The San Mateo Whole Foods is definitely the worst Whole Foods on the peninsula if you've ever been to another one. Smaller, crowded, some stores even have a counter where you can sit at the end of your day and have a beer or whatever. It's hard to even recognize the store compared to the others it really is night and day! The meat department is ridiculous. Crowded, mislabeled purchases several times- I had a number and the guy took someone before me because he said she came before me with no number - whatever. But I have had the wrong cut of meat put on the label twice now where I paid more for a product as in prime steak rather than sausage! You call to complain about mislabeling and they tell you to come in and let them know the next time but how do you prove anything? And the last thing I want do is run right back to the store and play show and tell! When my mother was alive I ordered chestnut soup special ordered twice and they never called me. And now for the sale items...one person will tell you what's on sale is on sale to everyone and then you go to ring it up and you are told it's only for prime members. I even had them going back-and-forth debating while standing right by the guy who told me it was on sale for anyone and I got special permission (!?) to get the price which the guy says I was supposed to get anyway. I was refusing to get into the prime cult but recently I bought something on Amazon and accidentally touched the wrong spot and it signed me up for a free 30 days, then another free 30 days and I have decided to give it a try but will probably cancel. It seems like the stuff I buy usually isn't a Prime dealand I will probably figure out it's not worth it to break even. I have a streaming box so I don't stream anything from them. If I buy enough the majority of things I get qualify for prime shipping anyway. They have a long long way to go. If it was anything like the other ones such as Redwood City this would be a different review. I sometimes go to New Leaf out on the coast which is just like them but local produce and better prices in many areas.
Kevin L.
Such rude employees at this store. I know that times are crazy but no need to be so rude to customers. I had a girl from the produce department who was getting upset with my questions, It was like pulling teeth. Heavy set girl with a lot of dark makeup and black hair. She was so rude with her tone of voice. Seemed like i was bothering her. Found out she was the supervisor. Last time i shop at this location. Im done .
Sarah D.
I keep waiting for the service to get better at this Whole Foods. The staff packs eggs at the bottom of the bags. The fish staff complains that they haven't had a break in six hours. But the worst is listening to how the managers treat the customers. The latest is Shelby--she was so rude. It's tough because I do like a few of their products but I value good customer service and it just doesn't exist at this Whole Foods. Their form letter below doesn't help. We have decided to shop at Whole Foods San Mateo as little as possible.
Edward M.
To the Green haired butcher...chill !I know it's extremely busy.You were calling numbers for service.You went ten numbers ahead ..no one was paying attention. Me and the gentleman ahead of me answered here.Then the people ahead of us started saying here. Of course I waited my turn. You helped the gentleman ahead of me ( 2 pounds of chorizo ) you apologized For the long wait to him. I'm next ...you "Barked"at me that I should wait my turn next time. Your the guy who called my number in the first place. btw...because I'm a minority?!
Christina L.
This is my go to Whole Foods. I enjoy getting fresh herbs and fresh seafood (not the freshest but still delicious). Also, I frequently get cakes from their bakery shop. The cakes are tasty and inexpensive compared to local bakery that have heavy frosting. Tres leches cake is the best!
Freideleen L.
Hands down to Whole Foods for their exceptional service especially to Jessica (Baker) and Sam, shift supervisor.Yesterday, my girlfriend received a cake delivery from Amazon. Unfortunately, it was delivered on its side so the side and writing was destroyed. So she contacted me for help to fix since I'm a hobbyist cake decorator and she was too shy/embarrassed to ask Whole Foods for fix since she ordered through Amazon.After taking a look in person, I said I would do what I can. Then I realized that the buttercream was very different and meshing buttercreams, removing ganache would not be ideal. So contacted Whole Foods over the phone and they indicated they didn't have replacement cake so I offered alternative that if they gave butter cream, I could fix it. They said that was doable and to head on over.When I arrived, the baker Jessica was horrified and insisted that they replace the cake with something similar since they didn't have exact cake. However, since Amazon order had to get supervisor/manager for approval. Sam, shift supervisor/manager was equally horrified and emphatic with no questions asked immediately approved Jessica's request.They both went the extra mile and epitomize what excellent customer service is. Whole Foods should be proud to have such amazing team members.Thank you Jessica and Sam for a wonderful experience.
Rob D.
