When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Jewel-Osco
Why Jewel-Osco is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jewel-Osco is a well-established regional supermarket chain that serves the Chicago metropolitan area from its headquarters in Itasca, Illinois. With 189 stores spread across northern, central, and western Illinois, as well as eastern Iowa and parts of northwest Indiana, it is a convenient and familiar destination for grocery shopping for millions of customers. What makes Jewel-Osco a great place to meet up with friends and family is its extensive range of products, combining grocery items with pharmacy services under one roof. This combination enables customers to conveniently shop for fresh produce, pantry essentials, and health-related products in a single trip. Jewel-Osco's stores often include DriveUp & Go™ services and online ordering with scheduled pick-up or delivery options, adding to customer convenience in today’s busy lifestyle. The company’s history is rooted in strong community ties, starting from its origins as a door-to-door coffee delivery service that evolved into a comprehensive grocery and drugstore operation. Its diverse product offerings, competitive promotions like the $30 off first online pickup order and Schedule & Save discounts, and a loyalty to customer service make it a favored meeting point for those looking to shop, pick up prescriptions, or simply gather briefly in a shared local space. Jewel-Osco’s long-standing presence and integration of food, health, and everyday essentials provide a dependable, accessible, and community-oriented shopping experience.
Here's what people think of Jewel-Osco
As of recent, Jewel-Osco holds a 4-star rating based on 1663 reviews.
Customer reviews for Jewel-Osco reveal a mixed but informative portrait of the supermarket chain. Overall, the business has a rating around 4.0 stars out of 5 based on over 1,600 reviews, indicating general satisfaction from many shoppers but with notable criticisms as well. Positive reviews often highlight the convenience of having grocery and pharmacy services in the same location, the variety of products available, and regular promotions that help shoppers save money. Many appreciate the DriveUp & Go™ feature and online ordering options that facilitate easy access to their groceries without long waits, especially important in modern, fast-paced environments. Additionally, customers commend the broad geographic coverage of stores in the region, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, negative reviews point to issues such as order substitutions without respecting customer requests, delays or errors in order fulfillment, and customer service difficulties including challenges in obtaining refunds. Some users have experienced receiving incorrect orders and poor communication during resolution attempts. These complaints suggest there are occasional operational shortcomings especially related to the online ordering and delivery services. Despite these negatives, the company continues to maintain a loyal customer base, likely helped by its strong brand recognition and integrated food and pharmacy offerings. The reviews convey that while Jewel-Osco may have areas to improve in service consistency—particularly with newer technologies and support channels—many customers find the overall experience and product availability satisfactory enough to remain repeat shoppers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
t isall (OneWord)
This store and other Jewel locations are the worst stores for grocery shopping. They are filthy, food is not up to par, especially fresh food such as the produce, proteins (to include meat and seafood). They are filthy employees had very bad attitudes, not knowledgeable, in equipped to do a simple job and are always lazy….this type of service should be and needs to be stopped and asap!
Philip Pearson
Went to the deli today to order food, we ended up walking out because of poor customer service and unprofessional associates that they hired. Trashy exterior and outside premises. It’s obvious Richard the store manager is there to get a paycheck.
Marilyn Harper
Four Stars: Jewel Osco Lake Meadows It's one of the most friendly grocery stores in the area aisle nicely organized clean always have fresh fruits & vegetables nice deli department the bakery section has wide variety of donuts cookie cakes & pies for all occasions the cashier are very efficient helpful and friendly
mort mcfly
this location is in bad need of automatic lanes if the service is this lousy. the cashiers need to move along customers or call the manager for disputes. it's ridiculous to play along with some scam artist bs when you're a store employee. taking an unknown amount of time to verify every item is ridiculous. it comes to a point the customer has some responsibility to verify prices before the end of checkout. its not some third world bazaar where you can negotiate prices.
Linda C Short
You know all the Jewels Osco has the best/reasonable chicken in town, but this Jewels on 34th is the only Jewels that doesn't have any rotisserie chicken when I come there. They cook wome much fried chicken-and it taste a little old/over cooked. Please Jewels; a lit of seniors and other people can't eat that fried chicken and we need you to have some rotisserie chicken fresh and ready like the Jewels on 87th and 70's Stony Island, please. We shouldn't be told most of the time, "there's a 30 minute wait........! Wow! The rest of the store get an "A" That chicken department gets a "C".
How to reach Jewel-Osco
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Why Jewel-Osco may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jewel-Osco with your friends?
Jewel-Osco offers an excellent venue to gather and celebrate friendship and family due to its unique combination of convenience, variety, and community-friendly services. As a well-established regional supermarket chain with a strong presence across Illinois and neighboring states, it functions as more than just a grocery store; it is a local hub where people can come together to shop, eat, and socialize. Its extensive selection of groceries, fresh produce, bakery items, deli specialties, and ready-to-eat meals ensures that groups can easily find something everyone appreciates, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The store's welcoming atmosphere and accessibility during extended hours make it easy for friends or family to drop by after work or on weekends to create instant meetups without the need for elaborate planning or expensive reservations. Plus, Jewel-Osco’s pharmacy and additional services such as floral arrangements, liquor, and bakery orders add extra convenience to group gatherings—whether you need a last-minute birthday cake or refreshments for a casual party. Rallying here means enjoying a reliable and diverse environment where planning a fun and tasty group experience is both effortless and enjoyable.
What activities can a group enjoy at Jewel-Osco?
