The Last Call is like a hidden gem because it seems to be that only fierce locals know about it. I first heard of them late-2015 when I overheard someone saying, “there is this burrito place by my work that puts French fries in their burritos”. Relentlessly, it grabbed my attention and I butted into the stranger’s conversation (typical me) to inquire about this French-fry-in-the-burrito place. She said they were on Richmond and Central and that they were only open during the sunset on a full moon or some legendary sh*t like that. She said the place was called “The Last Baja Mexican”. I drove to Richmond and Central around sunset and looked for “The Last Baja Mexican”. I was expecting a God-like person with amazing, long hair crafting burritos from thin air, frying French fries on a diamond-encrusted fryer surrounded by wild animals and eager crowds waiting to catch a delicious burrito. However, what I found on the north side of Central and Richmond was a tiny locale with a window sign that said, “THE LAST” and then in smaller font below it said, “BAJA MEXICAN E”. Immediately, I could tell the sign was cut half-way by a remodel or something. I laughed hysterically thinking about the stranger who thought this place was called “The Last Baja Mexican”. A quick Google map search told me it was called “The Last Call: Baja Mexican Eatery”. I walked up and asked if they put French fries in their burritos. The cashier smiled and said, “Yes”. I looked at the menu and I remember being surprised that there were so many options. I wasn’t eating beef, or chicken back then so I ordered the fish burrito and they hand me a playing card as my call number. It was probably a 3 of clubs. I wait eagerly. The cashier yells “3 of clubs” and I run and grab my burrito. I took the first bite, fell in love, and the rest is history.
I frequent the Downtown location on the weekends after hitting the bars with friends. The line is out the door between 12 am and 2 am with people waiting for the “The Last Baja Mexican” to toss them a deliciously crafted meal. When you’ve been partying, dancing, and having a good-ass time all night in Downtown Albuquerque, nothing hits the spot like a bomb-ass burrito from Last Call. It’s something that everyone who lives in Albuquerque needs to try because the experience itself is so typically-Burqueño and it is beautiful.
They’re now open from 10am-3pm
Today, I visit the Downtown location for their first day of serving at lunch-time. I try to arrive right at peak hour thinking it will be quite busy. However, when I arrive, the place is empty. I don’t have to wait in line and my Cashier, Kiana, waves me in saying “Hello” in a playful sing-song voice. I tell her it was strange for me to be here during the day and she laughs saying that it is weird for her to be there as well. This time, I order the “Cali w/ Carne Asada” burrito after Kiana recommends it for being the most popular burrito. Another employee, Alberto, comes out and asks if I was going to take pictures after seeing my camera. I say “Yea, I’ll even write a review”. I wait for my food while making conversation with Alberto as he waves and smiles at every person that walks across the front door. I admire his effort. The burritos are typically handed to you wrapped in foil but Kiana put the burrito on a plate and cut it in half for me which was very generous “Since you’re taking a picture!” she says.
I think of Last Call as the more authentic, and enjoyable version of Chipotle. The burritos are comparable in size but The Last Call beats Chipotle a million times over because of their fresh ingredients and craftsmanship. Plus, you contribute to our community by eating at Last Call since it is locally owned and operated. They are also high on my list for Best Tacos in town.
I talk to Kiana and Alberto about why they think their first day is so slow. They hypothesize it may have been the short notice. I partially agree but there are many reasons for their grand lunch-time opening being so slow. It happened to be Monday and Mondays are always slow for restaurants. Another reason is that Downtown is not well-known for being busy during lunch-time. There just aren’t many places to eat down here. However, as more great places like The Last Call start serving lunch downtown THEN people all over the city will start to associate Downtown Albuquerque with “Lunch”. For now, they can serve nearby Downtown residents like me and employees out on their lunch break from nearby business. Visit The Last Call Downtown or call in an order 505-300-4911