Check out the local top spots to eat, cheer and high-five your way through the games.
By SCOTT MILLER
What makes football so popular? Of all the sports Americans play and watch year-round, football stands tall at the top of the heap. High school, college or pro—no other game rallies such a passionate, loyal fanbase. It’s more than a sport; it’s a tradition. Football brings people together, stirs anticipation long before kickoff and delivers the kind of excitement that keeps us talking long after the final whistle. No other sport even comes close. We love our football—and that, my friends, is just the way it is.
Here in Florida, we joke that there are four seasons: Tourist Season, Hurricane Season, Snowbird Season and, of course, Football Season. And as fall edges closer, you can feel it in the air. Friday nights under the lights. Saturdays filled with rivalries. Sundays and Mondays devoted to the pros. Football season is here!
We’ll be wearing our favorite team jerseys, cheering and high-fiving, glued to every play on the big screen surrounded by a sea of fans who feel the same electric charge. Oh yes, football season is back—and I, for one, can’t wait for the games to begin.
And here along the Emerald Coast, we’re blessed. Some of the best sports bars and restaurants anywhere are ready to welcome us in, serve up great food and cold drinks, and make every game feel like a championship. Here are a few of my favorites. So, grab your crew, claim your spot and get in on the action—I’ll see you there!
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
For over 40 years, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hang out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic “hot spots” on the Destin Harbor. From its humble beginning shucking oysters off the deck behind a small trailer on the Destin Harbor, it has grown to four locations along our Emerald Coast, serving fresh seafood, live music and exciting water activities in the Destin area. Attention all die hard football fans, AJ’s boasts the one and only Jumbotron on the Destin Harbor, where you can watch your favorite games on the BIG, BIG screen surrounded by the energy and beauty of the Destin Harbor. AJ’s serves up delicious daily specials, mouth-watering drinks plus entertaining live music all month, too. Don’t miss any of the action! Come on down to AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar all season long.
(850) 837-1913
116 Harbor Blvd.
Austons on 98
Offering an amazing raw oyster bar and the best happy hour in town, Austons is the place to be and home of the 102-foot bar, including 32 beers on draft! Some of the specialties include little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England-style clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. With big screen TVs all around and football season upon us, there’s no bad seat in the house. So, come by and watch the games all season long. Happy Hour daily from 3-6 p.m., $2 off all bar drinks. Bucket Specials all day every day. Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $3 off a dozen raw oysters. Auston’s on 98 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features its own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce.” View full menu at austonson98.com.
(850) 842-3200
125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach
Austonson98.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Oysters, live music and a local vibe, the Boathouse is where the locals go with live music every night. Located in the heart of Destin on the Destin Harbor, the Boathouse specializes in making oysters a delicacy. Boathouse’s gumbo recipe was written by Mama Gumbo herself. And, of course, the oysters are raw, steamed or baked, just the way you like ‘em. The first Friday of each month, The Boathouse hosts locals on the Destin Harbor from 5-7 p.m. Listen and move with live entertainment daily. See ad for bands and times. Music schedule subject to change. Follow on Facebook for updates. During or after the game, mosey on over to hang with the locals.
(850) 837-3645
288-B Harbor Blvd., Destin
Boathouseoysterbardestin.com
Tailfins Waterfront Grill
Hey football fans, Tailfins Waterfront Grill is calling YOU! That’s right y’all, Destin’s favorite season is here and there’s not a better place in Destin to come and watch your team play.
Looking for a locals’ favorite breakfast before the game? Start your day off right with Tailfins breakfast from 8-11 a.m., seven days a week. Enjoy a classic breakfast with bacon and eggs, a seafood or Cajun omelet and even a kid’s smiley pancake. Be sure to order up a round of mimosas and bloody marys. Enjoy some of your favorite food and drinks, scrumptious early bird dinner specials Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m. Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring $24 domestic bottle buckets, $7 house wines and well drinks and $5 Long Island iced teas. Live music on the docks. Tailfins is a go-to destination for sports watching featuring more than 70 big screen TVs showing all college football games and Sunday Ticket.
(850) 842-3333
On the Harbor in Destin,
172 Harbor Blvd.
tailfinsdestin.com
DAILY CRUISES: “Talk of the Town” Tikis, Tailfins’ newest, one-of-a-kind tiki boat, features on-board restrooms and certified captains. Talk of the Town tikis are the only Coast Guard certified Tiki boats in the U.S.! Enjoy the Destin Harbor and Crab Island like never before. Choose between the three-hour tour, sunset cruise or Thursday night’s spectacular fireworks cruise. Book online: tailfinsislandadventure.com.
(850) 842-3333
On the Harbor in Destin,
172 Harbor Blvd.
tailfinsdestin.com
