The Do’s & Don’ts of Backyard Cookouts in Southern New Mexico
There’s something magical about a family BBQ in Las Cruces. The smell of burgers on the grill, kids running through sprinklers, someone arguing about the best salsa, and at least one uncle insisting he could “totally win” on a cooking competition show.
But every local knows a successful BBQ takes more than charcoal and hot dogs. It takes strategy, patience, and the ability to survive 90+ degree weather while holding a paper plate full of potato salad.
So before you fire up the grill this weekend, here are the official do’s and don’ts of a Las Cruces family BBQ.
DO: Bring a folding chair
Not just any chair, YOUR chair.
Because if you show up late, the only thing left will be:
- A tiny camping stool
- A broken lawn chair leaning 14 degrees to the left
- Or the dreaded “cooler seat”
If your chair has cup holders, congratulations. You are now VIP.
DON’T: Touch the grill without permission
Every BBQ has one Grill Master.
You’ll know who it is because:
- They wear sunglasses at sunset
- Hold giant metal tongs like royalty
- Say things like, “These burgers need another minute.”
Do NOT flip their burgers.
Do NOT suggest seasoning.
And absolutely do NOT ask if the chicken is done every 30 seconds.
That’s how you lose your invite next year.
DO: Compliment the Chile
This is Southern New Mexico. Complimenting the chile is basic manners.
Even if your mouth is on fire and you suddenly can’t feel your eyebrows, the correct response is:
“Wow, that’s got great flavor.”
Bonus points if you ask:
“Red or green?”
Extra bonus points if you answer:
“Christmas.”
DON’T: Start family debates before dessert
A Las Cruces BBQ can go from peaceful to dramatic faster than monsoon winds in July.
Topics to avoid:
- Who makes the best tamales
- High school football from 1997 when Las Cruces High School lost to Mayfield
- Why someone still hasn’t returned a casserole dish from 2019
Keep it light. Save the debates for after the dessert.
DO: Prepare for unpredictable weather
Las Cruces weather has two settings:
- “Beautiful sunshine”
- “Sudden windstorm attempting to relocate your canopy to Arizona”
Secure the napkins.
Protect the paper plates.
And never underestimate a flying chip.
DON’T: Leave food uncovered for too long
Because the flies in New Mexico arrive faster than relatives when someone announces fresh menudo.
One second your burger is unattended.
The next second it has six new tiny friends.
Cover the food. Trust us.
DO: Bring extra drinks
If you think you brought enough drinks… you didn’t.
Someone always shows up with:
- Three cousins
- Two neighbor kids
- A random friend named “Junior”
- And diet beverages
Be the hero with the extra ice chest.
DON’T: Forget sunscreen
Nothing says “I had a great BBQ” like accidentally becoming the same color as roasted Hatch chile.
Yes, even if you’re “just sitting under the patio.”
The New Mexico sun has other plans.
DO: Let the kids get messy
A proper family BBQ includes:
- Popsicle-stained shirts
- Water balloon chaos
- Sidewalk chalk everywhere
- And one child mysteriously soaking wet for no clear reason
That’s part of the experience.
DON’T: Try to leave immediately after eating
In Las Cruces, goodbye takes approximately 47 minutes.
You’ll say:
“Alright, we should get going.”
But then:
- Someone cuts watermelon
- Another conversation starts
- Someone offers leftovers
- And suddenly it’s dark outside
Just accept it. The BBQ decides when you leave.
Final BBQ Wisdom
At the end of the day, family BBQs in Las Cruces aren’t really about perfect food or fancy decorations.
They’re about laughing too loud, eating too much, staying outside until the porch lights come on, and making memories with the people who matter most.
Even if someone burned the hot dogs.
Again BE RESPONSIBLE and Have Fun!