By Scott Miller
Ah, October. Football season is in full swing, rivalries are heating up and fall weekends are looking pretty good.
Why, you ask? Because, like so many others living in this paradise we call Freeport, we love God, we love our families, we love the beach, we love our friends—and we sure do love ourselves some football!
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 sports bars to watch the action.
Whether you’re a die-hard SEC fan who shouts “War Eagle!” whenever you spot someone in Auburn gear or a transplant like me who still loves cheering on Penn State, one thing holds true: There’s nothing quite like fall Saturdays spent cheering on your team.
Let’s keep the excitement rolling all October long. I hope to see you out there!
AJ’s on the Bayou
Kick back by the water and cheer on your team at AJ’s on the Bayou, located at the base of the Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach. With indoor seating and an open-air deck overlooking the bayou, AJ’s lets fans pair football with a beautiful waterfront view, a refreshing mimosa and something delicious to eat.
Make a weekend game even better with brunch and bottomless mimosas for just $10.95 with a food purchase. AJ’s also serves $12.95 weekday lunch specials that include iced tea. With live music or entertainment every day, it’s a lively destination where football, food and fun come together.
200 NE Eglin Parkway | FWB
850-226-7579
ajsonthebayou.com
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.
116 Harbor Blvd. | Destin
850-837-1913
ajsdestin.com
AJ’s Oyster Shanty – Okaloosa Island
Bring your appetite and your game-day crew to AJ’s Oyster Shanty on Okaloosa Island. A dozen for me, a dozen for you—and plenty of football-season fun for everyone! The Shanty serves fresh, cold oysters and seafood alongside some of the best live music on the island.
Thursday football pairs perfectly with the Prime Rib Dinner Special, available every Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. Enjoy a 10-ounce cut of prime rib with a baked potato, side salad, au jus and horseradish cream sauce for $22.95. Save room for Key lime pie, served all day, every day.
Join the fun with karaoke every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and live music every other night. With food, entertainment and island energy, AJ’s Oyster Shanty is ready for football season.
108 Santa Rosa Blvd. | FWB
850-226-8108
ajsoystershanty.com