FRAUD! "Organic" rotisserie chicken not organic. If you buy an uncooked 5lb organic chicken at their fresh meat dpt, it's $20. (This means that WF buys it for $15 wholesale.) Cooked, it's about $3lb. The "organic" cooked rotisserie chicken sells for $10, also 3lb.I doubt that WF takes a $5 loss per rotisserie chicken. Before Amazon bought WF, the rotisserie chicken was $15. When Amazon took over, they lowered the organic price to $10. Why? Do you think retailers take $5 loss on organic chicken (not likely a loss leader)? No! They just sell you regular chicken and write it's organic on the label. The last organic rotisserie chicken tasted so bad that I bought a fresh organic chicken and cooked it myself to compare. The taste was excellent, nothing to do with their fake "organic rotisserie".
Rosmarin T.
Shopping at Whole Foods in San Mateo is a pleasant experience always! Staff is always friendly and helpful! I never met someone that was not willing to help me if I was not able to find something or if I was not able to reach something. Even the shoppers that are in the store have been helpful to me. Most of the time you they have what the item I am looking for, due to COVID and the delay in delivery times some items are currently out of stock - I take it as an opportunity to taylor my recipe using an alternative ingredient that is available. I also take advantage of WF online ordering. It saves time and my groceries are getting delivered to my home. The new revision of the online ordering system with adding alternatives if my product of choice is not available makes it even more attractive. My favorite departments in the store are the produce and fish department- both are unbeatable in this area. The fish is always fresh and a number of different types of fish are available. The produce department is the same- plenty of assortment. Organic and conventional - sometimes something is run out- it means a lot of people bought it. So I take something else. Thank you Whole Food to make shopping such a pleasant experience. I can not wait to see your smiles again.
Ida S.
I have been to this Whole Foods a few times and every time it truly has been a pleasant experience. Whole Foods sells high quality products but it's known that they are at a more expensive price tag. They have foods for all types of diets and eating lifestyles. The staff at this location is great and quite friendly which already makes me feel welcomed when we come back. The store seems to be Cautious during shelter in place. The are your trustworthy neighborhood store with all of your local needs. Happy know this is far from me so I will definitely come back to see.
Nancy N.
Hello, I want to thank whoever arranges the flowers at this WF. This arrangement is so adorable and perfect and fresh. An artistic sense made this little bouquet. Thank you for making my day. During this SIP seeing something so joyful made the day better.
I've given this location so many chances, but time and time again I bring my produce home to find it full of mold a day later. Most recently it's become worse as the garlic I just bought was half moldy after cutting into it. On top of that they are frequently out of items. Overall I think this store is just under extremely poor management. It's never been good and is and embarrassment compared to other well managed Whole Foods I've been to across the country. Unfortunately out of those 25 or so various locations, this one ranks at the bottom. Not sure how this is possible in such an upperclass area, but thats not for me to figure out.
Randy B.
It's "fresh and exciting", paraphrasing the old Kool & The Gang song "Fresh". Super clean and bright, a truly beautiful market with everything you want under the sun. On the organic and healthy side of town, a wide selection of breads, fruits, veggies, meats, and fresh juices. As with all Whole Foods, you've got to be prepared for the expensive price point. You can make jokes like "Whole Paycheck", but it's closer to being the "Holy Land", or better yet, righteous territory -- expect the highest quality around. The prepared foods area has pizza, sandwiches, burritos, and yes -- soups, salad, and plenty of selections for hot foods in a self-serve salad bar style. AWESOME! Location specific: San Mateo, CA ============================== * Very helpful and nice -- it's hard not to like. * Always several cashiers available, little to no line. * Smaller location that most other Whole Food locations * Small shared parking lot, but additional underground parking available
Rakhsha M.
After 10 days staying at home today I went to the Whole Foods for some grocery needs and was absolutely disappointed seeing so many people there shopping and the management didn't care to ask people to keep social distance from each other, non of the workers had gloves or mask on and nobody was sanitizing the shopping carts or the counters. Considering the number of people effecting with the Coronavirus keep going up nobody seems to care in Whole Food San Mateo.
Sorryimchris ..
Shelby is rude as hell man. She needs to learn to b professional her boss said it was ok to return a particular item and this girl asks her boss like she is lost and needs to find her way and tells her boss to tell me that my items can't b returned. Waste of breathe and money this place they should just hire monkeys
Odie O.
