Smart & Final Extra!

Outstanding store and very helpful staff. This store is far far better than the one in Laguna Hills!

Me: Do you have hog casings?
Meat guy: What?
Me: Hog casings. You know to make your own sausage with.
Meat guy: No
Me: Do you know who might?
Meat guy: Why would I know that?
Me: Because you’re a butcher working in the meat department at a restaurant supply store.
Nuff said.

Worker Ignacio was very rude to me. After he rang me up I said thank you and he told me to leave and gave me a bad look. While I was on the floor worker Luis I asked him a question and he said «find it yourself!» In a yelling tone. I saw this worker Andrea tell a customer to F off.

In the 12+ years I’ve lived in Lake Forest, I’ve been here only a couple times (mostly to buy those little plastic containers for jello shots, heeeey!!) Imagine my surprise when on my latest visit, I discovered that it’s now called «Smart & Final Extra!».
I suppose the «Extra» part meant that it is still Smart & Final in all it’s bulk bargain glory but now also a full blown supermarket. Nice! I found some fresh giant shrimp for a great deal as well as some frozen scallops that turned out to be great quality.
Last, but not least, they had an abundance of jello shot cups! (Technically condiment cups, I guess. BORING.)
Great place to shop. Any time I can muster up the energy to fight El Toro traffic, I will make it a point to buy stuff here!

Wow. I was amazed to see the quality of produce they had on display. Walking through the market reminded me of going through sprouts or a whole foods. This was not the smart and final I remember when I was growing up. The onion selection was definitely better than the ralphs or Albertsons I usually go to and the grapes were firm and I couldn’t find a bag that contained any rotten ones (Albertsons /​ralphs). All in all great store but I couldn’t give 5 stars only because I did not get to check out the meat selection.

The Smart & Final Extra! markets seem to be slightly more upscale and nicer versions of the Smart and Final chain. Prices are very reasonable, but I usually head in for specific items, not for a full load of groceries. Coffee syrups are very inexpensive here when compared to markets or coffee shops, and buying in a bit of bulk (6 syrups) saves even more. They also have good and inexpensive bulk treats; I like the dark chocolate covered cashews and espresso beans.

I prefer Smart & Final over Costco because I can buy any size I want, not just club-​buys. They have a good selection of fruits and vegetables that are reasonably priced. They usually have the best price on 64oz salsa, canned beans and vegetables. Today 64oz Montecito salsa picante is only $ 3.99, bulk oats $ 0.69/lb, and First Street corn/​peas are 2/​$ 1. All these and no membership required. I’ll be back!

If you ever need anything for a big dinner, catering, or anything you might find at a smaller restaurant that’s deep fried… this is your spot.
They open early at 6am and carry all the good stuff. I wouldn’t say it replaces your regular grocery store but it has about 80% of everything you might want /​need.

This is probably the best place to go for bulk items and catering supplies if you don’t have a warehouse membership. I’ve bought burner trays and other supplies for parties over the years, and their prices really can’t be beat. Instead of renting chafing dishes, buy them at Smart and Final, preferably on sale. Use them once, and sell the like-​new dishes on Craigslist. In the end it’s cheaper than renting, but of course you have to deal with a Craigslist sale.

You got a big party to host? Well look no further. This place will have all your bulk goods needs… without all the crowds and long lines of Coscto. And no membership fees to boot!
This place is a grocery store on steroids. And that’s what kinda makes it fun. Even if I just need one or two things I’ll just go down the aisles to look at some of the other items and wonder ‘why in the world would I need so much _​_​_​_​_​_​?!’

Customer service from hell! For disrespect, suspicion and mistrust shop there. No, I don’t need to steal your ice!

I haven’t been to this store in years, it changed a lot, looks like a regular grocery store. Prices are OK not really any deals. Please was not looking very clean.

OMG! I love this place!
It feels like you’re in a supermarket but with only bulk items. It’s great for a larger family and you don’t have to wait in the long lines of Costco.
Selection of brand names is terrific. My variety pack of Miss Vickie’s chips is going to make a lot of peeps happy!
The only thing poo is the parking lot. But if you come early before the lunch crowd hits the area, it’s not a problem.

I came in with my mom today to get some salami and eggs. I was surprised that the prices were so low compared to grocery stores in the area. The second thing I noticed was that the place had a lot of staff present. I could easily find someone to help if I needed anything!
Other than that, the store has a slightly dirty, warehouse feel. But I think the prices were worth it. That being said, skip the bathroom. It’s not pleasant.

I had never been to a Smart & Final until my friend recommended it to me as a place to go, to find decent quality steak — for a caveman style barbecueing experiment.
Side note — caveman style is cooking the meat directly on the coals — no grill — which by the way turned out awesome!
So, I put aside my reservations and went over the Smart & Final in Lake Forest, over on El Toro Road.
I found the store to be clean and well stocked. Employees were friendly and very helpful.
Found what I needed (and more) and left wondering why I hadn’t ever stepped foot into one of these stores. I will be from now on — for their great selection and decent prices.

‘The last time I was here, Smart & Final was in the middle of a full-​on renovation/“face lift,” and it full-​on sucked… ‘But I’d have to say, «This new & improved version looks damn good!»
Store Front —
Huge, clean & organized —
My «go-​to» store… If I can’t find it @ COSTCO. (i.e. — 50# bag of table salt)
I do love me some extra sodium on my pastrami sandwiches, beef jerky & SPAM Musubi! No, but seriously it’s actually an anti-​flea measure for a couple of properties.
Photo —
As an anti-​flea remedy, sprinkle generously around the house, let sit then vacuum.
(Salt, used in conjunction w/​Diatomaceous Earth, another non-​toxic & safe flea control alternative works great.)
Pure Diatomaceous Earth (DE) — 100% Food Grade Only (Available @ most feed stores) —
The summer heat brings these blood suckers out like a buffet brings out da’ Hawaiians! (‘And we do love AYCE!)
‘And speaking of locals, Smart & Final even carries linguica, 2-​pack and a 5-​pack!
Winnahs! «Linguica — Da’ Hawaiian Breakfast Sausage»
Photo —
As well as:
Salvadorean Style Pork Chorizo —
Lamb Loin Chops —
The meat dept. also carries some cuts of meat that one doesn’t usually find in the local meat case such as pigs feet, ears, oxtail, beef hooves, knuckles & shanks…
«Knuckles & Shanks» — ‘Sounds like another cop/​buddy movie…
(‘Either that, or a prison romance movie.)
‘All good stuff that I know my bully-​pit, HAPA, would thoroughly enjoy.
‘And another huge plus, it’s free to the general public. (i.e. — No membership required)
— Big Aloha!
Food: 3+
Ambiance: 3
Service: 4
Value: 5