Best Places to Watch Football on Amelia Island
Photo Credit: Hammerhead Beach Bar
Wings, beers, football, oh my! College and NFL football is officially in full gear and we need to find the perfect spot to watch America’s favorite sport. From the ultimate adult hangout with your buddies to a more “family-friendly” joint that doesn’t scrimp on the big screen TVs, Amelia Island has a place that’s got exactly what you’re looking for!
Duck Pinz
DUUUVAL!
Our friends at Duck Pinz pull out all of the stops for every Jacksonville Jaguars game. Whether you’ve been a diehard since ‘95 or have hopped on the bandwagon when Trevor Lawrence rolled into town (no judgment here!), this is the place to be.
The second floor bar is dedicated to serving Jags fans decked out in teal and black and every single one of their flatscreens has the game on. The staff serve up game day specials, tailgate snackes, including Miller Lite buckets and their famous TEAL SHOTS which are distributed after every touchdown. Locals remember when the Teal Shots were passed around after every score—but the Jags have gotten too good lately.
Unusual start times don’t affect the festivities. Duck Pinz opens early when the Jags head across the pond for their London games and even set up a fire pit outside for primetime games under the lights.
Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links and Drinks
Trying to get your family out of the house on Saturday but you don’t want to miss the Gators’ game? Don’t worry, Gregor MacGregors Mini Links and Drinks has you covered! This charming putt-putt course will keep the kiddos entertained while you scarf down wings and burgers during the game. MacGregor’s is home to a massive outside deck with multiple large screen TVs to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action.
In addition to the mini-golf, there is a full bar featuring local brews and a game day menu with everything fried and grilled you can dream of. What’s not to love?
P.S. While you’re there, don’t forget to ask about the history of Gregor MacGregor, himself. The infamous Scotsman played a huge role in Amelia Island’s history.
Photo Credit: Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links and Drinks
Green Turtle Tavern
Sometimes when your team’s first round draft pick has tossed his third interception, you need to tune out the noise until the third quarter. Playing enough rockin’ live music to make you think you’re at a Super Bowl Halftime show, the Green Turtle Tavern is where you need to be!
Located in the heart of Fernandina Beach, The Green Turtle Tavern is a live music venue next to Florida’s oldest inn, the Florida House Inn. Local musicians love to perform here, and the tavern loves to show football games at their outdoor bar! A variety of hand-crafted cocktails made from local fresh fruits and ingredients from the tavern’s own garden will ease the pain of any tough loss. Then stick around after the final whistle because the Green Turtle Tavern is rated number one on TripAdvisor for nightlife! Party on, dude.
Hammerhead Beach Bar
Hammerhead Beach Bar is not your typical game day haunt—but the whole world might be better off if more sports bars were like this! Hammerhead officially opened its doors in 1986, but it dates back in some iteration to the early 1940s. Over the years, Hammerhead Beach Bar has turned into a local favorite along the shores of Fernandina Beach and maintains a loyal and diverse fan base.
From darts to pool tables to easy beach access, you might forget the game is even on while at Hammerhead Beach Bar. Sit out on their multi-level deck to enjoy the sunshine, drinks and game all at once. Your dollar goes further along the water with $8.50 domestic beer buckets and $2 Corona Sunday specials to get the tailgate started early.
Photo Credit: The Salty Pelican
The Salty Pelican Bar and Grill
Sunday Funday takes on extra meaning at the Salty Pelican Bar and Grill: yeah, yeah, there’s football, but the real reason we’re coming here is for their bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys!
It’s not all about the booze at the Salty Pelican—there is a wide variety of foods on the menu, from tacos to fried shrimp to bacon mac n’ cheese. Also, there’s a special menu for “little pelicans”.
The Tavern by AIBC
Amelia Island Brewing Company makes The Tavern their home base. The family-friendly atmosphere is welcoming to all and they pair their home-brewed drinks with specialty foods, which include gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
The Tavern has an incomparable selection of football specials, like their 20 Wings and 2 Beers for $25 Special—a mouthful in more ways than one. But, our real hero of the snack menu is their pretzels! Between pretzels, wings and local ales, what else could you look for during a football game (besides the Jags pulling out a W, of course!)?
Photo Credit: The Tavern by AIBC
Timoti’s Seafood Shak
If you’re looking for a pre- or post-game snack, join us this football season at Timoti’s for some fresh-caught seafood and family fun! Visit our menu below to view our full list of seafood options, and to find a location near you.