Inside Churchill’s Triumphant Reopening

Churchill’s is often called the “CBGB of the South,” but let’s be real, Miami doesn’t need a New York reference to explain what this place means. Since 1979, the iconic dive bar and venue has been ground zero for everything punk, metal, noise, and alternative. It’s long been a haven for those who exist outside the shiny mainstream of pop.

When Churchill’s shut down in March 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, controversy swirled: legal battles, rumors of a Chili’s moving in, whispers about scattered reopening dates. It became a “we’ll believe it when we see it” situation. But when New Times received an official email about reopening late last month, and local music lovers started to buzz things seemed to be more real this time.

Last night, it finally happened.

The doors opened at 8 p.m., but diehards started lining up at 4. Inside, it’s still Churchill’s, but with a fresh coat of paint. The stage has a new carpet. The infamous bathrooms in the corridor that connects the main room with the patio are mostly untouched (in faithful Churchill’s fashion). More bathrooms have been added up front near the pool table, and a third bathroom area has been placed across the main stage.

The biggest change? The outdoor patio. The house near the back stage has been demolished, making room for a more spacious hangout area filled with tables, Lagniappe style.

Patrons can still get a beer for 5 bucks, and mixed drinks are $15, and yes, there’s food. The fries are properly seasoned, and the menu features wings, croquetas, nachos, sandwiches, and churros. “There’s a full kitchen here now,” said Alex Nuñez, the venue’s new bar manager, when he gave us our fries.

Media hour started at 6 p.m. and it felt surreal. The cameras rolled. Bands gave interviews. For a second, it looked more like a film set than the grimy temple of sound locals remember. But the switch flipped at 7:30 p.m., when noise legend and local music authority Rat Bastard grabbed a mic for soundcheck, and suddenly, it was unmistakably Churchill’s again.

The night’s lineup featured Adhesive, Tess Grey, Bruvvy, and Miss Michigan. Gus Saenz, the lead singer of Miss Michigan, didn’t hold back when asked about the venue’s return: “I don’t think there’s a major city in the Western world that doesn’t have a rock scene. You’re not a major city if you don’t have live rock music, point blank. You go to New York, L.A., London, Tokyo, Nashville, they all have it. Miami hasn’t. That’s something we should be a little embarrassed about.”

“We’re just wannabes if we keep building skyscrapers without real art, real rock and roll. Miami has some special things, but we need a rock scene,” And he added emphasing the importance of the reopening of Churchill’s.

His bandmate, JP Espiritusantos, echoed the sentiment: “We’re just excited Churchill’s is back. It brings community. That’s what venues like this are for, where artists can express themselves, build something, and just hang with their people.”

The opening celebrations will continue all weekend long, with live performances by Fuakata, Perro Negro, Lone Wolf, and others. All upcoming programing can be found on Churchill’s website.