- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Safeway
Categories: Shopping Drugstores Food Grocery Drugstores, Grocery [Edit]
2020 Market St(at Reservoir St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 861-7660
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 6 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
397 reviews for Safeway
Review Highlights
"The customer service is very courteous and helpful."
(in 37 reviews)
"...is they have our favorite Wells Fargo mini branch located..."
(in 9 reviews)
"fresh nuts by the produce."
(in 79 reviews)
Loading...
397 reviews in English
-
Review from Quentin J.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Unlike Walgreens not every Safeway is created equal. While the essential aspects of this Safeway are on the up and up. It has food. It's well marked. It's well displayed. Everything's well lite. This spot has some serious shortcomings. Namely the bathroom is heinous. Seriously, don't use it. It's like a fecal time bomb went off in there.
This spot is always crowded regardless of when you go in. The only thing that varies is the clientele. Avoid the twlight hours cuz as the song goes the freaks come out at night.
Also, this Safeway doesn't have any cigs. So don't wander in at 3am with a wing and a prayer hoping to get your fix cuz it ain't gonna happen.
Lastly, the self check out is not for faint of heart or technically disinclined. I've never seen so many aggravated people aside from the DMV. -
Review from Edrian D.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012 9 Check-ins Here
Safeway in the Castro...
This Safeway is by far my favorite, I mean come, I live by SFSU and endure the long commute to go here because they have everything I need when I go grocery shopping. So let's start my grocery store mission:
Headphones, check, iphone, check...shopping cart, check...
perishables are plentiful and fresh, fruits and veggies in the cart...so I move on to meats, off to Almond milk which is always great with some bran or fiber cereal, turn the corner for some raw almonds, off to a bottle of wine, some havarti cheese, bread and I'm out. I guess my trip to Safeway is more of a ritual, but the Safeway on mission is always out of what I want and the Safeway on Monterey never has anything. ::shruggs:: to each his own. -
Review from Alissa A.
12/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Put your headphones in, tune-out, and shop away.
I always wondered what's up with all the ear buds in here, but, wow, it makes it totally tolerable!
While I avoid coming here at all costs (there are great local markets across the street with zero crazies inside) occasionally, I find myself doing what needs to get done - be it some random cleaning product or in the middle of the night - things that can't be accomplished by the local marts.
They carry everything you need except for, oh, the 50% of the time I come in and they are having a milk shortage or have failed to carry enough spinach/eggs/fill-in-name-of-item-on-sale.
If you can tune out all the angsty people in line with you, barking at you for accidentally cutting them in line (because you can never tell which line is which anyway), then the checkout process is usually pretty fast.
Things I've "learned":
a 'deal' is not. $1 avocados? Well, they taste like creamy water.
the cleaning/paper products, personal hygiene & meds are scattered into three sections in the store, with the remaining products locked in a cabinet near customer service.
rotisserie chickens are occasionally 5 bucks on Fridays. Good deal. But the last one I had, all bound in kitchen string, looked like it had a pretty rough life (somehow I got this vibe eating it, who knows) and I just can't get myself to ever get one from here again. I just think of all the Clover billboards of 'happy cows' and think that this was not a happy chicken. No, I will not go hug a tree either.
When all else fails though, Safeway does pull through and gets you what you need.
with patience.
and ear buds. -
Review from Jeannet S.
Fremont, CA
1/29/2012
The ladies restroom at this store is disgusting. I couldn't believe my eyes when i walked in. I can't believe that their store managers let's this bathroom look like that for their customers. I will NEVER go in there again.
-
Review from Lawrence E.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Has everything I needed, but the lines could be expedited more.
-
Review from Christy S.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
This Safeway has good and bad qualities.
I wasn't entirely prepared for the amount of the homeless population to be constantly stealing from the store at all times but after a while you kinda sorta get used to it. Occasionally my shopping is disrupted because a junkie or homeless person is blatantly stealing something in that aisle and I have to wait for them to move. I did see a perp walk though, so at least sometimes security wakes up. Still, I'd check to make sure that your food hasn't been tampered with.
