I heard about The Jai after driving past a billboard sign on the highway. I grew up in the 80's my grandparents basically used to take me to all the casinos and gambling sites in Miami pretty much when it was legal to take minors. Jai Alai was one of the casino places they used to take me on Saturdays so I learned the sport pretty early in life. When I saw the sign I knew I just had to go and check it out.
The basics: The game is started by serving the ball. The server must bounce the ball behind the serving line, and hurl the ball with the cesta directly to the front wall so that upon rebound, it will bounce between lines No. 4 and 7. If it does not, it is an under or over serve and the opposing team will receive the point. There's more to it but it is comparable to a game of Racketball and Tennis exept with no rackets just a half moon shaped basket to catch and quickly release the ball. It is a high speed game and it could get really intense with players.
More about The Jai... They have regular stadium seating but also have a VIP area that cost $40. It is worth it to get the VIP area since it comes with personal waiters and the betting can be done table side. Also there is a DJ playing awesome music in between rounds. The drinks are pretty cheap starting from $5.50 to $14. The $5.50 drinks like a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) are pretty stiff if you know what i mean. They also have sports bar food that is not the best but either way it's inexpensive. The Mac & Cheese bites were great but the Spinach dip was mediocre and watery. Waffle fries and sliders were also very good. If you're not into gambling or the game you can chill out at the lawn game area where they have lawn games like: Jenga, giant Connect Four, Beer Pong, and some great IG picture oppourtunities.
Saturday nights are the best because they have "Color Wars". Everyone in your table gets a different color wrist band. At the end of the Jai Alai game round the player that wins if you match his jersey color with your wristband, you win $1 beer or wine for your entire party. That is a great deal and makes the game even more fun! The beer choices are Heineken, Corona, Miller. Not bad at all.
We had such a good time that we want to return ASAP, i even won $48. Not alot but it was a blast regardless. The Jai is located inside Magic City Casino, you have to enter inside the casino to get to it. Games for now are only Friday & Saturdays from 7-11pm only. Get there on time to get the best experience.
Parking is free at the Casino parking lot. And if you wonder why I gave it 4 stars it's because the food could be better but besides that, the experience was 5 stars in my book. read more