Best of Boston

2005 Best Club for Live Music, Large

Paradise Rock Club

This legendary live-music venue might be a quarter-century old, but its state-of-the-art sound system delivers crystal-clear beats and fuzz-free acoustic sets. Fans love being within mere feet of their favorite rock stars, and even though national acts such as the Flaming Lips and Jack Johnson sometimes swing through, the Paradise still promotes smalltime local bands looking for their big break.

967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-562-8814, crossroadspresents.com/paradise-rock-club/