Grand Central (CLOSED)

This local favorite offers the leading alternative to South Beach decadence. With a stripped-down stage backed by a simple LED screen in a large, mostly-empty hall, the owners have more money to spend on what really matters—sound and talent. The downtown diamond in the rough books top names in dance, hip-hop and bands both nostalgic (The Breeders, The Jesus Mary Chain) and cutting edge (Purity Ring).Audiophiles also enjoy the venue’s upstairs loft space, The Garret. Check out Friday’s no-cover weekly Peach Fuzz, where Miami’s DZA spins new and ’90s-era hip-hop and R&B. Be sure to arrive early, or you’ll be stuck in line.