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Tutor & Spunky's Deli He had worked for the restaurant chain Victoria Station and knew just enough about the restaurant business to at least give it a try. He wanted to open a deli near his home in Dana Point. One day, he noticed a "for lease" sign on a storefront location at 34135 Pacific Coast Highway. He didn't waste any time contacting a local realtor to sign a lease that day.

The only problem: Tom had never owned a deli before and his dream was just an idea. There were no blueprints, he didn't know where to begin, he was still traveling in his corporate job and he was paying rent on the leased space.
Reviews (28)
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Lauren L.
Jun 21, 2022
My favorite deli of all time so happy to have found out they have gluten free bread! Rosas best is my favorite, you have to try it sooo good! Never disappointed
Scott F.
Jun 05, 2022
Great deli! My favorite is Derek's special. Workers are very friendly. I highly recommend this place!
Michael K.
Jun 01, 2022
Best sandwiches around. Rosie's is my fav, love all the original staff too!
Patrick English
May 06, 2022
An almost infinite selection of sandwiches that show lots of imagination. The ingredients are very fresh and served in generous quantities. The outdoor seating is worth waiting for. A little bit pricey but it seems well worth it.
Jim H.
Apr 20, 2022
Wow, how this deli has fallen from greatness to below average. We have been patrons for many years and stop in whenever we can. Well, we stopped in today and ordered the usual Derek special on new bread or baked. They did not know what type of bread I was talking about! Apparently, they no longer make their own and buy cheap everyday bread. Now, the meat, barely any turkey or roast beef had to show how little was on the sandwich.

They also heated/toasted for some reason, not mine, did not ask for a heated sandwich. Such a bland sandwich to come out of a once fantastic, full of flavor deli. They might as well be a subway chain. I am no longer a customer after an easy 20 years.
Nathan Flory
Feb 12, 2022
Absolutely loved the sandwiches we got- the portions were big as well
Anthony M.
Jan 21, 2022
What in the living hell has happened to this place? The worst service, serving the worst sandwiches. Derek's Special- I've been ordering this sammy for 20 years. Consistently good, consistently consistent. I've eaten this sandwich at least, seriously, at least 150 times. Dating back to their old location, when grumpy old Tom was running around nitpicking this and that to his loyal crew.

My original review is still up here on Yelp, giving it four stars. My grievance from so long ago almost seems petty now, given how far south this joint has gone. This is not the same sandwich in any aspect. Well, yes- still roast beef and turkey and cheese. On bread. So, my bad. But this sandwich is awful. So bready, such a horrible denseness for a sandwich roll.

Far less meat, far less cheese. Also, massive dropoff in quality on both meat and cheese (turkey was fine, but that's not really hard). Absolutely no moisture in either the beef or cheese, adding to the black hole of flavorlessness. I feel like the sandwich tasted me more than I it. Seriously, folks, the single worst sandwich I've ever eaten.

The animated corpses of labor staff should have been a good tip off, but I'm apparently not capable of accepting what my eyes behold. Five people working, eight people in the restaurant. Waited five full minutes with not one person ahead of me in line. Every employee working in slow motion. No eye contact, Ever seen that- where everyone is so obviously unhappy that they refuse to put in even the slightest bit of effort, so much so that they seem to be in a collective slow-motion? 37 minutes and $15 for the worst sandwich I've ever gotten (and I've had Subway, thank you very much), and treated more like a boil than a customer. Thanks, Tutors. Adios. I wonder if Tom is looking forward to the grave, just so he can roll over in it.
Linda D.
Jan 09, 2022
Delicious sandwiches ready for pick up. Took to the beach below. Easy access close to Dana Point Harbor. Good for parties.
Mr. W.
Jan 06, 2022
Great sandwiches, lots of snacks. Super friendly people! Will be back here again. There's super quick and close to the harbor.
Craig C.
Dec 31, 2021
Wife and I am familiar with the area. Both of us hungry and happen to see a deli on the corner. What a great surprise. Sandwiches were large and fresh and yummy! Will definitely come here again. Nice staff as well. Appears to be a local, and not corporate Place.
Lindsey W.
Dec 25, 2021
I love a great sandwich, and this place has great sandwiches! The service was quick and the owners were very kind! I always try to come here when I go to the grooming shop next door! Thank you for the cookie
Kristen J.
Nov 26, 2021
This place its suck an awesome deli. The ladies in there were super nice and friendly. We asked for a sandwich for our two kids and my husband and I, and they nailed it! My son said 10 stars if we were able to rate them that high. Highly recommend!
William M.
Nov 24, 2021
What a great sandwich place. Lots of signature sandwiches as well as plenty of options to make your own. My BLT was loaded, with a massive amount of perfectly crisp bacon, with fresh lettuce and tomato. I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent caesar salad with fresh greens, parmesan cheese, crunchy flavorful croutons and delicious dressing. The service was very helpful and friendly.
Michael St Denis
Nov 18, 2021
Sandwiches are good but the chicken was a bit dry. Lots of toppings and the meat seems fresh. The service was a bit slow, but they did get it all correct. Some things like wraps I could not figure out how to order on line.
Patti P.
Oct 19, 2021
Always fresh.oMG the bread is so good gere. It is bisy but the line moves quickly. Good prices considering how packed with goodies the sandwiches are.
Jimmy Allen
Sep 26, 2021
Great food and great service! The "Kelly's Klassic" was so good the first day that my wife and I went back the next day for another to eat on our flight home. I think grabbing one of these sandwiches when in Dana Point will become a tradition for us.
Shirley W.
Sep 24, 2021
I've been going here for 18 years. My children and grandchildren live out of state. When they come in town this is the first place they like to go. We've been down 6 or 7 times since new owner's took over. Things change I know, but quality should not. We just went down Tuesday, the bread was old, chicken was huge chunks, and the oatmeal cookies were stale. Sorry to say I don't think we'll go back, expensive and quality not worth it.
M. C.
Aug 26, 2021
Located off of PCH, in an L-shaped strip mall surrounding a parking lot. The deli is over in the corner, there is outdoor and indoor seating. You order at the counter. There are dozens of sandwiches, wraps and salads. There is a large variety of meats and breads to choose from. The service is very quick. The portions and sandwiches are large. The half-salad is enough for two and the same is true for the small sub.

