Let me just say Smart & Final .This spot always has really good deals, and yeah they sell in bulk but you can still find regular sizes too "WEEKLY SALES ". Pro tip--come in the morning because that's when they mark down produce and meat that needs to move, and I'm talking big discounts, sometimes up to like 80%. If you're cooking that same day or have something planned, it's a perfect way to save money. Parking downtown is actually easy here, which is rare, and the customer service has always been solid. I come here a lot since it's close, especially for protein and veggies at a cheaper price. Even without the markdowns, the prices are still good. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.check out the weekly deals . Location was clean and well stocked . 5 stars #SmartAndFinal #GroceryDeals #SaveMoney #FoodShopping #BudgetFinds #MealPrep #DailyDeals read more

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Always easy and always the right price. It's nothing to write home about but it serves its purpose perfectly. If you like tea, their store brand tea is $2.99 for a large box and it's wonderful. I put the raspberry hibiscus in my regular drinking water for the day and it's delicious.. read more

A busy location in Downtown. Reasonable prices and a wide selection. A good amount of parking but lots of homeless just hanging around which makes it depressing to enter and leave. A good spot for party needs such as cups, plates and cutlery. read more

Very rude customer service. I came in around 8am on 3/16 asked for help twice on checkout lane 4 and the lady completely ignored me

Treated like a criminal - never shopping there again! I've spent hundreds of dollars here before. But the last visit their security guard insisted I leave my backpack on the floor by the door on the way in. He acted like I was there only to shoplift the place. After I did: he went outside and left my backpack unattended - if someone had grabbed it on their way out the door I'm SURE he would have claimed no responsibility for the theft! Did everything but yell "Hey, Shoplifter: leave your crook-sack up here on the floor by the door where someone else CAN steal it!" They just lost thousands of dollars of future business from me. I still shop the North Park Smart and Final where I'm not hassled, disrespected, and risk having my phone and other belongings stolen by being left unguarded. He is the ambassador of friendliness for the store - and they treat honest customers like crooks there - don't bother to shop there - I won't anymore. read more

Just moved downtown and it was my first time at the downtown store. I grabbed a cart and went aisle by aisle to see what I could get today and what could wait. The one check stand open was busy, but the lady next-door said she would take me so I was delighted at first until she rapidly ran my stuff through the price display almost breaking some of my items and I asked her why she was in such a hurry and she exclaimed there's a line I looked behind me and there was only one lady I asked for two bags she tried to put in a three I put them into, but I guess I probably should've double bagged those cheap bags cause I'm on my way home. They both broke and my shit went all over the road. I had to wrap everything up in my hoodie and walk three more blocks to my building. Try not to drop anything I will never come back to the store ever again for the poor service and cheap bags. This woman cashier really needs to switch to decaf. read more

Great tasting chicken. And the service was good also we met the owner. Ambience was quite nice and quiet. read more

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I'm truly disappointed with the lack of professionalism at this location. I only needed one item--cold medicine--after work, and I happened to have my bike with me. I completely understood there might be rules about not bringing it inside, so I politely asked the security guard if I could leave it in the front. He said no, which was fine. However, what really upset me was how one of the Smart & Final employees spoke to me. His tone was unnecessarily rude and dismissive. When I asked if someone could quickly grab the cold medicine "DayQuil" for me so I could leave the bike outside and pay and be on my way, he responded, "We don't got time for that, we got other things to do." Am I not a customer, too? I left feeling disappointed, but then thought I could just order online. I came back in briefly to ask for the store's address, and before I could even finish my question, someone announced over the loudspeaker, "There are no bikes in this store, you need to leave." It was humiliating. He said the over and over! I wasn't trying to cause any trouble--just wanted a little help and respect. Instead, I was made to feel like a nuisance. I'll never shop here again, unless you can make it right. read more

This is the second time I get spoiled meat and other spoiled products. I don't think they're being honest about the expiration dates.

