The pastrami at this little deli gets smoked right on site, and the owner handles that job himself. I have to admit, that detail alone got my attention fast.
The flagship sandwich keeps things classic. It’s house-smoked pastrami on rye with Swiss, hot mustard, and pickles.
Simple on paper, but the smoke carries hints of black pepper and coriander.
Then there’s the setting. This spot sits set back from a busy New Mexico boulevard, so it’s easy to cruise right past.
The shop even admits that finding it is a challenge in itself.
I find something really appealing about a place that makes you work a little for your lunch. A sandwich that hard to find had better be worth it.
So is it?
The Pastrami Gets Smoked Right Out Back, And That Changes Everything
Plenty of delis buy pastrami ready to slice. Los Toasties Deli Co took the harder road and smokes its own pastrami in-house.
The pastrami is prepared and smoked on the premises. That means the star of the menu doesn’t arrive on a truck already finished.
The deli itself calls its pastrami a labor of love. Honestly, that tracks for any meat that needs real time and patience before it ever meets bread.
The flavor profile leans smoky, with hints of black pepper and coriander. Together they give the meat a subtly hot and sweet personality that keeps each bite interesting.
Why does house-smoking matter so much? It gives a small shop control over flavor that a premade product simply can’t offer.
Pastrami fans in New Mexico don’t always have many options for this style of deli meat. Finding a place that commits to smoking its own feels like striking a quiet bit of gold.
My advice is simple. Make the pastrami your first order, even if something else on the menu catches your eye.
You can explore the rest later. First impressions should start with the thing the kitchen is proudest of.
Order The Number One Before Anyone Talks You Out Of It
Sandwich number one on the menu earned its spot for a reason. The #1 Classic Pastrami on rye keeps the formula tight and traditional.
You get the house-smoked pastrami layered with Swiss cheese. Hot mustard and pickles round it out on rye bread.
That lineup might sound basic. Basic is exactly the point when the meat carries this much smoky character.
Hot mustard brings a little bite that wakes up the pepper in the pastrami. Pickles add a sharp, briny snap that keeps the whole thing from feeling heavy.
Swiss cheese plays the calm friend in the group. It mellows everything out without stealing the show.
This is the sandwich for purists. If you grew up hearing about famous delis back east, the #1 speaks that same language.
Not a mustard person? Customizations are readily available, so you can tweak things to fit your taste.
Still, try it the way the kitchen built it at least once. There’s a good chance the original version wins you over before you finish the first half.
Then you’ll understand why it sits at the top of the list.
Sauerkraut Fans, The Pastrami Reuben Has Your Name On It
Marble rye always looks like it’s dressed up for something special. At Los Toasties, it shows up toasted for The Pastrami Reuben.
This one uses Boar’s Head top round pastrami rather than the house-smoked version. It’s a different take, and it gives you a second way to enjoy the deli’s favorite meat.
Swiss cheese and sauerkraut join the party. Then comes the Toasties sauce, the shop’s own finishing touch.
A Reuben lives or dies by balance. Tangy kraut, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and salty meat all need to pull in the same direction.
The toasted marble rye adds crunch on the outside. That contrast with the soft fillings is half the fun of eating one.
So which pastrami sandwich should you pick? That’s a tough call, and nobody would blame you for coming back twice.
A smart move is splitting both with a friend. You each get half of the classic and half of the Reuben, and nobody has to choose.
Sharing is caring, after all. It’s also a sneaky way to taste more of the menu.
Your Non-Pastrami Friend Won’t Leave Hungry Either
Every group has one person who skips pastrami. Good news, Los Toasties Deli Co has plenty to keep that person happy.
The Chopped Cheese, listed as #4, is a big deal here. It’s chopped beef with American cheese and sauteed onions, a New York favorite with a loyal following.
The deli even says it lives on chopped cheeses. That’s a strong statement from a place known for pastrami.
Turkey fans get a treat too. The kitchen smokes its turkey in-house, just like the pastrami.
There’s also the Ham & Cheese Deluxe for anyone craving something classic. It comes with Boar’s Head maple ham, cheddar cheese, and house honey mustard on toasted sourdough.
Want to make something your own? Build-your-own options let you mix proteins, breads, and toppings.
This is New Mexico, so adding green chile feels almost required. The shop agrees that everything’s better with it.
Fresh ingredients from local suppliers are prepared daily. That makes even the simplest sandwich feel cared for.
