Thank god I don't have regular medical issues to need to shop at a pharmacy regularly. I came in here to find a specific OTC nasal spray after my husband's surgery, after checking both of the nearby grocery stores with no luck (partly because Safeway now has their entire pharmacy section behind glass). About 50% of the aisles here are behind glass, and it's absolute chaos. The same exact medicine in the same exact box will be both behind glass and not behind glass in different sections of the same aisle. Different formulations of the same thing, different sizes, name brand or generic, there's no logic whatsoever as to what's behind glass and what isn't, or even what section of the aisle something is in. I found the same medicine on opposite ends of the same aisle, both behind glass and not in both sections. So you're left trying to compare the ones you can get without calling over the *one employee in the store* to open it for you. You're scrounging the entire aisle, looking at the fine print on every product to see if it's just another brand's equivalent name for what you're looking for, comparing prices and added ingredients on everything. Trying to decide whether the one you can just pick up off the shelf is the one you want or whether it's worth calling over the employee to open the shelf for you so that you can even look at the other options. And then I got a headache and just bought the cheapest one I could pick up off the shelf. Good thing I already have headache medicine at home, not sure I'd survive trying to find it here. I'm never coming back. read more

I tried to give feedback on their survey on my receipt, (but that said it had already happened - untrue). So I guess social media is what's gonna happen.... The layout of the store makes you walk the farthest amount to get to anything medically related. I am limping. I had to go get an Ace bandage. I had to walk all the way to the farthest corner from the front door, past candy, alcohol, and 'seasonal things', as well as the Hallmark aisle,-- to get to pain-relief medicine and ankle support). Tell me that wasn't done by design? read more

Walgreens - The farthest point from the front entrance. To the back corner on the opposite wall (aka diagonal). - Drugstores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Outstanding help at the photo department. Made some photo gifts for Christmas and the guy there went above and beyond. I had made a mistake with choosing the wrong puzzle - one that wasn't in stock and would be ready after Christmas - too late. I had left 10 minutes before and was surprised to get a phone call. I picked it up and sure enough it was the guy from the photo telling me what had happened. If it weren't for him there would have been a 5 year old without his photo puzzle of his favorite furry friend on Christmas. I printed a bunch of folding Christmas cards this year and sent out more than normal. Thought I would put a personal touch on Christmas as holiday greetings these days are mostly done on social media or email - send to everybody with one click kind of effort. I printed and signed and put postage stamps on the letters. I wasn't about to let Amazon hijack Christmas completely. This is the era of Amazon Christmas. Have my secretary send flowers kind of an era. I was inspired by my neighbors next door - both husband and wife - both lawyers - the way the spoiled me with very time consuming gifts. Those two would have every excuse to cut corners and if they didn't you don't need to either. Christmas greetings don't need to look like marketing material and branding of yourself and your family. I'd say keep endless updates to a minimum too - this isn't an end of the year business meeting - its a Christmas card. Its gotten so out of hand. Keep it short and sweet. Due to the phone call I returned quickly was refunded for the wrong puzzle and the new one was done the next day. And things ended happily ever after. read more

The staff here go above and beyond for customers Yesterday I needed distilled water, but the shelf was bare; Jorge got me two jugs from the back and took them to the counter so I did not have to lug them there; truly a customer-centric employee! Nico in the photo department deserves a special mention too. I do a lot of photo printing at this store, and Nico always remembers my name and is friendly and super efficient. read more

If I could give this store, especially the pharmacy, zero stars, I would. I strongly recommend avoiding this location. Every interaction has been unpleasant and unprofessional. The staff is consistently rude, dismissive, and condescending, and they speak to customers as if basic courtesy is optional. I am honestly shocked this pharmacy is still operating given how many complaints I have heard about, including corporate escalations. The atmosphere is hostile, and the attitude from the team makes even a simple pickup unnecessarily stressful. Do yourself a favor and fill your prescription elsewhere if you want to be treated with respect. read more

I went in for passport photos. The guy who helped us was super chill and fast. The printing process took a bit of time, like 15 min, but the whole process was great. Would highly recommend! read more

Nothing special 2nd time coming in here 2nd time disappointed with photo service. Got an email that my order was ready even arrived an hour after just in case. Still wasn't ready. 2 stars. read more