The sub contained plenty of meat and vegetables. I had a sub with Capicola, ham and Prosciutto. You can add chips and a soda to complete the meal. I am going to try the BLT tomorrow for breakfast.
Amanda M.
Aug 17, 2021
Amazing sandwiches. The squaw bread is so good. We've tried the Rosa's special, the chicken salad sandwich, and the bbq roast beef and all have been great. Pretty sure anything on the menu won't disappoint.
Char C.
Jul 11, 2021
I probably had too high of an expectation based on the 5 stars on Yelp. We ordered the Santa Rosa and Tutors Special. Things I liked: Staff was very friendly and didn't rush us. They sell deli meats. Cute store with lots of things to look at while you wait. Choice of bread, and they have squaw bread! The meat on the tutor special was better than average.

You can walk to some benches and eat while looking out at the harbor and ocean. Things I was not keen on: I asked for no lettuce or tomato, but I got both. The avocado tasted like the spread stuff you buy in the grocery store refrigerator. They don't do a traditional vinegar and oil. (They advised me of this but I tried it anyway) I might try them again in the future, there is something about the meat on the tutor special that piqued my interest but it was overwhelmed by what seemed like a full head of shredded lettuce that I really didn't like.

I double checked the ticket attached to my sandwich and it definitely said no lettuce or tomato. Hubby says it's a solid 3.5 - 4 stars, but until he gets his own Yelp account, I'd have to go solid 3.
Gina V.
Jun 14, 2021
Ate here 3 times over a weekend visiting Dana Point. The best sandwiches and best chicken salad I've ever had. Can't wait to get back. A great house dressing as well.
Tammy B.
May 30, 2021
The first time I tried this place was at an event that got catering from them. I was so impressed with the food that I asked where it was from. The handful of times I have gone back, the food and service has been exemplary. They have a huge selection of things to eat, but my favorite is "Teresa's Touch" sandwich on squaw bread. I am extremely picky with sandwiches, so this is high praise coming from me.

The portions are generous and the ingredients are quality. They also make an awesome fresh-squeezed lemonade! If you have not tried them yet, stop in and give them a try -- you will not regret it.
Laurie L.
May 25, 2021
Absolutely love this place! Everytime we are in town we make a point to come here. I get the tuna sandwich everytime because it's my favorite. Tuna is always fresh and so is the bread! Great location too! Staff is always so friendly. Wish they had fountain drinks instead of the bottled drinks in the fridge. Literally the only thing I would change!
Dion Phillips
May 07, 2021
Tasteless and messy. The cost of the sandwich was expensive.if you want to waste money go here. I bought a meat sandwich, but taste like a veggie
Jamie B.
Apr 18, 2021
This is a great sandwich spot. We picked up sandwiches before heading out for a beach day. I highly recommend, it was the best sandwich ever.
Kristin A.
Oct 12, 2020
Came here for the first time because of the great yelp reviews and we were in the area. I ordered a Rosa's sandwich on squaw bread with all the trimmings except pepproncini. Our sandwiches were made pretty fast while we waited and the cashier was super nice in helping us decide what to order, since we had never been before. We took our sandwiches to go and when I went to eat mine I noticed they had gotten the trimmings all wrong.

I had to pick off all the pepproncinis and missed the taste of the tomato, onion and such because it just wasn't there. The sandwich was good, but would have been better if it was how I ordered it. Was a little sad that on the first visit they got my order wrong. My husband loved his and it was correct, plus we both got mini cookies that were great! Just wish I got what I ordered!
Deron R.
Jul 27, 2020
Great deli with tons of sandwich options. I've been here a number of times and it is always on point I especially liked it the toasted cheese sandwich today with its gooey cheddar oozing everywhere. Great melted cheesey crust on this one! Any hoodles, give this place a try. Support your local.
Meredith Chase
Jun 23, 2020
This place is a gem. The owner is pretty great too. I must have driven by dozens of times, but only discovered it last month. They have generous portions and don't skimp on the fillings. Tons of options and they take cards, Apple Pay, & G pay which isn't always the case at delis. They have Vietnamese coffee that looks yum, but I haven't gotten a chance to try. All the sammies are amaze-can't go wrong!