Costco Optical

Super busy because of the grand opening, but all of the employees were doing their best to keep things running smoothly. Despite the crowds, I was in and out in about two hours, which honestly isn’t bad considering everything that was going on. The selection here is incredible. They have a huge variety of steaks, beef, poultry, chicken, fish, shrimp, crab, and just about anything else you could want. The bakery is massive and packed with all kinds of gluttonous goodies. The deli section is just as impressive. Everything about Costco is huge… except the bathroom. At least the men’s bathroom is. I can’t speak for the women’s, but the men’s only has three toilets and four urinals. I know it’s not exactly fair to compare it to Buc-ee’s, but they have around 20 toilets and 20 urinals at the one in Alabana, and they’re technically just a gas station. Considering there are easily several thousand people shopping all at once on grand opening week, I was honestly surprised how small the restroom is. Let’s just say half the shoppers are men, that’s a lot of people sharing just three toilets and four urinals. The food court was okay, but honestly a bit overhyped in my opinion. The chicken bake was very underwhelming, and the sundae was too. The ice cream didn’t taste very cold or creamy. It almost tasted like a thicker version of whipped cream that was only slightly below room temperature. The pizza is just your average pizza, nothing particularly memorable. The same goes for the hot dog, although it’s definitely a great value for the price. The one item that genuinely surprised me was the hot turkey and provolone sandwich. It was actually really good and easily my favorite thing I tried. Besides the DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHUNK cookie. That wasn’t a disappointment at all. I’d say that was 100% on point. Three big booms. I also spotted a 24.66-pound brisket but passed on it since I don’t plan on smoking one anytime soon. That thing was HUGE. Whoever ends up buying it, I hope they smoke it low and slow because it’s going to come out absolutely delicious.

Costco is superior, plain and simple. So happy they are finally in the Florida panhandle! Shopped them in for decades in San Diego, Hawaii, Washington State, DMV, overseas, Mobile and finally our hometown. Same consistent friendly service, excellent organic selection and quality products that bring me back. This location is no different even on opening weekend! No complaints only gratitude, thank you for finally coming to Pensacola!

I have been to a number of Costco stores, but for some reason for some reason this store seems to be the largest I have been in. The store has the traditional items that are carried in all other stores, plus more! Also like other Costco stores this one seems the busiest on Sunday and Saturday. LOTS of gas pumps with cheap gas and short wait times. Give it a try!

Ok so to the ones complaining about the physical card and the long line- they had the membership tents sent up weeks ago; I got my physical card then and it took 5 mins. They guys at the gas station encouraged getting the card before the store opened because it’s expected that until August it will be a mad house. Costco has an app, and you can scan your QR code to get you in the store- you can also set up payment in the app to pay for all purchases with the app- just be sure they scan the app and not your card at check out. Costco’s version of scan and go: employees at the front will have the check out gun things, scan all items, then it sits in a queue and you go up to a kiosk and scan your card or app, and pay there. If you haven’t been paying attention, it was on the news that some of these big box stores have been in trouble with the govt, trying to go 100% to self Check out or scan and go. Oh and they have a large family bathroom, which is great if you’re like me and have multiple small kids and need to use the restroom. And to anyone saying you have to have a membership to get in- DUH! Don’t be so entitled!! I couldn’t go into Sam’s or BJs like that either, so not sure where the amount of entitlement is coming from. Find a neighbor that you can tag along with. They allow a visitor. Oh! And they have giant skeletons already!!!!! And it’s costco- people are coming from Destin and PCB for the new Costco, so be prepared it won’t die down anytime soon. Any Costco I’ve been to at other states- they’re always packed- even on a Wednesday or Thursday am.

Thanks for coming to Pensacola, Costco! We've been waiting a looooong time for you to come to our town and we are so glad it finally happened! We shopped on opening day. It was really busy as expected but we already had a membership so we got right in and didn't have to wait to check out. Costco has far better prices than Sam's and Bjs across the board and the variety of organic and gluten free options are fantastic! Top tier gas, pharmacy, optical department, tire shop-this store has it all!! This will now be our family's go to store!