Stater Bros. Markets

I love this place. Been coming for years. The service at the meat department is amazing. Especially Nathan, he's always been great serving me. Amazing customer service. Shit I wanna take him out for a beer or two at this point. Highly recommend!

One of the features we love about Stater Brothers is that it has real meat department with meat cutters. Today was a good example of how well this works for us. They had Porterhouse steaks on sale this week ($5.99 per pound). I called the store this morning and asked if the meat department could cut a 4" thick Porterhouse steak for me ... and they did (photo). The meat sales at Stater Brothers are great, as is the service. Produce specials are also good, like the large artichokes this week for 99 cents each. And let me tell you about the Bing cherries a few weeks back -- reddest, sweetest ever. Delivery service is available during the pandemic but not curbside pickup.

I've only been here a handful of times as I never felt their produce or meat department had all that to offer. I was never sure if Stater was a discount supermarket because it didn't have the same pizzazz as Albertsons/Ralphs/Vons etc. So I wasn't ever sure what Stater pitched as it's own branding if you know what I mean.

This location seems to be pretty old and I agree with others that the check out lines can be LONG.

But they seem to have their own bakery department as evidenced by the donuts they showcase up front. They also have a deli department that fries their own chicken, chicken strips, fries, etc. I didn't think their combo was cheaper than Ralph's $6.99 lunch combo though.

The deli and meat department staff were nice and always asks if you need help if they see you looking at whatever item. So that's something I don't see all that often in other markets.

Their craft beer selection was pretty weak. Plus the prices were way higher than what I've seen on sale at Vons (who seems to have THE best craft beer prices in town actually).

What I did buy that I thought was pretty affordable was canned dog food and dog biscuits. I know - weird - but I was actually curious to see how their canine department fared compared to other places. I think I got the the dog biscuits on sale for $3.99 and a big can of dog food for only .95c. And so far, the pups love the biscuits and dog food so there ya go.

Happy mutts = happy home.

I've never had an issue here finding parking so that's another plus. I'm not sure if I'd shop here for steaks or produce as neighboring markets seem to have a better selection. But I'd come back again if I was in the area and needed a few doggy items though.

My husband, who rarely gives compliments, actually came home from Stater Bros today as asked me to write this review. He stated that Marco, in the meat department, gave him some of the best customer service he has seen in a long time.

The service had to do with going the extra mile on helping him with cutting some meat (for beef jerky) and general great attitude/friendliness.
We don't often go to Stater Bros as it in not our nearest grocery store but my husband was waiting for Discount Tire service so he went in. Apparently this is the only place he wants to buy meat now.

Thanks for the great service Marco.

The remodel is finally done and it looks fantastic. The deli took the longest to complete so very happy it is open and operating now. I am a fan of the meat department as they are super helpful and will take special orders or requests. If you need something, just ask!

The only area which needs improving is the bagging clerks - now that I bring my reusable shopping bags, they just really make a mess of everything. I don't think they have adjusted from just tossing stuff in plastic bags.

We have many stores closer to us, however we will drive down the freeway, 5 exits to go to this store.

I have been extremely happy with my experiences at this Stater Brothers. I am a VERY tough customer when it comes to my grocery shopping experiences; as I have worked the industry and I expect the same level of customer service I used to give.

I was here at #Stater #Brothers on a Saturday at 4pm and it was well staffed, and I walked right up to check out. Dan C. was at the register and was just getting ready to get back to his department to continue making it shine.... but he didn't frown upon my arrival to the register, he simply mentioned to his manager that he was doing his best to get out of the register and get back to working on his department. I was very impressed with his composure and demeanor as he looked ready to get back to it, but it was not at the cost of my experience at the register...
Dan reminded me of "me" years ago when I used to work at a competing grocery store. I was a "Customer Service Pro" twice which took a set number of customers writing in and complementing my performance. One of these pins was considered a great achievement, two of them was unheard of. I was always asked at company functions if I had purchased the other one from a retiring employee.... I had earned it just like Dan earned this review....

