By Scott Miller
September college football can seem like the preseason as the powerhouse teams often get to beat up on the not so mighty. October football has a different feel to it. Now, it’s time for teams to prove whether they truly belong in the top 10. As of October 1, the rankings look like this: Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami (FL), Ohio State, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss and BYU. It’s always fun to watch how this plays out. So, fans, let the October games begin!
And, there’s no better place to watch the action then Destin. Some of the best sports bars and restaurants anywhere are right here in our own back yard. They’re ready to welcome us in, serve up some really great food, cold beer and delicious specialty 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
Football season is back, and there’s no better place to catch the action than right on the Destin Harbor. For more than 40 years, AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters, refreshing drinks and plenty of local flavor. What began as a popular hangout for fresh oysters and cold beer—with oysters shucked from the deck behind a small trailer—has grown into one of the Destin Harbor’s most iconic hot spots. Today, AJ’s has four locations along the Emerald Coast, serving fresh seafood, live music and memorable waterfront experiences.
Die-hard football fans can settle in beneath the one-and-only Jumbotron on the Destin Harbor and watch their favorite college and professional teams play on the big, big screen. Surrounded by the energy and beauty of the harbor, it’s a game-day atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re arriving early for kickoff, staying through the final whistle or celebrating a big win afterward, AJ’s has delicious daily specials, mouthwatering drinks and live music to keep the good times going. Don’t miss a minute of the action—make AJ’s part of your football tradition all season long.
(850) 837-1913
116 Harbor Blvd., Destin
ajsdestin.com
Austons on 98
Build your perfect game-day lineup at Austons on 98, home to an impressive raw oyster bar, one of the best happy hours in town and a massive 102-foot bar with 32 beers on draft.
The menu features little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England-style clam chowder, jumbo shrimp cocktail and plenty of other favorites to keep your football crew well-fed. Add Austons’ own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce” when you want to bring a little extra heat to the game.
With big-screen televisions throughout the restaurant, there’s no bad seat in the house. Grab your friends, choose your team and settle in for college and professional football all season long.
Happy hour is offered daily from 3–6 p.m., with $2 off all bar drinks. Bucket specials are available all day, every day. From 3–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, guests can also enjoy $3 off a dozen raw oysters.
Austons on 98 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. View the complete menu online.
(850) 842-3200
125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach
Austonson98.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Some football Saturdays and Sundays call for more than a sports bar. Sometimes you want fresh oysters, live music and the kind of laid-back local atmosphere that makes every game-day weekend feel like a coastal getaway.
Located in the heart of Destin on the Destin Harbor, Boathouse Oyster Bar is where the locals go. Its specialty is turning oysters into a true delicacy, served raw, steamed or baked just the way you like ’em. The menu also features Boathouse’s signature gumbo, made from a recipe written by Mama Gumbo herself.
Stop in before the game to fuel up, or mosey over afterward to celebrate a win, shake off a tough loss and hang out with the locals. With live entertainment every night, the fun continues long after the final play.
On the first Friday of each month, the Boathouse hosts a locals’ gathering on the Destin Harbor from 5–7 p.m. See the ad for featured bands and performance times. Music schedules are subject to change, so follow Boathouse Oyster Bar on Facebook for the latest updates.
(850) 837-3645
288-B Harbor Blvd., Destin
BoathouseOysterBarDestin.com
CJ’s Hangout
Looking for a true locals’ spot to watch your favorite team? CJ’s Hangout brings together everything football fans want on game day—plenty of sports, great food, cold drinks and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere where locals meet.
CJ’s is a full-service, family-friendly sports bar serving up some serious game-day favorites, including wings, pizza, smash burgers, sandwiches, salads and house-made chips. On Saturdays and Sundays, the game-day menu adds even more football fare, including nachos, chili dogs, barbecue sandwiches and more. And on select Sundays in October, CJ’s will open early for NFL games with breakfast available for those morning kickoffs.
There’s something happening throughout the week, too. Daily specials include 99-cent wings on Mondays, $9.99 meatloaf on Tuesdays, burger specials on Wednesdays, $9.99 country-fried steak on Thursdays and $9.99 fried chicken on Fridays. Pair your meal with a cocktail or choose from a wide selection of draft and bottled beers.
The fun doesn’t end when the game does. CJ’s keeps the week lively with Music Bingo, live music three days a week, karaoke and open mic comedy. Whether you’re meeting friends and neighbors, settling in for college football Saturday or spending Sunday watching the NFL, CJ’s Hangout makes it easy to eat, cheer and stay awhile.
As they like to say at CJ’s: “Love You Mean It!”
(850) 888-9464
385 Harbor Blvd., Destin
cjshangout.com
Tailfins Waterfront Grill
Hey, football fans—Tailfins Waterfront Grill is calling your name! Destin’s favorite season is here, and Tailfins has everything you need for a winning game day on the harbor.
If your team has an early kickoff, start the day with a local-favorite breakfast served from 8–11 a.m., seven days a week. Choose a classic plate of bacon and eggs, a seafood or Cajun omelet, or a smiley pancake for the youngest fans. Add a round of mimosas or Bloody Marys and get ready for kickoff.
When it’s game time, Tailfins is one of Destin’s go-to sports-watching destinations, with more than 100 big-screen televisions showing college and professional matchups. Fans can also catch the action on the outdoor Jumbotron overlooking the docks. With so many screens, you won’t have to miss a single touchdown, field goal or game-changing play.
Tailfins offers early-bird dinner specials from 3–6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Happy hour is also available from 3–6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring $24 domestic beer buckets, $7 house wines and well drinks, and $7 Long Island iced teas.
Come early, stay late and enjoy live music on the docks seven days a week. Whether you’re gathering before the game, cheering through all four quarters or celebrating after the final whistle, Tailfins brings together football, food, drinks and waterfront fun.
(850) 650-1111
172 Harbor Blvd., on the Destin Harbor
tailfinsdestin.com
Daily Cruises
Turn your football weekend into a complete Destin Harbor adventure with Tailfins’ Tikis. Tailfins’ newest one-of-a-kind tiki boat features onboard restrooms and certified captains, making it easy to relax and enjoy the water.
Talk of the Town tikis are the only Coast Guard-certified tiki boats in the United States. Experience the Destin Harbor and Crab Island like never before by choosing a three-hour tour, a sunset cruise or Thursday night’s spectacular fireworks cruise.
Book your cruise online at tailfinsislandadventure.com.
(850) 842-3333
172 Harbor Blvd., on the Destin Harbor
tailfinsdestin.com
