its much older looking image than that of their newer counterparts, this location wins on cleanliness and well stocked items. All in all, it was a good shopping experience for me read more

This place is like a miniature box warehouse store. It works great for grabbing items on the way to a BBQ or potluck with friends. There are some locations that are not as nice on the inside. This location has been always been fairly empty with shoppers so there is no hang up getting what I need and getting out quickly read more

One of closest grocery store to us, we frequently shop here as it has reasonable prices, and I know I won't spend a fortune as if I venture to Costco! Fruits & vegetable selection is not as large as you'd find at Sprouts, Ranch 99 or similar places, but when looking for convenience and overall value, S & F is the place to shop. read more

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Tonight I went in just before 9 p.m. to pick up a roast chicken. In front of me in line in the fast lane for people with few items was a reserved guy in his 50s who said almost nothing while I was within earshot. To my amazement, the cashier -- a white guy around 30 with tattoos on his arms and long brown hair -- was reading the customer the ingredients on some cured meat product he was buying. He plainly got a kick out of underlining how unhealthy the food was. Bleep him. Bleep Smart & Final. Bleep all the dickheads in the world who use routine encounters to try to make other people feel small. read more

I think I've been in this story maybe 5 times in my 30 years in Clairemont. It's the worst grocery store around. Very small selection compared to other stores in this neighborhood, it's dirty and looks like something out of the 80's. Today I stopped in since I was going by it and all I wanted were vegetables and some shredded cabbage. The vegetables were in a sad state, I passed. Even the bagged romaine lettuce looked rough and that stuff lasts for a couple to three weeks. I found a 5 pound bag of shredded cabbage for 5 bucks. Got it home and went to make slaw and it's slimy, said sell by date is 6-30. Today is 6-20. It smelled worse than fermented dog farts and a decomposing animal. Seriously, I almost puked. Tossed it down the disposal and I've learned my lesson. Had to make a trip to Vons to get fresh vegs. read more

I love this store! The food is always fresh and the employees are so kind, helpful and often full of humor and smiles.

I used to live much closer to this location of Smart & Final. It's more of a warehouse-like grocery store that serves those who reside within a short radius. The footprint is not large so the inventory isn't as extensive as one of the chain supermarkets. The parking lot has plenty of spaces as this is the anchor business of the shopping plaza. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the temperature. It felt like I had entered a blast chiller with the way the AC was operating at a maximum to keep the environment cool. This may be great when the summer heat has arrived but not so much when winter is still present. I also felt a bit claustrophobic as large boxes on pallets occupied some of the common spaces. As for prices, I didn't think they were that much cheaper. Some items in bulk looked comparable, but for things like household products and other dry goods, you can go to Walmart down the street and save even more. I do have to give credit to one of the workers who asked if I needed help with anything. You won't find that kind of customer service at the larger stores. read more

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Redditors write that Smart & Final has the best, juiciest rotisserie chickens. However, sadly, this location does not sell them so I could not try one. They do have some other deals though, mainly their meat and produce when it goes on sale. Some cleaning items such as sprays also appeared to be cheaper than Target. read more

We are visiting from Fresno and bought groceries for our long weekend visit with lots of family. We always shop Smart&Final in Fresno so we knew the prices would be reasonable and items well stocked. This store nails it with everything. AND a shout out of appreciation to Rosalyn our checker who was cheerful & very friendly. She even ran out to the parking lot to give me my cell phone I'd left behind on the counter. Employees like her make shopping enjoyable! Have a great long weekend! read more

Stop by here to pick up some extraneous items for the week. Not crowded at all and very clean! Great prices on wine!! read more

Smart & Final - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

Kristen is just a gem. I came in early today around 6:30 to pick up few items and the positive, helpful, ready to assist attitude that she portrayed are just what is customer service is all about. I asked for help in water, she called a gentleman to help. I asked for help to load my car, she just said, "Oh, I can help - I am here - we will get it done" Just amazing. Thank you for excellent above and beyond customer service offered to me by Kristen. Job well done for sure in my book. read more

I've always loved this store. Fresh vegs, large sizes and good prices. Unfortunately, every time I shop there (always go for sale items) there are some sale items that aren't entered into the computer and I don't get the sale price. It's always difficult to get them to reverse this. Last time, the checker said he put the over charge amount back on my card but it never showed up at my bank. I called them and even went into the store and was advised to talk to my bank and the corporate. Of course, there was nothing the bank could do - there was no entry other than my initial purchase. I sent corporate a msg and never heard back. It wouldn't be so bad if this didn't happen on a regular basis. read more

