Safeway

Avoid the checkout person Leslie! I gave her my reusable bags, she rang up $ 160 of groceries, and then she said that if customers don’t explicitly ask her to bag groceries at the beginning, she won’t do it. I told her I’d never heard any checkout person say that, and if she didn’t want to use my bags, she could use plastic bags. She then stormed off for 10 minutes, while I and three people behind me in line waited, until another checkout person finally came over to bag the groceries. Never seen anybody at this Safeway with such a rude and obnoxious attitude; they should fire her.

I live a few blocks from this Safeway and go all the time. It’s new and has a great selection of products, including organic items and ethnic items. The lines, though, can be long at times and some of the cashiers are not friendly — that’s why I’m taking this down one star.

To be clear this store still offers low quality food particularly produce and prepared food. Costumer service across the board is still low and checkout lines are just unbelieving slow.

Did you all not experience the old Safeway that smelled like a sewer?! This store is a gem! Growing up in the area, all I wanted was a bakery and for it to not stink every time I went in there. Now it’s new, not smelly, and has a bakery, meat counter and deli! Hoorah! I’ve been greeted by employees, unlike other miserable Safeway stores. I’ve never had a problem with produce. One major annoyance is the bathroom situation and that someone has to unlock it for you. Other than that, this Safeway totally wins with its spacious floor plan and beer and wine.

I started patronizing this Safeway a few months ago as a welcome transition from the (slightly more convenient, but undeniably sub-​par) Giant at the Rhode Island Center near my home. So far, shopping at this location has always been a positive experience for me – I’ve never had any issues with cleanliness of the store or quality/​integrity of the products.
A couple shoutouts:
+ Their produce selection is impressive, with some real gems in there that aren’t easy to find, well, anywhere. Contrary to some other people’s reviews, and certainly in contrast to other supermarkets in the city, I’ve never had an issue with overripe, moldy, or poor-​quality produce. They have an excellent array of organic, as well as non-​organic («conventional») fruits and vegetables, pre-​chopped mixes, and even live herb plants, like parsley and rosemary. Pretty neat.
+ I’m not a big tea drinker, but their self-​serve selection of bulk teas is – at least in my experience — a novel and welcome addition to a regular everyday grocery store… just something unique that gives the place an extra little thumbs-​up on its brand. My sister is really into tea, so I bring her here every time she is in town for a visit.
+ Their floral department is top-​notch for a grocery store. They have an awesome selection of seasonal arrangements and plants, as well as cute plant-​based doodads for home décor. Their extensive selection of products piggybacking the succulent fad is worth checking out, if you like low-​maintenance desert plants that can liven up a home through so many different colors and shapes and varieties. However, my absolute favorite part of this department is their selection of small bunches of loose stems and fillers so that one can mix and match and create their own arrangement at home. Of course, if you make a habit of this, the prices certainly add up and can take a big chunk out of your income (and I don’t think the IRS would appreciate an attempted DIY flower-​arrangement deduction), but it’s a nice option for the aspiring or amateur florist. And of course, their pre-​made arrangements and bouquets are also beautiful, and — let’s face it – a bit more economical. This section of the store also has a nice rotating stock of vases and other floral accessories, as well as even a small stash of garden tools, like potting soil and gardening gloves. Definitely A+ work for a grocery store florist.
— The only aspect of the store that may ding my review a bit is the Starbucks. It’s pretty hit-​or-​miss… and I regret to say that it usually errs on the side of «miss.» A couple of the baristas are super chipper and sweet, and they direct that friendliness and helpfulness towards the customer in a way that is really refreshing and appreciated, but in my general experience, the majority of the workers there are sort of sullen, and they seem to act particularly grumpy when I (politely) ask for an item on the menu that they happen to be out of (which unfortunately seems to happen a lot). To be fair, I know that this is by no means a full-​service Starbucks, and I didn’t walk up to that cash register the first time with the highest of expectations, but I am disappointed to say that I’ve had to re-​adjust my expectations to an even lower level than that first visit.
All in all, though, this Safeway is a great addition to the neighborhood, a 1000% upgrade from its predecessor (remember that? I shudder), and it is absolutely worth it to hop across neighborhoods and invest a little extra time into my shopping commute in order to avoid Giant’s moldy, soggy bell peppers.

