Each place setting included a plastic shelling tool that operated like an old-fashioned boy scout can opener and plastic plate to collect the debris. Table cloths and cloth napkins added an air of elegance to the very messy experience of getting the crab meat out of the shells. The serving dishes were refilled promptly and the tables were often cleared of shells. The staff is very attentive and seems to have mastered the art of serving at a buffet. There was a creamy seafood pasta and New England clam chowder among the many sides and salads. The buffet would be more appropriately called a 'shellfish buffet' as the main course consisted of king crab legs, coconut shrimp, steamed mussels and peel-and-eat cold shrimp. The seafood buffet is apparently very popular as the restaurant filled up quickly and as we were leaving there was a long line of hungry people waiting. We got there early and won enough money in the casino to pay for dinner, tip and gas.

According to the advertising, it is offered for a limited time on Thursdays in January from 4 to 10 PM. We visited Tiwa for the first time on Januto try the Seafood Buffet. That said, Isleta Casino and Resort is easy to find just off I-25 south of Albuquerque.There is even public transportation to get you there via Rail Runner commuter train and shuttle bus from the station to the casino. To make matters even more confusing, the casino and resort in which Tiwa is located has changed names and ownership a few times in the past six years. SE Isleta Casino & Resort Albuquerque, NM 87105, but the physical location is in Isleta, south of Albuquerque.

The correct name of this restaurant according to advertising in the Albuquerque Journal is 'Tiwa Restaurant and Lounge' although on the sign and website it is simply called 'Tiwa.' The address is: 11000 Broadway Blvd.

Restaurants at isleta casino