Seafood City is a Filipino-owned grocery chain with locations across the United States
Seafood City operates more than 30 stores in the United States, concentrated in California, Nevada, Hawaii, and a handful of other states. The chain stocks Filipino groceries, fresh seafood, and Asian products alongside mainstream American brands. Most locations include a prepared foods section with Filipino dishes, a meat counter, and a produce section focused on items used in Filipino cooking.
The store is not a specialty shop — it functions as a full-service grocery where you can buy both rice and milk, both fresh tilapia and frozen vegetables. Many customers use it as their primary grocery store rather than visiting it only for hard-to-find items. Locations vary in size and product selection, so what one store carries may differ from another.
Key Takeaways
- Seafood City stocks Filipino groceries, fresh seafood, and Asian products, but also carries mainstream American brands for everyday shopping.
- Most stores include a prepared foods counter serving Filipino dishes, a meat department, and a produce section.
- Store locations and hours vary by region, so checking the store locator on their website or calling ahead is necessary before your first visit.
- Prices on specialty items are often lower than at mainstream supermarkets, but the store is not a discount chain and prices on common items may be comparable or higher.
What you will find in the grocery aisles
The core inventory includes Filipino staples: different varieties of rice, coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and canned goods used in Filipino cooking. You will find fresh ginger, lemongrass, bitter melon, okra, and other vegetables common in Filipino and other Asian cuisines. The frozen section carries items like lumpia wrappers, fish balls, and prepared Filipino dishes.
The seafood section is the store's main draw. Most locations receive fresh deliveries several times per week and stock whole fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish. Prices on fresh seafood are typically lower than at mainstream supermarkets, particularly for items like tilapia, bangus (milkfish), and grouper. The prepared foods counter sells cooked seafood dishes, fried items, and Filipino entrees that change by location and time of day.
Beyond Filipino products, the store carries standard grocery items: milk, bread, eggs, canned goods, snacks, and cleaning supplies. The selection of American brands is smaller than at a large supermarket, but the essentials are there. Some locations have a pharmacy or money services counter.
How to find your nearest location and check hours
Seafood City maintains a store locator on its website where you can enter your zip code to see nearby locations, hours, and phone numbers. Hours vary by store — some open at 8 a.m., others at 9 a.m., and closing times range from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. depending on the location. A few stores are open 24 hours, but this is not standard.
Calling ahead is useful if you are looking for a specific item, particularly fresh seafood or prepared foods. Stock changes daily, and the prepared foods counter may run out of certain dishes by evening. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar area, checking the website before you go saves a wasted trip.
What to expect at checkout and payment options
Seafood City accepts cash, debit cards, and major credit cards at all locations. Some stores accept SNAP (food stamps) for may be able to access items, though not all do — call your local store to confirm if this matters to you. A few locations offer their own loyalty program or discounts for bulk purchases, but this varies by store.
Checkout speed depends on time of day. Weekend mornings and evenings tend to be busier. The store does not typically offer self-checkout, so you will use a staffed register. Bagging is standard, and staff can usually help with heavy items.
Pricing and how it compares to other grocers
Seafood City is not a discount chain like Costco or Walmart. Prices on specialty Filipino items are usually lower than at mainstream supermarkets because the store buys directly from suppliers and has lower overhead in those categories. Prices on common items like milk, bread, and canned goods may be comparable to or slightly higher than at large chains, depending on your location and current sales.
The real savings come from buying fresh seafood and Filipino staples in bulk. If you cook Filipino food regularly or buy fresh fish often, the store typically offers better prices than alternatives in your area. If you are shopping for only American groceries, you may find better deals elsewhere.
Prepared foods and the deli counter
Most Seafood City locations have a prepared foods section serving Filipino dishes. Common items include fried fish, shrimp, squid, lumpia, pancit, adobo, and sinigang. Prices usually range from $5 to $12 per item depending on what you order. The menu and availability change by location and time of day — popular items sell out by evening, especially on weekends.
You can order ahead by calling the store directly. Some locations allow you to place orders online or through their website, but this varies. The prepared foods counter also sells raw seafood and meat if you want to cook at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Seafood City locations have the same products?
No. Store size and location affect inventory. A large store in California will carry more items than a smaller location in another state. Specialty items like fresh seafood and prepared foods vary by store. Calling ahead or checking the website before your first visit helps you know what to expect.
Can I use WIC or SNAP at Seafood City?
SNAP is accepted at most locations for may be able to access food items, but not all stores participate. WIC acceptance varies by state and store. Call your local Seafood City to confirm what payment programs they accept before you shop.
Are there Seafood City locations outside California?
Yes. The chain has stores in Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, and a few other states. Use the store locator on their website to find locations near you. The number and location of stores changes over time, so checking online is the fastest way to see current locations.
What time does the prepared foods counter close?
This varies by store. Most locations stop preparing fresh food in the evening, often between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., though some items may be available until closing. Call your local store to ask about their prepared foods hours.
Can I return items I bought at Seafood City?
Return policies vary by location. Most stores accept returns of unopened items with a receipt within a set number of days. Fresh seafood and prepared foods typically cannot be returned. Ask at customer service or call ahead to learn your store's specific policy.