By Scott Miller
As we roll into week 4 of the 2024 College Football Season, I can feel the excitement building. No more Auburn vs. Alabama A&M matchups this week, a 73-3 romp in week one. No more Middle Tennessee State @ Mississippi matchups, a 52-3 cakewalk in week 2. And no more Kent State @ Tennessee beatdowns, a 71-0 shellacking in week 3. Yes, fans, it’s time to take the training wheels off! With weeks 4, 5 and 6 in front of us, the training wheels are definitely off. It’s time to see who’s who this year. With games like Tennessee @ Oklahoma on the docket on Saturday night in week 4 and USC @ Michigan that afternoon along with a week 5 clash of the titans matchup with Georgia @ Alabama on Saturday 9/28., the 2024 college football season is in full swing.
And that’s just skimming the surface, we haven’t even touched on November yet. So, friends, let’s all gather together at our favorite local sports bars and restaurants and 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 Seafood & Oyster Bar
Since 1984, 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. AJ’s serves up delicious daily specials, mouth-watering drinks plus entertaining live music all month. Don’t miss any of the action just come on down to AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar all season long…
(850)837-1913
116 Harbor Blvd.
ajsdestin.com
Gulf Coast Burger
Transform your perception of the quintessential burger. Embark on a captivating journey where burgers are not merely a meal, but an epicurean adventure. Step into the world of perfectly seared patties, the crackle of fresh ingredients gracing the grill, and an ambiance pulsating with the thrill of culinary artistry. Each bite is a culinary revelation, a harmonious ballet of taste sensations pirouetting across your tongue. Each burger is a culinary opus, lavishly garnished with a colorful array of toppings, savory sauces, and exquisite cheeses that capture the essence of the region it represents..and goes great while watching your favorite team on the area’s largest indoor LED 14×7 ft. TV or on one of the other 13 TV’s available! Game day menu also includes a delightful array of seafood selections, including Grouper, Shrimp baskets and sandwiches. Wash it all down with game-day specials including Ultra and Bud Light Bucket Specials! And you can watch all college and Sunday Ticket NFL games, too! Are you an Auburn fan? Gulf Coast Burger is the Official AUBURN TiGERS Watch Party Headquarters! War Eagle! Hours: Mon-Sun 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
850-842-2398
4346 Legendary Dr.,
Destin Commons
www.gulfcoastburgercompany.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 a Niceville locals’ favorite pizza, buffalo wings and sports pub and bar that serves can’t-beat, handmade-dough pizza and wings with the craziest selection of wing sauces and rubs you’ll find—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. Sports fans from all over come and watch all your favorite teams on countless regional and national sports networks. Now it pays to show up a little early to get your favorite seat and to save a buck on all beer and wine from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday. Having teamed up with Props Brewery to serve the coldest brews this side of the Bay along with the vast selection of bourbon and craft beer, it’s no secret why the locals love Landshark’s Pizza Company. Cheers! Order online, too, or DoorDash. Hours: Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Monday Closed; Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
(850) 424-6743
1128 E. John Sims Pkwy. Niceville
Landsharkspizza.com
The Preserve in Bluewater Bay
Football is back and so is The Preserve clubhouse—a great local place in Bluewater Bay to hang out and watch sports. That’s right, your favorite neighborhood hangout is ready for fun, food and football. As one patron put it, “Such a fun local’s hangout! The atmosphere is fun, warm and inviting and the bartenders are literally the sweetest. I love that I can get good craft beer and watch my favorite teams on one of their many TVs. They’ve also got a lot of awesome, rotating food trucks to choose from too! Extremely relaxing and always an enjoyable time.” Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Bluewater Bay in Niceville, The Preserve offers good drinks, a rotating array of local food trucks each night they’re open or feel free to bring your own food as well! Open Thursday-Friday: 3 – 10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 – 6 p.m.; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
850.842.2194
thepreserve850@gmail.com
2000 Bluewater Blvd,
Niceville in Bluewater Bay