At Jewel-Osco, groups can engage in a variety of activities that make it more than just a shopping trip. One of the most popular group activities is exploring the deli and bakery sections together, where you can sample and select from a wide range of freshly prepared foods and artisan baked goods. This makes Jewel-Osco ideal for planning a picnic, office lunch, or casual party catering. Friends can collaborate to assemble personalized grocery hauls for shared meals or cookouts, selecting fresh ingredients like produce, meat, and seafood to create memorable dishes. Additionally, Jewel-Osco’s ready-made meals provide a quick and delightful option for groups looking to enjoy a hassle-free meal at home or in a nearby park. The store often features weekly promotions and deals that make group shopping fun and cost-effective. Many locations include Starbucks cafes and in-store services such as coin machines or ATMs, allowing groups to enjoy coffee breaks or finish errands conveniently.
Why is Jewel-Osco perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Jewel-Osco is perfect for hosting a group meetup because it offers a comprehensive one-stop shopping and dining experience that caters to group needs with ease. The large network of 189 locations throughout northern Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and nearby areas ensures accessibility for friends and family spread across this region. Stores operate long hours, often from early morning until midnight, accommodating busy schedules and allowing meetups at various times. Inside, the spacious layout and clear signage help groups navigate the supermarket efficiently, minimizing wait times and maximizing enjoyment. Furthermore, the integrated pharmacy services offer an additional reason for groups to convene—whether picking up prescriptions together or getting health consultations, ensuring every member’s wellness is considered. The store also supports convenient shopping technologies like online ordering, delivery, and curbside "Drive Up and Go," so groups can customize how they shop and collect groceries. Collectively, these features emphasize convenience, comfort, and flexibility, making Jewel-Osco an inviting place for socializing around food and errands without the typical hassle of crowded or less organized venues.
How does Jewel-Osco’s grocery selection enhance group gatherings?
The diverse grocery selection at Jewel-Osco greatly enhances group gatherings by providing everything needed to accommodate various tastes and preferences in one location. The fresh produce department offers seasonal fruits and vegetables perfect for healthy snacking or cooking together. The meat and seafood sections feature premium cuts and sustainably sourced options, ideal for barbecue parties or home-cooked assemblies. The bakery’s wide array of cakes, pastries, and bread adds a sweet and comforting touch to any occasion. Groups can also explore the store’s wide range of ethnic and specialty foods, catering to eclectic palates or dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, or kosher choices. By having such variety under one roof, Jewel-Osco simplifies planning for gatherings, enabling shopping for ingredients, snacks, and beverages all at once, which reduces the time spent managing multiple stores. This contributes to a seamless and enjoyable group experience focused on shared food exploration and meal enjoyment.
What convenience services does Jewel-Osco provide for group hosting?
Jewel-Osco offers several convenience services that streamline group hosting, making it easier to organize and enjoy time with friends and family. The in-store pharmacy helps ensure health-related needs are met without separate trips, providing services like prescription filling, immunizations, blood pressure monitoring, and medication consultations. For folks looking to enjoy beverages, many locations include a Starbucks cafe, perfect for casual meetups or grabbing coffee before or after shopping. The store also provides digital and in-person options such as grocery delivery, curbside pickup, and order-ahead for bakery and deli items, offering flexible shopping that fits different lifestyles and group preferences. Additional amenities such as ATMs, Coinstar machines, Amazon locker pickups, and FedEx drop-off points bring added practical value to visits. These services collectively minimize waiting times and allow group members to focus on spending quality time together instead of juggling separate errands. This makes Jewel-Osco not just a place to shop but a hub for efficient and stress-free group gatherings.
How can Jewel-Osco’s community presence and reputation support your meetup plans?
Jewel-Osco’s long-standing history and strong community presence enhance your meetup experience by providing a trustworthy, familiar environment where locals feel comfortable gathering. Having started as a humble coffee delivery service and evolving into a comprehensive supermarket chain with decades of service, Jewel-Osco is deeply embedded in the daily lives of many families and groups. This history creates a sense of reliability and happiness around the brand, making it an easy choice for meeting points. Moreover, the chain’s consistent 4.0 star rating from over 1,600 reviews suggests overall satisfaction with both product quality and customer service, reassuring groups of a positive experience. The company’s commitment to offering weekly promotions and supporting local suppliers further strengthens community ties, allowing gatherings to support regional businesses and save money. This blend of local familiarity, solid reputation, and community-minded operations makes Jewel-Osco a welcoming place that can turn ordinary group shopping into a memorable social occasion.
What special events or promotions might enhance your group visit?
Jewel-Osco frequently offers special promotions and seasonal events that can make group visits even more rewarding and enjoyable. Their weekly ads often include discounts on fresh produce, meat, deli items, bakery goods, and beverages, which groups can take advantage of to plan budget-friendly meals or treats. When hosting parties or celebrations, you might benefit from deals on bulk purchases or deli trays that feed larger crowds without hassle. The company sometimes discounts prescription-related purchases with grocery coupons, easing expenses for groups with health needs. Seasonal activities such as holiday-themed cake decorating, sampling events, or charitable drives may be available in certain locations, adding elements of fun and community spirit. Taking part in these promotions can create a festive atmosphere, enhance the social aspect of your visit, and allow your group to make the most out of the shopping trip with little additional effort.
How accessible and convenient is Jewel-Osco for diverse group needs?
Accessibility and convenience are top priorities at Jewel-Osco, accommodating groups of all ages and backgrounds. The company operates 189 stores across multiple states, making it easy to find a nearby location. Stores have extended hours, typically opening early and closing late, so groups can plan meetups around their schedules. Inside, spacious aisles, clear signage, and mobility-friendly designs ensure comfort for older adults, families with children, or people with disabilities. Jewel-Osco supports SNAP EBT purchases both in-store and online, affirming its commitment to serving economically diverse populations. The availability of digital shopping tools and contactless payment options make transactions faster and safer, especially for larger groups. These factors collectively make Jewel-Osco a highly accessible, inclusive, and practical venue for gathering friends and family, seamlessly integrating the needs of a varied community into one shopping and social experience.