I am a big fan of this Safeway. The new store layout is beautiful, and they have almost everything that I need stocked, even if it’s weird (for example: buttermilk powder, arrowroot, almond meal, taro) — and they almost always will order it if they don’t have it. I have gotten all sorts of fresh produce and meat there with no problem. The floral department will is usually well stocked and well priced, and comes with a seven day guarantee. The pharmacy is also great and open until 9pm.
But mostly, I like this store because the staff is super friendly and helpful (hint: you have to BE FRIENDLY to them first, y’all). I’ve had people hunting through the backrooms for more stock, giving me advice on meat cuts, opening the bakery to find me bread, you name it. Also, taking the time to learn the names of the core staff (they also have name tags!) and introducing yourself goes a long way to making their and your life better.
(Also, I see the same complaint about this place over and over but honestly: this is an inner city grocery store with a HUGE turnover and stock, so yea, sometimes the produce isn’t perfect, or they are out of exactly what you want, or the yogurt expiration date is tomorrow. Just ask them for help or wait until the next day (when there will be a whole new delivery). Also, if something isn’t up to par, just return it — they will take it back without a problem.)

I live very close and I personally have not had an issue with the store. A few spills here and there and the Starbucks sometimes is not all that conveniently stocked with the know how or ingredients I need for certain drinks but they are nice. If anything, I love the just for you sales and how I have never have had any problems with customer service nor the people that help with the self checkout. Ironically I have never been through the regular lines because even as long as the self checkout out is, there is never a problem with the wait time or an issue with any of them being closed. Unlike some stores in the area. I also will say that they have most of the organic or gluten free items that I have to eat due to food allergies. So good look Safeway I can forgive you for the horrible service that the one 3000 miles away has mainly due to the area.

I live one block from this Safeway and visit it at least 3 times a week.
2 stars for newness, convenience, and cleanliness:
The store is generally clean. Although, I did see a mouse in the aisle one day.
1 star for staff helpfulness, selection, and fresh food quality:
The morning/​day staff are friendly and helpful; however, the afternoon/​evening workers seem very unhappy to work there.
They often run out of items before they get shipments in.
The produce and meat options are not the freshest.

This is a typical Safeway, it is clean and well stocked. The people who work here are for the most part (there have been a few exceptions) friendly and helpful, especially Leon. Every time I see Leon I leave with a smile on my face; he is positive, friendly, and will always help you out if he can. I wish there were more people like him around.

Love the new store. It’s very clean and organized, which makes my shopping easier. The workers their are very welcoming and ready to help! Parking is convenient and is validated. And it is also metro accessible on the green and yellow line at the Petsworth station, you will see the store right when you coming up from the station. Buses are convenient as well to this location.

I have been to this safeway several times now because my parents live walking distance. I also frequented the safeway that was here before (only on a NEED basis). It is SEVERAL steps above what it used to be. It is very clean, the isles are organized and the produce looks very tasty. Which is more than I can say for a majority of the safe ways in the area. The woman at the starbucks did take awhile but it was because she had no one helping her so I can’t really complain about that. It is a clean store, with lots of options and nice service. I’m giving it 3 stars because they do need to hire more help.

Very Clean. New Safeway is great in energy efficiency. great location and has parking. Starbucks, bakery, and warm/​cold bar. Also makes breakfast and lunch sandwiches by order.
Most workers are very pleasant

First visit; ummmm okay!
Starbucks had only one person working whom was taking orders and making them as well. My regular caramel macchiato came out in about 20 minutes which is ridiculous!
Secondly, there was no assistance at the self checkout to help people. So there were bunch of self checkouts blinking lights with no assistance which tied up the movement of the line.
Overall, the store is nice itself. I just think they need more staff and efficiency.