I have spent thousands of dollars at this store, I come here multiple times a week, it has been my go-to without hesitation, until today, my next trip to the grocery store, I will walk by Smart & Final on my way to Albertson's. All because of a cashier named Christopher, that started months ago, and does not belong here with the other, all kind and courteous cashiers. I purchased 2 bags of chips, and 1-3 lb pack of ground turkey, 3 items total, I brought 2 grocery bags from a previous visit. Christopher, licked his fingers to open my used bags (not new ones stuck together), he put the 3 lb pack of ground turkey in the bag, then he put 1 bag of chips in the same bag with the 3lb pack of ground turkey. I stand waiting to pay because the POS says "Waiting for cashier", I tell him "Card", he always asks me "Cash or Card", he is the only cashier here that asks me this question. He stops what he is doing, gives me a threatening stare, and says "Let me bag", yes, you can count, I bought 2 bags of chips, and 1-3 lb pack of ground turkey, I payed, I left the store and in the parking lot moved the bag of chips that got crushed by the 3lb pack of ground turkey to the other bag with chips in it. We all need groceries, we have choices, I will exercise mine. read more

Decent grocery store for the basic produce at a great price. This is my go to for tomatoes (especially Roma), onions, potatoes and avocados. They usually have the best price for these out of the half a dozen stores I frequent. Fresh flowers at about $6 a bouquet is a steal. The meat quality isn't great, so I do not buy those here. Good selection of international condiments and canned/dried goods. Plenty of options for liquor and wines, but the prices are inflated. They frequently have a security officer posted at the door, and I have seen people escorted out. The cashiers lately seem to be new and frequently have difficulty keying in the right code for the produce, but they are friendly enough. read more

This location of Smart & Final is good, not great. This location has a smaller selection of staple grocery items then the newer built locations. The selection here will be more limited than some of the newer stores in all of the different departments. The staff here is friendly, helpful and fast when your checking out. The prices are good. I like to use the Walmart app to compare prices and I found the prices here to be around 10% higher than Walmart. This store offers convenience, but you can shop at Albertsons that very close by. The store is newer and has a very large selection. read more

I just discovered this store and I am so happy about it! The prices are great, especially with the their app. It's always stocked and clean, but the very best thing about this store is the AMAZING EMPLOYEES!! Every single person working there is so nice and helpful whether its opening up anotger check out lane if it gets busy or helping me get something heavy into my cart!! AWESOME, AWESOME STAFF!!! read more

I enjoy going to Smart And Final they have great products and great service. My dad also enjoy shopping here, we appreciate a good deals and the wide selection of products. read more

I was recently a customer at your store and Kara was helpful and friendly. I had questions regarding some sales items and she promptly informed me of the prices.The entire staff was helpful. I appreciate Kara's smile and professionalism. read more

I've been coming here for years and even though it's not my regular grocery store, it's a great option that I consider to be a step above Costco when shopping for a party or BBQ. Actually, now that I think about it, Smart & Final is kind of like a Party City meets Restaurant Depot. Some of my go-to purchases here are the aluminum baking tins, disposable tablecloths, helium tanks, cheap and disposable serving utensils, plastic ware, paper plates, paper goods, and large cuts or packages of meat. The prices are incredibly competitive and just like most grocery stores you'll want to keep an eye on their weekly mailer for killer deals! read more

3.45 stars because the cashier is such a sweetheart and the prices provide an especially good value during this inflationary period. The remaining 1.55 stars are deducted by the conduct of the people who stock the shelves. I'm not sure if they're S&F employees or work for the distributors, but, obviously blocking the aisles with racks, boxes, and loose products is not professional and just outright inconsiderate. I can overlook their childish profane bantering towards each other if they can just manage to keep the aisles clear please. It's happened a few times. read more

This place is inexpensive and has a decent selection, but is it really worth dealing with a staff that consists of former Dick's Last Resort employees? very very rude. read more

You find one of the best prices here for fruits, veggies, party supplies, beer, etc. I go here every Sunday to pick up a box of bananas (40 lbs) for $16.99, lowest price anywhere in San Diego. I get them for a food service for the homeless. Sometimes it so happens that multiple volunteers end up getting bananas and we have excess. Generally returning fresh produce is a delicate topic. On one such occasion when we had too many boxes of bananas, I took the one I bought back to the store with the receipt and explained the situation. They took back the produce without any complaints. I am very thankful for that!! read more

