Ahhhh the Metro. Just the other day I was chatting with friends about which music venue in Chicago we've been to most - and I can safely say for me, it's the Metro! Located right in Wrigleyville, parking can be a biotch, so I deff recommend taking the cta or ubering here. The bar is cash only, but there are ATMs inside the venue. The staff at the bars is always really nice! Pro tip: There's a nice balcony if you get there early enough you can be in the front of the balcony and see the show from up above! read more

One of the worst venues I've ever been to. They over sold tickets and crammed people inside. The servers were few and far between (i did feel bad for them though since they had to go through the crowd to give drinks) the main stage is elevated, but the viewing area is barely sloped so if you are not in the front three rows you can't see anything! They didn't even have screens showing the stage so people in the back could see. Overall terrible set up. Plus they had a second elevated surface with poor signage that people kept tripping over all night. The women's bathroom is all the way on the top floor and very inaccessible. They have a coat check which is nice for a few bucks, $5 maybe? Parking is spot hero and like $20. Overall a bad venue read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came for sold out Bridgette Calls Me Baby! Great band, great show! I knew it had been awhile since I saw a show here. Last time I was here was for The Kongos, what a show! But I had no idea it had been just over ten years, that's crazy!!! So I forgot just how small this venue is. It is teeny weeny. Views of the stage can be a struggle if you show up late. Mounted fans do provide some air, but only if you are in proximity of them, so it can get pretty moist if it's hot out. The bar is a cash bar. If you exit the venue from stage right, do know that the merch/band meet line starts on the right, so stay left on the stairs if you are not doing that. read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Staff is exceptionally rude and inconsistent, using the designated smoking area results in being unable to reentry and told to leave. Strange for paid events. Also cash only bar in some areas, but digital bar in some areas. Why? read more

I recently visited Metro for Urbanite where multiple teams participate to showcase their dance talent. I had a blast at this place! The security was pretty smooth. There were 2 queues - one for those who had tickets and the other for those who were buying it on the spot. Both the queues moved by pretty quickly. It is a little tight space but honestly it was too much fun irrespective. My friend had informed us prior, so we got there a bit early and could nicely enjoy the performances. There was also an After party which was so much fun. The DJ played good throwback and trendy pop hits. This was the first time where I was in a club with all professional dancers and it was sucha great experience!! It is a cash only bar so make sure to carry some cash before hand. They have an ATM too but it has an extra service charge. We ordered a bunch of drinks - seltzers, green tea shots and vodka soda. The drinks are a bit pricey but they were potent so not bad! I will come back to Metro to enjoy more gigs in the future for sure! read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to over a hundred concerts and tonight was the most oversold overcrowded concert I have ever seen. We came early and still could not see anything on the stage due to the crowd and could barely hear. We left 5 minutes in because it was claustrophobic and dangerous. It was hot, stuffy, could not move, was only comfortable by an emergency exit and even then couldn't move due to it being way over capacity. An ambulance arrived as soon as we went outside to wait for our uber. Do better read more

Metro - Photo taken from above eye sight (someone 6 4 took this with their arm up) clearly oversold. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great music venue in a really cool building basically across the street from Wrigley Field. The sound was awesome and the bartenders were nice. Be aware this is a cash only venue and bar prices are a bit inflated. $11 for a high noon and $3 for a small bottled water. The coat closet is on the main floor, stage is on the second floor. I didn't go to the third floor where the bathrooms are but the balcony overlooks the main floor. I'm not sure if this venue has stairs. After the concert we checked out the dance club in the lower level. There is another bar, an all-gender restroom, and a club with DJ. Great lighting, sound, and ambience in an older building with beautiful architecture. Can't wait to see another show here. read more

Metro - Saw Andy Bell. I wish I took more pictures but I was way too into the show. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Every year The Metro holds an event I attend for work. Every year the staff is consistently the rudest staff I've ever encountered. I'm not sure if they just aren't happy to be hosting a private event or what. I hope the venue is changed next year or in the near future. I would definitely enjoy the experience more by being treated kindly and not like a burden for attending an event your work is hosting. read more

