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 headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, serving the Chicago metropolitan area with 189 stores across northern, central, and western Illinois, as well as eastern Iowa and parts of northwest Indiana. Founded originally as a door-to-door coffee delivery service, it evolved into a comprehensive grocery and pharmacy provider, integrating food and non-food retail through its acquisition of Osco Drug and other chains. The stores offer a broad selection of products ranging from fresh produce, meats, and bakery items to pharmaceuticals and household essentials, making it an ideal destination for varied grocery trips. With a commitment to providing quality products at fair prices, Jewel-Osco creates a convenient one-stop shopping experience and caters to the needs of families, professionals, and friends wanting to meet up for grocery shopping or to pick up ready-to-eat meals and essentials. Its stores, often designed as community hubs, embrace a customer-focused philosophy that emphasizes care and accessibility. The company is part of Albertsons Inc., a national grocery leader, benefiting from a large operational footprint and supply network that supports diverse inventory and local availability. This rich history combined with wide store coverage and a dedication to service makes Jewel-Osco a popular and practical choice for meeting everyday grocery and pharmacy needs in the region.
Here's what people think of Jewel-Osco
As of recent, Jewel-Osco holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1424 reviews.
User reviews for Jewel-Osco reflect a mix of satisfaction and frustration, resulting in an average rating of approximately 4.3 out of 5 based on over 1,400 reviews. Many positive reviews highlight the convenience of having a combined grocery and pharmacy experience, the variety and availability of products, and the generally courteous staff who contribute to a pleasant shopping environment. Customers appreciate the store’s efforts to maintain competitive pricing and the breadth of selections, particularly in fresh foods and essentials. However, some negative reviews focus on issues with the online ordering and delivery system, citing problems such as incorrect substitutions, delays, and difficulties with customer service communication and refunds. There are also occasional reports of inventory inconsistency and dissatisfaction with how specific complaints are handled. Despite these challenges, Jewel-Osco continues to maintain a largely positive reputation, with many long-time shoppers valuing the brand’s local roots and reliable presence in their communities. Overall, the reviews suggest that while there are areas for improvement—particularly in digital order fulfillment—the company remains a favored supermarket chain that strives to serve its customers with variety, affordability, and care.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ania Latos
Please clean it up, the stench is unbearable!!!! You sell food, but the surrounding store is so filthy. The store is near my building. The stench is unbearable. Residents of the building can't use their balconies. There have been reports, and they're doing nothing about it.
Irena Grabiec
The store is clean and organized. I would like to see more cashiers. The self check out is very slow, unless you have one item. Despite popular belief, a cashier is always faster than a person that doesn't work there.
Johnny
The self checkout cashier who was working there at 9:20pm on 08/15/2025 falsely accused shop lifting. She mis counted the items in one bag and didn't even count the other, when I asked "did you even count the other one" she has this dumb look on her face. I told her to re check the receipt, she walked away from me. She said "you didnt scan it but you can have it" You don't accuse someone of shop lifting and then when I tell you to look at my receipt you run away. It's one thing to ask and check, it's another thing to try and call me out in front of other people, that doesn't fly with me. She even reviewed the video and still somehow managed to mess that up. That was the most unprofessional thing I've ever experienced in a grocery store. I will be contacting the store director to let them know a liability like this works there. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen for you guys.
JOSE ISAAC
Terrible Customer Service at Jewel-Osco (Irving Park & Narragansett) – Produce Department I had an extremely disappointing experience at the produce department in this Jewel-Osco location. The person in charge is incredibly rude and has no interest in helping customers. When I politely asked for assistance with a product, he dismissively said, "I don't know, I'm busy," and walked away without even attempting to help. No effort, no courtesy—just complete disregard for customer service. This isn't the first time I’ve noticed poor service in this department. It seems like this individual either doesn’t care about his job or thinks customers are a bother. His attitude is completely unprofessional, and it makes shopping here an unpleasant experience. If you need assistance, don’t expect any help from the produce section. You’re better off figuring things out on your own. Jewel-Osco needs to seriously reconsider who they have managing this department. Customers deserve respect and assistance, not attitude and dismissiveness. It’s disappointing that a well-known store allows this kind of behavior from its employees. Until changes are made, I’ll be taking my business elsewhere—and I’d advise others to do the same.
Roberto Mercado
This is my neighborhood's largest supermarket and I have been a patron for over 30 years. Great people; an tremendous amount of groceries; nice complete bakery, deli, drugstore, liquor store, and flower shop.
How to reach Jewel-Osco
None
Website: None
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?
Gathering friends or family at Jewel-Osco makes for a unique and practical meetup that combines convenience with variety. This regional supermarket chain, with a strong presence in the Chicago metropolitan area and neighboring states, offers a vibrant, one-stop venue where groups can explore a wide range of food, drinks, and services all under one roof. Rather than limiting your get-together to a single restaurant or cafe, meeting at Jewel-Osco allows for shared experiences around discovering fresh produce, sampling freshly baked goods, or even crafting your own picnics using their deli and specialty items. It’s a casual, accessible setting that invites friendly interaction, from navigating aisles together to selecting ingredients for at-home cooking adventures. Beyond food, Jewel-Osco’s spacious stores and extended hours provide flexibility for planning meetups around your group’s schedule. The store’s solid reputation, reflected in a 4.3-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, speaks to its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. In essence, Jewel-Osco serves as a lively community hub where groups can bond over shared tastes and shopping adventures before heading out to enjoy their finds, making it an ideal rallying point for friends or family gatherings.
