Grocery Outlet — Local services in Palo Alto

Update: Jan 13 2023... crew seems solid now but prices range from NOPE to ridiculous. This is still THE place to score a great deal...but that's only when you get lucky.

6 pack of ramen is the same price as Walmart. Eggs, even when you buy a big 5 dozen package is DOUBLE what you would pay at Safeway... cheese is only slightly less than Safeway, for industrial sized off-brand chunks. Milk is a dollar more for a gallon than Smart and Final. Depending on where you're coming from, sometimes this store isn't worth the trip.

Update: Took away a star because they are back to people just jabbering away and doing--not sure what. Looks like moving empty boxes from one shopping cart to the other.

TL,DR: employees are worse again, prices NOT good unless you find a closeout.

It's a shame because there are employees there who I see busting their rear getting things done-always the same handful ... But lots of dead weight again, jabbering away while lines grow. I realize that everyone is having problems filling positions, but... we're into the realm of not-OK since the prices here aren't so great anymore.

There are great closeout finds like $1 for a pack of cookies that would cost a LOT more at Safeway. However there are many many things like meat and fruit and veggies that are more than what they charge at Walmart. Not just by a small amount...we're talking 2-3x per pound for the same thing.

It's still a good place if you stumble into the right location at the right time. One things good about this Palo Alto location, LOTS of snacks...chips, cookies, cakes... Must be for the stanford kids....If you had only ever seen the G.O. in Milpitas...then you'd think that GO barely stocks snacks.

Smaller selection of beer/wine here than Milpitas for sure. MUCH smaller. But I'm a deals-shopaholic for sure, and will go to every Walgreens/Safeway/etc I know of at some point. --June 5, 2022

They've mostly ironed out the kinks with staffing--no more employees SCREAMING to each other at the top of their lungs-- but there is still the occasional brain fart from the crew. I imagine that is due to what they are paid, they still spend a lot of time being social instead of helping customers, but you get what you pay for.

And you're paying for crazy deals on food. It definitely helps to go a couple times a week if you can, there are plenty of finds of up to 80% off on a good day.

Also great deals on cleaning supplies and housewares like pots pans and storage containers.

I can overlook the lack of customer service for the prices. If this were a full priced store, I certainly would...

This is one of the nicest grocery outlets to visit. I found organic bananas, healthy drinks that didn't contain gellum or canola oil. Whole grain snacks, and so much more! Of course, I went in there to buy one thing but a couple of clerks thought it was out of stock but they steered me to aisle #1, as a courtesy. When I got to that aisle, another clerk was stocking it. I asked her if they stocked what I was looking for & she said it would be on aisle #1. She promptly took off to take a look down that aisle. She reappeared in a flash but the look on her face said the item was not there. Then, she suddenly had a eureka moment, turned around and went back to the storage room area, I think. Quickly, she returned with the item I was looking for! I was so happy & thanked her a lot! So, now, I own a smaller, collapsible metal four wheeled cart. It is an ideal complement to the big one I bought a few months ago. After paying for my groceries, the cashier put everything in 2 sturdy and reusable Grocery Outlet bags; then, those we're placed in the cart, easily. After all of that, I felt rewarded, again because my receipt printout showed a savings of $62 from my purchases. Shopping at Grocery Outlet is great for bargain hunters & refined pallets! When you get a chance, shop at the same grocery outlet I shopped at today or a local one near you. You might just find what you want and save sizable money! Grocery outlet always exceeds my expectations. And today was an even better experience! I am pretty sure you will award 5 stars to Grocery...

After getting new owners and new staff, this store deserves a updated review. Below was my review a year ago. I left it here just to contrast. The new owners are very kind people, so are the staff now. They are nothing like the workers before. It made us feel comfortable again just like 10 years ago, probably even better. 5 star. Keep it up!

This store used to be our go-to place on weekends, and the owner is probably best best grocery outlet owner in Bay Area. However, the short Hispanic lady with brown hair is very rude, picking on customers and with zero hospitality. She discriminates customers based on her personal preference, sometimes picking up arguments and treats people like underlings. There are others who appreciate easy minimum wage jobs like this with better hospitality. One of the guys there used to be very nice, but quite mean and short tempered these days as well. Maybe it's because the staff worked there for too long and no longer care about...