By Scott Miller
I can still remember how the excitement felt every week, every game, every time.
The chills and tingling would come over me as the National Anthem played just before kickoff. Without fail, it was an experience I have always treasured.
Playing football is a very unique, one-of-a-kind thing. Although my playing days are now well in the rearview mirror, the sport we call football is still very special to me. It truly is the ultimate team sport.
The cool thing is just how many passionate, loyal, die-hard football fans there are and, as I’ve come to learn over these past nine years, especially here in the South. Yes, the game has evolved, the conferences have changed and the college football playoff structure has grown, but the passion is the same.
So, friends, now that September is here, it’s time again to put that jersey back on and gather together at our favorite local sports bars and restaurants to celebrate the season—Football Season that is!
Here are a few of my favorite game day venues. I recommend you try them all!
AJ’s on the Bayou
Located at the Base of Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach. AJ’s on the Bayou is in a beautiful setting offering indoor as well as outdoor seating on the open-air deck overlooking the Cinco Bayou. AJ’s on the Bayou serves brunch and bottomless mimosas with food purchase for $10.95. Serving up daily weekday lunch specials for $12.95 with ice tea, entertainment or live music everyday.
ajsonthebayou.com
200 NE Eglin Pkwy., FWB
(850) 226-7579
AJ’s Oyster Shanty – Okaloosa Island
A dozen for me; a dozen for you! Located on Okaloosa Island, AJ’s Oyster Shanty serves up fresh, cold oysters, fresh seafood and the best live music on the Island. Don’t miss the Thursday Prime Rib Dinner Special – enjoy a 10oz cut of prime rib served with baked potato and side salad, with au jus and horseradish cream sauce for $22.95 every Thursday at 4 p.m. Key Lime Pie is available all day, every day! Join us for Karaoke every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and live music all other nights! The most fun on the Island!
ajsoystershanty.com
108 Santa Rosa Blvd., FWB
(850) 226-8108
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
For 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.
ajsdestin.com
FUBAR Pizza Bar
Looking for a sports bar to call home? Welcome to FUBAR pizza bar nestled on Okaloosa Island. Locally owned and family friendly, Fubar is known for its almost-famous pizza and wings and carries all sports games and live entertainment, along with impeccable service. You can enjoy all that while enjoying the waterfront view.
FUBAR has plenty of games for the kids along with pool tables, corn hole, dart boards and more. When out on the water all day, come dock your boat on one of FUBAR’S boat slips and enjoy the incredible view. Feel free to bring along your furry friends to join you on the patio.
Need the perfect space to host a party or event? FUBAR is equipped with numerous private sections with the option of having a private bar as well. The outside deck can hold up to 300 people comfortably and can be sectioned off to fit your needs. In addition to the pizza and wings, FUBAR can customize a menu for you from Italian food to Prime Rib and everything in between. Open 7 days from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
850-226-7084
114 Amberjack Dr., Okaloosa Island
fubarfwb.com