Have seen a handful of concerts at this venue and enjoy the history and intimacy. This is a general admission venue and has a main floor and small balcony area. The bar is on the third floor, as well as the women's restrooms. There are lots of stairs even to get to the main floor. The bar is on the third floor and is cash only. I usually try and get a spot on the third floor to enjoy the performance, it is easy access to the bar and restroom. read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was at this venue since the 90's. Tonight was the worst experience I have ever had at a concert. I was at Peter Hook's show and standing on the floor since doors opened. 2 guys moved in front off me at the close of the 1st set. I asked them to move since they were not there earlier. They did not. One of them punched me in the face. I did not throw a punch. So I went to security and told them what happened. Guess what? They kicked both parties out. Really? I am a 60 year old person and the other people looked 20-30. The reason the security staff told me why I got kicked out was since violence was involved, all involved was getting kicked out. Really? I got punched in the face. At first, staff told me I could stay at concert. But once other party got kicked out, they called 911 and told different story. When I was told that I had to leave, I told them that I there were at least 3-5 witnesses that would attest to my story, security did not care. Never going back. read more

Any time a longstanding venue is still open it's heartening and feels good to see, but dang, this place is really trying to make going out there kind of suck. Not in a good rock is cool and people are rough kind of way, but in a corporate uncool way. read more

Well, I came back to Chicago for a show at Cabaret Metro. Maybe I'm just becoming a grumpy old man but I guess I can understand now why this venue isn't loved. It has history and charm(ish), but is otherwise ho-hum. Worth noting that the ADA section feels like a severe afterthought. Third floor of a walk-up, so not wheelchair accessible at all. It's tucked in a corner adjacent to the toilets so if you're lucky, you'll get a nice aroma with the show. Viewability is hit or miss, but now that I'm in the handicap camp, I can see how it's not prioritized anywhere, and is in fact a burden. They were nice about my emailed request and checking-in/jumping the queue, but classic IDGAF attitude with the barkeep. Worth a visit if you've never been, but nothing special. read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Talk about a blast from the past and I am so happy to see the next generation is also going here. I have seen many a concert here here through the years. And I am happy to say The Queen as discovered this venue. She took me here in March and August to see Joywave. These were her first concerts at the venue. I love that they require proof of vaccination as well as IDs. Not everyone was wearing masks, but some (including us) were. The staff is very helpful and pleasant. We had reserved seats. I was never one for standing on the main floor and my child is following in my footsteps. Sound has always been good for me here and they have splits of LaMarca prosecco at the bar, so that is winning for me. The bar is cash only, so plan on spending $11 a drink (adding a $1 for tip). The parking was not an issue for us as I use Spot Hero. There are surprisingly quite a few personal spots in walking distance and you can get out very easy. The reserve seats are so worth it, no one in front of you, close to the bar/bathrooms and you are comfy. It was nice to be back to hear live music and I love the COVID protocols they have in place, and hope they keep them. I am so glad I got to share this venue with The Queen. Hope she gets to do so with her kids as well. read more

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Never been hassled more to leave a venue immediately after a show. Also cash only bar. Won't go back.

I had a wonderful time attending the same charity event 4 years ago. It was a different feeling this time around. I was flabbergasted by the security check I experienced. The organizer informed me of the COVID protocol beforehand which is expected. But, I wasn't expecting the severity of security checks by Metro staff: Scanned by a handheld metal detector (was accidentally hit with it by the staff) Purse searched Full body pat-down I understand we live in a different world today, and things have changed especially in the last two years. But, my goodness, it was a charity event. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy the evening as much as I had hoped. read more

Metro - the marquee of the marquee - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Maybe it's just me, but as a non-Chicagoan that's been to Beat Kitchen, Radius, H.O.B, Bottom Lounge and Concord Music Hall for concerts, this is probably my least favorite. They have a coat check that's definitely needed in the winter. Entry was easy and smooth but that was when it was cold (22F) and windy. Two main reasons it's not my fave: Small women's bathroom - ON THE THIRD FLOOR - men's is on the first and CASH ONLY FACILITY. Two smaller things: annoying fans - not spectator fans - two metal fans precariously placed to keep people cool at the barricade right in your ear. And the floor - could you make it more prone to drunk people hurting themselves not paying attention to where they walk?! Yikes! On the upside... The venue layout was cool. There wasn't a bad view from the floor - or the balcony, I checked. The staff was very attentive when I called out a girl at the barricade who drank too much and when a member of the tour fell off the riser on the stage. read more