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

On 08/29/20 I had seen better moments in my life. The sheer panic mode I went into was horrible. When I walked back into the store, she yelled at me: Sir, you forgot your phone! I just found the receipt of that day. read more

Would love to see this store level up with their customer service. I have been shopping here for over 20 years. I live in the area and can walk there. Over the years- particularly since Covid- the customer service has declined. I understand that they deal with a high level of homelessness and theft etc. What I do not understand is the lack of friendliness and some level of cordiality to the regular customers- the ones who clearly live in the neighborhood and the community that support the store. I brought a collapsable wagon to do some heavier shopping- ie. cleaning supplies and bleach and bottled water. I clearly cannot carry all of that to my home. The security guard and the manager on duty were rude- and at best- indifferent- telling me that I could not bring it in the store and even if I left it at the door- they would not watch it. Doing their job? Probably- according to today's poor standards. Customer service? I rate them pretty low. Will shop there in the future out of rare necessity- opposed to happily giving my business to them... until they should wake up one day and value their customers enough to say something like- - put it over by the manager's office- we will keep it safe for you while you spend your time and money in our store. Thank you for your patronage! read more

I bought a case of Red Bull 12 pack and when I got to my car I noticed it was one damaged I asked for a replacement or refund the manger to me it was nothing he can do about and was worried about the profit not customers service would not recommend I say just go to old town for better service read more

I call Smart and Final "The Ronald Reagan Camping Trip" Hands down the best grocery store on earth. Yes, I just said that & I mean it. It is the best of all worlds as far as grocery. It does not lack. It does not run out of. The way this store is ran, the way it is laid out before you, is perfection in the grocery-world. It is a masculine store. There are no frills, no cute signs, no swirly messages. There are however things that most stores just do not carry, that most of those stores should carry. This is also a restaurant resupply store, so think large format in many products. Tired of fumbling around with 10 ounce cans at 2.99. Grab a 64 ounce can at the same price, look down...yes those are your nuts. Every single section is literally the epitome of efficiency. Cheese, produce, meat, frozen section, beverages beyond your wildest carbonated dreams, packages of bacon that will make you smile upon picking it up, monster bags of mesquite charcoal in thick- gauge industrial paper bags, tools, lightbulbs, to-go containers, steaks for a dinner party for 20 or 2. The original Angelenos that founded this place back in the day on Los Angeles are quietly some of my heroes, I can get lost in this store for hours, it's like a playground of industrial sized aluminum stock-pots, plungers, 24 count medio-litro Mexican Coke and Jarritos Mineral Agua in glass galore. Again, this store lacks in only one thing, weakness. It knows who it is, it is there to serve you. If you cannot find it there, you probably won't find it anywhere. It's clean, it's no bullshit, it's not soft, it's not weird or millennial and that's why I enjoy it. Roll in with 300 cash and have fun. read more

This review is for my experience with an employee ( not the products I purchased). I was greeted by a very friendly man who helped me find good deals on strawberries and 50% off chicken!( I'm assuming he was a manager because he was very on point) But my check out experience was crap. Check out 3 (February 12th approx 1pm) a young female whose name started with an A. She commented on my baby who I was wearing on my chest. She then proceeded to hate on baby carriers saying how unsafe they are, and her moms 4 month old baby is in one and she's just super against it and refuses to wear him in one because she doesn't want anything that goes wrong to be on her. Umm, would you prefer me to leave my baby at home alone? Do you want to buy me a 500 $stroller? I bit my tongue and tried to be polite.. but this lady really needs to work on her small talk. I don't give a damn about your 4 month old brother or your opinion on me carrying my baby the way I do. You think he's going to suffocate on my chest? Keep it to yourself girl and just bag my strawberries please and thank you. Maybe it's the new mom hormones that are causing the steam to come out of my ears but that girl just left a bad taste in my mouth. Totally ruined the whole shopping trip that would have been great if I didn't have to deal with her opinions about my baby. Don't talk about politics, religion, or people's parenting style, girl. Maybe just keep the small talk about the weather next time. read more