Stinky Safeway becomes Swift (sometimes «stroller») Safeway, but only 4 months later this store probably needs another name change to SLOW Safeway or maybe SLUDGE Safeway.
Slow because no matter what day or time you arrive, you’ll invariably wait 20 or more minutes in the checkout line. The store managers seem to have no interest in allocating enough cashiers for the traffic and the few cashiers that are working move at the speed of drying paint. Slow because no matter whom you ask or what you’re looking for, you’ll be sent to the wrong location, leaving you to criss-​cross the store hoping to randomly stumble onto your prize. (Who doesn’t know where to find bread-​crumbs? You know… the stuff people cook with?)
Sludge for the endless displays of rotting greens, expired – or so close to expired it’s not worth buying – dairy products, and fresh meats that have only about a 50% chance of being unspoiled when you break the seal on the package. Want some packaged bread that won’t turn moldy two or three days after you buy it? Good luck. This Safeway keeps almost expired product on the shelves till the penultimate moment, and then replaces it… with more almost expired product.
I’d normally chalk this up to Safeway’s typical pattern of opening bright, shiny new stores only to let them descend into the same shabby mess that for so many years was the norm in the District. But I think something more sinister is going on here. You see I’ve been doing a little comparison shopping against the McLean Safeway, where I used to shop once a week on my way home from work, and I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern. Slow/​Sludge Safeway seems to be a dumping ground for barely salable product. Pre-​washed lettuce and spinach never have a pull date more than 2 to 3 days in the future (in McLean it’s at least a week). Dairy? Even the ultra-​pasteurized stuff… has days instead of weeks.
Is it possible that Safeway figures they can dump their left-​overs on this store? Let Petworth deal with the rot so they can keep their other stores stocked up with fresh product?
Other reviewers have got it right. Head for Harris-​Teeter. For all of it’s quirks, it’s better than Slow Safeway.

Am I the only one that doesn’t know that the Safeways in DC have nicknames.
Apparently this is the formerly «sticky» Safeway but has now graduated to the «Stroller Safeway». And surely the moniker does do this Safeway justice. Which probably means that I’ll avoid the «Unsafe Safeway» for now, but try and stop by the «Sexy Safeway» sometime soon.
As my coworker and I sit in the small café area… which was still a little sticky #LotsOFlies, we are interrupted by tantrum-​ing balls of tearful children.
The bathrooms are clean and staff is nice.
What earns this safeway 4 stars is selection.
Heirloom tomatos? Yep!
Marcona Almonds? Yep!
A wide selection of Smoked Turkey? Yep!
The area around this Safeway is very diverse, and it shows in what they’ve chosen to order.
Starbucks inside and seating out. This Safeway has got my vote!

Hark!
Stinky Safeway has gotten a sleek Jenny Jones-​esque makeover. I’ve been snubbing Safeway for almost two decades now but this recently revamped supermarché has made me a believer.
Behold:
+ Free WiFi: Forget co-​working in coffee shops where I have to purchase about 8 glasses of coffee to feel like I’m a legit customer. Here I can pick at an entire rotisserie chicken for an entire afternoon and write an entire novel in one sitting.
+ In House Starbucks: For those who would rather get their caffeine on than eat a chicken
+ Exotic fruit selection: I have not seen fresh rambutan since my elementary school Southeast Asian vacation… but they sell it here, right next to the more Plain Jane Chiquita Bananas and Golden Delicious Apples
+ Heirloom tomatoes: Both red and green varieties
+ Large store with roomy aisles
+ Full bakery
…and it wasn’t stinky at all.

