When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Safeway
Why Safeway is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Safeway, Inc. is a prominent American supermarket chain with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1915 by M.B. Skaggs. Known for a wide range of grocery items, food, and general merchandise, Safeway offers specialty departments such as bakery, delicatessen, floral, pharmacy, and more. Many locations also feature Starbucks coffee shops and vehicle fuel centers, enhancing the convenience and variety available to shoppers. Safeway primarily serves the Western United States and parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, providing a familiar neighborhood shopping experience with a broad product selection. As a subsidiary of Albertsons since 2015, Safeway maintains a strong operational presence from its headquarters in Pleasanton, California. The brand’s commitment to affordability, variety, and service creates a welcoming environment perfect for meeting up with friends and running daily errands. Safeway’s innovation in grocery services, including online grocery delivery, contactless curbside pickup (branded as "DriveUp & Go"), and partnerships with delivery apps like Instacart and DoorDash, offers flexibility and convenience for customers. The addition of specialty departments such as fresh bakeries, floral shops, and pharmacies within stores enhances the shopping experience, making Safeway a versatile and reliable destination for both everyday necessities and social occasions.
Here's what people think of Safeway
As of recent, Safeway holds a 4-star rating based on 1623 reviews.
Customer reviews of Safeway reflect a solid and consistent experience, resulting in an overall rating of 4.0 based on over 1,600 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the convenience of Safeway’s comprehensive product offerings, including fresh produce, bakery goods, deli selections, and pharmacy services, all under one roof. Many users appreciate the availability of additional amenities like Starbucks coffee and fuel centers, which make Safeway stores a convenient one-stop location for shopping and socializing. Reviewers also mention the friendly staff and cleanliness of stores as notable strengths. Safeway’s efforts to adopt modern shopping conveniences, including online ordering, grocery delivery, and curbside pickup services, have been well received, especially by customers seeking ease and safety. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as inconsistent stock levels, longer-than-expected wait times at checkout or pharmacy counters, and some variability in customer service depending on the location. A few reviewers expressed concerns about price competitiveness relative to other grocery chains. Despite these drawbacks, many customers are loyal to Safeway due to its widespread presence and service variety. Overall, the reviews portray Safeway as a dependable supermarket chain that balances traditional grocery shopping with contemporary service options, sustaining its reputation as a convenient and community-focused place for customers to meet and shop.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve Takata
This was my go to Safeway for many years, until I got tired of the employees’ attitudes. Things like not letting customers in 10 or 15 minutes before the store officially closes. That’s not acceptable if you race there to pick up a couple of things before they close and some idiot tells you that you can’t go in because it’s too late. I rarely go here anymore. But as Safeway goes, this is a mediocre store, it’s not as nice as the one on college, but it’s on par but with worse customer service than the one on Solano.
Kei Loves2Travel&Eat
we love Safeway ❤️ this is probably one of my favorite locations as they have a parking garage! 🤗
Alain Marnat
I've been a regular shopper at Safeway for months now, and I’m consistently impressed by their service. The staff is always friendly and quick to help with any questions. I’ve never had an issue finding what I need, and the quality of the produce is excellent. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available every day, with a great variety of organic options. Their deli section offers delicious meals, and I love the bakery’s fresh bread. As for value, their weekly deals and loyalty card discounts always make my shopping budget-friendly. Great experience every time!
Xuc Tomanot
Safeway continues to be my go-to store for all my grocery needs. The customer service is always outstanding—staff are knowledgeable and ready to help. I recently ordered groceries online, and the delivery service was fast and accurate. The produce section is always stocked with fresh items, and I can trust the quality of their meat department, which is essential to me. The store also has a great selection of organic products at reasonable prices. With frequent sales, I’m able to get high-quality items for a great value. Highly recommend Safeway!
Craigslist Nothing
This Safeway is absolutely disgusting. They have a massive spill in the dairy area that has been left to fester for more than a month now. They literally don't clean this Safeway at all and I won't be shopping here again.
How to reach Safeway
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Website: None
Why Safeway may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Safeway with your friends? If you're looking for a reliable, welcoming spot to gather with friends or family, Safeway offers much more than just grocery shopping. Rated solidly at 4.0 with over 1,600 reviews, this well-established supermarket chain is a convenient and practical hub for get-togethers that can suit a variety of social needs. Whether your group wants to prepare a meal together, participate in fun activities, or simply enjoy the shared experience of selecting fresh ingredients, Safeway provides a comfortable and well-stocked environment to rally around. What makes Safeway particularly inviting for groups is its combination of variety, customer loyalty benefits, and convenient services such as catering and delivery, which help lighten the planning load and keep the focus on enjoying time together. The store's digital tools, including their user-friendly app and personalized savings programs, further enhance the experience by making shopping efficient and rewarding. Overall, Safeway is more than just a place to buy groceries—it is a community-friendly venue that supports and enriches your social meetups, making it an excellent choice for friends and family to rally around.
What activities does Safeway offer for group meetups? Safeway’s offerings go beyond traditional grocery shopping and are well-tailored to accommodate group activities. First, it’s a great starting point for organizing group cooking sessions. Friends or families can shop together for fresh, quality ingredients ranging from meat and seafood to produce and bakery items. By pooling resources, groups can take advantage of Safeway's tailored deals through their loyalty program Safeway for U™, which offers personalized discounts, digital coupons, and rewards. This makes planning and buying supplies as economical and convenient as possible. Additionally, Safeway offers group catering services ideal for gatherings, including platters satisfying diverse dietary needs like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Whether you are hosting an informal potluck or a more formal event, the catering services simplify food arrangements and ensure everyone is well fed without the stress of cooking everything oneself. Moreover, the availability of breakroom-ready snacks, beverages, and even cleaning supplies allows groups to efficiently stock up for meetings, parties, or casual hangouts with ease.