Excellent Store to visit and shop,great employees nice atomusphere! Great prices to select from! A big thumbs up! From a customer who greatly appreciats your kindness! Sincerely Mr Gary A Padilla-USN VS-38 7th Fleet...and loves his country. Thanks...The Year 2020! read more

I can't really say a whole lot about this store. The prices are about what you'd expect from a Smart & Final. The sizes of the products were a bit smaller than what I had thought they'd be - I guess I was looking for the overly-large Costco-sized buckets of food, which they don't really have here. My biggest input has to deal with the people who work here. Oh, they're friendly enough, and will stop to help you if you flag them down, but I don't know that they're really that knowledgeable when it comes to the products they carry. Case in point - I went in looking for a bag of pecans. I didn't care if they were whole, quartered, chopped or diced, as long as they were unshelled. I went to the baking aisle, where I expected to see them. There was a tag, but no product on the shelf. I dug a bit, just in case there was a bag hiding out in the wrong area. Nothing. So, I started to comb the aisles, trying to find a worker who wasn't on the register. Three or four aisles down, I found one. I asked her if they carried bagged pecans. She said they did, and proceeded to lead me back to the aisle I had just left. She got there, and sure enough, there were no pecans. She did the same kind of rummage that I had just done, and came to the same conclusion: no pecans. I saw that she was going to start rummaging the rest of the shelves for the pecans that did not exist, so I asked her if she knew if there were any in the back that she could grab. At about that time, another worker walked into the aisle. She asked him if they had any pecans, and he turned to look at the shelves, too. I braced myself for another re-enactment of the shelf-rummage, but instead, he grabbed a bag from the shelf above, and handed it to me. At first, I was chagrined. Did I seriously just waste these people's time because I failed to search the shelf above? But then I looked at the bag he handed me. Walnuts. The bag he handed me was a bag of chopped walnuts. I looked back at him (he was clearly expecting me to say "Thank you" so that he could go back on his way), and I said, "Thank you, but I needed *pecans*. These are *walnuts*" and I pointed the bag towards him, so he could see "Chopped Walnuts" emblazoned on the packaging. He started to argue with me! No, no, you asked for pecans, and this is what this is. I pointed to the writing, and very clearly said, "chopped walnuts". He said, No, this is what you asked for. At that point I was starting to get frustrated, so I handed the bag back to him and said, "I need pecans, not walnuts, which is what you handed me. Thank you for your help" and started to walk away. Only THEN did he realize that he was holding a bag of walnuts, not pecans, and asked me to wait while he checked. Needless to say, I didn't get my bag of pecans from this store that day, but I did get a big bag full of frustration. "No, we don't have any." "I'm sorry, we're all out." I guess those are just phrases that they choose not to use, even if they are, in fact, out of product. read more

I love going to Smart & Final. It's like a hybrid between Target and Costco. Smart & Final initially targeted restaurants as their main customers, but over time they started catering to the average grocery shopper as well. It's smaller than either Target or Costco, but the prices are very reasonable and the lines are rarely long. On the rare occasions when I want to cook for my boyfriend, this is where I will get most of the basic recipe ingredients. I also like getting cleaning supplies, yogurt, ice cream bars, bottled water and soda at Smart & Final. Their section of frozen foods like lasagna and corn dogs is pretty decent as well. This location sells the frozen edamame that I like to cook by steaming. My boyfriend likes to purchase a case of the Monster drinks here, because it's cheaper than the supermarkets. Even when a typical supermarket has a sale on the monster drinks, it's still cheaper at Smart & Final. The sizes they offer are larger portions than what you'd find in a typical grocery, but not the massive bulk quantities they sell at Costco. It's ideal for the single person. Like all chain shopping stores, not every location is created equal. This downtown San Diego location is probably the best Smart & Final I have visited in LA, OC and San Diego counties. There is plenty of parking and they have a security guard patrolling the area. Inside, the store is a lat larger than your average Smart & Final. The aisles are wide and they also have a wider variety of goods and supplies available compared to other smaller Smart & Finals. If you live near the area, I recommend you give this store a try. I'll still shop at other Smart & Final locations, but this one is my fave. read more