Walgreens - Photo department prices - March 2025 - Drugstores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Worst pharmacy ever. I have to use them due to insurance coverage. Latest Screw up is they received oxycodone prescription yesterday at 9 am. It is now 6:45 pm next day. I had to call and sit on hold for 15 minutes for them to tell me it would be ready in 45 minutes. I just had knee replacement, good thing I had a few Oxycodone pills left from previous prescription. read more

Dropping off film to be developed. This store has more products on shelves I was looking for than CVS down the street. Cash back rewards is deceiving. I came here to use the coupon I had received yesterday for $5 off but cannot use it until NEXT time because they SCAN first and then you can use it. Spent $25 today on feminine products - one type. It's expensive to be a woman. Update from my check-in post above, haha... I had dropped off film a while back - I believe it was in October. One roll of black and white film and a disposable camera. One came back when it was expected to be ready by while the other took a while longer. I actually am not sure if the film was there, just hidden from the area not looking too organized and the first employee I had spoken to in November was just not looking hard enough or if it really didn't arrive until Dec? The guy who helped me in locating my film, his name is Sal. Sal showed really great customer service. He made the experience pleasant and he went above and beyond what any of the other staff I had spoken to on the other two previous visits had performed for me. He called the photo center where the film gets sent to be developed to try to track down what happened or where it may be. He told me he would give me a ring later or could ship it to me free of cost because of the long due date. I had gone back to my car and later received a call from him saying he had located my envelope! I was astonished at how quickly he had took the initiative in locating it after just being there. Of course, I had gone in and picked it up, it was really nice knowing I wouldn't have a pack of pics floating around that I may have later forgotten about over time. Thanks, Sal!! On a different note, I wish they carried those little disposable toothbrushes that have the minty thing in them and the rubber pick at the end. These are great for on-the-go / not at home type of things when you want to brush your teeth. I think they're by Oral-B. I usually have gotten them from Target. read more

Can't say enough good things about Lina who is the lead pharmacist at Walgreens in Castro Valley BUT Please put Chris through basic training. Rude and condescending pharmacist and I have addressed this issue with corporate three times. Answers the phone "Name, date of birth" in a very annoying tone. It is all about respect and compassion in healthcare and he has zero attributes! Please get this man retrained! CVS here I come... read more

This location has most things you need for home- including groceries, gifts and prescriptions. It can be hit or miss sometimes with the snack stock. They must be a popular spot for snacks! Customer service is always friendly but sometimes they only have one checker available which can slow things down. They are working hard but probably need a little more staff at popular times. They usually have a nice selection of greeting cards which is nice because they are open later than most places in the village.they also have a good selection of nail polish. I like to check out all of the colors and see what might be a good color for the month. I have not used it in a while but they do have photo printing on site. They also have a drive through for the pharmacy which is also convenient for those days you just do not want to go inside. read more

Pharmacy does not listen to voicemail or does not complete orders called in by doctors.

I go early mornings right when they open, it's nice and quiet, the way old guys like me like to shop.

This location sucks, Pharmacy takes really long for orders, cant even browse around the store without somebody following me and trying to stalk me. There are kids running around the store with backpacks and loud between aisles and they dont do nothing about it. DO NOT SHOP HERE THEY WILL WATCH YOU LIKE A DOG. who wants to shop around and be followed, if i needed help i would press the button around the store . read more

I had an appalling experience at this Walgreens location on 1/24/26 at around 10:45 am. A Walgreens worker, Mary, refused to move her work cart blocking my access at the cosmetics aisle. I informed her I have vision impairment and need to access the aisle for a closer view. Mary rudely said: "Go ahead and come closer if you want to fall!" I could not believe what I was hearing. There was another Walgreens worker next to her, Stacy, who acted as a bystander and refused to help me with my request, either. I escalated this incident to the store Lead, Xyra, who was extremely helpful and offered an apology on Mary's and Stacy's behalf, stating that Mary should have moved the cart to allow access for me as the customer. I submitted a complaint against the employees, Mary and Stacy, with Walgreens' corporate office for training and coaching opportunity. read more

Spoke with Jorge pharmacy tech. Super nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Jorge literally saved the day by going above and beyond and helped me tremendously especially what transpired the day before, (a mess) with the previous employees that wasn't so helpful. He literally cleaned up their mess and did an amazing job. Hats off to Jorge. read more

walgreens castro valley is the worst!!! theyre suppose to open at 8 and they didn't open up til 8:20!!! no sorry nothing!!! theyre slow. alwats a long long line its very sad read more

