Top 10 Places to Watch Football
Where are you watching the games each week? The fall season is full of football parties, wings, beer, and cheering. While we love having all our friends over to see the wins of our favorite team, sometimes you just don’t want to deal with preparation and clean-up. There is quite the selection of sports bars and Destin restaurants but which ones are worth trying? Thankfully, we try every place once so we decided to give you a review of the places around town so you know where to go:
10 – Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill: This would probably be the best place if you want to watch the game but your family doesn’t. The bar is awesome and the drinks are usually exceptional. The bowling alley is really cool with underwater themes and kids love it. There’s also a room to rent with pool tables. However, the food has changed drastically since opening week and not in a good way. From salads and sandwiches to seared tuna and pizza, we’ve tried almost the whole menu with the exception of their wings. Maybe that will be their top seller. They have TV’s at the bar, in the bowling alley, and in the dining room.
9 – O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer: A couple years ago, this would have topped our list. Unfortunately, they changed things quite a bit and not to our favor. The menu is still pretty good but good service is inconsistent. If you are going with a couple friends or just going for drinks, it’s a great place. There are tons of TV’s and the back room has a bunch of huge screens next to a cool game room. We liked it more when it was the Irish place though.
8 – Rum Runners: Sometimes we forget about this place since it’s tucked away in the heart of Sandestin but it’s a very popular place to catch the game. There’s a tropical atmosphere and Caribbean menu as well as a new patio and dueling pianos inside. The Hurricane burger is a favorite and they serve Bushwackers, one of the best frozen drinks! After the game, take a stroll through Baytowne Wharf and enjoy the nightlife.
7 – Johnny McTighe’s: A little farther down the road, this Irish Pub is a bit of a hole in the wall on 30A. We like it because it’s rarely crowded and there’s a small side room with big screens. Their menu includes wings and Philly cheesesteak but we favor the turkey club. The pizza is always a great choice as well, and most of their meals come with a heap of tater tots. There is a full bar and they do not hold back with the pours. After dinner, check out the game room where you can play darts, ski ball, air hockey, and foosball. They are open daily till 2am!
6 – Pompano Joe’s: There’s a reason why this place is featured on the Travel Channel as one of the best beach restaurants. It’s right on the Gulf, there’s excellent bartenders, the food is awesome, and they recently added more seating! TV screens are up above the bar or you can sit out front with the big screen. It’s a tourist attraction so it’s a little pricey but the food is worth it and they have daily Happy Hour specials.
5 – Miller’s Ale House: Yes, this is a regular chain restaurant with nothing extra special BUT it’s in a central location and they have 75 beers on tap! The food is average but we do appreciate the gluten-free and vegetarian menus. Buckets of beer specials are available for groups too. Or just for you if you’re extra thirsty. The Destin location has multiple TV screens and a cool patio area with a fireplace. If you’re tired of wings, try the fajitas or pizza.
4 – Buffalo Jack’s: One of our regular stops, Buffalo Jack’s boasts legendary wings and we LOVE them. It’s not a huge place but each booth has their own TV as well as larger screens along the top of the wall. Happy Hour is 3-5 and wings are 2 for 1 on Monday nights. Try the Lemon Pepper or Thai Peanut!
3 – Island Wing Company: A great addition to Old Destin, Island Wing Company is famous for their baked wings. They also have seafood and burgers that are the talk of the town. Multiple TV screens make it easy to get a good view and the large beer selection keeps customers very happy. Drinks specials are available on game day.
2 – Surf Hut: One of the newest locations to the list, Surf Hut is located on Old 98 and boasts award-winning pulled pork tacos. It’s an open air restaurant with perfect views of the Gulf. From BBQ to seafood, there’s a little of everything to enjoy. After the game, go down to the sand to play corn hole by the water. 15% off for locals!
1 – Boshamp’s Oyster House: Located on the Destin Harbor, this unique stop has great views and multiple decks for prime seating. Enjoy fresh seafood watching the game on the deck or out by the water on the outdoor screen. Game day drink specials are available. This is our top pick because it has a combination of all of our favorite things: water views, fresh seafood, great drinks, and the perfect seat to watch our team play!
Many Destin Florida condos have on-site restaurants at their resorts where you can catch the game as well. We haven’t had a chance to check them all out so they didn’t make the list. As your vacation guide, we take pride in getting around town so we can report the best of the best. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.
Published on Tuesday, September 23, 2014