I shop here weekly and generally don't have any issues, however recently almost every time I go, there is a large amount of expired or near expired food. Everything from bacon, hotdogs, bread, hummus, sour cream, ketchup and so on. It has got to the point where i have to check almost every item I go to buy because of how much food ive had to throw out at home. Ive also bought cheese a few times where I didnt notice that it had been sliced open with what I assume would have been the box cutter. I also check the cheese every time now AND the ketchups and plum sauces etc because multiple times the seal has been gone when i take the lid off and i feared it was tamped with. I am on fixed income and its a hard hit to have to throw out food simply because the store isn't doing its job. I know to check my items now, but I wonder how many other people aren't checking. You shouldn't have to check for expired food in a grocery store IMO.

A great little grocery store. They've got a nice balance of common, everyday products, and international or specialty items. The staff at the store for the most part are kind and willing to help. There's a lot of really good deals to find here, and the prices for the most part are very fair. Tuesday is student discount day, where students get a 10% discount at checkout. This is great, but can draw lots of crowds. So if you're a student, be sure to take advantage! If you're not, you may want to avoid the store on Tuesdays. If I'm gonna go to the grocery store, this is where I go. EDIT: Just want to add, there's a cashier who works here (who I will not name) who is a truly terrible person. The baggage area is already a stressful place because of the people waiting, and she only makes it worse. She treats each customer like garbage and is incredibly hostile everytime I cash out with her.

Poor customer service. Girls at checkout unable to assist when they overcharged me $3.00 on one item. Just told I would have to go to customer service. No one was available at customer service. One of the girls at express cash shouted over to me “They are in the back room counting the money and will be here momentarily”!! After waiting 10 minutes an elderly customer returned to the store because she was overcharged for the same product. We asked the cashier in express to just get a refund. Was told same story about them counting the money. Cashier very rude to elderly customer when she was just trying to say she had the same problem! Customer service arrived but no apology for overpricing or timeframe. I know being a cashier can be a thankless job but maybe the manager of this store should train its employees with some people skills!

Disgusting store. I was there on a Wednesday evening. The young men in produce were helpful. The store is dirty and poorly stocked. There is next to no organic produce. Much of the produce bins were empty. I came home with two pathetic looking cobs of corn that look as if they’ve been around for a while. The conveyor belt at checkout had an unidentified liquid on it and the cashier who seemed to have no interest in her job never bothered to wipe it down. I worked in a grocery store and we always kept the belts clean. There is a really nice Food Basics on King George Road in Brantford. The owner and manager of this store should go visit and see how it is done properly. This one is the closest budget grocery store to me, but I don’t think I can tolerate shopping there. It was a disappointing and depressing experience.

I tend to shop at Food Basics - it's probably my favourite grocery chain in Hamilton. I went to this particular location to get Tamarind sauce for Samosas on my way further West. They didn't have any. Disappointingly, this store has a rather limited "Foods of the World's" section - lots of Thai and East Asian options, but very few South Asian sauces. I was surprised, given the varied selection that other FBs offer and that this store is close to a university (and full of students, some with parents, shopping on a Sunday afternoon!!!). The store is usually clean, but today there was definitely the lingering odour of spoiled milk. Maybe it was a bad day for this Food Basics. I'd go again....but only if I actually wanted some super basic food item.

Great shopping experience and can find most basic items in the store like eggs milk chesse bread cat and dog food. Personally i enjoy the machine check out because of the short line and the amount of food i buy is enough for a short line up mean while the cashier can deal with questions from customers curious about the food i shop vary quick because I wright a list or only go for 1 to 3 items at a time. Sometimes i have trouble with the fruits and vegetables but there are friendly staff there to help with the training the customer about the process of going through with the barcode and type of apple it is I'm still unsure.

I just had a young cashier tell me off for having 17 items in the express line (1-16 items). Might I add that this was when her checkout line was completely empty with no other customers waiting to be checked out, and when all the regular checkouts had several people waiting with huge cart loads of items. She actually asked me to put an item back to be at 16. I told her I only have 17 items in my cart and she audibly sighed and said "I GUESS that's fine". I usually grocery shop here but I think I'll be going elsewhere for my next shopping trip!