Metro - Until I Wake - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I go out a pretty good amount and this is the worst venue I've been to in Chicago yet - so bad that I will actively avoid it going forward. First, We got there around 10:30 and their clothes check had filled up already. It wasn't even that cold out, I can't imagine going here if people are getting there wearing thick coats. Second, there's these stairs that you have to walk up to get to the main venue and they were packed.. well security kept yelling at everybody at the bottom of the stairs to keep moving but there wasn't anywhere to go.. they needed to be yelling to the people at the top of the stairs. There was a few drunk people who started yelling back at the security guard trying to tell him that and I thought they were going to get into a fight (I would have been on the random persons side, their security staff is horrible!) Third, all the bars are cash only, it's not 1995... be a modern bar and let me pay with tap to pay - it'd be way more efficient and secure. It's dangerous to carry cash, and slower to serve people. We had a good night overall, but the venue staff and management did everything they could to make sure we didn't. Hate hate this venue! read more

The Metro is a pretty cool and historic venue to see a show. It's filled with some weird quirks... you'll understand when you go. You'll either see the charm in it or absolutely hate it. There's also an intense security check, but the line was moving at a good speed. The staff is fairly friendly (Chicago friendly). I saw Beach Fossils and Turnover and it was a blast! I'd love to see another show at the Metro read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here last minute to attend a Souls of Mischief concert. I live downtown so I caught an Uber ... I'm sure you can find parking. Cash only when paying at the door. The venue is a nice size I didn't have any drinks but I enjoyed the concert. I wanted to buy some concert merch at the end of the show but no one was there is my con read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had a blast at Bridget Calls me Baby concert! The security guard in the balcony, Emma was so kind. She offered me a seat when noticed it was difficult for me to stand for long. Then, she offered to take photos of our group with WXRT's Marty Lennartz. Metro is lucky to have Emma in your employ. read more

It's the best. I've seen so many great shows there over the years. Almost every famous band that's worked their way up has played the Metro. Yeah the floor is sticky and it smells like stale beer but you're not going to the opera. I've seen my favorite bands play there and I've gone to random shows and they always have talented performers. It's been a staple of the local art and music community and it's definitely worth seeing a show there. read more

This is a very intimate venue. I love the atmosphere and I love their extensive array of offerings. I've seen numerous metal shows here and will continue to do so. read more

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Love Metro, seen many shows there, but please explain to me how free water isn't offered? How hard is it to offer well water from the taps? Sad for those designated drivers or under 21 attendees. Only offering $3 bottled water? Pretty irresponsible Metro. read more

We had to leave early because the people didn't care that we needed ADA accessibility and there was a three floor walk up, no elevator. There were people standing in the way the entire time, you couldn't see the stage at all. I wasted money on a ticket and got treated like an afterthought because I can't stand. What a disappointment. Ruined an event I was truly looking forward to. Nothing about this was fun. The only nice thing was they gave me a chair so I didn't black out from standing in the two hour long line outside. read more

I've never loved this place, but my most recent visit was so horrible that I don't think I'd go back for just about any reason. Maybe if my three or four favorite bands all came together for some kind of special event - not likely considering two of my favorites don't perform anymore - but even then I would be incredibly hesitant to come back. Uncomfortable, overcrowded, disgustingly, hot venue. The sound was terrible, and I ended up leaving halfway through the show. read more

I came here the first time this weekend since moving to Chicago. Small intimate venue. I mean even the balcony is pretty close. The auditorium itself is pretty wide. Kinda makes me regret missing a few shows like Green Day over the summer. They have a pretty good mix of big names and newer talent. It's very convenient from the Red line, Buses and tons of stuff to do before and after like dining, bars, and smaller venues. Fun spot! read more

