Tsunami Sandwich Company — Restaurant in Seaside

Full disclosure: I have been their distributor of cold cuts and cheeses since they opened about 15 years ago. I haven't written reviews for other customers. This exception is well deserved.

Most restaurant owners look to cut expenses by using cheaper proteins, but David (owner), has always insisted on using only the best quality.

For one example, they buy the pastrami navels even though it costs 22% more than bottom rounds to serve the same traditional taste and texture that made it famous in NY. Few places in Oregon have this quality. All their meats (Thumann's brand) are free of MSG, fillers, artificial colors and flavors, have about 1/3 less sodium than most, and are certified gluten-free. Whole muscle meat that's not watered down and minimally processed naturally tastes better!! Even the swiss and provolone are high end.

Portion sizes are generous, and menu prices are in line with Portland's quality sandwich shops even though this is a prime location.

Yes, the lines are long, sometimes spilling out onto the sidewalk but there's a large menu board hanging from the ceiling so customers can choose while waiting. That keeps the line moving quickly while the staff efficiently make the sandwiches to perfection.

A lot of their business is repeat, and there's a loyal following of locals. Dave is a pretty big guy which to some might initially appear intimidating, but that is just a misperception since he truly is a "gentle giant" loved by everyone who knows him, and he takes good care of the staff so please support this...

We visited this establishment for the first time today being 9 hours away from home. As soon as we walked in an older lady by the name of Shannon started yelling at us about our masks not being on. Ok I get it there are guidelines from the state but sitting next to us was a table full of people maskless eating. Whatever no big deal. We took too long glancing at the menu for her liking so she yelled to the couple behind us that she would help them. Like I said before we had never been there before. After helping that couple I walked up to the counter and she goes very rudely are you finally ready to order?? I said what we wanted and she corrected me on the correct way to pronounce the food. Again whatever. I stand to the side while my family goes outside to wait. In the 5 mins I waited I witnessed her yell at multiple customers for “blocking the door way” they were just trying to get into the building and move out of others way who were leaving. she was rudely yelling at her coworkers and barking orders. Customers come up to order and she huffs and puffs like they are an inconvenience. I felt horrible for her coworkers, you can tell they were fed up with her attitude as well. I’m sorry but In my opinion she is going to keep customers from wanting to return. I don’t think I have ever felt so uncomfortable from a restaurant/food place in my life. My hat goes off to the other employees, they hold a positive and professional attitude...

IF we hadn't been starving hungry after riding the bikes for 2 hours would have returned the sandwiches and asked for a refund. However, we will never step foot in this sandwich shop again.

Clam Chowder wasn't even warm and the potatoes weren't cooked. The Au Jus was not warm either. I asked for no onions; but my sandwich came with onions; gal asked if I was allergic? Granddaughter had chili bread bowl; it wasn't hot, wouldn't even melt cheese and it had no broth, like they just threw together corn, beans and meat and forgot the spices. My husband had a chili dog and the bread was tough and the chili had no taste and wouldn't melt the cheese.

What a disaster and then when I told the gal she said "I hope you have a better day". My day was fine, but the food was very lacking. Which surprises me because every restaurant in Seaside has been delicious all week long; we loved Sam's, Finn's, Pig-N-Pancake and Norma's. Fultano's Pizza smelled amazing but we chose Tsunami's to try.

Then when we were leaving realized they closed at 4PM and so maybe they had turned everything off early? Bummer for us; although our tummys are full now. Just sadly...