Local Grocery store that provides most purchase needs with decent hours and prices. The biggest problem is staff constantly steal your carts before you are finished with it! (Which has happened to me on several occasions.) I don't know if they are just looking for an extra 25 cent "tip" or what but it's a real piss off. I am not only out 25 cents for the next time I go to the grocery store, I also have no where to put my items to get out of the store! FOOD BASICS STAFF....STOP COLLECTING COSTUMER CARTS BEFORE PEOPLE ARE DONE WITH THEM!!!!!

Editing my previous review... I have been stuck with a fair bit of rotten fruit and some meat lately. Today I picked up a can of coconut milk and the expiry date was the end of this month. I believe they know the fruit should come off of the shelves but also know that most people don't return food items. They ask for your receipt . Clean and well organized. Lots of parking. Staff seem friendly and helpful. Watch for good deals. They carry my favorite kombucha beverage, (Tonica is the best).

This location needs more friendly and helpful employees. I went to self check out and there were two ladies (didn't get their names but one is blonde short hair above the shoulders and the other dark/black short hair) were standing at the end and saw me struggle with two bags of groceries, and didn't offer to help and take my basket. My hands were completely full and they were standing there talking. This is not ok! Didn't get a 5 star because of inconsiderate, and unfriendly employees.

Why this store closes so early at 8 pm what is their excuse?? If store owner can't run it then let Wal-Mart replace it. The behavior of Cashier's at checkout unacceptable and rude to customers the store has also increased prices of most grocery items during COVID-19. The store manager should educate those staff who misbehave with customers at checkout we have noticed 2 instances of such insulting behavior of these uneducated poor skilled staff either to fire it teach them some manners

It was nice until check out I am a teen who was only buying two items I payed then left. When I left a worker chased me out scolding me saying I had stolen my drink (a single monster) I had assured her I did pay she kept denying it even though she had seen me pay. We had to go all the way back in just to see that yes I had paid the lady then kept saying I hadn’t paid although I had and was with my mother who saw me pay. Not the greatest experience but it was fine.

Every store owner is entitled to charge whatever the traffic will bear. I have no particular argument with that philosophy since that's the basis of capitalism. Increasing costs have obliged me to think about exactly what I'm going to buy, and I'm hoping that prices will come back down soon, but ultimately and truthfully I don't think that's very likely. We will hit a new high and stay there since no one likes to pull back on prices when there's no competition.

Very poor selection. It is rare that we can complete our list when we shop here. Another stop is always needed somewhere else. Update: June 8 2021 Covid protocols not being followed here at all. It said 75 was max capacity but there were over 40 people in view at one time today and the aisles were busy beyond that. Employees bump into you, defying 2m protocol repeatedly. Belts and debit machines are not being sanitized. This place should be shut down.

The store is small and cramped, the entrance and exit are on opposite ends so regardless of where you park you'll have to walk a bunch . The store is not very clean, and the vegetables and fruit often rotten. The prices can be good for sales on the packaged stuff but I never seem to find anything fresh there. Employees are nice. Some people who shop there are rude so I dont like going in. I avoid at all costs unless some special sale is on.

All the stuff you need at low prices. Buggies require a quarter. Plenty of parking. Baskets available. Never really out of stock unless it's a big ticket sale item. Not usually too busy at the checkout. The only exception is Tuesdays. It's student discount day and given the proximity to McMaster, it's easily the busiest day and shelves will be empty from those savage students picking it over. Flyer starts Thursday so I suggest going then.

since they implemented a single entrance and exit system the prices have stayed reasonable... fortinos should figure this out... there’s no butcher no deli no bakery. that’s all prepackaged. the produce is quite good. dairy prices are good. surprisingly good italian and mexican selections. excellent rice brands. lots of good frozen vegetables and frozen pizzas. nice people. a lot of them have been there a long time. it’s a good place.

Not impressed. All the strawberries/raspberries etc had moldy rotten ones in every single package. Did self check out. Appeared someone had forgotten a bag at my station. Go thru process.. just about to bag my 3 items and pay, clerk says oh that is someone elses order..they left it to go get another item and begins wildly pushing buttons to remove my items, directing me to go to another ststion to begin again. Nope I walked out.

This Food Basics is generally very well-stocked and staffed. They maintain adequate levels of sale items and basic foods. Produce is okay. Tuesdays a student discount is available, so this location can be extremely crowded on that day. Prices for staple items are comparable to Freshco and No Frills. The rotisserie chickens are smaller than those offered by Metro and Fortinos, but are still a good deal - no cooking required!

