By Scott Miller
What’s your favorite season? Seasons come and go bringing change to our day to day in many ways.
Tourist season is winding down and, as locals, we really don’t mind that for a handful of reasons.
But my favorite season is the next one—football season! September means football is back and I can’t wait.
For football watching, there are many great places to enjoy right here in our own backyard—places full of big screen TVs and diehard fans, where we can gather to watch our favorite teams play, and enjoy some really great food and drinks, too. Football season was made for hanging out with good friends and making some new ones, too. Nothing sets the table for that more than the return of College and Pro Football. So, let the games begin…
Home field advantage goes a long way, especially here in Destin. So, here’s a few of my favorite “home field headquarters” to enjoy all season long!
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar loves football fans and boasts the one and only Jumbotron, on the Harbor in Destin. Be sure to come by and watch your favorite teams play all season long. Serving up delicious daily specials, mouth watering drinks plus entertaining live music all month, make AJ’s your game day destination and let the games begin.
AJ’s Live Music & Events: Check AJ’s Facebook page for details.
116 Harbor Blvd.
ajsdestin.com
Austons on 98
Offering a raw 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, there’s no bad seat in the house and with football season upon us there’s no better place to be. Happy Hour Specials include 2 for 1 on All draft beer, well liquor and house wine Mon.-Fri from 11-6 and $6 Off raw oysters Mon.-Fri 3-6. Game day is every Sat and Sun, with Football Bucket Specials, drink specials and $3 pints of Auston’s Lager and PBR. Auston’s on 98 is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features its own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce.” See full menu at austonson98.com.
(850) 842-3200
125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach
Austonson98.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Oysters, Live Music and a Local’s Vibe… Destin’s best kept secret – 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. (850) 837-3645
288-B Harbor Blvd., Destin
Boathouseoysterbardestin.com
Fatboys – Destin/Miramar Beach
Craving a delicious burger or some tasty wings and an ice cold beer? But the game is on and you won’t miss even a single play. FATBOYS has you covered. Fully staffed and ready to serve you, the obvious choice is easy to see. Game Day and FATBOYS go hand in hand. So hustle down for some of the best, most delicious gameday football watching food around. Be sure to enjoy a tall glass of FATBOYS Lager, too. Oh, and bring the crew with you. There’s always a great seat waiting for you at either of our two convenient locations, Destin and Miramar Beach. Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 3-6 p.m. with half off beer, (bottle, can, draft). Football Season Specials start on Sept. 10, Sat., Sun., Mon. (all day long) with half off beer (bottle, can, draft). Daily lunch specials starting Sept. 12 Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for the ORIGINAL FATBOY or CLASSIC CHICKEN (crispy or grilled) w/fries and a drink. Daily specials starting Sept. 12, all day long: Mon. – BOGO ½ off any burger or sandwich entree, Tues. – BOGO ½ off any appetizer, Wed. – Kids eat FREE with purchase of an adult entree. Visit Fatboys’ Facebook page for exciting updates.
(850) 842-3190
104 Harbor Blvd. Destin
(850) 842-2807
10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Miramar Beach
Ilovefatboys.com
Landshark’s Pizza
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 TVs galore, plus fun and games all week long. Football fans from all over come and watch all their favorite teams on countless regional and national sports networks. With a fully stocked bar serving up 95 different bourbons and 30 beers on draft, it’s no secret why the locals love Landshark’s Pizza Company.
(850) 424-6743
300 Harbor Blvd., Destin
landsharkspizza.com
Tailfins Waterfront Grill
Looking for a locals’ favorite breakfast? 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. Watch Tailfins’ sushi chef create right in front of your eyes. Enjoy some of your favorite food and drinks, including sushi rolls and sake bombs, scrumptious early bird dinner specials Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m. Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring $20 domestic bottle buckets, $5 house wines and well drinks and $5 Long Island iced teas. Live Music on the Docks all week long. Football fans, Tailfins is your go to destination featuring over 70 Big Screen TVs. Be sure to check out our new Video Wall upstairs, possibly the largest indoor TV on the harbor.
DAILY CRUISES: Introducing Tailfins Island Adventure. Departures seven days a week aboard “Always Workin,” Tailfins’ brand new 45-foot-long cruiser. 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
Tequila’s Sports Bar & Grill
Did someone say margaritas? Tequila’s Sports Bar and Grill has quickly become a local favorite, with world class, jumbo-sized margaritas, Mexican food favorites inspired by years of tradition and authentic spices such as the Tequila’s Plate, Chili Con Carne, The Three Amigos and the new Master Parrillada – a unique fusion of sports bar food and delightful Mexican dishes. Football season is here so don’t miss a game all season long. Celebrate Taco Tuesdays with 2-for-1 margaritas. Lunch specials are offered Monday-Friday for $8.99. “Our love lies in the food we make and the connections we create with our customers every day,” says Oni, Tequila’s owner. “Our goal is to have the widest selection of tequila brands in town. You’re sure to find your favorites here.” Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner or call ahead to place your take out and to-go orders.
EAT. DRINK. FIESTA!
(850) 279.6402
11225 U.S. 98 W., Miramar Beach
Tequilasmiramarbeach.com
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