I don't think the prices are horrible, but a lot of the stuff I get is on sale. Some of the sales are really great and I love my Safeway card. I like a lot of the Safeway brand stuff. I've also had a good experience with their pharmacy.
The best time to hit this Safeway is in the middle of the day, but I expect that to be true of all grocery stores. -
Review from Emily D.
11/25/2011
This is my "neighborhood" Safeway. Yeah, it's half a mile away- but its where they keep the regular priced/ on sale alcohol, massive barrels of oatmeal on the cheap, the only kind of cat food Butters' eats, and all of the processed diet foods I eat because I'm a chubby female susceptible to fat shaming advertisements. So fine, I like it a lot.
What I DON'T LIKE is how THEY DON'T SELL VEGETABLE STOCK or VEGETARIAN GRAVY. NEITHER. Like, I could understand this if it were... oh, I don't know... June and we were located in the Midwest. But this was during THANKSGIVING and we live in freaking SAN FRAN-HIPPIE-CISCO. Thanks a bunch, Safeway- so much for one-stop shopping. -
Review from Ryan G.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Love shopping here. So conveniently located by the Muni station.
-
Review from Leana L.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Convenient location via car, public transportation, or even by walking (depending on where you live)! I've been here a few times because a friend lives nearby and it's super easy to get to even from my place in Sunset because N Judah drops off less than a block away!
It can get busy, but it's a big store. They've never run out of anything I was looking for and everything is fairly organized for such a high traffic Safeway. There's also a huge parking lot so parking is never an issue. -
Review from Carlynn A.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
This review is for the pharmacy, the grocery part of the store is fine. But the pharmacy couldn't be worse. I would not want to ever fill my prescriptions here for fear they would give me the wrong and it kills me. The people behind the counter here are hands down the rudest! So incompetent I don't know how they even got the job working with controlled substances.
Money is tight and when I price checked a few prescriptions, the ghetto woman answering the phone was so rude. When I verified a price she screamed "thats what I jus' told you isn't it?!"
No bueno!! Such a turn-off I never even want to buy groceries here, none the less prescriptions. -
Review from Jonathan F.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
I was not sure whether or not to post four or three stars. The place is clean and has plenty of parking. The only thing I am not so happy about is the self-serve check out.
Oh the machine works fine and all that but during the entire time while a person is scanning, etc. they are being video recorded. Talk about surveilance on overload.
I realize surveilance and monitoring is a part of daily life in the 21st Century, but being recorded while at the check out stand?
I was told by a patron that the camera and recording is a precaution because of all the theft. There are lots of homeless and transient types that hang around the shopping center area.
It is sad that so much homlessness is prevelant in San Francisco. -
Review from Brian C.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
Worst customer service ever! Oh and their pharmacy is out of control, I had medicine called in six days ago(an even early, to make sure i didn't run out) I was told the first time that authorization required was never sent in and I was told it would be taken care of. Three days later I went back and was told, by a very unhappy n rude even threatening pharmacist, that it wasn't done still! Not only that but He wouldn't give ether me nor Chrystel a straight answer as to if it wasn't done or he even almost tried saying my doctor never called in- did i mention i had/have the proof that it indeed was! Then the Jerk behind the counter called me out! and actually came around the counter after me-He came after me! then screamed for security telling them to take me to jail-they did no such thing after the store manager came and reprimanded the asshole then told me i could go; a week later i still don't have my medication! as for the food here it terrible also!
-
Review from Patrick T.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you time it right, you can hang out at the soup bar and sample the soup right outta the pots. Just grab one of the plastic spoons they got there and dig in. Same goes for the steam trays they got set up near the wine and cheese. Just be cool and don't draw attention. Free lunch!
Make sure to shove some oyster crackers in your pocket while you're there. That shit is free too.
If you enter the other side of the store, grab a basket and graze the produce section. All them fruits and veggies are there for you to try out before you buy.