Why is Safeway perfect for planning a group meal or event? Safeway's infrastructure and services are purpose-built to support group convenience and enjoyment. Their online ordering and delivery system enable groups to coordinate grocery lists and even receive orders directly at a chosen location, which can save significant time and reduce logistical friction. For those planning events, Safeway Business offers catering solutions that cover a broad spectrum of event sizes—from small office lunches to larger celebrations—meaning that groups can rely on professional-quality food without last-minute rushing. Safeway also prides itself on a wide selection that covers almost every culinary preference and need, which is key when managing a diverse group with varied tastes or dietary restrictions. Adding to the convenience is the Safeway for U™ program, enhancing the value of purchases with exclusive promotions, birthday treats, and monthly free items, which can be shared among friends to make the gathering more economical. Altogether, these features make Safeway an efficient one-stop-shop for group food needs, combining affordability, quality, and ease.
How does Safeway enhance the shopping experience through technology for groups? One of Safeway’s standout qualities is its digital innovation aimed at improving the customer experience, especially for groups planning activities. Their mobile app is designed to streamline shopping lists, track nutrition goals, and recommend products, making it easier for groups to coordinate shopping tasks and access deals. For example, if you scan an item like hot dogs, the app suggests complementary products such as buns and condiments, which reduces the chance of missing crucial ingredients in group meal planning. The app’s integration with loyalty programs means personalized deals appear directly in users' accounts, enhancing savings for group purchases. Safeway also frequently updates their app to improve user experience, addressing customer feedback to include features like item location guides within the store and options for seamless reordering. This digital approach saves time and helps groups avoid duplicated efforts or forgotten items, making the shopping process smoother and more interactive.
What makes Safeway’s loyalty program beneficial for groups? Safeway for U™ is a compelling loyalty program that appeals greatly to groups looking to maximize their budget while enjoying premium products. Membership is free and unlocks personalized weekly deals tailored to individual purchasing habits, allowing each group member to contribute to the overall savings. The program also provides seasonal and birthday discounts—complete with annual birthday treats—that members can share or use within their social gatherings. The ability to earn points on nearly all purchases and redeem them for discounts on groceries, gas, or even cash off means groups can accumulate significant benefits over time, especially with collective buying power. Furthermore, digital coupons and special promotions can be easily applied via the app or linked accounts, ensuring that even spontaneous purchases within group meetups can be cost-effective. This not only encourages frequent visits to Safeway but also reinforces a sense of value and reward, enhancing the overall social shopping experience.
In what other ways can Safeway support diverse group needs? Safeway understands that every group is unique with different preferences and requirements. Their in-store product range is extensive, catering to various diets and taste profiles including organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. This ensures that every member of a group can find suitable food items without compromise. For families with children or groups involving young people, Safeway’s bakery and snack aisles offer kid-friendly treats and healthier alternatives, making group outings enjoyable for all ages. The store’s emphasis on cleanliness and safety, including a good supply of sanitizing products and clear signage, creates a comfortable environment for social gatherings even in times highlighting health concerns. Additionally, Safeway’s business services extend to community centers, schools, and special interest groups, demonstrating their flexibility and commitment to supporting group activities beyond typical retail shopping. With these features, Safeway functions as a comprehensive venue that embraces the diverse aspects of group dynamics and enhances the outing’s overall experience.
What makes Safeway a convenient hub for both casual and planned social events? Safeway’s combination of physical presence and digital accessibility offers unmatched convenience for group meetups, whether spontaneous or carefully planned. For casual gatherings, it’s easy to stop by to grab snacks, beverages, or ingredients required last minute. Their well-organized aisles and knowledgeable staff aid in quick locating of products for efficient shopping trips. For more formal or planned events, Safeway’s catering and delivery services take the stress out of food preparation and logistics, allowing hosts and guests to focus fully on the celebration or meeting. Moreover, the store’s availability in many neighborhoods makes it highly accessible, reducing travel time and making group planning more flexible. The ability to mix in-store visits with online ordering options caters well to both tech-savvy users and those who prefer traditional shopping, ensuring that every group’s needs and habits are supported seamlessly.
What should groups keep in mind when visiting Safeway? While Safeway is an excellent venue for group gatherings for reasons of variety, value, and convenience, groups should plan ahead to optimize their experience. Joining the Safeway for U™ program before shopping can unlock significant savings and better prepare for a budget-conscious meetup. Scheduling online orders or catering in advance can ensure availability and timely delivery, especially for larger groups or special occasions. Using the mobile app to coordinate lists and share deals helps streamline the shopping trip and reduce duplicated purchases or forgotten items. Groups may also want to consider individual dietary restrictions early to make targeted selections easier and faster upon arrival. Lastly, engaging with store staff for recommendations or assistance can enhance the overall experience, promoting a warm and helpful atmosphere that encourages future group visits.
In summary, Safeway is much more than a grocery store—it is a versatile and accommodating destination best suited for friends and families looking to gather, collaborate, and enjoy shared meals or events. Its rich mix of product variety, technology-driven convenience, loyalty rewards, and catering services make it an ideal choice for anyone planning group meetups. Whether hosting cooking activities, casual hangouts, or organized celebrations, Safeway provides the tools and atmosphere to make every gathering delightful and rewarding. Its strong rating and extensive customer base reflect the trust and satisfaction many have found here, further reinforcing its position as a premiere local hub for social and food-oriented connections.