Countrywood Shopping Center — Local services in Walnut Creek

This Local Shopping Center, stands the test of time. Still lovely with the pond and bridge near the Starbucks, well-maintained, plenty of parking, and they even do nice seasonal decorations.

Solid offerings include:

• All-Star Donuts (get there early for best selection because the Apple fritters go quickly)
• UPS store (staff is really helpful and even if there’s a line it moves quickly)
• Safeway (this midsize store has good selection and multiple self checkout lines)
• Panera (Especially with the drive-through, even getting a freshly-baked, sliced loaf of bread is easy)
• CVS / formerly Longs Drugs store (More open format after CVS remodel makes for more merchandising and the pharmacy often has a long line, but overall the product selection is good and you can find what you’re looking for)
• Starbucks (The outside shaded deck with the sound of running water makes this a win even without coffee. We use the Starbucks app to order ahead and avoid the line)

Hidden Gems:

• Cousins Locksmith Kiosk (locally owned and operated and they also do knife sharpening)
• Genova Delicatessen (Love this old-school classic with custom-made sandwiches and delicious ravioli. Locally-made, frozen ravioli is also available to-go. Just make sure to grab a number on your way in and select/grab your bread selection while waiting for your turn in the sandwich line. Tables available to eat there or take your lunch to go)
• Countrywood Music (Old school music shop. Wander in and you’ll be amazed at what you fine, including the option for lessons)

Forgotten Classic: [Between Starbucks and Noah’s Bagels]

• McCaulou’s Department Store (this is a great local secret, as their free gift wrapping service on items over $15 is convenient and absolutely gorgeous.

Shopping departments are small but you can find some great brands and some real deals; their end of season liquidation (especially in the kids department has namebrand shorts for as little as $4). There’s a train table to occupy little kids and a small shoe department for all ages with knowledgeable staff.

Staff has been there a long time in many cases and sometimes there may be a little bit of a wait but there are always people on hand to help. And while you wait, the store is clean, air-conditioned,...

Portion size went down prices went way up, I really wouldn't say this is how much your shopping center as it's the Black Bear restaurant, that uses a shared parking lot with Oakley City Hall and the police department. If you enjoy eating at a themed restaurant that's kind of reminiscent of a dad joke, then this is the perfect place. However when you order your dinner, make sure to remind the waiter to bring all of it, things like dinner rolls or corn muffins are not automatically served even though they're part of the dinner. Four years Black Bear Diner was known for the fact that everybody took all my take-home box. The portions were huge and the prices are reasonable. Food quality vary somewhat on location to location but in general was pretty good. However the green beans and bacon are not home cooking they are canned green beans with leftover bacon it is been crumbled into it. Just a greasy green Mass. As I previously stated what they were known for large portions and reasonable prices are no longer. Expect smaller portions even when you order a larger one, and definitely expect a much higher price. You're not going to be getting out the door for less than $20 a person even drinks run around...

12/26/18

Countrywood Shopping Plaza is awesome! For breakfast we have Black Bear Diner, Jamba Juice, Noah's and Starbucks, Genova's Deli for lunch, or Panera if you need a drive thru, McCalou's for shopping, Safeway for groceries, CVS for Pharmacy and more, plus Sichuan House (Chinese) and Sorrento's (Italian) for great dinner options, Guantano's ice cream for dessert, and Artie's Bar in the back!!!

9/12/12

I like this shopping center because of the giant parking lot and the variety of shops. Safeway, Bagels, my Bank of America ATM, Artie's Lounge hidden around back, great sandwiches, ice cream, shopping. I could go on but those are my top spots here. And I've never had to circle for parking.

The parking lot is generally clean, also. There are a couple redundant stop signs as you exit onto Treat, and that's a right turn only out of the lot, which is somewhat inconvenient, but otherwise it's pretty...