By Rena Distasio

If you have traveled the I-40 corridor between Albuquerque and Gallup, you know that Sky City Casino Hotel and its adjacent facilities are some of the most welcoming pit stops along the way. Located about an hour west of Albuquerque off I-40 Exit 102, the complex provides road warriors of all kinds, from day-visitors to families on vacation, business travelers to long distance truckers, with a variety of gaming options, first class accommodations and tasty, satisfying, and well-priced food.
Huwak’a Restaurant
Sky City’s Huwak’a Restaurant has long enjoyed a stellar reputation for quality, service, and value. Add in a series of recent renovations that were unveiled last year and that reputation shines even more brightly.
Sky City Casino’s Food and Beverage Director Steve Uricchio, Executive Chef Todd Barnes, and Food and Beverage Manager Renae Rodriguez worked together to implement a series of changes to both the restaurant’s ambiance and its menu. The team separated and enclosed the restaurant from the gaming floor and created a more intimate space with the addition of glass partitions with intermittently changing lighting features. New china, glass, silverware and softer lighting were also added and the walls are adorned with custom artwork crafted by a local Sky City artisan.
“Our goal was to up the ante a bit,” says Uricchio, “and to create more of a destination restaurant, a very good casual dining spot where everyone, including families, can come to eat.”
Barnes says another goal was to provide for a wide variety of tastes. “We’re somewhat of a unique operation in that we have three main groups that we deal with in terms of food service: travelers, locals, and truckers,” he explains. “Each has a distinct point of view on what they like to eat.”
Everyone will find something to love at Huwak’a. Its a la carte menu concentrates on classic comfort foods like a Prime Rib Sour Dough Melt with green chile and au jus, Homemade Meatloaf, South of the Border selections, and local favorites.
Huwak’a offers a bountiful selection of all-you-can-eat soups, salads, main courses, and desserts that are made fresh daily on the premises. The Buffet features a different smoked meat at the carving station Monday through Friday 11am to 3pm and themed buffets that include Prime Rib Mondays, Italian Tuesdays, Fajita Wednesdays, Steak Night Thursdays, Seafood Fridays, and Barbeque Saturdays, with a Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Not only are the regular prices reasonable, but with a Players Club Card guest can also receive an additional $2 OFF ANY BUFFET, so make sure you sign up today.
Huwak’a is open 7am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 7am to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Valentine’s Day Special Dinner
Treat yourself and your sweetheart to a special dinner this Valentine’s Day at the Huwak’a Restaurant. On Tuesday February 14th from 6pm to 10pm, this Sweetheart Dinner will include a bottle of Martinelli’s Sparking Cider, Field Green Salad, Petit Filet Mignon with Shrimp Scampi, Baked Potato, Pan-Seared Garden Vegetables, and New York-Style Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce. All for only $34.99 per couple. For details contact Huwak’a Restaurant at 505-552-7852.

Trucker’s Appreciation Day
Beginning in January, the last Thursday of every month and running all year, Sky City says “Thank You!” to all its loyal trucking patrons with a Free Steak Night Buffet for every 75-gallon fill up. This includes both individual and team drivers.

Haanu Snack Bar
Serving both southwestern and traditional fare like burgers, hot dogs, and what some people call the World’s Best Chile Cheese Fries, this is on-the-go food with homemade flavor. Recent upgrades include expanded seating for up to 40 patrons (nearly double the previous size), a flat screen television, and several combo meals that include dishes like fried chicken and sub sandwiches served with fries and a drink. Hours of operations are Sunday through Thursday 11am to midnight and Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am.

Piñon Tree Coffee Bar
What better way to start your day than with a cup of aromatic Starbuck's Coffee® and a pastry? Open 7am to 9pm daily, this is the spot to not only grab a quick caffeinated pick-me-up but also an assortment of soups, sandwiches, ice cream, and pastries.

Full Service Banquet and Event Catering
Sales & Catering Manager Charlotte Tsosie is a Navajo/Laguna/Eastern Cherokee native who recently returned home to New Mexico after 13 years spent in the hospitality industry. Sky City’s Banquet services are booming, with all new banquet menus—and renovations in several other key areas that will be completed within the next several months. Sky City offers a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility perfect for weddings, banquets, business meetings, and other special events. Function spaces include the 2,640-square-foot Piñon Room, which can be divided into three function rooms and accommodate up to 240 people, depending on the needs of your function, and the 5,850-square-foot VIP Showroom that is perfect for larger dinners, receptions, and even trade shows and expositions. For more information or to book your next event, call Charlotte at 505-552-1084.