I work for Instacart so I frequently have to shop here. Really feel disrespected at this store more often than not and I've only had four orders here. I highly discourage supporting establishments that don't show respect to shoppers like myself who are trying to make a living. You won't ever see me shopping here for personal groceries. read more

Recently started a little business and started having to buy some things in bulk so I decided to come here! I've never been to this location before but in the past week, I've been here 2-3 times ! I love how it's not as busy as other locations ! Very friendly staff members! Lots of item on the shelves. They're usually pretty stocked for the most part! read more

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Good pricing! Friendly and good customer service! Clean store! Vegetables are on and off! Narrow aisles and displays occasionally block the ends of aisles! read more

A woman at the checkout between 6:50pm and 7:20pm was visibly wiping her nose on her hands and arms and sneezing at the register. She made no effort to sanitize her hands before handling people's food at checkout. There were no other employees minding cash registers as an alternative. She was sneezing as well and not wearing a mask. Very unsanitary. read more

Martín at the front was very rude at check out. Made me question if I had ever met him in the past. I'm from Orange County and people don't give you attitude for no reason. On top of that he was chatty with the customer in front of me. Then when it came to me I couldn't even get " hey how are you" it shouldn't kill you to give decent customer service honestly. Retrain Martin read more

Smart & Finals' keep springing up around and there's certainly nothing wrong with that, given they are keeping things competitive with other markets. I stopped in this location after lunch to pick up a few items from the produce department for my Memorial Day BBQ. I picked up some asparagus after getting some useful cooking tips from one of the nice employees. I also picked up a couple of Hass avocados for .99 each, given I can not go a day without eating one practically. They had a very good organic section were I found some fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes. One of the ladies, who was stoking the produce section was very helpful and had a good sense of humor. I wish I could remember her name for a proper shout out. She made my shopping experience that much more enjoyable. A great place to stock up and produce and such. read more

Smart & Final - Asparagus for the Grill - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

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Check your receipt before you leave this store each time 1 or 2 things I'm overcharged.

Wow I'm lovin this grocery store. Great deals, they even sell bulk items similar to Costco. They have an amazing bulk candy aisle, they also sell the huge 3 gallon ice cream tubs that they use at ice cream parlors! I had actually never been to a Smart & Final before because I thought it was for expiring items like Food 4 Less LOL I didn't know it was different ha ha I've been back here twice this week already! read more

Smart & Final - Bulk Candy Aisle! - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

It's like a mini Costco but you dont need to pay for a membership. They have great items in bulk. I would come here before a party and stock up and all my needs. I always left with more than I intended to buy because the prices are so good. You can get produce, frozen items, meat, party supplies, liquor, candy and more. The store is never busy as it's kind of s hidden gem so getting in and out is super quick and convienent. Right off the 805. read more

Love this place! They open at 6am which allows me to shop before work. My roommate has liver disease and I cool a lot of veggies for us so I shop there every three days. They hands down have the the best prices and friendliest people working. Especially Kristen and Maxwell! Thanks for making my shopping experience awesome! read more

I used to shop at Smart & Final a lot, but haven't in the past couple years. Just went here last night, and they gave me reasons why I should start shopping Smart again. I noticed that they have a lot of items in bigger bulk sizes, and the prices are the same as Costco! Thats a major plus! I can buy some of my Costco items here without going through the hassle of large crowds, crazy parking traffic, etc. They have a lot of household products, party supplies, food and alcohol. They definitely have better alcohol prices here than most major groceries as well. The whole store was bright, clean, and spacious. Finding things we needed was quick and painless. Will definitely start shopping here more often! read more

I went in to Smart and Final for 3 items. I took my glasses off because they fogged up with my mask. I asked the cashier when she got done ringing things up can you tell me what I paid for that and she says, "You paid for what you just got right here." I said OK thank you and I walked over back to look at the register screen so I could see what I paid. Buy 1 for 1 price, but you buy 3 to get the deal and so she explained that to me then she turned it back on me, speaking Spanish to the other cashier and held her hand with my change without looking at me to give me my change and then turned around and then dropped it in my hand and then started to ring up the other person without giving me my receipt which I had to ask for. Very rude and professional cashier. read more

I live right by this place so I am there quite often and even if I wasn't close I'd drive to this one just because the employees are so friendly and helpful especially this girl named Kristen! She by far is one of the sweetest and friendliest of all she's always there to help me and she's always converse sating with me and everyone else even if there's a long line I watch her how she interacts with everybody and its like she's friends with everybody and the smiles that she puts on everybody's face! I wish there were employees like her everywhere else! I'm always a bit sad when I don't see her they're working when I go in! read more