Hate this location a total pain in the a** to drive to loop around like crazy to find it and its very busy at lunch way too much effort hope to never have to go here again
The San Mateo Whole Foods is definitely the worst Whole Foods on the peninsula if you've ever been to another one. Smaller, crowded, some stores even have a counter where you can sit at the end of your day and have a beer or whatever. It's hard to even recognize the store compared to the others it really is night and day! The meat department is ridiculous. Crowded, mislabeled purchases several times- I had a number and the guy took someone before me because he said she came before me with no number - whatever. But I have had the wrong cut of meat put on the label twice now where I paid more for a product as in prime steak rather than sausage! You call to complain about mislabeling and they tell you to come in and let them know the next time but how do you prove anything? And the last thing I want do is run right back to the store and play show and tell! When my mother was alive I ordered chestnut soup special ordered twice and they never called me. And now for the sale items...one person will tell you what's on sale is on sale to everyone and then you go to ring it up and you are told it's only for prime members. I even had them going back-and-forth debating while standing right by the guy who told me it was on sale for anyone and I got special permission (!?) to get the price which the guy says I was supposed to get anyway. I was refusing to get into the prime cult but recently I bought something on Amazon and accidentally touched the wrong spot and it signed me up for a free 30 days, then another free 30 days and I have decided to give it a try but will probably cancel. It seems like the stuff I buy usually isn't a Prime dealand I will probably figure out it's not worth it to break even. I have a streaming box so I don't stream anything from them. If I buy enough the majority of things I get qualify for prime shipping anyway. They have a long long way to go. If it was anything like the other ones such as Redwood City this would be a different review. I sometimes go to New Leaf out on the coast which is just like them but local produce and better prices in many areas.
Such rude employees at this store. I know that times are crazy but no need to be so rude to customers. I had a girl from the produce department who was getting upset with my questions, It was like pulling teeth. Heavy set girl with a lot of dark makeup and black hair. She was so rude with her tone of voice. Seemed like i was bothering her. Found out she was the supervisor. Last time i shop at this location. Im done .
I keep waiting for the service to get better at this Whole Foods. The staff packs eggs at the bottom of the bags. The fish staff complains that they haven't had a break in six hours. But the worst is listening to how the managers treat the customers. The latest is Shelby--she was so rude. It's tough because I do like a few of their products but I value good customer service and it just doesn't exist at this Whole Foods. Their form letter below doesn't help. We have decided to shop at Whole Foods San Mateo as little as possible.
To the Green haired butcher...chill !I know it's extremely busy.You were calling numbers for service.You went ten numbers ahead ..no one was paying attention. Me and the gentleman ahead of me answered here.Then the people ahead of us started saying here. Of course I waited my turn. You helped the gentleman ahead of me ( 2 pounds of chorizo ) you apologized For the long wait to him. I'm next ...you "Barked"at me that I should wait my turn next time. Your the guy who called my number in the first place. btw...because I'm a minority?!
This is my go to Whole Foods. I enjoy getting fresh herbs and fresh seafood (not the freshest but still delicious). Also, I frequently get cakes from their bakery shop. The cakes are tasty and inexpensive compared to local bakery that have heavy frosting. Tres leches cake is the best!
Hands down to Whole Foods for their exceptional service especially to Jessica (Baker) and Sam, shift supervisor.Yesterday, my girlfriend received a cake delivery from Amazon. Unfortunately, it was delivered on its side so the side and writing was destroyed. So she contacted me for help to fix since I'm a hobbyist cake decorator and she was too shy/embarrassed to ask Whole Foods for fix since she ordered through Amazon.After taking a look in person, I said I would do what I can. Then I realized that the buttercream was very different and meshing buttercreams, removing ganache would not be ideal. So contacted Whole Foods over the phone and they indicated they didn't have replacement cake so I offered alternative that if they gave butter cream, I could fix it. They said that was doable and to head on over.When I arrived, the baker Jessica was horrified and insisted that they replace the cake with something similar since they didn't have exact cake. However, since Amazon order had to get supervisor/manager for approval. Sam, shift supervisor/manager was equally horrified and emphatic with no questions asked immediately approved Jessica's request.They both went the extra mile and epitomize what excellent customer service is. Whole Foods should be proud to have such amazing team members.Thank you Jessica and Sam for a wonderful experience.
