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 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
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
See the SEC Football schedule with highlights here.
