Jai-Alai

This place is a hidden gem! The paella, sangria, and potatoes were excellent! I also got some coffee liquor super strong but good. The owner Ignacio is super welcoming. For desert got the peach Melba it was delicious! Love this place

Just returned from our fourth visit to this wonderful place. The paella and sangria, along with delicious desserts, make for a perfect meal! The staff couldn’t be nicer. Service is first rate!

We went on Fathers Day and the prices have gone up and the portions have gotten smaller.
But to top it off — there was a hair on my daughters plate so we sent it back, the waitress took the plate to the kitchen and then returned with the plate in hand and said that the hair was not somebodys in the kitchen and asked if she still wanted it. I picked up the hair that was about six inches long and said this is not from her head (she has long curly hair not short straight). I said she did not want the plate back but thank you. When the bill came she did not take off for the hair nor did she apologize at any point. I find it disgusting that she had the nerve to quetion a customers complaint,
Aside from that complaint — the service was slow (and there were only two tables occupied), the waitress was very rude from the get go. We had to ask for drink refills and bread.
This was a gem once upon a time but that was a big turn off

Jai-​Alai is a hidden gem, a culinary delight, and definitely worth a visit to prospective diners.
I’ve and have been going for years and never had a bad experience. I always go with a few friends, we always have a good time, and a great meal.
It’s in a rough part of Dover, and can be hard to find for first-​time visitors, but its well worth the adventure. You won’t be sorry.
The food is very good and reasonably priced. When I go with a group, our «go to meal» is Setas Rellenas, Gambas al Ajillo, and Chorizo a la Plancha to start, Paella a la Vizcaina for dinner, and a Café Jai-​Alai with dessert (they usually have a daily assortment). Their side dishes, like Saffron Rice and Spanish Potatoes, are always fresh. The alcoholic drinks are also quite good (my favorite is the red and white sangria) and the bartender mixes a good cocktail for those who want something more fun.
The servers are always polite and quick to wait on you. They’re constantly saying «Yes, sir; Thank you, sir» whenever you give them a compliment or ask for something. What’s more, owner Ignacio «Nick» Cenicacelaya is always quick with a kind word and appreciates your patronage. He’s very proud of his Basque heritage, and if you engage him in conversation, will tell you exactly how the Basque people are different than other Spaniards.
About the only «negative» thing I can say about the restaurant is that, atmosphere-​wise, it’s a bit of a throw back. While everything is neat, clean, and orderly, the décor hasn’t been updated in years and could use some sprucing up.
If you’re a «foodie» and going for the food alone, I would give this restaurant 5 Stars.
If, however, you’re looking for modern ambiance and trend-​setting interior-​design atmosphere, then Jai-​Alai more reasonably deserves a 4 Star-​rating (hence why I didn’t tag this review with the 5-Stars/“Woohoo! As good as it gets!” option).
I don’t see their website listed, but if anyone wants to check it out, here is their homepage and menu, respectively:
Be sure to bring a few friends along and enjoy!

This place is dark, dingy and way outdated but that’s not the worst of it… the food is the worst I have ever had! The ½ roasted chicken was at least a week old and dry as can be! I couldnt eat it for fear of being deathly ill. My boyfriend ordered the large shrimp and scallops, and he got small shrimp and some scallops but NOTHING in this place was fresh! Please do yourself a favor and stay away. If you like 70’s décor, then this is the place for you. Also if you want to be sick.

Absolutely delightful. We were visiting back in Dover, my husbands neighborhood from 40 years ago. We were looking for a place to eat and Unilocal advised us here. Absolutely no regrets. The food was perfect: white sangria, garlic soup, paella!!! All excellent. This family owned business of 35 years is a gem. Thank you for a special evening. Don’t let the exterior deter you, it’s warm and charming inside.

I follow a simple rating criteria:
1 star for atmosphere/​ambiance
1 star for service
2 stars for food
1 star for is the price worth the overall experience
I’ll give it a half star for the atmosphere as the place is cute, but there was no one there for 8pm on a Friday.
Another half star as there was one waitress in the restaurant for 4 – 5 tables and things were a bit slow.
1.5 stars for food. Everything was absolutely delicious except the calamari. I wasn’t a fan of the lemon/​wine sauce and was told it was not fried before ordering. It was pan fried.
Another half star for price and overall experience. I would not be opposed to going there again, however it wasn’t my favorite Spanish place in Dover.

This local treasure is hard to find, located in a run-​down part of town, but it is worth the find. It’s best to park in the Harry Lorry Furniture lot, walk towards the hill and walk down the alley-​street. The liver (yes liver) is delicious, and I dislike liver. Also, the white sangria is the best!

Great food! Love the garlic shrimp and chorizo apps. The chips top it off too. Two thumbs up on the sangria

Excellent food. The stuffed mushroom caps are to die for. Everything is very fresh, with unique scrumptious flavors. Not your same-​old-​same-​old meal. Extremely friendly service. Don’t let the outside appearance scare you off. This is a hidden gem for sure.

I was here a few years back for Valentines day.
They had a bunch of specials listed for the night.
I had always eaten good food there, so I didn’t think there would be a problem ordering something other than my norm.
I was incorrect.
My dish was clearly missing one of the key ingredients. When we pointed it out to the young waitress (who also seemed to be running the place that night) she basically told us to go scratch and then proceeded to hang all over the owner.
I’d never step foot in that place again.

Not quite like what you’d find in the Ironbound section of Newark… but acceptable.
Good service. Decent food.

Hard to find local place. The food is just great and the atmosphere warm and inviting. Service was fantastic. I will be going back many times

If you can find it, stop in. Great food and sangria. Family owned and operated for a long time. Food is well prepared but somewhat pricey. Portions are reasonable and the seafood dishes are outstanding. Quite authentic basque style cuisine.