James S.
Yelp
9 Years Later, it's still 4 Stars. I go to a lot of grocery stores. So many, in fact, that fellow shoppers sometimes stop me to ask my opinion thinking I work there, or I'll sometimes get mistaken for a home-shopper. I pretty much know where stuff is (and isn't). While I do love to walk the aisles and take mental inventory of brands, availability, prices (and how they compare elsewhere), I oftentimes just make a dash in to grab the two things I need before dashing off.
In my experience, there are some things that I will always strive to get at BF Westwood, and some things I will definitely go elsewhere for. The breakfast offerings (including a newly refreshed breakfast hot-bar plus their always best-in-category muffins) are a good reason to pop in. 'The Cookie' is also huge, decadent, rich in chocolate and walnuts -- and very shareable. These treats beat the other grocery stores, and certainly the famous coffeeshop across the street.
Their sushi here is pretty good - on par with WF. Their rotisserie chickens, however, are inconsistent. I rarely get them here anymore; they're too dry.
The Deli/Prepared Foods Dept is good. Sometimes you have wait for someone to show up or be called. (In fairness, that's also an issue at WF). The sandwiches are huge, customizable, and very shareable. The seafood department seems exorbitant to me and mostly unappealing. The meats are sometimes great, but oftentimes in my experience, there are better cuts with better prices at other stores.
The wine selection is good, though not huge. Sometimes, SOMETIMES some of their prices beat everyone. (Hey, when you're walking around at different stores, some things stand out!) Their wine guy is frequently there; both friendly and knowledgable.
Diary Dept is about the most expensive around, so I generally avoid that, too. Milk and eggs, OMG. Occasional exception is cheese. Also, they have do have some unique yogurt brands. Just be sure to check the Due Date (though that concept is being discontinued here in CA.)
The special thing here is that BF has consistent family of staff. Yes, you'll see new folks here and there. It feels very much like a local grocery store because you I will often see so many familiar faces among the staff. That is unique among any of their competitors, IMO. At Check-Out, there are at least four different people whom I never surprised, but always happy, to see.
The bathroom is not easy to get to. Not impossible, but way too much trouble.
The parking lot is about moderately annoying and difficult on the scale of Grocery Store Parking Lots.
This is a smaller store. Still, it's got plenty to offer.
