September 11, 2026

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Looking for the Game? Start Here.

Where to watch NFL and college football in Sarasota, with plenty of food, drinks, and TVs along the way.

OK – A confession up front. And I guess kind of an apology too. (Depending on how you look at things.) I’m lazy this week!

I’m not sure if it’s the four months of 90-degree temps or just the fact that lots of restaurants around town are temporarily closing for their annual vacation or maintenance time. No matter, I feel highly unmotivated at this point in September.

📝 Some of this may also have something to do with the fact that I am up to my eyeballs in the writing of the 2027 Little Sarasota DINING Book! 📕

So, with that little bit of unburdening out of the way, I will be presenting to you today a “listicle.” Yes, I know one of the laziest things I can do as a writer (a recap ranks right up there too! 😄).

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, here’s a quickie definition. A “listicle” is a list of things (in this case, restaurants) masquerading as an actual article. It’s really a portmanteau. The mashing of parts of two words together to make a new one.

✅ English Lesson Complete!

With all of the apologizing and schooling out of the way, let’s get to the meat of this lightweight piece.

🏫 The subject of your listicle today: Football!

No, this is not going to be some rules-interpretation class or mascot-identification quiz. The focus of this is where around town you can catch a game (either NFL or NCAA), eat some good game day food, stay out of the September heat, and hopefully have a little fun! (After all, isn’t that what a good listicle is all about?!)

We need to be careful not to get flagged for a five-yard delay-of-game penalty. So, let’s get to this!

🏈 WELCOME TO YOUR “WHERE CAN I WATCH A GAME IN SARASOTA LISTICLE!“

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) –  5238 Ocean Blvd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: Lively island atmosphere. Lots of TVs spread out over several rooms. Great wings. Game day food and drink specials. It’s really busy on a normal NFL football Sunday. Probably better known for NFL games than for NCAA.

One Thing: SKOB is a Chicago Bears bar. Folks belt out the Bears fight song after every score! 🎶- NEED A BEAR DOWN REFRESHER?

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FOOD + BEER – Multiple Locations | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: There are now nine Food + Beer locations spread out from Venice up to Wesley Chapel and Lakeland. My fav is still the original Gulf Gate location (the Rosemary District location is second for me). Lots of TVs (I’ll stop saying that now. 😃 Those screens are good for football viewing, or they wouldn’t be in this listicle).

One Thing: They have a good burger! – READ THAT HERE!

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DUFF’S FAMOUS WINGS – 3900 Clark Rd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: Two separate football-watching environments. Two rooms, two bars. Yes, this is the Duff’s from Buffalo, NY. Yes, they have a damn good Beef on Weck sandwich (READ THAT HERE), and yes, they have those famous Duff’s Wings!

One Thing: Obviously, this is a Buffalo Bills bar. Dolphins fans, proceed with caution. ⚠️

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GECKO’S GRILL & PUB – Multiple Locations | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: There are six Gecko’s locations. Each one is just a bit different. For football viewing, these are my top 3: Stickney Pt. Rd., Southside Village, Fruitville. In past seasons, they have offered a special game day menu.

One Thing: The Fruitville Road location is a Michigan State bar on NCAA football Saturdays.

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MY VILLAGE PUB (MVP) – 5200 Ocean Blvd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: You can watch either indoors or outside! That’s a nice choice to have. No reservations or call-ahead seating. But if you get there early, you can “claim” one of the bar TVs for your team! Super busy on an NFL Sunday. Easier on an NCAA Saturday. 40+ TVs (I thought I said I wasn’t going to mention that again 🙃). 📝 Make sure to say HI to Lucie 👋

One Thing: They have a special menu just for the NFL morning games! – GAME DAY MENU HERE!

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RAFFURTY’S BAR & GRILL – 1888 Main St. | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: Football on every level, including a rooftop bar! 30 screens bring you all the action every Saturday and Sunday. Game day specials include food and drinks. They also have a dog-friendly patio if you want to bring your furry, football-loving friend along!

One Thing: Known as a Univ. of Michigan and Philadelphia Eagles bar. They also host a fair number of Bengals supporters on NFL Sundays.

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99 BOTTLES – 1445 2nd St. | 🌐 WEBSITE

What to Expect: OK, I will admit that 99 Bottles is not what immediately comes to mind when I say, “Let’s go catch the game.” Yes, they do have the city’s best selection of craft beer. And yes, it’s just a cool place to hang out. And, yes, they only have two TVs! But believe it or not, you can catch NFL football here on Sundays!

One Thing: This is a NY Giants spot. I know it was odd reading that. Imagine typing it! 😀

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🏈 SOME OTHER SPOTS TO CONSIDER

Evie’s – Multiple locations | 🌐 WEBSITE

The Old Salty Dog – 5023 Ocean Blvd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

Miller’s Ale House – 3800 Kenny Dr. | 🌐 WEBSITE

Oak & Stone – 4067 Clark Rd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

Captain Curt’s – 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd. | 🌐 WEBSITE

The Parrot – 3602 Webber St. | 🌐 WEBSITE

That is it! I hope it was the best use of a listicle that you see today. No, this will not be a recurring feature. I think it’s back to regular old food feature writing for me. I should stay in my lane and leave the listicles to others more qualified to compile them. 😉

📝 END NOTES –

(a) Yes, there are other places in town to catch the game. Sorry if we didn’t mention yours. You can always leave it in the comments section, and we’ll make sure the rest of the world sees it! 👀

(b) Captain Curt’s is a BIG TIME Ohio State watch spot. If you want to catch the Buckeyes at Curt’s, you will need to get there early. Make a plan if you plan to watch there.

(c) The Parrot is known for being a Buffalo Bills bar (just like Duff’s). Hopefully there’s enough Sarasota-based Bills Mafia to go around!

Our friend Stephanie Roberts’ son, Ryan Eckley (you’ll remember Stephanie from the local ABC Suncoast View), is now the punter for the Baltimore Ravens! Congrats to both of them!! 🏈

~ LH

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🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.

📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖

📰 ALL THE LATEST SARASOTA FOOD NEWS! – OUR NEWS PAGE!

📋 MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Tralia Pizza – MENU HERE!

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🧑‍🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍🌾

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS

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