Cover Photo: Salty Pelican

It’s officially football season and for many of us southerners, it means weekends spent in front of the big screen snacking, drinking, cheering, and hanging out with friends. It’s our version of heaven and what we look forward to the way many northerners look forward to hockey season.

There may not yet be a hint of fall in the air on Amelia Island, but football fever sure is. In addition to our college teams, we have high hopes for our Jaguars this year and if you can’t get to TIAA Bank Field to watch a Jacksonville Jaguars game in person, here is a list of all the places you can.

These are our go-to island watering holes and restaurants where you can cheer on your favorite team over brews and bites. Ok… we realize not everyone cheers for the Jags. We forgive you.  

DOWNTOWN

The Alley

The Alley by Amelia Island Brewing Company is a cool little spot to support your team and should be your choice if you want a myriad of beers to choose from with light fare and appetizers to match your brewery selections.

Duck Pinz

Duck Pinz is like bowling but miniature and it’s a whole lot of fun. In addition to bowling, there’s a craft cocktail and bourbon bar upstairs along with plenty of TV’s to catch the latest game. If your team isn’t doing so well, you can just walk downstairs and “bowl” off some steam.

First Love Brewing

First Love Brewing has over 20 rotating taps with a mix of porters, IPA’s and ales that pair teriffically with their house-made artisan pizzas, wings, truffle fries, and your game of choice on one of the many TV’s. Dine/drink at the bar, a table, or sit outdoors for more privacy. 

Overtime Bar & Grill

Overtime Bar & Grill is a true sports bar serving up delicious appetizers, wings, wraps, burgers, tacos and more with a full selection of frosty cold beer or soft drinks. Dine inside or out where sports is on the big screens 24/7! Photo credit: Overtime Bar & Grill

PJD’s Beer & Wine Garden

PJD’s is an iconic downtown watering hole where the owner, Pajama Dave (because he only wears pajamas, duh), not only pours your drinks, but can also tell you all about the history of Amelia Island. PJD’s is a friendly indoor/outdoor bar with a huge variety of beers, wine and games on TV. Live music on weekends.

Salty Pelican

Enjoy Indoor/Outdoor dining featuring fresh local seafood, burgers, buffalo wings, house made spring rolls, oysters just about any way you want them, and a selection of craft beers and cocktails. Salty Pelican overlooks the beautiful Amelia River and is always hoppin’ on game days.

MID ISLAND

Hammerhead Beach Bar

The Hammerhead Beach Bar is your quintessential, laid back beach bar that has been serving beers, drinks and other libations since 1986. If you’re looking for a watering hole to enjoy a bucket of beer and cheer on your favorite team, the Hammerhead is the place for you. Photo Credit: Hammerhead Facebook Page

Salt Life Food Shack

Salt Life Food Shack is located directly across from the ocean and not only offers an eclectic menu with a wide variety of dining & drink options but they also have a wall of TV’s in the bar on the main floor. And that’s not all… there are more TV’s on the rooftop deck where you can look at the gorgeous ocean views if your team isn’t doing well.

Sandbar Amelia Island

Sandbar Amelia Island sits directly on Main Beach with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. Spend your Sunday’s at the Sandbar where you can put your toes in the sand and enjoy the NFL Ticket on 20+ TV’s and happy hour from 3-6pm. Oh, and they have really great food, too. 

The Surf Restaurant and Bar

Whether you come for the wings, street tacos, fried shrimp basket, or to watch College and NFL Football packages, The Surf is your #1 local hot spot for live entertainment, good times and great food. Located right across the street from the ocean, “Life is Good” at The Surf.

SOUTH ISLAND

Falcon’s Nest

With 7,000 square feet of fascinating aviation memorabilia, HDTV’s, NFL Sunday Ticket, dining and lounge seating, fly in to the Falcon’s Nest to watch your favorite team and dine on the “best burger in town”. Located at Omni Amelia Island Resort.

Tidewater Grill

Watch all the sports inside the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Tidewater Grill where locally brewed beers are on tap for your drinking pleasure. Order from the delicious menu of southern classics like peel & eat shrimp, bbq pork sliders, and black angus burgers. It’s fancy in a relaxed sort of way. 

This is just a sampling of great places to eat and watch sports. There are many other great places to dine on Amelia Island, and many with big screens to catch your favorite team.