I never thought I would be coming to Walgreens for my photo needs. In years past, I've had bad experiences with their photos being decent but not the best quality. But recently, the photo products have been great. Maybe the machine has been updated/upgraded. Ever since Costco no longer does in house photo, the quality of their pics has been horrible. There's no way to go in person to reject before payment if needed or to have them adjust to your liking the photo. I've recently been at Walgreens for their 8x10 and it came out so much better than Costco. The color is much more accurate. And, Walgreens often has a free 8x10 offer they email you from time to time. But more recently, I've tried their custom unframed canvases because I have done some acrylic paintings that I did not want to paint again so I can gift them to people. I am simply amazed by the quality of their work. It looks almost identical to the paintings. And the canvas quality is fabulous. It's a very sturdy wooden canvas box w a sturdy metal device for hanging. It is slightly larger than the size that is quoted. Absolutely worth every penny. And sometimes they also email you a code for 70% off on canvases. I appreciate that they allow u to redo the order if you are not satisfied with it. First time, came out a little blurry and staff suggested using a high quality camera as opposed to the phone. Had to come back the next day but was glad I did and they were right. I believe it's Edgar who helped me in the photo department to get my canvas right when I returned. He was so patient to help me and showed me the canvas the second time before securing it to the frame to make sure I was happy with it. It turned out great. I will be back for other canvases and possibly try other photo products. Also love how u can get the canvas on the same day! Super satisfied. read more

Walgreens - Back of 11x14 canvas - very durable and study. Great quality. - Drugstores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This Pharmacy has terrible service...absolutely terrible: Several times I have waited for hours On Hold for pharmacy assistance, often just getting dropped and not able to get thru to request an Urgent need for a medicine (several times I have had to suffer and go med's for days). This has happened Several Times (not just once)! Several times they were Very Delayed (Many Hours, if not Days) in getting Urgent prescriptions filled (I have cancer and have lots of treatments/issues ongoing and need a responsive, pro-active pharmacy...this is NOT that). I have had to go without key medicines for days, multiple times, because of the Poor Service at this pharmacy. When another priority/urgent med was ordered this morning, again, I do not see it getting processed, and I am unable to reach any one....and if I drive over and request it they will just tell me to "Go Away" as it's not ready yet (with no explanation or option to expedite...who knows if and when i'll ever get it...and i need to start this med' right away or else significant issues may appear that i'll have to deal with...argh, not again....this is getting very frustrating. This has happened several times in the past.). They have withheld key medicines I needed because of strict regulations, several times, without concern for the patient's needs (and so in the end the patient, me, ends up suffering instead of getting the pain-reducing med's that are needed. Frustrating!). I recommend anyone to Find Another Pharmacy. These people are inflexible and NOT Service Oriented. They do NOT care about the patient...AT ALL! read more

Please please fire everyone that works here and bring in trained people. We need a pharmacy. To be treated like this, to have to deal with inefficiency and errors of this constant magnitude...make it stop read more

Tried to talk with someone at the CV Walgreens and was on hold for 20 minutes without a response. Then tried directly to the pharmacy and was kept on hold for 30 minutes. where I finally hung up. Same with the Hayward Walgreens. It rings and rings and rings. Awful experience read more

I do believe this is (by far) the worst Walgreebs we have ever dealt with. Thank God there is a local CVS - who are about to get our business. They ignore the phones after around 6pm. They drop the ball on Rx refil promises Drawing a blank on good things to say about them read more