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We have now been to two shows at the Metro and it is a solid music venue in the city of Chicago! Positives: -Metro was not on my radar for the longest time. However, it seems that they have been increasingly picking up bigger names, particularly in the indie rock music scene. We've now seen Broods and Yeasayer and thoroughly enjoyed both shows. I was happy to see they had Deathcab for Cutie coming up, but it is already sold out! Good business! -Excellent prices! For the excellent quality of bands they are bringing in, Metro keeps prices down! That's huge! -Easy to engage bar scene. -Intimate setting. There isn't anywhere you can stand in the venue where you are unable to see the facial expressions and features of the performer! That's a great benefit other venues can not replicate! Negatives: -Cash only! If you want drinks at the show, come with cash or a debit card to use at their ATM! -Only one men's bathroom and one women's bathroom. But there are plenty of stalls/urinals...it just gets crowded! -Traffic/Parking during Cubs games. Since the Metro is right next to Wrigley Field, parking can be monstrous if you don't get a spot beforehand and come on the same night as a game! All this to see, the Metro is a formidable and intimate music venue in the city of Chicago that you should check out! read more

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It's the Metro! One of the most reknown music clubs in the World! You haven't ever been to the Metro? I'm sorry, we have nothing in common (musically), so keep going to those schlockfests they have at Wrigley Field and let's not talk about music ever again, m'kay? The Metro is an intimate venue, putting you close to your musical heroes, local and national. Drinks are a little pricey, so pre-game a bit if you need to. There's a waitress that still works the floor, and that's great to see. There's not a bad place to stand in the house, except underneath the overhang on the first floor, which messes with the sound. But if you're gonna talk all concert, go ahead and stand in the back by the bar and overhang! There's a great balcony, and honestly the best place to stand is in front of the sound booth, but you knew that already. I love the Metro- you gotta go! read more

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I lived in Chicago for a decade and The Metro was hands down my favorite place to see a show. I recently went back after about a 7 year absence and it was still just as awesome as I remembered, but with a bit of a facelift. They've given some areas a new coat of paint, and the backstage/green room area for bands is way nicer than it had previously been, wallpapered with great posters of shows that had previously been played there. We've been lucky enough to be friends with some of the bands that have played there and the back stage area is nice and comfortable and the staff is very accommodating for guests and bands alike. The sound is amazing, it's big enough to get great acts but not so big that it feels overwhelming (like my least favorite venue in town, a place that rhymes with Shmaragon Shmallroom) and the balcony makes for a nice place to kind of chill and hang back to take in a show in a more relaxed setting. I love that they have the side room for merch sales, it makes coming, going, and shopping so much easier since the lobby area isn't very spacious. Always a pleasure to see a show here! read more

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The last time I came to the Metro was over 10 years ago to see Crucial Conflict. And this past weekend I came here to see Ludlow, the band that my brother, cousin, and sis in law are in who actually headlined the show! It was all pretty sureal but I was able to get my head out of the clouds for a few minutes to actually analyze the venue for my Yelp review. Afterall, that's what us Yelpers do, right? The Metro has been a concert venue in Chicago all of my life, so it has that classic, nostalgic feel to it. This is one of those venues that wouldnt look and feel the same if it got an upgrade. Inside, you'll see that it's a smaller venue, so every spot is a good spot to hear and see the band that is onstage. It's a very intimate setting on the stage floor, as its standing room only. There is a bar conveniently located on the stage floor, so no need to go anywhere and miss any parts of the show that you are attending if you happen to get thirsty. The sound system sounded really good when I was there. No muffled sounds as it was clear and loud. Security did a good job at the end of the show to clear the place out. Also if you keep your wristband on, you get free admission to Smart Bar next door and avoid paying the $18 cover. That's it for now on this one! read more

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Went to cold waves. Food trucks were gone before the headliner started. Disappointing to say the least. Plus the metro was awful in the way they handled ADA needs. Sure, make people with a disability (not me but my husband) walk up stairs and then have 0 seats and send us on a goose chase. Not to mention that the one day pass didn't include admission to smart bar and the bars in the Metro were cash only with broken atms. read more

I yelled loud AF and screamed and yelled and no one stopped me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I extremely louder than most people because I know how to harness my killer instinct. Fun AF to yell like an insane berzerker viking warrior from the past destroying everything in their path I love this place for that and moshing during concerts. Besides that, scummy bathroom, crammed, and a fire hazard. Pretty much every performance place in Chicago. read more

Had a blast at the Metro seeing Neil Frances perform! Atmosphere is great and so are the staff.

