Shamus's Sandwich Shoppe — Restaurant in Spokane Valley

It is important to first note that I went here at 1pm on a Wednesday (aka lunch rush). That should be taken into consideration before you read the remainder of my review.

The atmosphere at Shamus's was casual yet rushed. I attribute the rushed feeling to the size and layout; however, in my brief time there, I did not think to assess how it could (if it can) be rearranged to minimize that feeling. Additionally, it's rushed because they know that people are typically trying to get in and out with their food, so it's a positive if that's what you're looking for.

There are no large menus up behind the cashier. Instead, they have a stack of menus on the counter where you eventually order. I wasn't immediately sure of the proper manners for seating (i.e., do I seat myself or be seated?), but I assume from my time there it's first-come, first-serve seating. There is a menu at each of the tables, so I wasn't immediately sure whether those were the only menus ot if I needed to ask for one. I only realized there were menus on the counter after I heard the cashier asking if people in line would like a menu; which prompted me to go up and ask for - but ultimately find - a menu.

The size contributes to the rushed feeling in that there are about (trying to remember back, so I could be off) roughly 7ish tables. Three (3) of which were meant for 2-people, the others seated 4-people each. The 2-person tables are tall with bar stools.

With the layout and size, there isn't really a good place to stand and wait, even if you're taking your food to go. As such, I awkwardly danced around the large, wine-barrel trash recepticle with other patrons - who were tossing their table scraps - while they were on their way out.

The prices are reasonable, and even the "small" BLT surprised me with about 7 or 8 strips of bacon, a few slices of tomato, and a heap of lettuce. I expected small to mean half, but I was not disappointed to receive a whole sandwich for $6.25. Also, of your curious, I picked sourdough bread (my favorite) and it was delicious as well.

All of the sandwiches come with plain, baked potatoe chips (the brand with a fisherman's name I'm forgetting at the momemt) and a pickle spear as well. They also have two soups of the day in addition to Iver's Clam Chowder. I'm on a budget (boo! 👎) so I didn't get to buy any soup. But the options sounded delicious. I didn't but a drink either, so I'm not sure about the soda/pop price.

I have Shamus's 4-stars only because it was a little chaotic as a first time customer; however, they're fast, affordable, and delicious (especislly for their price point). I think the most expensive sandwich was $11/$12, but it came with (if I am remembering correctly) a literal half pound of sandwich meat. So... I mean... No complaints here!

This is a great place to grab lunch on your timed-breaks; or, if you are out and about and want to grab a quick (but not fast food) lunch.

As for the service, everyone seemed friendly. The manager (maybe owner) was in the zone, so he wasn't stopping to chat as he gave people their to-go orders, but the cashier was friendly and asked how my day was in the few minutes we had together before she had to take care of another task on the other end of the counter.

They were very efficient. So again, a great place to go if you...

When this place first opened I thought their sandwiches were better. Operating a restaurant is a tough business to make it in. You have to be so careful of wasting food and get the most production out of the staff and then there is rent, insurance, utilities and other costs. It adds up. You may be lucky to bring home five cents of every dollar taken in and that's if you're lucky.

That being said, I think their food has gone downhill. I generally get the same thing and one time the sandwich was just awful. Something was definitely spoiled or bad but I couldn't really tell which product on the sandwich it was. The owner made good on the sandwich and I got another one free, but I quit going in because the sandwiches aren't up to the quality I expect and demand.

Can I recommend this place? You may like it and it may be to your satisfaction. Give it a try but I know I'm done...

My wife and I were looking for a sandwich shop off the beaten path, something that wasn't a chain place. If you are in Spokane Valley, this is your place!!! I had the King of clubs, and my wife and the Rocky's italian stallion, both on sourdough, as recommended by the girl working the counter. I have had a lot of sandwiches in my lifetime, but these 2 rank way up in my book, easily top 5. They were far cheaper than subway, jersey mike's, Quiznos, and all your regular sandwich places, and the amount of meat on these sandwiches was crazy. If you are in Spokane or Spokane Valley, and are wanting a sandwich, drive passed all the other places, and go here, you will not be...