I go here because it's closest to my work. I start and end shift on weird hours. But tell me me why this place never has my prescription ready? I get if there's an issue, but give me a call or come back to it & resolve it if it's a fill too early... communicate. After working in an outpatient pharmacy myself, I can say, they do poorly on problem resolution. And in healthcare, that's not a great thing. The manager will also say she can't fill prescriptions or do things based on Walgreens policy and not your health or the state/federal law. They will also interrogate you on your prescription per Walgreens policy (apparently) even if you've been to the same pharmacy for months. A question I get every month is why i am Picking up here if my address is in San Francisco? .. well mam... I still work in Castro valley... like I've told you and your staff every month for years now? I've worked in Castro valley for over seven years and used this pharmacy for almost just as long. At one point I did transfer the script and honestly I was so happy because the one in Sf actually had my scripts ready, called me on problems, and had high communication skills... but now my living situation changed and I'm back to this one as a primary. Today the pharmacy clerk didn't even allow me to put in my Walgreens reward number in for points. It popped up on my screen and I tried to enter my number's and the man cleared it... then said I wouldn't get points even though I've worked at Walgreens too. Sighs. So annoying. I just took my prescription and walked out. I really hate leaving negative comments but maybe the feedback will help them improve. I'm always stressed out going to and am continually disappoint by this pharmacy. It sucks ... but I need to come here because it's the biggest pharmacy in the area and will be the most likely to have my prescription when my doctor orders it. read more

I was waiting for a package to be picked up from FedEx at Walgreens and they usually email me, I didn't get a email until next day morning, I believe the employee slacking off is causing the business to decline and the high prices over others stores. read more

How come so many negative reviews? I thought the service was good. They had the items in stock that I wanted so I was happy. It is located in the shopping center with Ross. Walgreens is closer to the street side. Parking was ok. Not a large lot but was able to find a spot. read more

Just your normal Walgreens store with all your basic essentials for day to day living. It's a clean store in a nice plaza which also offers multiple eateries, cafes, and Ross. Would recommend :) read more

Walgreens - Stationary section for what I needed - Drugstores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Very unhelpful on prescriptions they can't fill. Unwilling to provide any guidance on when they might get the prescription or where else you might get it. CVS in Castro Valley in contrast are excellent. Transferred all my prescriptions to this location, but unfortunately and older provider sent my prescription here and it just confirmed why I stopped using them in the first place. read more

20 minutes for pharmacy and then they hang up. horrible customer service, lines, only pharmacy open 24 hours so you have to go through them

The poor pharmacy employees are under staffed. I will sometimes call and be on hold for 45 minutes before giving up and hanging up. Sometimes they put cardboard up and ignore the drive through window because they are so overwhelmed. I love the staff, but poor management. read more

Ok first of all.... I called the pharmacy and was on hold for an hour... I get it it's busy... I didn't even make a comment or gave him an attitude when I was finally on the phone with someone... But why is the person helping me SO MF RUDE!! Like, just because you're busy and SOME people don't understand that... doesn't mean you can project your irritated attitude on me or EVERYONE... ESPECIALLY when I was PATIENTLY waiting for an HOUR to speak to someone... At the end he asked me if I needed anything else.. and before I can finish saying "No thank you" he hung up on me.... I could've been rude too for waiting an hour on the phone.... but no... I chose to be kind bc I'm sure he was stressed out.... Someone needs to give that pharmacy tech a break, some water, some food or some meds... something bc I did not deserve that horrible attitude... He and that service today DESERVED A ONE STAR REVIEW.... But they were having a shitty day... so I won't shit on them even more And I like this Walgreens bc it's so close to my house Maybe pharmacy manager needs to have some kind of group bonding and empowerment training of some sort bc lack of compassion in healthcare no matter how you're day is going... is messed up You should especially embrace and appreciate us patients/clients that are showing you kindness during your bad days. Just saying read more

This is my Walgreens! The pharmacy has always filled my prescriptions promptly and correctly. I'm alerted by text, email and phone when order is ready. I find this very helpful. Inside Lines and drive up can be long waits at times but I think it's unprepared customers. I've always experienced courteous staff. The store itself is always stocked and I find what's needed. I'm happy to have them in my town. Thank You Walgreens staff. I know it must be a challenging job handling the variety and volume of folks that flow thru your store. read more

The worst experience every single time I come here in the pharmacy. Called 2 days before and the day has come it's not ready . Staff told me that they are busy and don't have the staff. The manager should hire more people stop trying to cut corners to save money on less wages. You obviously have enough orders to warrant more staff! Get it together! That's a negative star! read more