Watch out for the security nazis here. Luckily most of em are too stupid to catch ol Snakebone. -
Review from DJ E.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011 1 photo
Not only did we find MOLD on your bagged lemons, last night we found BLACK MOLD on your hamburger buns! (SEE PICTURE)
The quality of your produce is HORRIBLE and we just decided we will never ever shop here for anything EVER AGAIN.
Shut this place down NOW! -
Review from Earline A.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
The checkout folks are nice--that's the best thing I can say about this Safeway.
I live in the neighborhood and try to avoid shopping here unless I have no other choice. It's a serious Mecca for homeless/crazy/druggie folks. The last straw for me was a week or so ago when, as I was leaving after paying for my purchases, a homeless guy walked over to a cooler in the store, pulled out a 12-pack of beer, and brought it back to the table near the door where his buddies were sitting, where they ripped it open and passed around the brews. Employees passed back and forth and did nothing.
Too sketchy for me. -
Review from Phillip S.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
The pharrmacy department is rude. There is a language barrier. The do not answer the phone and then when they do they put you on hold, and then hang up on you. .They hang up on you and say opps sorry then laugh. They dont want to deal with anything difficult. They are rude on the phone as well. Poor customer service. I have been hold 30 minutes waiting for someone to come to the phone.
-
Review from andre s.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
Tonight, around midnight, the debit/credit machine wasn't connecting. I tried 3 times, finally offering to get cash from the ATM machine 20 steps away. It didn't hit me until the transaction was in process, that I was being charged the normal inconvenience fee of 3 bucks. I thought, why should I be dinged with this fee when I am making it easier on them, plus the 4 or 5 folks in line behind me. I calmly explained my point to the manager, Raul. He explained why he felt there was an issue, didn't use the word 'sorry', but in an apologetic tone, mentioned the time of night and sort of can happen. I don't doubt that, nor do I blame them. When he offered a gift card, I thought, Andre, go ahead and take it, it's legit. I never ask for anything as a consumer. I look at the tag and pay the price. I don't ask for discounts because the box has a dent, or the handle is ripped.
Kudos to Raul. He gave me 5 bucks when all I really wanted was my 3 back. Smart move since it's a Safeway gift card, and when I shop it will be for plenty more than 5 dollars worth of food.
Thank you, Raul, for making a customer happy. -
Review from Jeremy G.
4/24/2011
I just had one of the top ten sandwiches of my life at this Safeway. Who would have thought that would happen?
I came on Easter and went straight to the deli counter. Actually, I wandered about for a while. I considered their selection of hot chinese items, but instead went for the sandwich. I ordered the large. This initially seemed like a mistake when I saw the gargantuan creations I had unleashed upon the world. What was I to do with all this sandwich? The rising of Jesus taught me a lesson. If Jesus could suffer on the cross for the sins of my overeating, then I could certainly save one of these mounds of delicious for dinner. I actually just had the second coming of my Safeway Sandwich Spectacular. Just like Jesus, better on the second go around.
Let's dwell on the glory of this sandwich for a moment. It began with a focaccia base. Strong enough to support all the toppings, but soft enough to snugly fit into my mouth. I obviously chose roast beef as my meat. And cheddar was a no brainer. Though I wrestled with whether pepper jack would tantalize my tongue more. I had my sandwich wizard toss on red onions AND carmelized onions. BAM! Then came a creamy layer of avocado and some microwaved bacon. Did I mention that mayo and chipotle sauce glazed BOTH sides of the bun? Yes, I had it like that.
When it comes to sex or this sandwich, I would choose this sandwich. Unless it was sex with Jesus. Because that's just a novelty I can't possible turn down.
*I sincerely hope I offend at least 2/3 of the 2 people who read this review.
**I actually heart Jesus #jewsforJESUS
***False. I worship the one and only Flying Spaghetti Monster #pastafarian4life -
Review from Paul C.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2011
I love this Safeway so much. The store is generally clean, inside and out, and from what I've observed is much larger than other Safeways in this city. It's also located in the better/safer part of Market Street, which is a huge plus, personally. I wouldn't feel the same way if this Safeway was located close to Civic Center.