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Always hit smart and final up on weekends great deals and prices. And no membership needed. Always check the specials and walk out buying more than I went in for. Staff courteous and helpful plenty of parking and near freeway. read more

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

I rarely buy food at Smart & Final so I can't comment on the expiration date issues mentioned by other reviewers. But they do have nice prices on beer & party/coffee mess supplies...and it's much easier to get in and out of than Costco. Not a great part of town but I felt fairly safe with a security guard standing watch. read more

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

I can't give a phenomenal review because I can't give any Smart & Final one of those. It's one of those things that you always know what you are going to get. You are going to get things in bulk at a decent price, that is fantastic. What the downfall is is that there are things close to "sell by date" that come up and if you are buying it in bulk, then it causes a bigger problem or issue than necessary. The other downfall is that everything is in bulk. What if you don't need 3000 but only 1500? Not an option, but then again, if that's what you are looking for, you shouldn't be shopping at Smart & Final to begin with. They are relatively clean with everything organized and put away accordingly. Their presentation is clean and to a T- so no one can knock them for that. Are you located in a tougher spot of town? Yes. but they do have a private parking lot that is video taped, so it isolates you from the chaos/banter that you weren't looking for at the time. read more

I felt compelled to write an extremely positive review on the San Diego-based Smart & Final, and specifically on Rubin, Smart & Final's Manager. What prompted me write this Yelp Review was the professional assistance of Rubin and his employees, such as, but not limited to, David in produce. I have found on several occasions, Rubin and his employees, go out of their way to answer my questions, as well as other customers questions, in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner. Rubin, and the quality of the employees he hires, are an asset and a credit to Smart & Final's customer-first attitude, which exemplifies the best-of-the best that customers appreciate, and breeds both loyalty and return business. My wife, who does most of our shopping, and I have found this particular Smart & Final grocery store, to be at the Top of our list. She shops there quite frequently, and I less so. "ALL" the employees (too many to name them ALL individually) and the management are of the highest calibre. They truly care about their customers, and they go out of their way to meet the customers needs, even with small questions or issues. We are quite pleased with the diversity and quality and freshness of their products, from: fruit, vegetables, dairy, etc, while at the same time, having the best pricing of all the other San Diego grocery stores. MOST Appreciative & Grateful Customers, Dr. Reid & Simi Jilek read more

Bad customer service. I own a coffee shop around the corner and shop here often. I couldn't get a roll of quarters as part of my change? Currency is currency! I'll be doing my shopping elsewhere where they care about repeat business and customer service. It's what my business is about and it really shows it doesn't here. read more

i love how their items are sold in bulk -- i can open my own little candy shop. Unfortunately i didn't find was i was looking for.... but this store is very well organized and clean with friendly staff. read more

This place has some good deals, if you don't mind buying in bulk form. We go here for certain things like cat litter, toilet paper, cleansers. For the food, I just don't have the room for it. They actually have some good meats here. A nice variety of foods, although most in bulk form. If you are planning a party, this is your place! There is usually not too long a line at the register, but be prepared because a lot of people do BIG shopping trips here and if your dropping in for a couple items, you may get stuck behind someone doing the opposite. The location is sketchy, although they have a guard in the parking lot and those neat shopping carts with sensors, so the homeless can't make away with new homes for themselves. read more

This is one of my favorite Smart N Finals. They are always well stocked and have a multitude of items, I believe they are a Plus store. Easy access off G Street or off the 94. The customer service has always been good also. Only small concern is there are usually sketchy people around in the parking lot and on 15th street so always be alert coming and going to your vehicle. read more

