The Player’s Grill sits on the second level of the New Mexico State University Golf Course clubhouse, and it draws a steady mix of students, regulars, and families who stop in for a delicious meal with dramatic views of the Organ Mountains.
Staffed largely by NMSU students, the space feels relaxed and familiar, the kind of place where people settle into a booth after class or find a spot on the patio to watch the play of light on the Organ Mountains at sunset. Many guests come simply to share nachos, check a score on one of the big-screen TVs, or stop in for a casual lunch without needing to play a round of golf.
What are the current hours of operation for The Player’s Grill?
| Day | Dining Room Hours |
| Monday–Thursday |
|
| Friday–Sunday |
|
Parking at the clubhouse is free, and guests do not need to play golf in order to dine.
What are the best menu items and Happy Hour deals?
The Player’s Grill menu leans into Southwest staples and crowd favorites, with several items that regulars consistently order.
Signature menu items
The Player’s Grill updates its offerings often and serves a range of affordable items that reflect regional tastes. Highlights include:
- Blazin’ Sombrero Burger is built with a hand-formed patty, cheddar, jalapeño chorizo, arugula, pickled red onions, and a layer of tortilla chips with house queso on a toasted brioche bun.
- Tin Can Nachos are piled high with house-made queso, tostadas, salsa, pickled jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and a choice of protein.
- Shareables feature a four-for-$25 mix-and-match special (or $8.50 a piece) that includes options like jalapeño poppers, chips with queso, fried Brussel Sprouts with garlic aioli, wings, and mozzarella sticks.
- The Beer Can Chicken Sandwich is made with 1888 Ale–marinated chicken, melted Swiss, green chile slaw, and fried pickles on a toasted bun.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., with $1 off all tall and short draft beer.
What drink options are available at the bar?
The bar carries a wide range of cocktails, drafts, and wines; the selections below highlight some of the most frequently ordered choices.
New Mexico–infused cocktails
- Aggie Mule with whiskey, lemon, and ginger beer.
- Pete’s Punch made with Mesa vodka and raspberry syrup.
- Pete’s Paloma with tequila, citrus, soda water, and an optional Tajín rim.
Classic cocktails
- Old Fashion with bourbon and bitters.
- Cosmo built with vodka, citrus, and cranberry.
- Washington Apple and other steady, year-round standards.
Draft beer and wines
- Draft highlights such as Shiner Bock, 7K IPA, and rotating seasonal taps.
- House wines from St. Clair, plus a small selection of specialty bottles.
Where are the best scenic views at The Player’s Grill?
The patio provides the clearest view of the course, opening out toward the Organ Mountains. Inside, large windows along the dining room face the same range, giving guests a wide look at the mountains even on days when they prefer to sit indoors.
Plan Your Visit to The Player’s Grill
The Player’s Grill provides accessible parking and welcomes everyone. Its hours support weekday lunches and weekend breakfasts, offering snacks, casual meals, and drinks throughout the day. Guests often come for burgers, nachos, or a cold beer while enjoying a comfortable atmosphere and wide views.
Quick practical info
- Address: 3000 Herb Wimberly Drive
- Phone: 575-646-3219
- No golf membership required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a golfer to dine at The Player’s Grill?
No, you do not need to be a golfer or have any affiliation with NMSU. The Player’s Grill is open to the entire public. They offer free and accessible parking at the clubhouse, making it easy to stop in just for a meal or a drink on the patio. You will find a casual weekday lunch, a hearty weekend breakfast, or a scenic place for a beer.
What is the most popular menu item?
For many diners, the Blazin’ Sombrero Burger and the Tin Can Nachos have become the go-to choices. Even so, there are plenty of other menu options that are both delicious and filling.
The best value comes from their popular Happy Hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring discounted draft beer.
Additionally, their Shareables menu includes a highly affordable four-for-$25 mix-and-match special on items like wings, nachos, and jalapeño poppers. This combination ensures great pricing for food and drinks while you enjoy the mountain views.
Are there local craft beers available at the bar?
Yes. The Player’s Grill serves Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale, which is tied to the university and brewed in New Mexico. Other rotating craft options and familiar domestic beers are available.
When is Happy Hour?
Happy Hour is held Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., a popular time for relaxed late-afternoon visits while enjoying discounted draft beers. This timing is strategically set to accommodate late-afternoon visitors, making it a popular stop for students finishing classes or locals looking for an unhurried visit before dinner.
The availability of shared appetizers, such as the four-for-$25 mix-and-match special on Shareables, further complements the drink specials, creating a complete social and dining experience during the late afternoon hours.
Are the panoramic views of the Organ Mountains accessible to all guests?
Yes, the dramatic views of the Organ Mountains are highly accessible and are a defining feature of the dining experience for all guests, regardless of where they are seated. The most striking and unobstructed views are available from the outdoor patio, which opens directly toward the mountain range, providing a perfect setting to watch the sunset.
Inside, the main dining room is lined with large windows that offer a wide, sweeping look at the Organ Mountains, ensuring that guests seated indoors can still enjoy the scenery comfortably.
The clubhouse’s location on the second level provides an elevated perspective that enhances the visibility of the surrounding landscape. The easy access and availability of these scenic views contribute significantly to the relaxed, familiar atmosphere that patrons, including students and families, return for regularly.
Plan Your Visit to The Player’s Grill
The Player’s Grill gives guests a great excuse to slow down and enjoy views of the Organ Mountains over a plate of nachos, a sandwich, or a cold drink. The pace is unhurried, the setting feels familiar, and the scenery pulls people back in again.
If you are nearby, stopping in for a bite or a drink on the patio is one of the simplest ways to take in the mountains from a comfortable seat!
STORY SPONSORED BY NMSU PLAYER’S GRILL
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Posted by LasCruces.com
