By Scott Miller
It’s finally here! The 2020 College Football season is about to kick off. No more “off season” to wait faithfully through. And here in Destin, we take our football seriously. Our favorite teams are lacing up their cleats, buckling their chin straps and players will be laying it on the line for their schools, fans, friends and families. Who will rise to the top this year? As Destin Locals, or transplants, we are blessed to be able to combine the beauty of this region with America’s favorite sport. Right here where we call home (or home away from home), we have some of the most amazing and exciting local sports bars and eateries anywhere. For sports fans, what’s better than hanging out with friends, watching football and eating a variety of game-day food from tasty wings to delicious seafood, from sweet and zesty barbecue to meat lover’s pizza, and so many mouth watering choices in between.
It’s no wonder we love watching football! There are a variety of amazing game-day go to’s where we can gather and experience all that Destin has to offer. We’ve visited quite a few exciting and fun spots to recommend so here we go…Are you ready for some football?
Auston’s on 98
NOW OPEN! And offering a RAW BAR, HAPPY HOUR and LIVE MUSIC!
Home of the 102 foot bar including 32 beers on draft. Some of our specialties include little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England style clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail!
Football fans, Auston’s is ready for you. There are Big Screen TV’s all around, so there’s not a bad seat in the house. Game Day Specials all weekend long plus on Monday Nights be sure to come by for their “You Score, We Pour” party from kickoff until the final seconds have ticked away. Auston’s will pour you a 9-ounce domestic draft when your team scores a touchdown! Auston’s on 98, of Nashville roots, also features its very own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce!” Check out specials, beer selections and a full menu at austonson98.com.
(850) 842-3200
125 Poinciana Blvd.,
Miramar Beach
austonson98.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Boathouse Oyster Bar has been one of Destin’s favorite best kept secrets, but the word is out! 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! Come on by and enjoy the best food in town in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The first Friday of every month the Boathouse hosts locals on the Destin Harbor from 5pm – 7pm. Who wants a free keg? Bring a donation for the Emerald Coast Foundation to qualify for entry.
The Slacker Event Series benefits Road Dogg Rescue. The Boathouse just completed its Slacker 0.5K which raised more than $4000 for the rescue. Animals are on site during the event. Participants are asked to bring dog or cat food as a donation. For the next upcoming Slacker Event, visit boathouseoysterbardestin.com/events.
(850) 837-3645
288 Harbor Blvd., Destin
boathouseoysterbardestin.com
Island Wing Company Grill & Bar
Voted “Best Wings” four years running, Island Wing Co. is calling your name. Come in and find your favorite beer among the 58 selections on tap or enjoy a cocktail and savor some of the tastiest food you’ve ever eaten.
Are you ready for some football? With Big screen TVs situated all around the bar and restaurant Island Wing Company invites you in to watch, cheer and enjoy the 2020 season. Need to feed the whole family? Family meals to go with curbside delivery has you covered. Daily specials and happy hour 3-7pm and 7pm-close will keep you coming back again and again. Happy Monday! Kids eat free. (Free kids meal with adult entrée purchase) and Happy Hour all day long. At IWC, TWOsday was made for TACOS! Enjoy two tacos with reggae rice for $8.95 Choose from Jah’mon Jerk, Maui Wowwie Mahi, Buffalo Chicken and Baja Fish. Which one is Your favorite? Wednesday is flatbread special day. Enjoy $3 off their five famous flatbreads. Pairs well with $3 house wine or ½ priced bottles. Your Island awaits you…
(850) 837-2999
981 U.S. Hwy. 98, Destin
islandwing.com
Landshark’s Pizza
Are you ready for some Football? Hungry, thirsty, maybe a little of both? Come in and visit Landshark’s Pizza. Owners Brian and Sue Hassmann have created the locals’ favorite pizza, buffalo wings and sports pub and bar that serves great pizza AND awesome wings plus many other scrumptious eats for folks of all ages. There’s plenty of seating for everyone and TV’s galore, plus fun and games all week long. Weekly specials and fun include Music Bingo on Tuesdays at 7pm; $.69 cent Wing Wednesdays; Sports fans from all over come and watch all their favorite teams on countless regional and national sports networks including College and Pro Football. And there’s a fully stocked bar with 95 different bourbons and 30 beers on draft!
(850) 424-6743
300 Harbor Blvd., Destin
landsharkspizza.com
Supermarket & Taqueria Mi Gente’
Now open for lunch and dinner! A Latin Supermarket, Restaurant and Cantina, Taqueria Mi Gente’ is a new Destin dining hotspot to enjoy. One visit there and you’ll surely know why. With fresh ingredients and homemade recipes, this fun and festive restaurant will instantly capture your heart. Serving up huge portions, you can choose from an incredible select menu offering a diverse selection of delicious food from different Latin-America countries. Taqueria Mi Gente’ is a treat you just have to experience for yourself. Enjoy a drink from the cantina, try a few tasty options on the menu and when your belly is full, take a walk through their amazing and diverse supermarket where you can buy a variety of Latin America groceries to take home. Open seven days a week Supermarket & Taqueria Mi Gente’ will welcome you back again and again.
(850) 842-2992
733 Harbor Blvd., Destin
Tailfins Alehouse and Oyster Bar
With stunning views of the Destin Harbor and your favorite foods and drinks, Tailfins’ Entertainment Complex delivers an incredible mix of friendly and fun atmosphere along with breathtaking views. A magical combination for watching your favorite teams and enjoying the entertainment with Live Music seven days a week. Rusty Hammerstrom performs every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. BT Turner is live every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Tailfins offers multiple levels of indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the Destin Boardwalk so come back again and again to experience all they have to offer. Football is Back…Tailfins is your go to destination for all the games. There are Huge Big Screen TV’s everywhere you look so you can watch your favorite teams all season long. Be sure to try all of the Scrumptious Early Bird Specials M-F from 4-7pm including Tailfins’ famous Alaskan Snow Crab ~ Steamed Crab Clusters with New Potatoes & Corn, $19.95. And if that’s not already enough to bring you by, Tailfins offers a Double Happy Hour from 4-7pm and again from 10pm to closing from Mon. through Fri. with $15 Domestic Bottle Buckets and $7.99 Pitchers, House Wines and Well Drinks. We’ll see you there.
(850) 650-1200
On the Harbor in Destin
tailfinsdestin.com
Tequila’s Sports Bar & Grill
Football season is finally here…We have been waiting anxiously for the 2020 season to kickoff so let the games begin. Tequila’s is open and ready for you so on game day or anyday, come in and see us.
Ready to shake it up a little? And we mean literally – Tequila’s Sports Bar and Grill has quickly become a local favorite. Stop in today and let them serve up some of their world class, Jumbo sized Margaritas sure to set the mood to watch your favorite game. Tequila’s has some of the best seats in the neighborhood.
Come in and enjoy a unique fusion of sports bar food and delightful Mexican dishes, lunch specials offered daily Monday through Friday for $8.99. EAT, DRINK, FIESTA!! Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner or call ahead to place your take out and to-go orders.
(850) 279.6402
11225 U.S. 98 W., Miramar Beach
restaurantji.com/fl/destin/tequilas-/
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