Walking distance to Dolores Park. 5 Muni metro lines + the F + 22 Fillmore within a 1 minute walk. It's the Duboce Triangle, after all. You really can't ask for more.
Apparently it's the largest supermarket in San Francisco, too. -
Review from Evan G.
7/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The center of my grocery universe when I was a San Francisco resident, Safeway remains near and dear to my heart.
Despite it's silly weekday checkout staffing, the wine and cheese selection is really wonderful, and the deli staff made a complete 180 (for the better) during my time there.
Random rant: The hummus is just too hard to find. I know where it is now, but it's just too far from everything else related to it. I don't get that. -
Review from Peter W.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
Yes, this safeway is centrally located and easy by muni and/or car. However, their customer service is something to be desire. I am specifically talking about the deli section. The deli personnel are fairly clueless. I don't know how many times I have stood there and been totally ignored. Today I was there and a woman behind the counter did acknowledge me and asked if I could be helped. I said there was a gentleman standing by me waiting before me. When she went to inquired with him, he stated he had already been helped. The woman never came back to me for my turn. She proceed to help someone else who walked up to the deli counter. When I spoke up she gave me this look like I was the crazy one. They really can benefit with a number system or maybe the personnel can just stay alert. Oh yes, the soup section, they had forks out instead of spoons?!?!? How were they expecting people to eat soup with a fork...LIke I said, CLUELESS!!!!!!
-
Review from BigJohnS F.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011
20 TO 25 MINUTE CHECKOUT LINES ARE THE RULE BETWEEN 10PM AND MIDNIGHT -- 7 DAYS! (Two Stars is because of the long lines.)
"SafeGay" is one of the best locations in the Bay Area and is usually well stocked, but late in the evening they run out of things and will often have --- I'm serious -- lines 20 people deep with only one or two registers open. (I'm told by the staff that it is a union-busting thing having to do with having to pay more after 9PM.)
Potrero can be just as bad.
If you have to shop between 9PM and Midnight, go to Webster or Diamond Heights where the lines aren't as long.
Also:
1. Get a club card!
2. Go to http://safeway.com and sign up for "Just for u"
Safeway is getting big time into segmented pricing, and Just for u has a lot of hidden deals. -
Review from Dave N.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
4 stars! Mostly because this place is open 24 hours and I find late-night grocery shopping therapeutic. Sizable outdoor parking lot out in front of the store (which is always weird for SF), so that makes thing super convenient.
But yes, the lines can be a bit long late at night... but you can't expect them to fully staff the store at ungodly hours. Ease up. -
Review from patrick g.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/13/2011
I wish that YELP would add NEGATIVE stars...This Market Street Safeway is so disgusting!! The restrooms are so disgusting you can smell them thought the produce dept (that is a disgusting area of it's own) . The Isles are so packed with boxes of crap that it is impossible to move two carts past them. The staff is useless...often blocking the isles. I really do not need the constant begging for donations...and the whoo hooing for a dollar...The meat appears to be bought on the black market...not usda...ranchers reserve...
There prices are not cheap unless it is on sale.... There is nothing like watching the staff watch the homeless eat with there hands....
The best thing about this safeway...will be a new Whole Foods right2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
5/10/2011
This store is the most disgusting, filthy, sorry, sad ass excuse for a store I have ever… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ally L.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Very roomy store, perhaps a little too roomy-- Starbucks, sushi bar, sandwich area, deli, gelato.....aHhh the list goes on! They even have self-checkout machines that actually work well. My favorite part about every Safeway is probably the Bakery department.
I never really liked using a savings card & having the cashier say my last name out loud. Quit doing that; it's annoying. And please get rid of those people doing surveys/petitions outside. -
Review from Amelia M.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Open 24 hrs... close to my home. Works for me. I am not a fan of their veggies... never seen to find nice ones and the prices are crazy in that department. It is a place to get things that can't wait til you get out to a farmers market or other more health conscious store.
-
Review from Jon T.