Due to his and the manager Dianas wonderful customer service I wanted to ensure that others knew about this little gem of a #grocery #store in #Rancho #Penasquitos, and that the review comes from someone that worked in the grocery industry at a competing store for 10 years and 5 of those at their premier store in Rancho Bernardo.

The produce department:
This is my favorite department in a grocery store. This Stater Brothers Produce Department is always correctly stocked, the produce guys are friendly and work well together. The department is always spot on. I know the challenges of keeping the produce department looking good; and this Stater Bros does a fantastic job of keeping it fresh and most importantly, correctly rotated. (produce term for making sure the apples, oranges etc are always fresh and worthy of purchase.)

Meat Department:
The meat department is amazing as well! We always receive instantaneous service upon our arrival at the meat counter AND indication that we are ready to order. I mention this because I want to be clear, they don't rush you at the counter... if you want a few minutes to see if you are even interested, you are given it.... however once you show you are ready to order, they are ready to take it... they are lightening fast to respond. The pre-packaged meat is also great quality!

Fresh Dairy:
I state fresh because I used to get to work Dairy and the challenge with this is proper ordering and rotation. The little cooler in the back is only so big and it has to hold a LOT..... factor in that the Dairy manager does NOT have a crystal ball that tells him/her how many gallons of milk, half and half, cartons of yogurt and orange juice we are going to buy..... they have to "know" this from having "felt" the ebb and flow of the customers purchasing... it is an art form. Come see a Rembrandt in action here at Stater Brothers. They really keep it clean in the Dairy, I have yet to find an out-dated pull date on anything! Even the shelves are clean underneath the milk and orange juice. This is challenging as well.

Deli, Chips, Soda, Beer & Spirits:
Deli:
I picked up some Nathan's Hot dogs on sale here that were $2.00 cheaper than anywhere else. The deli section is very neat and organized and again nothing with old pull dates.
Soda:
Cheap Coke 2 liters?!? ummm yep need some of those! GREAT sale prices on Soda!
Beer:
Great selection of cold beer and the pricing is very affordable considering this is a grocery store.
Spirits:
I wanted to try the new Spiced Bacardi rum that came out forever ago and had found it on sale at BevM**, but Stater Brothers was a full $1.00 cheaper than the specialized dealer had it for. Then upon check out I got a coupon for another $4.00 off of two bottles making it $3.00 cheaper, per bottle, if I want to purchase a couple of gifts.

I love the new "mini" black shopping carts they have in addition to regular carts. I don't buy a whole lot as we don't have a ton of storage space. These carts are perfect for my family.

Many times I come by here on my way home:
I take the 15 North to the 56 West and it's the first exit off the 56. You then drive straight through the light you come to on the off ramp and then take the first driveway into the shopping center on your right.

Super easy freeway access allowing you a nice break from the drive home before the traffic in #Rancho #Bernardo / #Escondido which can be frustrating.

REAL people shop here:
They are polite!
They smile as they walk by you & acknowledge your existence!
Great Quality, Selection, Prices & Nice Customers too!?!
This is MY store!

This store is a blessing, especially after the Haggen/Albertson's debacle! The store is clean and well laid-out, with high quality and low prices. The selection is good. The meat department is especially excellent. The staff is friendly and helpful (especially Marta!). I only wish that they had a pharmacy

The lines were too long making the wait too long. Stater Bros doesn't sell single potatoes. There was just 2 of us eating. I didn't want a large bag. I do like the meat department though.

I don't really know why I avoided this grocery store. But the last couple of times we came here I thought they did well in service. They clearly have a wide variety of products to offer and supposedly have a great meat department. Good job!

Love going here for the meat department. Usually will pick up one of the items that are on special to use for my smoker or will get some of their delicious stuffed hamburger patties. I stick with the jalapeno, bacon, or blue cheese stuffed ones