Smart & Final - Smart n Final trip.... - Grocery Near Me - San Diego, California

Located across the street from Silo in Markers Quarter with it's own parking lot (free parking; street parking is metered). I stopped by here to get a bottle of water and also hoping to use the restroom. When I came in, I asked the female employee at the register where the restroom was. She thought I was asking for mushrooms and pointed towards the produce section. I told her I was looking for the restroom. She told me its towards the back of the store. So I walk back there and find that it requires a token (as it was locked). This male employee walking out of the stock room saw me trying to open the restroom door and I asked him if he had a token. He said he doesn't but that there should be one at the register. After I told him that I had just asked the person at the front regarding the restroom, I had asked out loud why she did not bother to give me a token. He offered to walk up to the front to get me one but I thanked him and told him I could do it myself. So I walked back to the front and asked the same girl at the register for a token. She told me she was out of them and couldn't do anything for me, which really annoyed me because I won't pay to use the restroom. So I just looked back at her and asked her "so what am I supposed to do?" and then she hesitatingly offered to ask her manager. And then slowly walked over to his office and asked and eventually the manager came out and walked with me to the restroom. He took his time though because he saw a spill down one aisle and told an employee to clean it up before letting me into the restroom (good thing I didn't have to use the restroom that badly because they really made me wait). He unlocked the restroom with a key and then told me that he was going to empty the lock to retrieve all the tokens. He told me not to be alarmed and that no one will be trying to get into the restroom while I am in it and then let me inside. Anyways, after I finished using the restroom, I was just too annoyed to buy that bottle of water and decided to just leave. The female employee at the front obviously didn't care about her job and the manager just obliged to let me into the restroom. The only employee who was nice and helpful was the male coming out of the stock room. He even apologized to me for the wait (even though it wasn't his fault), so I am awarding this review a 2nd star because of it. But I would never come back to this Smart & Final. I honestly rather shop at Costco. read more

OMG, you guys! My mother likes a particular brand of wine and whenever she sees it at S&F she buys as much as she can (because they don't have it all the time but when they do it's the best price). Today she went in and didn't see it on the shelf but noticed it up on the rafters. She asked a guy to get it down for her and he was like "Oh, you're who we're saving that for!" She was confused... He said that they noticed she liked that particular one and would buy what they had when it was in stock, so they ordered some just for her! She never asked for them to do this, nor expected it, but that shows some REAL customer service! I'm super impressed. read more

I only shopped here once since the Albertson's nearby didn't have the thing I was looking for (or so I thought). I was told that I could save a little bit of money if I do some of my groceries here. I would say it would've come out to be the same if I went to Albertson's or Ralph's. I know Smart & Final is notorious for being dirty and filthy but this is probably one of the acceptable and clean enough store I've visited by far. If you don't want to be disturbed while you do your groceries, I guess this particular Smart & Final is it. There was barely anyone in here when I went. I wasn't disappointed when I did my grocery shopping here but I wasn't satisfied either. Meh. read more

I like Smart & Final downtown San Diego, they have everything, the manager Rubin is so helpful and kind, all workers are always ready to help you find what you need. They have great prices and opens early. Thank you Smart & Final for alway having what ever i need, see you soon. read more

As a coffee whore, I love having flavored lattes, but hate paying up the butt for the Torani syrups. Furthermore, the run-of-the-mill grocery stores only sell small bottles in the three basic flavors, so I have had to order these off Amazon.com. Well, NOT ANYMORE! The owner of the Purple Cafe in PB let me in on this secret. Smart & Final has over 20 different flavors, many in sugar free, and at half the cost from Amazon! I read a few of the reviews for this Smart & Final, and some people think it is ghetto and that the security guard was dodgy. I thought the store was perfectly fine, the woman at the checkout counter was friendly, and the security guard seemed normal to me. Most of the stuff they sell here is in bulk, but you really get great savings this way. I don't have much storage in my apartment, so I can't buy most bulk stuff, but some things are a great bargain for me here. If you like to chew Trident gum, and can buy a box of it. Each pack comes out to be 60 cents, versus $1.20 in regular stores. Their produce looked fresh. No problems there. They also sell lots of cooking supplies for catering, or for cooking large amounts of food i.e. large pots, bulk of paper plates/cups, etc. There are a camp of homeless people across the street, but hey, its all good. They aren't hurting anyone, so don't be put off. Also, this area is heavily patrolled by the SDPD, and the area is safe, so don't think otherwise. read more