Walgreens in Castro Valley is atrocious. We @were automatically switched to Walgreens after Rite Aid closed. I knew it would be a nightmare but I wanted to be wrong so badly. Nope! It is a big, fat, dumpster fire. It is a mess and there's nothing customers can do about it, other than leave. I could break down the mistakes and needless irritation that I experienced but, honestly, Every. Single. Thing. is bad. I have been delayed getting my medication for days due to their incompetence. Not just once! I'm not exaggerating, I've had prescriptions there 4 times and all 4 times the online pharmacy app has been wrong, calling the store to be put on hold never shorter than 20 minutes only to be cut off & getting transferred several times to be on hold again for a ridiculous amount of time. I have to keep asking my Dr. to give them a second authorization on my meds that don't require an authorization. They ask really invasive questions. I am really pissed at what happened tonight!! This morning my Dr. notified me that she authorized a refill for me. I get a text from Walgreens saying they received it & it would be ready at 3 p.m. I knew that was a joke so, I get a text saying they are running behind & an hour or so later, I get one saying that it's being filled. A couple of hours later I check the status using the app & I have vanished!! No record or mention of the prescription they were supposedly filling & no record of me!!!! They don't recognize my phone number!?!?! Then I get a text saying that something went wrong & for me to call in the morning. I am sorry for the long rant! I am frustrated & once again, no medication. Avoid CV Walgreens at all cost!!! read more

It's my first time to be in this pharmacy for booster shot because of traveling requirement. I did make an online appointment two days early and filled out the required form and submitted. I then followed their web instruction to have my insurance card and digital vaccine record ect. to get there on time at 10:13am (app 10:15). There was no line. Waited a while I had to approach to them if anybody could help that I had an app. (no greeting of course) Finally the guy called me with attitude that I should bring a copy of consent form which I did it online and physical vaccine card which also Walgreen web said digital card from government fine too. I then had to fill out the same form again and he just left the form at consultation desk. I sat there and waited. Half hour passed, no one checked the form and asked. I had to ask if anyone worked for vaccination. Then the female with white dress said I could go to the side door and wait someone. I then went to the side door with a chair and waited. About 15 minutes later there were still nobody came. I had to go to their front desk again to ask. I saw her to fill pills on the box and totally ignored me waiting a long time. Finally I got a booster shot in two seconds. But it took them about 40 mins and there were no line there. Last year there were a long line and took about 10 mins. This is the result of only them to have this privileged business. read more

Incompetent pharmacist (Triet?). Told over the phone no cost for a vaccination with my insurance card but turns out to be a bunch of b.s. Whatever they tell you, do not believe them unless they put it in writing. Bunch of liars here. read more

Main pharmacist here is unnecessarily rude. They have a sign that says to check in online for scheduled appointments like the COVID vaccine. We checked in online and waited half an hour. When we told the pharmacist we had already check in, he cut us off and told us that online check in didn't count and they weren't tracking and we would have to wait in line and check in at the counter for insurance purposes. We waited in line to check in at the counter and we were not asked for any insurance information, simply asked to verify our address, which we had already done as part of online check in. Why have a sign encouraging online check in if they don't actually accept it? Other staff at the pharmacy were fine. Ended up waiting 50 minutes after we checked in before we were given the vaccine. Would not recommend this location for scheduled services. read more

Sales suck now. I used to come here for everything. Now it's make up remover wipes and laundry detergent only. I will not return here even though it's convenient, Laiea needs better customer service skills. read more

More of a 4-star place, but definitely better than the current 1-2 stars it has, so trying to compensate a little :) Clean, decent service, wish it was open later, otherwise nothing really much to say. read more

I went to the pharmacy to pick up my fathers medication. For some reason the insurance information was having trouble popping up. I was accused of fraud by a pharmacy tech named Jaspreet. He is obviously a racist and hates his life: he ruined a great day. I will never shop here again and Will be contacting corporate about this individual and his manager who allowed it to take place. Cameron DeMiguel read more

Terrible drive thru service! I think the many many many times I've tried going through the drive thru(with a sick child, rainy day, in a hurry, or not wanting to lug your whole army inside just to pick up ONE prescription) it's a LONG wait. I think I've finally figured it out- the priority goes to the customers that are inside waiting to pick up or drop off a prescription. I think the customer's (in the drive thru) time is also valuable. Maybe, maybe the should just have a technician work the window? I've been a customer picking up as well and I've noticed how long the customers wait in the drive thru line. It's quite a wait. At this point, I guess you just have to suck it up and either wait 20-45mins in the drive thru line OR lug your whole army inside and wait in line? read more