There’s nothing quite like sitting back with a cold one and a plate full of good food to watch the game. It’s even better if you can bring the family along all decked out in your favorite sports team’s gear. So, we scoured the city in search of the best places to watch the game, taking in the space, the televisions, the staff and the food to give you the top 5 places on Panama City Beach to get your big game afternoon on. Here’s the list.

Game On

5. Rockit Lanes:

513 Beckrich Rd
Panama City Bch, FL 32407
(850) 249-2695

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Some people may sneer at this pick. But name another place in a hundred miles where you can watch the game, eat good food, bowl a lane and then destroy your friend in a Dance-Dance Revolution showdown. That’s right. Rockit Lanes has it all. In fact, we chose Rockit Lanes because watching the big game should be a family affair. Rockit Lanes keeps everyone happy with loads of fun from billiards to roller skating. Basically, Rockit Lanes is just good fun. And who doesn’t love good fun?

Try: The Philly Cheesesteak. But don’t bowl afterwards. There’s nothing worse than a greasy-fingered gutterball.

4. Time Out Sports Bar:

2903 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
(850) 249-0086

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If you were to break out the iPhone Urbanspoon application and type in “good food, good sports and under $10,” you’d come up with Time Out and you’d be very happy. We love Time Out for many reasons; one being that Time Out has a section dedicated to Eagles Fans, but mostly because the people and the service. The people at Time Out know sports. In fact, you could have your own personal commentary with stats by any bartender or waitress. That’s no joke. You won’t find a single person in the bar that doesn’t have a take on the games not matter the sport and not be willing to prove to you why they are right. But be warned; don’t bring weak stats. You’ll just be embarrassed.

Try: The nachos. They’re really beefy, really cheesy and really, really tasty.

3. Beef O Brady’s Family Sports Bar

12709 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Bch, FL 32407
(850) 236-8999

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This family oriented Irish sports pub, makes watching the game a true family experience.  With 20 inch flat panels at each table and big screens hung on the walls throughout, you won’t miss a single play. And, if you have your kids with you and they aren’t too into sports, (like that’s even possible) bring your DVD case because you have your own personal DVD player accompanying the 20 inch flat panel at your table. The seemingly unlimited menu may very well be the best part with loads of delicious choices all under $15.00. And did we mention the free Pay Per View. You don’t miss at thing at Beef’s. More on Beef’s click here.

Try:  The Slider Basket’s delicious ground steak patties housed in light but crispy onion rolls.

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy, #110-111
Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407
(850) 236-0325

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Why Buffalo Wild Wings you ask? Simple. 360 degrees of HDTV. For some men, that sounds about one Victoria Secret Model short of absolute heaven. Buffalo Wild Wings in PCB’s Pier Park is the ultimate family sports bar. It has all the games, wall to wall memorabilia and a great atmosphere. Basically you walk in, sit down, order a cold one and 18 mango-habanero wings and go sports crazy. Isn’t that what watching the big game is all about?

Try: To eat as many wings as humanly possible.

1. Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar

9875 S Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
(850) 235-0928

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The number one place to watch all the sports you can handle is Pineapple Willy’s and Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar. This place rocks, literally. Inside the restaurant you’ve got 8 foot projections on every wall, sound boxes at every table and a simultaneous view of game and beach. At the bar you’ve got HDTVs at every possible viewing angle and when the games all over, you can enjoy live music. The food is world famous. Go ahead and try a bucket of ribs and see if it doesn’t change the way you look at ribs forever. They even have better pizza than most places on the beach. What more could you ask for? Oh, how about Fat Tuesday drinks? That’s check and mate. P. Willy’s wins.

Try: Not to grab a blanket and move in. Yeah, it’s that awesome

These are our choices, what are yours?

[mappress]