Honestly, if you’ve lived in the Bay Area for more than five minutes, you know that grocery shopping is basically a competitive sport. You’ve got your high-end spots where a single organic avocado costs as much as a streaming subscription, and then you’ve got the massive warehouse clubs where you have to pay a yearly fee just for the privilege of buying a 40-pound bag of flour. But tucked away at 6967 Mission St, there is a middle ground that most locals either swear by or completely overlook.
Smart & Final Daly City CA is kind of a strange beast. It’s not quite a Safeway, but it’s definitely not a Costco. It’s this weird, hybrid "Extra!" format store that tries to be everything to everyone—the small business owner looking for bulk espresso syrup and the frantic parent who just realized they’re out of milk at 9:00 PM.
Is it perfect? No. Is it the best place to get your groceries in Daly City? Well, that depends on how much you value your time, your sanity, and your membership fees.
The Membership Myth (And Why It Matters)
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away. You do not need a membership to shop at Smart & Final Daly City CA.
I’ve seen people stand outside the Mission Street entrance looking hesitant because the place looks like a warehouse. It’s got the high ceilings, the metal racking, and the industrial vibes. But unlike the big box clubs, you can just walk in, grab a cart, and buy a single lemon if that’s all you need.
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For many Daly City residents, this is the main draw. You get the bulk pricing of a wholesaler without the $60+ annual fee. If you’re a local business owner—maybe you run one of the many Filipino bakeries nearby or a small cafe—you can register for a "Smart Advantage" account to get tax exemptions, but for the average person buying cereal and paper towels, you just show up and shop.
What’s Actually Inside the Daly City Store?
Walking into the Mission Street location is a bit of a trip. The "Extra!" branding basically means they’ve expanded their produce and meat sections to be more "consumer-friendly" compared to their older, strictly-business warehouses.
The Bulk Paradox
You’ll find two versions of almost everything. One aisle has the regular-sized boxes of Ritz crackers you’d see at any grocery store. Two aisles over? A box the size of a small ottoman.
This is where the strategy comes in. If you’re shopping for a family in the Fog City, the bulk "First Street" brand items are usually where the real savings are. They carry everything from massive tubs of mayo to those giant 25-pound bags of jasmine rice that are staples in many local households.
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The "Iris" Legacy
Smart & Final has been around since 1871—literally one of the first companies in the Los Angeles phone book. They have these private labels like First Street (the workhorse brand) and Sun Harvest (the organic/natural line).
A lot of old-timers still look for the "Iris" brand, which was one of the first private labels in the U.S. While most of it has been rebranded to First Street, the quality has stayed surprisingly consistent for pantry staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods.
The Reality Check: The Good, The Bad, and the Mission Street Parking
Look, we have to talk about the parking. If you’ve ever tried to pull into that lot on a Saturday morning, you know the struggle. It’s tight. It’s chaotic. It’s very Daly City.
The store itself is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every single day. If you want to avoid the crowds, go early. Like, "sun-isn't-up-yet" early. The 6:00 AM crowd is mostly restaurant owners and contractors grabbing supplies, and they are on a mission. It’s the most efficient shopping experience you’ll ever have.
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Pros:
- No Membership Fees: Save that money for the rising PG&E bills.
- Club Sizes: You can buy the massive quantities without the Costco-sized lines.
- Specific Inventory: They carry things other stores don't, like industrial-sized cleaning supplies and a dizzying array of coffee syrups (Torani fans, rejoice).
- In-Stock Rates: Honestly, they are weirdly good at keeping the shelves full. Even when other stores are struggling with supply chain gaps, this location stays pretty stocked.
Cons:
- The Meat and Produce Gamble: It’s hit or miss. Some days the produce is fresh and cheap; other days, it looks a little tired. If you’re looking for "Aged Prime Ribeye," you might want to look elsewhere. Their meat is mostly shelf-ready and functional rather than gourmet.
- No Frills: Don't expect a fancy deli counter or someone to offer you samples of artisanal cheese. It’s a "get in and get out" kind of place.
- The "Missing" Items: Because they split their focus between households and businesses, they might not have fifteen different brands of organic kombucha. You get what you get.
How to Win at Smart & Final Daly City CA
If you want to actually save money here, you have to be smart about the "unit price." Just because something is in a big box doesn't always mean it's the best deal.
- Check the Weekly Ad: They still do a physical and digital flyer. The deals on produce and meat can be aggressive—sometimes better than the dedicated discount grocers.
- Use the App: They have digital coupons now. It’s a bit clunky, but it works.
- Think Like a Pro: Buy your "paper and plastic" here. Napkins, forks, trash bags—the First Street versions are basically identical to name brands but cost significantly less.
- The Delivery Hack: If you can’t deal with the Mission Street traffic, they are on DoorDash and Uber Eats. Sometimes the "first order" promos make it cheaper than driving there yourself when you factor in gas and your time.
Is It Worth the Trip?
At the end of the day, Smart & Final Daly City CA is a tool. If you’re feeding a large family or running a side hustle, it’s an essential stop. It lacks the polish of the high-end markets, but it makes up for it in utility. It’s a survivor of a bygone era of "cash and carry" shopping that has adapted just enough to stay relevant in 2026.
If you haven't been in a while, it's worth a walkthrough just to see the scale of the "Extra!" format. Just maybe... park a block away if it's the weekend.
Next Steps:
Before your next trip, download the Smart & Final app and clip the digital coupons for the First Street pantry staples. If you're buying for a business, make sure to bring your resale certificate to the manager's desk to get your tax-exempt status set up on your account before you hit the checkout line.