10/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I think this will be the only safeway I'll give to 3 stars to. I usually preface all my safeway reviews with how much i hate the chain. And while that is most certainly the case across the board, at least this location at church has a few vegan options you can't find at a lot of others (daiya cheese!) and stocks my favorite flavor of honest tea (mango acai) in the refrigerated beer area.
-
Review from Rick C.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2011
Boy is this ever an example of what can happen when one corporation dominates a market like Safeway does in San Francisco.
From the panhandlers and the endless surveyors always welcome to camp out at the doors - "pardon me, we're looking for recent crystal meth users for a survey - have you used in the last week?" - to the often empty shelves, the higher prices they charge in SF relative to other parts of the SFBA, the "not really 24 hours" (they turn off the lights without warning at 1145PM) operating model - and worst of all, the complete surrealism of one human checker working and the self-checkout line going all the way back to the meat department.
There are a few good checkout clerks who don't patronize the customers - but they are the exceptions rather than the rule.
The only thing that will improve this store is more competition.
Bring it on, Whole Foods & Molly Stone's. -
Review from Thomas T.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011 37 Check-ins Here
I often end up at Safeway at the rush hour(s). But I have been there at other times. It seem like you can catch the workers there on good days and bad days. Some of them have no good days. They seem like Zombies (well good zombies not eating my brain and stuff). But three people shine always.
1) Marcus is a cashier... fast and friendly and full of energy.
2) Peter is a cashier...but we call him Wonder Woman because he wears the same bracelets. I'm not kidding they give him special powers.
3) There is this young black woman (I think she's a bagger) with reddish hair. It took awhile but she is friendly and will help you with out a second thought.
Those people are my favorites and not the only nice, hard working people there. More Zombies than good people though.
The other none Register staff will help you but you never know if they will mumble under their breath or lead you to the wrong aisle and then disappear.
-Yes a Safeway card can save you money on stuff but once you get it all you need is your phone number to redeem your saving...the card is connected to your phone number.
Go early or late if you don't like crowds.
But hey it's the Market St. Safeway a show is added into the price. -
Review from Kurt B.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2011
Most has been said before:
Pros: large, convenient to public transit, hot boys, decent prices, nice atmosphere post-remodel, parking, self-checkouts, hot boys, pharmacy, fun blood pressure machine, hot boys, bakery, deli, 24x7, and... hot boys.
Did I mention the hot boys?
Cons: sketch factor, some of the employees are a bit... er... brusque.
But I have to say about all the folks hating on the employees -- have you ever worked for a large chain like Safeway? These folks are treated like prisoners by their own company, and are spit on by the customers. For the crap they deal with, the fact that so many are friendly and fun is a miracle.
The cashiers here deal with dozens of lunatics every day. Plus the whiny privileged types with their uptown problems ("these caramels don't look right!"). We've all stood behind these people in line while they make a stink over some 79 cent item. "Hey lady -- don't buy the damn caramels then. This ain't the Four Seasons Concierge Club."
Here's a tip: smile at the cashier and be pleasant -- they will be so thrilled, they will be tempted to kiss your feet. I guarantee it.
And as for the people shocked by the sketch factor outside, which I admit is sometimes a bit "gauntlet-like", where are you people from? Noe Valley? News flash: 14th/Church/Market is a bit sketchy, but it's not the Loin. Heck, compared to the 14 Mission bus, it's indistinguishable from Noe Valley. Everything is relative, I guess.
Just remember not to light any matches if one of the guys clustered by the front door is breathing on you and everything will be fine.
Also, as someone who likes to shop at 3am, I've learned that, yes, this is not the best time to go. Only one checker on duty, everyone else stocking with boxes everywhere, and all the crazies stumbling around like a zombie movie. It's actually kinda fun and interesting, but if that kind of thing annoys you -- my advice: go during rush hour (4-7PM weekdays, or weekend day time).
It's non-intuitive, but during rush hours, they fully staff the checkout lines and things really move. Once, I even witnessed every single checkout line staffed (I understand the Catholic Church is currently investigating this miracle). Also, no boxes in the aisles, and while the same number of crack zombies are probably lumbering around the store, there's so many other people everywhere, they're not as noticeable. Oh, and more hot boys as well.
