Danny Dines: Dagmar’s Specialties

Ah yes, Dagmar’s …

After my Rise + Roast piece, I received a flurry of responses asking me to check out Dagmar’s Specialties in Rio Rancho.

Dagmar’s fan base flooded my inbox, and it was clear to me that this place was special.

Damar’s Specialties, an authentic German establishment, re-opened in August 2023 because earlier in the year, owner Dagmar Schulze, unexpectedly passed away.

Dagmar’s longtime friend Michael Almanzar became the new owner and re-opened to keep the legacy going.

“A big thank you to all of our supporters, and their continued support; we want to keep everything the same way that she was doing it, and we are grateful to have amazing customers,” Almanzar said.

Responses in my inbox urged me to try some of Dagmar’s delicious baked goods, including some of its legendary strudel.

Now, the only strudel I have ever tried is a Toaster Strudel, so I was super excited to go over to Dagmar’s and have the real deal.

I walked in the store and was immediately surprised by the menu. I thought Dagmar’s was just a bakery, but it also sells sandwiches and schnitzels, and it’s like a little marketplace.

Some of the most popular food items include the Famous Breakfast Schnitzel, the Famous Reuben Delight and Dagmar’s Authentic Jagerschnitzel.

In situations like these, I wish that I had three stomachs but, alas, I only have one.

So, I decided to order the Famous Reuben Delight with a side of German potato salad and a coconut cream strudel.

The Famous Reuben Delight comes with Dagmar’s signature corn beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and a pickle spear served on marble rye bread.

And let’s be clear, Danny Dines is a celebration of food. If you want food critiques from self-proclaimed experts, then try Yelp.

Now, if I was a food critic on Yelp, I would say that this is the best sandwich I have ever had in my life, hands down. Everything about it was absolutely perfect. Dagmar’s knocks it out of the park farther than Bryce Harper (sorry Atlanta fans).

The Reuben was an irresistible mix of salty, savory, sweet and tangy flavors.

I devoured the sandwich in less than a minute. By the way, is there a world record for how fast someone can eat a Reuben? I’d happily attempt that feat.

The marble rye was toasty, had an elite crunch and was a work of swirly art. The corn beef was thick, salty and tender, the sauerkraut was tangy, and the homemade thousand island dressing was a slam dunk.

Next, I started eating the coconut cream strudel, and that was divine, too. It was flakey, layered with flavor, baked to perfection, and the sweetness from the coconut cream filling was unmatched — 1,000 times better than a Toaster Strudel.

For the Reuben, a couple strudels, and a bottle of water, I spent a total of $22. All worth it.

Like the Jedi, I will be returning soon, but this time I am heading straight for the schnitzels!

“A lot of people don’t know that we serve the breakfast schnitzel all week, not just on Saturday; don’t miss out!” Dagmar’s Jack-of-all-trades Anthony Corvin said.

If you would like to reach out, all 505-615-5651 or visit “Dagmar’s Specialties” on Facebook. Dagmar’s Specialties is at 2704 Southern Blvd. SE in Rio Rancho.

In the future, Dagmar’s Specialties is hoping to add some seating space for customers and to open on Tuesdays. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Where should I go next? Email me: zunigasauce@gmail.com