Often find rather expired food here which is kinda gross, saw some really moldy old cheese and yogurt expired by a few weeks that wasn’t even on sale. Kinda run down and it is in a rough area. Prices are good though, they have a decent selection of vegetarian substitutes surprisingly, and quite a decent selection of ethnic foods. Just make sure you check expiry dates and lock your car doors.

I could shop at other more expensive grocery stores but this store is located near the University and the prices are amazing for the same things I'd buy at other stores. The staff are helpful. And look, I bought 6 beautiful good-sized pumpkins for until $18 for my adult children to carve when they come this weekend. They're excited! And one will turn into a pie... like magic!

The name says it pretty much.... basics but this location is starting to go downhill. Just because its Food Basics is not an excuse for all the garbage in the parking lot all the time and for milk cartons to sit in a puddle of sour milk for 3 days... and now 3 weeks later it is still not cleaned up. Hopefully after talking with a manager tonight it will get cleared up finally.

It does the job, cleaner than other Food Basics. Good prices. I feel a little ripped off as I bought a full watermelon and it was rotten in the inside (through it out as I was lazy to return it to get my money back). I wouldn't buy meat or your typical fruits and veggies at most. You can find ethnic stuff that is harder to find other places. As I said, it does the job!

This is a smaller store and therefore slightly limited in services, e.g. no live butcher counter, and rather cramped space, but with friendly, helpful staff. However, the real advantage of shopping here is the cost savings. Prices are significantly less than Fortinos, with few drawbacks. Tuesdays are Student Discount days and at times could be understandably crowded.

My experiences with this store have been neutral until quite recently. One of the cashiers - a shorter, heavier blonde woman - spoke to me in a very brash, rude and impatient tone. The store was also not very busy so there was no reason to be so aggressive. Also, a lot of shelves were unstocked on the day that I decided to stop by. Not a very pleasant experience.

Budget everything. The store is 5/10 the produce section is 2/10. Have been there many times now and it always feels grungy in there. The fruit is rotting and days old. Last time I bought grapes, they were so sour. I only visit this store in a pinch when for what ever reason it's more convenient. It's always a gamble whether or not I'm throwing my money away.

Prices have gone up way too much for a discount grocery store. Yes some deals in the store but lots of empty shelves on my last visit and the strawberries on sale were poor quality and some packages were filled with mouldy product. This used to be my go to store but now only buy part of my groceries here. Store needs to improve and lower the prices!

This is the nicest food basics in Hamilton. With prices that are far more reasonable than fortinos. Sometimes I have to get Kale instead of spinach or cauliflower instead of broccoli based on availability or freshness but I'll tell ya, it's a great price. They also usually have a deal on toilet paper because they cater to the university close by.

This store is a converted Metro Supermarket. It is a very welcome addition to West Hamilton & surrounding area. The prices are very good, especially produce & meat. The shelves are always well stocked but if they're out of a sale item they'll gladly give you a 'rain check' unless otherwise stated in the ad. Their flyer can be found on the web.

Staff at westdale location super rude and yell at customers. I was heading towards the cash after they announced they were closed and had 2 staff yell at me and another customer saying to stop shopping and they were closed. I politely tried to explain I was heading towards the cash but was cut off by they yelling that I was still shopping.

Well first off I did a debit purchase and they told me it normally takes 24 hours to be returned to your account because it did not go through their system. Manager was not very friendly. I use to love shopping there but may have to change locations. Not a very helpful experience and left me feeling very annoyed at them.

Worst place to shop in terms of quality of products and customer service. They have expired products and they dont even care about it. Whole hummus section was expired a month ago and when i told one of the employee there. Their ans was "that's all we have". They dont even care about how hazardous it can be to customers.

Well organized, clean and the rates are pretty reasonable. And you if are a McMaster Student, you do get a discount of 10% on Tuesdays. That is some savings especially when you're a student. I like the way it is organized. When one enters the grocery is right in front of you. True to it's name, its focus is on food.

This was a Metro store not long ago. Perhaps it was one of the smaller locations but the transition to Food Basics kept much of the previous layout. Much of the same merchandise is still available but some of the higher end items were lost in the change. Still a nice store to visit for the usual items.

The variety of old n new products is a good mix of ingredients and munchy foods. I like the self service machines, less lineup and I can service myself at my own speed with out someone behind in line making me anxious to quickly pay for my groceries...its a bit cleaner cuz i pick up recipes...