What kinds of group-friendly activities does Jewel-Osco offer?
Jewel-Osco is much more than a grocery retailer—it’s a venue that encourages various group activities perfect for meetups. For friends who enjoy culinary experiences, the bakery and deli departments offer fresh pastries, artisan breads, and made-to-order sandwiches or deli platters ideal for picnics or informal meals shared right after shopping. Groups can challenge themselves with selecting fresh produce or meats to create shared cooking projects at home or organize potluck-style gatherings. Given Jewel-Osco’s emphasis on fresh and specialty foods, it offers an engaging environment for food enthusiasts to discover new ingredients or seasonal items. The pharmacy and health services available provide added convenience for groups who might combine wellness errands with social time. Additionally, the stores often include Starbucks cafes for quick coffee meetups, or designated seating areas where friends can relax briefly in-store. For larger groups or family reunions, Jewel-Osco's ample aisles and layout enable comfortable browsing together without feeling cramped. Beyond shopping, the presence of services such as Amazon Lockers and FedEx pickup points can turn the meetup into a practical stop for multiple errands, combining socializing with productivity.
How does Jewel-Osco’s variety enhance group meetups?
One of Jewel-Osco’s biggest strengths for groups is its comprehensive product variety, which caters to diverse tastes and needs. From fresh seafood and quality meats to extensive organic produce selections, the store accommodates different dietary preferences and culinary interests. This inclusivity makes Jewel-Osco especially suited for groups who might have members with varying eating habits—whether vegan, gluten-free, or meat-lovers, everyone can find something appealing. The beer, wine, and liquor sections provide options to complement meals, or to pick up beverages for celebrations or gatherings outside the store. Equally important, the store’s bakery delivers fresh, tempting sweets and bread daily, adding a special touch to any group outing. For families or friends wanting to prepare meals together, Jewel-Osco’s well-stocked aisles facilitate ingredient hunting, turning grocery shopping into a fun, shared adventure rather than a chore. This variety encourages interaction, conversation, and discovery, giving groups reasons to spend more quality time exploring and comparing finds. Whether your meetup centers around cooking, snacking, or simple socializing, Jewel-Osco’s depth of offerings supports it all.
What about convenience features that make Jewel-Osco perfect for group meetups?
Jewel-Osco shines with convenience features that enhance any social outing. Extended store hours, often from early morning to midnight, provide great flexibility, allowing groups to schedule meetups at times that suit everyone’s availability. The store’s multiple Illinois locations, plus stores in Indiana and Iowa, make it easy to find a Jewel-Osco close to home or travel routes, reducing logistical hassle. Services like grocery delivery, curbside pickup, and online ordering allow groups to plan ahead or even split responsibilities—some can shop in person while others opt for pickup or delivery. The availability of ancillary services such as in-store pharmacies, bank ATMs, coin counting machines, and FedEx pickup points turns a meetup into a multi-purpose stop, helping groups accomplish daily tasks together. This mix of services means you can blend errands with socializing, maximizing your time. Additionally, the availability of SNAP EBT payment options at drive-up counters adds an inclusive convenience for diverse budgets within a group. Overall, Jewel-Osco’s customer-centric features tailor well to the needs of dynamic groups seeking both social connection and practical benefit.
How does Jewel-Osco’s atmosphere support social connections?
The atmosphere at Jewel-Osco stores strikes a balance between bustling and welcoming, fostering a pleasant environment for group meetups. The layout offers wide, well-lit aisles that accommodate movement and conversation without congestion, allowing groups to shop side-by-side or split into smaller pairs and reconvene comfortably. Friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a helpful, inviting ambiance by assisting with questions or product recommendations, which can enhance the group’s experience and spark shared discovery. Seasonal displays and special promotions create an engaging shopping environment that feels fresh and community-oriented rather than purely transactional. In-store Starbucks cafes and seating areas encourage casual pauses for coffee or snacks, supporting meaningful interactions beyond just shopping. This environment is ideal for groups wanting to catch up, bond over food choices, or plan meals together in a relaxed, informal setting. Jewel-Osco’s sustained positive ratings also reflect a customer experience that is consistently pleasant, contributing to repeat visits and a sense of familiarity that is important for group comfort.
Why is Jewel-Osco a smart choice for family gatherings?
Families will find Jewel-Osco to be a smart, practical venue for meetups due to its comprehensive food selections and family-friendly services. Parents can explore a wide range of fresh, nutritious ingredients to prepare home-cooked meals together, while kids can enjoy selecting treats from the bakery or deli. The store’s focus on fresh, wholesome foods allows families to plan meals that suit children’s tastes and nutritional needs without stress. Ample parking and spacious aisles make it easy to navigate with children and strollers, reducing the fuss often associated with grocery outings. Additionally, the presence of pharmacies and health services supports families who might want to combine routine healthcare errands with social time. Jewel-Osco’s weekly ads and deals can also help families save on groceries, making meetups not only enjoyable but budget-conscious. The chain’s reputation for quality and community trust encourages families to rely on it for their regular food needs. This combination of convenience, variety, and family focus makes Jewel-Osco an ideal location to rally loved ones for quality time centered around food and shared activities.