The Michigan Times

Issue date: 9/3/09 Section: Local News

Media Credit: Nick Nordstrom Located on Saginaw Street across from the University Pavillion, Churchill's has long been a staple for burgers, beer, music, and meetings for the students, faculty and staff of UM-Flint.

Churchill’s Food and Spirits

Churchill’s Food and Spirits has been a downtown favorite for years. Both a restaurant and a bar, they offer food during the day and a club atmosphere at night. The bar is split into two sections: pool tables occupy the floor and flat screens adorn the walls of one side, while a dance floor inhabits the other. A DJ spins the latest hits every Wednesday and Thursday, as well as Saturdays starting this fall. Live bands play every Friday night for those who are rhythmically challenged on the dance floor.

College students generally have a very limited disposable income, and Churchill’s is privy to that. The bar’s biggest draw is Thursday’s college night, where pitchers and well drinks are just $1 from 9-11 p.m. Creative Alliance, a nonprofit art organization, also meets here weekly.

Located on Saginaw Street directly across from the University Pavilion, Churchill’s is the perfect place to unwind after a particularly stressful class. Because of its close proximity to the campus and its promotions geared towards college students, Churchill’s defines the term “college bar.”

The Loft

The Loft is an excellent alternative to all of those “clubby” bars. It’s a great place to hangout and listen to terrific music that isn’t played anywhere else in the area.

The Loft is the only bar in the area open until 2 a.m. every day of the week, so there is always a place to go. Patrons can shoot pool in the lounge area, watch some bands or just hang out on the balcony overlooking the bar.

Every night has a different theme, like punk rock Mondays and hip-hop Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music from some great local acts, so it’s a good place to find some undiscovered talent. And with a selection of over 30 different beers on any given night, The Loft is a place to discover some truly unique ale as well. What other bars serve Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale?

The Loft can be seen from Saginaw Street, but the entrance is located on Buckham Alley, which is between West First Street and Second Street. It can be tricky to find at first, but well worth the effort tracking down. Live bands and a vast selection of booze: the ultimate double-fist combo.

Flint Local 432

When the Local closed a few years ago, a small piece of the city’s soul died. The all-ages music venue was a sonic utopia, hosting bands like Coheed and Cambria, Chiodos and Underoath before they hit the big time.

Fortunately, a new and improved Local is set to open this fall. The new venue will be located on West First Street near the parking lot for The Loft and The Torch, in a building with a 300 person capacity. The venue will retain its all-age, alcohol-free policy and will still hold concerts every Friday and Saturday night. There are also plans to have live events like dance, poetry and DJs, in addition to concerts.

But while the original Local was primarily a concert venue open 15 hours a week, the new Local will be a community center open every day. There are plans to include after-school-activities, afternoon events on weekends and even a computer center.

A better venue, community events, expanded live shows and great concerts? This downtown legend is definitely primed for a comeback.

Nick can be reached at nnordstr@umflint.edu

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