By Scott Miller
Ah, October. Football season is in full swing, rivalries are heating up and fall weekends are looking pretty good.
In my humble opinion, no other sport delivers the passion, excitement and camaraderie of good ol’ American football. So, break out your favorite team’s jersey, rally your friends and head to one of the area’s best places to watch the action.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Go big on game day at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, home to the one and only Jumbotron on the Destin Harbor. Watch your favorite football teams on the big, big screen while taking in the energy and beauty of the harbor, enjoying fabulous food and sipping a game-day drink.
For 40 years, AJ’s has been serving fresh Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hangout for fresh oysters and cold beer—shucked from the deck behind a small trailer on the harbor—has grown into one of Destin’s most iconic hot spots with four locations along the Emerald Coast. Add daily specials, mouthwatering drinks, live music throughout the month and exciting water activities in the Destin area, and AJ’s has everything you need for a winning football season.
850-837-1913
ajsdestin.com
facebook.com/AJsSeafoodAndOysterBar
116 Harbor Blvd. | Destin
FUBAR Pizza Bar
Looking for a sports bar to call home? You’ve found it! 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 your 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 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
JoJo’s Coffee and Goodness
Start your football Saturday with a tailgate takeout stop at JoJo’s Coffee and Goodness. Owner and operator Angela “JoJo” Stevenson serves up a daily dose of “goodness” with freshly roasted coffee, hearty breakfast favorites and sweet treats to fuel your game-day plans.
Breakfast burritos are rolled and ready daily, with andouille, bacon, chorizo or veggie options. Try a piece of quiche, kolache-hash brown casserole or a made-to-order breakfast sandwich on a croissant or bagel with two eggs and cheese. Add JoJo’s homemade smoked jalapeño beef bologna, bacon, house-smoked barbecue or ham.
Bring something sweet to your gathering with cinnamon rolls; cranberry orange, chocolate caramel or cheddar thyme scones; strawberry coffee cake; cranberry orange muffins; red velvet cookies; brownies with espresso ganache; or caramelitas. Cinnamon rolls and kolaches are top sellers, so stop in early! Featured muffins, coffee cake or pound cake pair perfectly with a maple cinnamon latte or caramel macchiato — a little fall flavor before kickoff.
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
(850) 737-6194
bigorangehousedesigns.com
facebook.com/JoJosCoffeeAndGoodness
4652 Highway 20 E., Niceville
LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant
Suds, Songs, Sunsets and Sports! Gather your team for a meal before kickoff and enjoy waterfront views, oysters and a varied menu.
Named after “LJ Schooner” — short for Lazy Jack — a cherished four-legged icon on the Bluewater Bay Marina docks, the open-air oyster bar and restaurant offers views of the water, marina and spectacular sunsets any time of year. Dinner specials include dishes such as blackened mahi and grilled shrimp with hollandaise, served over cheese grits. Come for a bite and enjoy a relaxed waterfront setting as part of your game-day plans.
Oct. 10: Nautical Flea Market and Flea Market – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oct. 17: 33rd Annual Single-Handed Race
Oct. 18: Missing the Mullet – Mullet Toss 4 p.m.; Mullet Hair Contest 6 p.m.
Sundays: Brunch, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesdays: Taco & Margarita Night, 3-9 p.m.
Wednesdays: Kids Eat Free, 5-9 p.m.
Thursdays: Open Mic/Karaoke, 6-10 p.m.
Saturdays: Steak Night, 5-9 p.m.
See ad for live entertainment. Dine-in, pick-up, to-go.
Oyster Bar Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 3-10 p.m. • Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight • Sun. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Lunch Served 1 p.m.
Restaurant Hours: Mon.-Tues. Closed • Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sun. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Sun. Brunch 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lunch Served 1 p.m.
(850) 897-6400
bluewaterbaymarina.com/schooners
facebook.com/LazyJackSchooner
290 Yacht Club Dr., Unit 200
Niceville in Bluewater Bay