FRAUD! "Organic" rotisserie chicken not organic. If you buy an uncooked 5lb organic chicken at their fresh meat dpt, it's $20. (This means that WF buys it for $15 wholesale.) Cooked, it's about $3lb. The "organic" cooked rotisserie chicken sells for $10, also 3lb.I doubt that WF takes a $5 loss per rotisserie chicken. Before Amazon bought WF, the rotisserie chicken was $15. When Amazon took over, they lowered the organic price to $10. Why? Do you think retailers take $5 loss on organic chicken (not likely a loss leader)? No! They just sell you regular chicken and write it's organic on the label. The last organic rotisserie chicken tasted so bad that I bought a fresh organic chicken and cooked it myself to compare. The taste was excellent, nothing to do with their fake "organic rotisserie".
Shopping at Whole Foods in San Mateo is a pleasant experience always! Staff is always friendly and helpful! I never met someone that was not willing to help me if I was not able to find something or if I was not able to reach something. Even the shoppers that are in the store have been helpful to me. Most of the time you they have what the item I am looking for, due to COVID and the delay in delivery times some items are currently out of stock - I take it as an opportunity to taylor my recipe using an alternative ingredient that is available. I also take advantage of WF online ordering. It saves time and my groceries are getting delivered to my home. The new revision of the online ordering system with adding alternatives if my product of choice is not available makes it even more attractive. My favorite departments in the store are the produce and fish department- both are unbeatable in this area. The fish is always fresh and a number of different types of fish are available. The produce department is the same- plenty of assortment. Organic and conventional - sometimes something is run out- it means a lot of people bought it. So I take something else. Thank you Whole Food to make shopping such a pleasant experience. I can not wait to see your smiles again.
I have been to this Whole Foods a few times and every time it truly has been a pleasant experience. Whole Foods sells high quality products but it's known that they are at a more expensive price tag. They have foods for all types of diets and eating lifestyles. The staff at this location is great and quite friendly which already makes me feel welcomed when we come back. The store seems to be Cautious during shelter in place. The are your trustworthy neighborhood store with all of your local needs. Happy know this is far from me so I will definitely come back to see.
Hello, I want to thank whoever arranges the flowers at this WF. This arrangement is so adorable and perfect and fresh. An artistic sense made this little bouquet. Thank you for making my day. During this SIP seeing something so joyful made the day better.
Restaurantji Recommends
I've given this location so many chances, but time and time again I bring my produce home to find it full of mold a day later. Most recently it's become worse as the garlic I just bought was half moldy after cutting into it. On top of that they are frequently out of items. Overall I think this store is just under extremely poor management. It's never been good and is and embarrassment compared to other well managed Whole Foods I've been to across the country. Unfortunately out of those 25 or so various locations, this one ranks at the bottom. Not sure how this is possible in such an upperclass area, but thats not for me to figure out.
It's "fresh and exciting", paraphrasing the old Kool & The Gang song "Fresh". Super clean and bright, a truly beautiful market with everything you want under the sun. On the organic and healthy side of town, a wide selection of breads, fruits, veggies, meats, and fresh juices. As with all Whole Foods, you've got to be prepared for the expensive price point. You can make jokes like "Whole Paycheck", but it's closer to being the "Holy Land", or better yet, righteous territory -- expect the highest quality around. The prepared foods area has pizza, sandwiches, burritos, and yes -- soups, salad, and plenty of selections for hot foods in a self-serve salad bar style. AWESOME! Location specific: San Mateo, CA ============================== * Very helpful and nice -- it's hard not to like. * Always several cashiers available, little to no line. * Smaller location that most other Whole Food locations * Small shared parking lot, but additional underground parking available
After 10 days staying at home today I went to the Whole Foods for some grocery needs and was absolutely disappointed seeing so many people there shopping and the management didn't care to ask people to keep social distance from each other, non of the workers had gloves or mask on and nobody was sanitizing the shopping carts or the counters. Considering the number of people effecting with the Coronavirus keep going up nobody seems to care in Whole Food San Mateo.
Shelby is rude as hell man. She needs to learn to b professional her boss said it was ok to return a particular item and this girl asks her boss like she is lost and needs to find her way and tells her boss to tell me that my items can't b returned. Waste of breathe and money this place they should just hire monkeys
Hate this location a total pain in the a** to drive to loop around like crazy to find it and its very busy at lunch way too much effort hope to never have to go here again