Bring the whole crew. Everyone can find a favorite without arguing in the car.
Save Room For The Sides, Seriously
Chips usually get treated like an afterthought. At Los Toasties, the house chips are made right in the shop.
They’ve become one of the most talked-about extras on the menu. Crunch between sandwich bites never hurts.
Then there’s the creamy potato salad. It’s a popular pick and a natural partner for smoky pastrami.
The deli salad lineup goes further than that. You’ll find pasta salad and cucumber salad too.
Here’s a tip for chip lovers. Salt preferences vary, and the staff will happily grab extra salt if you ask.
Cucumber salad is a nice choice if you want something lighter. It cools things off after hot mustard does its thing.
Soup sometimes shows up when the weather turns cooler. It’s seasonal, so don’t count on it in summer.
Mixing sides is half the fun of a deli run. Try one familiar pick and one you’d normally skip.
Your plate will look like a proper deli spread. And your sandwich will thank you for the company.
Cheesecake And Cane Sugar Soda Finish The Job
Dessert at a sandwich shop can be hit or miss. Los Toasties Deli Co plays it smart by serving Cotton Blues cheesecakes.
They come in various flavors, so the lineup can change things up. That gives you a reason to peek at the dessert case every visit.
Cheesecake after pastrami might sound like a lot. Then again, nobody ever regretted a few bites of something creamy and sweet.
Need a drink with your meal? The deli serves bottled sodas made with real cane sugar.
Cane sugar sodas tend to feel a little old-school. They match the classic deli mood nicely.
Here’s a fun approach for a group. Order one cheesecake flavor per person and pass them around the table.
You’ll find a favorite quickly. You might also start a friendly debate about which one wins.
Taking dessert to go works well too. A slice tucked away for later feels like a gift to your future self.
Either way, don’t leave without at least looking. Sweet endings deserve a moment of your attention.
Finding It Is Half The Adventure
The address reads 3225 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Easy enough, right?
Not quite. The deli sits set back from Girard Boulevard NE, which makes it simple to drive right past.
Slow down as you get close. Keep your eyes peeled for the building tucked behind the street front.
The good news is the spacious parking lot. Once you spot it, pulling in is a breeze.
The shop sits in an area known as the Maker’s District. It’s a creative pocket of Albuquerque that rewards a little curiosity.
The building once housed The Cornivore Popcorn Company. Los Toasties Deli Co officially opened there in March 2025, so it’s still a fresh face.
That newness helps explain the secret status. Many people in New Mexico simply haven’t heard about it yet.
Use a map app the first time. After one visit, you’ll know the route by heart.
And you’ll probably feel a little smug. Knowing about a spot others miss is its own kind of fun.
A Neighborhood Deli Vibe With A Free Arcade Bonus
Friendly service seems baked into this place. The staff is known for an enthusiastic welcome and warm customer service.
The deli aims for a true neighborhood feel. It’s small, with limited seating at a few small tables.
That size works in its favor. It feels personal rather than rushed.
There’s also a free arcade game inside. Waiting for your sandwich suddenly becomes a lot more entertaining.
Kids will love it. Honestly, plenty of grown-ups will too.
The shop also has a playful sense of humor. A Danny DeVito figure keeps diners company, and the owner jokes about it often.
Small seating means timing matters. If tables look full, carryout is a great backup plan.
The owner also shows up at local events. He’s been part of the Maker’s District block party scene.
All of this adds up to a spot with real personality. It feels like somebody’s favorite hangout rather than a chain stop.
Bring a friend and some quarters of patience. Actually, skip the quarters, the game is free.
Plan Your Pastrami Run Around These Hours
Timing is everything with a deli this good. Los Toasties keeps a schedule worth memorizing.
It’s open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Friday and Saturday run later, from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Sundays and Mondays are closed. So don’t plan a Monday craving, because the door won’t budge.
Can’t make it in person? Online ordering, carryout, and delivery are all available.
Hosting a party or office lunch is easy too. The deli offers catering for events, which means pastrami can come to you.
One small heads-up about payment. Check the total before completing your order, especially when using a third-party delivery service.
That’s a handy thing to know ahead of time. Plan accordingly and nobody gets surprised at checkout.
Friday evenings make a fun choice for a relaxed dinner. Weekday lunches work great for a midday pick-me-up.
Whatever day you pick, go with a plan. This corner of New Mexico has a pastrami sandwich waiting, and it’s worth the hunt.