I visited Metro for the first time for The Sound of Tomorrow on a Friday night and was a fan. The line was only 2 people long when we rolled up around 10pm (the time the show started). The door staff was friendly and it took only a few minutes for us to get in. The only thing I wasn't impressed with was on the third floor there were only 2 bartenders working. We waited for a bit to try to catch their eye to get a drink and gave up. The venue was nice~. It's smaller, but had a more intimate feel. It got a little more crowded later in the night but still nothing like the body to body mayhem I've experienced at Aragon. Also wasn't crazy hot, which I appreciated. If you leave to grab air, there was re-entry. Overall liked this place and I'd definitely go again for a concert :) read more

What can I say, this is an excellent place to catch a show. My first time in Chicago for a proper concert, this place is highly recommended and *almost* as good as it gets. Bouncers got everyone in quickly, even though ID's had to be shown. Bar is fairly large, although they are *cash only* (wish I had researched this prior). However, there IS an atm on site, so, no worries. Sound here is fairly good (I guess its band dependent), they were sporting stacks of EV speakers, which is as good as it gets for club sound. Energetic vibe and a fun atmosphere. I'd certainly go back if in the Chicago area. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

Metro - Dandys --- setting up the goods - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Metro is a great venue to see some of your favorite acts! I've never had an issue attending a concert here. The entry process is organized and security is not a pain and knows what's going on. It is a very intimate venue and has great views from the floor and the balcony. The last show I attended, I chose to view from the balcony rail and I totally did not feel like I was missing out by not being on the floor. For me, the sound was great and the view was even better. I appreciate that I can walk here from where I live now. I don't have to worry about parking. I would say it is easier to take public transportation here than driving and trying to find parking. Save yourself the trouble and just CTA it down, especially during Cubs season. read more

Metro - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Music sounded great, helpful security (during the concert), and a beautiful looking venue. My problem was that they would not accept my ID to receive a wristband for people over 21. I am 21, closer to 22 now with a Wisconsin drivers license and was met with rudeness from the staff saying it was fake. I even showed my vaccination card with my name and date of birth, and was still denied a wristband. Besides that it was a great experience, but it was certainly an inconvenience. read more

Metro - Aries - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Metro is a staple hands down. Attended my first concert as a sophomore in HS and my experience before that was Rosemont so goes to say I was blown away. It was an Atmosphere (2001) show too but I didn't bring a backpack. I'll get with the only shits I have right away. Kill the cash only bar. Swear I'm gonna call Jon Taffer to Bar Rescue this bitch and only hook it up with a POS system. And a lifetime subscription to Par Tender too cause it always seems included anyways. But seriously it's the Metro. Two levels. One stage. Two wack ass cash bars. And down the street from Wrigley which I hope in time does not get this the place the fuck outta here. read more

Positives: -A nice venue -- as in architecture, -The sound quality is great. -Nice stage crew. Negatives: -The general staff is on the ruder side. -Staff seemed to not know what was happening. -Treats guest poorly. -They're overly strict on ID's. Almost like they're determined to find a fake. read more

It was my first time coming to the venue at the beginning of the month for a SoMo concert. It's a small intimate stage area with a bar in the back. If you haven't been before, it's not hard to navigate, just follow the noise and you'll figure out which side and stairs to go up (will touch on this again later)! Seeing as many incidents have occurred at concerts recently, I really appreciated security being thorough. I had a key chain that wasn't allowed in the venue and they were nice enough to keep it at the door for me so I could get it when I left. The venue is nice in the sense that the audience area is wide and shallow, so you're never TOO far from the stage allowing you to see the performer from any where you stand. Two cons - 1. After I got through security and they scanned my ticket they didn't really give me any direction, whether left or right or up the stairs, so I had to figure it out for myself. 2. there is a slightly elevated area on each side that a lot of people were tripping over since it's dark and hard to see. read more