I've been coming to Smart & Final on Clairmont Mesa Blvd for about 4yrs now, Never had an issue once, And let this go on record, The cashier "KRISTEN" who I have come to know in the 4yrs going to that store and became a good friend outside the store, Kristen truly is that stores best! asset, This girl knows customer service, Kristen is always! Positively Interacting with customers, She is engaging, She is a problem solver, she's got solutions, she's got answers or get answers to questions right away,she knows the store like the back of her hand, She works hard! and has years and years of customer service experience, I hope to see her in a management position because she has done the work... Kristen you, And you hold a HIGH value in the customer service Industry. Respectfully: Grant T. Smart & Final Customer read more

Always bad vibes here. I walk in with a smile and workers are always hit n miss. Sometimes great cashier and sometimes hella rude. I'm 45 years old and get treated like a teenager, when it's bad. Today all bad. read more

I have been coming here 2-3 times per month the last couple years for work. I get the exact same items every single time. Sadly, they restock the item every couple of months, forcing me to venture to another Smart and Final. Worst of all is they have moved the items location in store about 6 times since i started buying it. Can you guys stop spending so much time remerchandising? I hate wandering your isles for 20 minues to finally find where your hiding my item today just to see the shelf empty. read more

WOW! If I'm ever laid off from my job or end up with a large family I can't afford to feed, I'm totally coming here for food supplies. The Uber Boss gave me a corporate budget of $100ish to feed about 75ish coworkers people for Cinco De Mayo. Normally I would rely on Good Ol' Walmart, but I think Walmart just got served! Smart and Final is a great place to serve unhealthy food to people you don't really care about...in this case, about 95% of my coworkers! This include the hot girls who are also real bitches. You know who you are... 4-Pound Bags of Tortilla Chips: $3.79...I bought 6 7-pound Can of Nacho Cheese: $5.99...I bought 2 64oz jugs of generic salsa: $3.89...I bought 4 64oz jars of jalepenos: $2.39...I bought 2 500 paper plates: $5.99...only 1 pack 2oz plastic salsa cups: $3.79...2 packs 16oz bottle of Tapatio: $.099...only 1 16oz bottle of ??? Hot Sauce: $0.89...only 1 This generic stuff is packed with sodium, saturated fats, transfats, and artificial flavors...but so what, its cheap and its probably gonna taste good! And I'm personally probably not going to have any... Best of all...they sell 16-pack boxes of White Castle for only $9.79...I am so coming back. Why only 3 Stars? Well...this place kinda gives me the creeps! read more

This store has become my go to place if I don't want to run to Costco to grab items. Smart & Final offers bulk items at almost the same prices as Costco or Sam's Club. However they have more locations around San Diego. There selection is not as large as Costco. The store is small, however packed with a ton of items. Smart & Final also offers some weekly specials that are a pretty good deal. I have been able to get ribs, pork loin, fresh fruits and other items at really good prices when they have them on sale. The parking lot is small but okay. There are other businesses in the same complex, a check cashing place, a bar, pawn shop, Mexican restaurant, liquor store, laundromat and a Japanese restaurant. The staff is friendly at the cash registers. The lines seems to move fairly quick, which I always appreciate. read more

Great alternative for big-box sizes if you don't have a Costco membership! I recently had to purchase snacks, drinks and beer for an annual work event and at the last minute couldn't make it to Costco with my friend who has a membership. "Family size" wasn't going to cut it -- I needed big box sizes. I bought items identical to ones I had bought last year for the same event and felt the prices were basically the same (with a few exceptions). Also it was good to be in a small store versus the giant warehouse of Costco which wastes a lot of time. Here is what I bought at this Smart and Final last week: --Pack of 36 100% Adam and Eve juice boxes --Pack of 30 8-ounce Crystal Geyser water bottles --Pack of 50 1-ounce Frito-Lay assorted chips (three combinations were available) --24 pack of Corona Lite bottles --24 pack of Blue Moon bottles --From the bakery, 30 pack of mini muffins --Pack of 60 regular size Nature Valley granola bars --Pack of 42 mini fruit snack pouches --Three 12-pack of 12-ounce Coca-Cola brand sodas --Pack of 30(?) assorted Nabisco cookie pouches (Nutter Butter, Oreo, Ritz, etc); this was the only thing that seemed a little pricier than Costco read more