Did I mention the hot boys?
I did?
Oh.
PS Get your produce across Church Street at Golden Happy Lucky Pretty Produce tho. Much fresher. -
Review from Jared S.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Aside from my apartment, my office, the gym, and the sex club down the street that specifically focuses on doctor/patient fantasies, this is the one place I frequent the most on any given week.
Come to think of it, shopping at this Safeway is a lot like visiting the doctor:
1) There are a vast array of fruits & veggies.
2) No one will give me a direct answer to my questions.
3) My health insurance/Safeway card never save me as much as I think they will.
4) When I finally do speak with someone in authority, I never get the response I want to hear: "No, for the last time, we don't sell kumquats." I wish my Doctor would finally order some so I can stop asking.
5) Both have bathrooms that are contaminated by people with weird diseases I can't pronounce.
6) I always spend more than I intended. Always.
As far as Safeways go, this is one of the best. It's large, it's open all the time, it has a decent size parking lot given it's central location, it has an expansive deli (that never can understand the code for the Southwest Turkey and always gets rung up as Pepper Turkey instead), and a lot of check out lines.
Areas of improvement: fixing the self-check-out stations so they don't break every time you breathe on them, keeping the bathrooms cleaner, lowering the prices so a box of Special K doesn't cost $5.19 (are you kidding me? $5.19? In my day, you could get a shitty colonic for $5.19), and having people stationed on every aisle with latex gloves and wearing scrubs.
Sorry. Getting my other weekly hang-outs confused again.Listed in: Don't (Lower) Haight
-
Review from Kristin F.
Traverse City, MI
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
4 stars for the grocery prices and excellent paninis.
To those who are going to complain about Safeway, well, it's Safeway. I am happy with the location, the staff, and the selection. No bad experiences here. I do love the paninis. -
Review from Leah K.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011
This Safeway has a serious inventory problem. Every time I come, most of the produce seems to have been picked clean, so they don't have half the items I want. Shouldn't they have figured this out by now?
Many items are way overpriced compared to anywhere else in the city. Happy Cow cheese was $4.99. I saw it the next day for $2.79 in the Mission.
The salad bar is pretty pathetic compared to any other Safeway I've seen.
Every time I come here I promise I will never return... unfortunately, it is the cloest Safeway to my house, so I am a sucker and keep coming back.
PLEASE SAFEWAY, I WANT TO LOVE YOU. RESTORE MY FAITH IN YOUR NAME AND FIGURE IT OUT. -
Review from Kevin J.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Your average Safeway store was remodeled a little over a year ago. Decent store with lots of parking.
Sunday's are hell so I'd avoid that day altogether, or try and go through the self-serve checkout. -
Review from Stephen C.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2011
Super sketch.
-
Review from Pace R.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
By day, this is a super nice Safeway with so much choice in products (I love their cheese section!).
But by night, this is the worst place ever. Between the crackheads and the crazies and the horribly rude staff. Totally defeats the convenience of this place being opened 24hrs a day. -
Review from Alexia A.
3/22/2011
It's the Safeway that changes names every other week. It can be Safway, Savay, Safey...depending on which light goes out.
But ever tried to buy booze here, during say, Gay Pride Pre-Party at the Castro? No booze will be left.
Ever try to buy stuff here to find to 30 people are waiting in line and only two cashiers are helping? I mean, this has got to be the most crowded Safeway yet, they are always understaffed. I gotta give credit because they also have many self-check out stands...and then I gotta take this credit away cause on many weekend nights they turn them off. Geez.
But as far as selection and stuff...I have found basil here and other Safeway stores only sell the "organic" kind. They have an international isle. Bigger and better than most other Safeway stores. Mexican, Kosher, Japanese, Chinese, Indian. No complaints there. They carry Coca-Cola.
From time to time you will find the double decker black shopping carts, then a week after they are gone because all the bums liked them and stole them. Does anyone really need a regular shopping cart? They should just replace them all with black ones, but I understand why they don't do this.