I can’t even begin to say enough good things about the newly-​reopened Safeway in Petworth. I live a few blocks East of this store, so for the past year and change i’ve been begrudgingly doing my grocery shopping at the Yes! market (very nice, but too expensive and small) or at the disgusting and horrible CoHi Giant. Whenever I would randomly find myself in NoMa or Foggy Bottom, I would work in a grocery store trip just so I could feel like I was having a pleasant shopping experience. Now I don’t have to and it’s GLORIOUS!
First of all, this store is BIG and VERY WELL STOCKED. I have found ALL the basic grocery needs I have to be easily met, and I’ve even found a few weird things I dind’t actually think would be there (southern veggie medleys in cans, non-​dairy cheese (options!), bizarro random veggies, etc). Oh, and there’s also a BULK section. AMAZING. There’s a review a few down where someone says they couldn’t find bacon or hotdogs. I had to get hotdogs for a ⁷⁄₄ bbq and found them relatively easily w/​the deli meats just where I thought they’d be so maybe they’ve fixed up some organizational issues in the last few weeks?
Second of all, the store is CLEAN and GORGEOUS. I really hope this lasts and the store doesn’t get dingy!!! It’s so clean and well organized and the PRODUCE section is AWESOME.
Third of all, EVERYONE IS SO NICE. Even the cash register attendants who are a little confused by the weird peppers I buy or some of the codes are really nice about it and no one is rude! People stand near the front to answer questions and ask all the time if I’m finding everything OK.
Lastly, the starbucks is just great. Who doesn’t love having an sbux in their grocery store?! The staff are nice and have learned the ropes quicker than I expected!
Seriously, even if you’re way closer to the CoHi Giant, I totally recommend you visit this store just to see how much better it is.

LUCKY DRAW & FREE GIFT CARD
I have only been to this Safeway may be twice. Once when I first moved into the hood, and now after it’s re-​opening — it was knocked down and re-​built and only just re-​opened in the end of June.
I never did any shopping in the old Safeway, because when I stepped inside — the place was old, and smelly and was not appealing at all. I left right away. Now is a far cry from the old one. The place gives the look of a whole food, and has an organic veggie section, and a cereal, nuts section that is exactly like Whole Food, where you can buy the items by weight. The whole place looks much more classier than before. I found the meat prices are more expensive than Giant, but the fruit and frozen food are much the same.
Staffs are polite and friendly. I arrived at 7:30 am and there were mostly staff gathering chatting and that is fine for me, I am not there to police them. However, when I get to the cashier, there was one cashier open at No. 4, and there were 2 customers before me, and the first customer needed some extra assistance. After waited for 5 minutes, I was going to to to the self check out, but by then the No 3 cashier has returned to her post. Frankly, if some one is on cashier duty, then the post should not have been left empty.
There is also a nice bakery section that is much bigger than Giant
When I finished paying, I was told by the cashier to go to the customer service counter– ??? I asked why, she said I won a $ 25 gift card!!! I thought she must like to keep the suspense going, she could have told me why in the first place!
There you go, the computer is making random selection to select winner of $ 25 gift card. Now that the cat is out, don’t rush there. I have no idea how often and how many gift card is given out everyday or at a particular period.
There is also a Starbucks on site and an underground carpark.

The old Safeway closed right before I moved to D.C., and the new one just opened.
I LOVE IT.
For almost two years, I either had to go to the Yes! Organic Market, which is very nice but not conducive to most everyday shopping, or hoof to the Columbia Heights Giant, which is quite possibly the worst grocery story I’ve ever been in, including a sketch Kroger I stumbled into once in Columbus, Ohio. Occasionally I also go to the Harris Teeter in NoMa, but red-​line weekend issues make that a pain, too.
So it’s a dream having a brand-​new, extremely large, very nice Safeway a few minutes away from my house. It has a Starbucks (which shouldn’t take away from Qualia, but it’s nice to have), a pharmacy, a pretty big selection of ready-​to-​go meals and hot foods and a big selection of frozen food, including what looks like a wide array of organic, vegetarian and/​or «healthy» food. Like, the variety of Amy’s dinners alone is outstanding.
Not sure I’d get specialty meat or fish here (selection seems a little weak), but for most normal things, including bakery items and produce, this is a godsend for the neighborhood, and I hope it encourages more businesses (not necessarily chains) to move in and make Georgia Avenue the retail and dining corridor it has the potential to be.

Who doesn’t sell bacon and hot dogs? Worse yet, asking 3 different employees, they sent me to corners of the store that didn’t have these items. I finally gave up and shopped elsewhere.
The produce section is nice, the meats and deli are also nice, but spending 20 minutes to find something is really annoying.