Just left food basics totally disgusted. Beef I purchased that was said to expire Nov 14 (it is Nov 10th as I write this) had black spots and was racid. Unacceptable, unsafe and a let down. Unfortunately I had company I was cooking for which limited my ability to return to complain in person.

You can get all your grocery needs and market items too. I especially love the fresh produce but you cant go late on weekday evenings or later than midday on weekends or risk getting not so good fresh produce left over from everyone elses skirmishes. Also find weekly deals on food items.

Prices are okay, and they do give students 10% off on Tuesdays. That being said, selection here is really limited. If you like low prices and need regular stuff, come here. If you need more specific things and more selection at the cost of higher prices, go to Fortinos.

Lots of good deals, this location is generally busy unless you go earlier in the day. Of course always shop around for various deals. Great customer service and staff here is very helpful in assisting you. The location is also clean and a good place to do groceries.

I was looking for an alternative to expensive Fortinos and was surprised that this place seemed expensive too. I didn't do an itemized price comparison but I think it's a function of the pricey neighborhood. I have a car and will investigate other grocery stores.

Absolutely terrible customer service, so rude and ignorant. I dealt with two older lady managers as my phone had been stolen in the store. They were no help and said “I’m not gonna spend much time on this” I’ve never been so disgusted by customer service.

Amazing Food Basics location. Produce is usually under ripe since it is always so busy. Cashiers and staff are friendly and accommodating to my needs. A popular location for McMaster and Mohawk students due to the discount on Tuesdays. TONS of parking.

At the self checkout I did not have my glasses and the young shop assistant came over and pushed the right buttons to help me finish the transaction. This would have taken me so much longer without any help. Wow... I am impressed. Very friendly staff.

My favorite grocery shop. Their prices are mostly reasonable, especially for students. A wide selection of products available, like one would expect from a medium sized shop. This is definitely my go-to shop in the McMaster University vicinity.

Wish they had a deli counter. One time they ran out of dark chocolate and peanut butter granola bars my girlfriend has never gotten over it. Other then that, good lasagna deals sometimes. Hummus is locked down on sale. Don't get the peaches.

It can be busy but hasn't been overwhelming, and you get through the cashier lines pretty quick. Just a shame that we're seeing so many jobs disappearing with those self-check outs. Other than that, the staff that they do have are great.

Started the morning with a trip to Food Basics in Westdale. Only thought I wanted a couple of items. Left the store with 2 full bags and a bag of potatoes on the side! Quick checkout experience and the store was clean and well organized.

Big parking lot, accessible bus stop and medium size store! They got lots of varieties in food although I wish they could bring Indian food varieties as well. They give 10% off to students on Tuesday which is bonus factor. Thanks!

This place was clean, well organized and priced right. Checkout staff were super friendly and there were enough people on the floor to assist me finding that one small obscure item on the top shelf that I never would have found.

Prices a solid 20%+ better than the nearby Fortinos. Pretty abysmal pharmacy section, but the basics are decent. Fruit is veg is fair, not spectacular, but totally edible, and there are always sales on household staples.

I found out this store when I was passing by and since then it became my all time grocery store because of the staff and all available options which I rarely find in other stores. Fresh veggies, dairy and bakery items!

Really appreciate the consistent approach they have strictly maintained at this store in relation to the COVID 19 situation! Cashier was friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable ~ Madre me smile at the end of a long day!

Pretty picked over on sale items probably due to it being so close to the university and being one of the only affordable places for groceries in the area. Other than that it's clean .. fast lines. Quick service.

Great prices but selection is lacking and the meat section could use some sprucing up as it does not look very appealing. The produce/bread area is where this location shines. Always a great store to walk in to.

There nice, but some workers are scetchy, I remember I was wearing black bench sweater and a black mask and 1 worker thought I was some teen that was mean, all aside though, that's some nice security

There was a 20+ person line up around the building but the customer traffic moves very steadily so you won't have to wait for too long. Once you're inside there's lots of space for you to stay safe.

Good store. As always you need to know your prices. Check the flyers. Choose products carefully. This is true for all sores. Food basics is a great store. Convenient parking. Always well stocked.

Nice clean store. Prices are sometimes better at some of the other discount stores but I find their quality is very good especially on their no-name type brands. The staff is always smiling.

Good place and decent price. They have all the basic necessities at lock down price. The have more varieties than other food basic too. Only bad thing is that the aisles are really narrow.

