Sure, Churchill's has been the grimy beating heart of Miami rock 'n' roll for decades. But only a couple of years ago, the pub's unwavering spot at the top of the scene didn't look so secure. When news broke that the bar's owner of more than 30 years, Dave Daniels, was looking to sell the place, Miami panicked. We’d seen this story play out way too often. A venue springs up, we grow to love it dearly, and then it's ripped from our grasp by greedy developers who think this city needs a few more luxury condo towers. Loyal Miami punks saw a future without Churchill's, without a dimly lit, densely packed floor of sweaty fiends thrashing to pure guitar noise. But, for once, the narrative changed. Instead of succumbing to the wrecking ball, Churchill's has persevered and even thrived under its new ownership. The music, still going down seven days a week, is still as loud as ever. Churchill's has mixed a regular lineup of national touring acts with plenty of slots for locals like Jacuzzi Boys while staging forever delightfully weird festivals such as International Noise Conference. Though other venues have stepped up to help fill the void, Churchill's remains the undisputed champ of the Miami rock scene. Long live the king.
Readers' choice: Churchill's Pub