Have I bragged about Safeway's Just U? Oh, sign up, you get cool discounts and free stuff from time to time! -
Review from Demeter T.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Let me just start by saying that my love/hate relationship with this place is giving me lifelong whiplash. Here's why:
Love:
- The sheer size & proximity to p trans: Biggest grocery store within easy access of the N, K, J, L, M, F, 22, etc.
- Warm, glowing atmosphere thanks to the remodel. No more blindingly bright lighting to deter you from picking up that bag of Cheetos.
- Huge spread of produce, bountiful selection of veggie meats and soy cheeses at okay prices.
- Waistband-expanding bakery section: by far my favorite, with excellent cake slices, all the donuts of the rainbow (wink wink), fresh-baked jalapeno and cheese bread, etc.
- Recent decision to lower all prices and offer weekly deal that make generics seem expensive
-Endless wine and frozen aisles. What more do you really need?
Hate:
- Crazy people randomly jumping out of those carefully manicured bushes to either fake stab you or ask you to sign up for their darn newspaper
- ...And then shout obscenities at you for not responding
- Obnoxious and incessant PA sales pitches for the charity of the day, and the ensuing minute-long "Woooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooo oo" for the dollar that someone just donated.
- Patchy workers who either help you like it's their goal life or shove you aside like you're yesterday's meat.
So there you have it, love it or hate it yourself, it will still be waiting, 24-hours a day to serve you. -
Review from Janice C.
Updated - 10/1/2010
Little things that irritate me:
1. Lazy people
2. Lazy people who are stupid
3. When you have ten thousand spoons and all you need is a knife. (comes in handy for #1 and #2 above)
4. When you are desperate for a mojito and the club soda in your fridge is FLAT.
Hence a visit to this Safeway. Open 24 hours for all your cocktail needs.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/13/2009
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
That's why I now buy $2 quick pick lotto tickets instead… Read more »
-
-
Review from Stu S.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Safeway has improved their style and functionality a lot the last decade, but they continue missing the boat in customer relations and independence from all those corporations buying and controlling 'shelf space' in their stores. An example of what I'm talking about is the shelf space dedicated to beverages in any and all Safeway Stores. Let's look at soft drinks like Coke or Pepsi and how they place their dominate products on the shelfs at a Safeway Store. Soft drinks can 'own' as much as 10% of all the sales and display space in one of their stores. Who decides where Coke of Pepsi, the same applies to all products from beer and wine to health products and frozen foods.
As a customer who travels around the country frequently and has the opportunity to shop at Safeway's from Hawaii to Chicago, I see that it doesn't appear that Safeway management cares as long as sales deplete inventory in a balanced way. Every week in Safeway Stores in San Francisco, Coke and Pepsi offer sales on their products and every week when one sale ends and another begins, there is a disparity in shelf space and depletion of the products within the manufacturers range of products in their shelf space, and that most certainly would not happen week after week if Safeway's manager's and computers were allocating that shelf space based on sales results and customer wants. Safeway will not give shelf space to a single Pepsi product that sells well at almost every other supermarket chain, 20 oz. caffeine free diet Pepsi (Coke makes the same product that CAN be found in Los Angeles, Chicago and even Hawaii but NOT San Francisco.
I've complained to managers of at least five Safeway Stores in San Francisco as well as written to Pepsi and Coke, and the Safeway managers are either lying or don't know why that product isn't stocked but assume that there is no demand. Walgreen's with many more locations does the same thing with shelf space and yet they place 20 oz. caffeine free Pepsi on the shelfs of almost all their San Francisco Stores. Pepsi and Coke are silent, won't return calls or answer mail about how this happens although drivers for each company state unanimously that they have a defined section at each Safeway Store they deliver to and do all the stoking themselves which indicates that Coke and Pepsi REALLY do own their shelf space and Safeway allows them to stock as they please.
The biggest companies tell Safeway how they, Pepsi and Coke, are going to supply and display the products they want to sell and NOT Safeway Stores. It's very similar to Global Corporations telling Congress how they want the dollars to be spent, it verges on the illegal and probably is unethical.