This store has honestly fair prices. Other grocery store i find everything more expensive. It always a little messy inside. I think its because its really busy with all students from Mc.

Great store with very good prices. It really can get busy though. You should stay away on Tuesday because students get 10% discount and so is very busy with line ups outside the store.

People were standing too close to me at the check-out line. The cashier didn't advise them to wait until I was done loading my stuff. Costco practices distance better than Food Basic.

I enjoy it because I sometimes get the deals on things the students like to buy. Free shopping carts please I always forget the quarter. Sometimes there's 1 broken one if your lucky.

Great prices and fresh produce. Shopping carts require $0.25 deposit which means they are in good shape. Ailes are a narrow but otherwise good store and saves money everytime.

This FB has a great variety of grocery items for a discount store at very good prices. Produce is decent and there are always good sales. Your money goes a long way here

Clean but store was not well stocked. However it was the Sunday afternoon of a long weekend and they will be closed tomorrow. Didn't think lighting or layout was great

Labour Day Monday store says open so we drove over to get groceries but it’s closed. Please update your hours! It’s a small thing but prevents clients wasting time.

Westdale good basics is always so clean and well stocked. Manager and their employees are very helpful and pleasant. Worth the drive to this particular store.

Good Deals as usual, shop early in the flyer; why do we have to pay for carts now, seems unsanitary, I haven't seen anyone clean that part of the buggy.

Reasonable variety of basic groceries and quality fruits and vegetables at good prices. Great fresh flowers for only $8.00. Mine lasted almost 3 weeks.

Well stocked, kept really clean and tidy. They made good effort to keep everyone safe during COVID (they still are). Cashiers are pleasant and helpful.

Great stuff I needed a couple of things the young lady walked me right to them and I got in and out and 5 minutes of the prices can't be beat either

I like the store most times but sometimes the floors are very dirty at entrance. That leaves a poor impression of the cleanliness and experience.

I bought irresistibles multi bread. The expiry date is 27th may as you can see. Opened it today for dinner and found it spoilt, so disappointed.

I very thing is past it’s best before date, all the fruit are stale and fungusy, the sandwich meat has green fuzzy fungus Growing out of it

Crushes Fortinos for everything but meat. Still 5 dollar lettuce. But certain produce on sale at times. Worth the walk if you're downtown.

Can get very busy (esp on Tuesdays) but generally good prices. Unfortunately some of the items that are on their flyer are not available.

usually more variety than metro and definitely better prices. Good for pantry items but definitely have to check over your produce.

My favorite grocery store. Loved the place because of its lower prices and added 10% discount for McMaster students on Wednesday.

One of the popular superstore in Hamilton for foods and groceries. They've got many halal meat options for Muslim community.

Alot of fun, great speed, so much drifting and also there's no beginners so i mean you're surrounded by professional drivers

Great store, with good savings on their app. Their ready to go baked chicken is always an easy addition for a quick meal.

Disgusting store, daylight robbery, fruit quality is abysmal and pic attached. Will not be returning. Do better Canada.

Cheaper than all other stores in the area, great for students on tuesdays with 10% off. Pretty good deals year round.

Affordable but often products are not in stock. Great for students living near it with the 10% discount on Tuesdays!

Good deals and selection,across the board but especially on basics.. Prices notably better than other chains

Best for reasonably priced meats,but always check their flyers, we bought a whole box of peppers for 9$!!!!

Very good prices and the food is fresh and the store is kept very clean. Very good prices on coffee cream!

Look, the quality is acceptable and the proce is competitive. It's a fine store for what it aims to be

For a low end type of grocery they are good here and well stocked, I like it and so does my dog Rashnu

The store never fails. It has something I need. Apple cider vinegar body wash. How did they know

Great place. Good prices, and good selection of items. Will definitely come here more often now

Poorly trained and uneducated management. Not inclusive. Aggressive and unwelcoming. Ableist.

I love this store. Awesome format. Well organized. Isles a wee bit narrow. Lots of parking.

LADY SITTING AT FRONT DOOR TODAY ASKING FOR MONEY) NOV 3RD 2023 AFTER 4PM

Very small, especially considering it’s one of 2 stores near a university

Great store, clean Great variety of brands .staff are always helpful.

Nothings ever in stock lol! Even the bananas. The fruit is moldy too

Best place ever, and have a good prices. I really like it.

Too busy...at 2 30 pm. ..some items wanted were sold out