Among the many restrictions and rules the Metro has, you'd hope competent customer service would be in there somewhere. I lost my ID here the other night and the door staff acted like it wasn't their job to even help me find out if anyone had turned it in. They were needlessly rude, and told me to go to the police department instead of actually checking if anyone at the venue had it. It was clear they just didn't want to be arsed to do anything. But hey, it's their job, isn't it? They didn't seem to think so. Sadly, this isn't my first experience with Metro's staff that left something to be desired. I've been coming here for years, since I was a teenager, and often gave them the benefit of the doubt, but this was the last straw. I want to love you, Metro...but you do me wrong. I've seen some great shows here, and even enjoyed performing on the stage a few times, but I think it's time to break things off with this abusive boyfriend of a venue. Thanks for all the memories. Hire new staff. read more

Definitely a fan of the Metro. It's small enough to have that intimate feel I love about places like Lincoln Hall or Schubas, but they get more widely known acts on the marquee. I saw a Jane's Addiction after show of Lollapalooza and it was about as bad ass as you would expect. We were on the balcony when we yelled and pointed at Dave Navarro and he definitely heard us and pointed back. Not many venues around that you can say that about such a successful band. It's kinda old and dingy so don't expect an awesome place to go to the bathroom, but that's really the only gripe I have about the Metro. Overall a pretty solid smaller venue. read more

Great little intimate venue to see some great bands and acts. I have seen some great shows here and wonderful memories of crazy nights in the best city in the world! Parking is a pain in the neck but take the L and walk a little. The acoustics of this are really good for such a small hall. read more

Metro - Great architecture on this old bldg. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was always my favorite venue because of its perfect size. The acoustics aren't 100%, sure. But who cares when you're moshing in the tight confines of the place with the band screaming just feet away from you?!? I saw so many bands here... Pennywise, Face To Face, Mephiskapheles, Mustard Plug, Skankin Pickle, Goldfinger, MU330... good times. read more

Metro is my absolute favorite venue of all time. No matter where you stand or how crowded the place is - you can always find a great view. I cannot attend a Metro show without going into the pit. Usually whoever I'm with gets stuck holding my purse and glasses while I go push the kids around. I can only hang so long these days, but I can't help myself. Crowd surfing at Metro is on my Bucket List, but I haven't grown the balls to do it quite yet. The sound is good and they book a nice variety of acts. Everything from punk, hip hop, rock and awesome house DJs. There's something for everyone. There's inexpensive parking across the street at Wrigleyville Dog (usually $10-15) and once I bought a ticket from the parking dude. He saved me $5 over the door price. I'll say it again, Metro is my favorite and I enjoy all the shows I attend here. I also like to hit The Gingerman before and after shows, the beer is much cheaper there! read more

Confession? I know little about music, and my typical weekend does not involve chasing some underground secretly hip band a la "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" (I only wish I were that cool)... That being said, I do enjoy seeing live shows, and do have an appreciation for all sorts of music, being a former musician. (Alright, not really, I played the flute in the band. I have been a nerd my entire life, might as well 'fess up to it!) I came here for the Lucky Boys Confusion "Songs from a Scene" show this year with my nice young man who happens to love music (he's way more "Nick and Nora" than I am). We saw a couple of other bands (of course, their names escape me) from the balcony, which, save for the ginormous dude in front of me, was a great place to take in the action. You could see the whole stage and the crowd semi-grooving to the opening acts. We moved down to the floor for the main act, and it was terrific. We stood a bit off to the side, and had a great view of the stage. Drinks were expensive ($6 for a beer, I think), but we weren't there to drink, we were there to see the band, right? The sound was great, the views were terrific, and it seemed to be an all-around great place to take in a show. LBC put on a great show, and this gal had a blast. For a non-music-knowing, ex-flute-playing nerd, that is. read more

We came here for the 2014 Watsky ft. Anderson Paak and Kyle show on November 15th. I had a good time and I'd definitely consider returning to Metro for future concerts. The Pros: Tickets weren't ridiculously overpriced. We paid $20pp. We were able to print our tickets at home. We were able to find $15 parking immediately. I could make out what the acts were saying and singing. This all ages concert meant our cousin could come. A Sprite was $3, which I don't think is terrible for a venue like this. We were able to see the stage pretty well from the second floor. There was no wait for the women's bathroom. Exiting took hardly any time, so we were out of there quickly. The Cons: The line was long and they let Will Call go ahead of those with tickets. You had to wait in line to get a wristband if you wanted to drink alcohol. No free parking. The area is mostly for permits and pay boxes. The sound quality was not the best, but good enough. All ages meant I had listen to this teen girl scream bloody murder. Beer selection was not great and the bar is CASH ONLY! You can't see shit from the third floor unless you're against the railing. The women's bathroom doesn't have a handle on the door to leave. All in all, if the price is right, I'll be back. read more

Dear Metro, I shall love you forever and always. Even when I go to a little ole rock show and am among the oldest people in the place. I've seen some pretty rockin shows here and though I do feel slightly robbed when I get a beer here, but the staff is so friendly that I almost don't mind. read more

Used to be one of my fav venues to see music at, but honestly other venues have spoiled me. I'm definitely not opposed to seeing something here if I want to badly enough. I'm gonna lean towards 2 stars instead of 3, for 2 big reasons: -No reentry, if you want to do as little as go outside to smoke and come back in(forget if the rule is the same for Soundbar, as the last time I went there was eons ago). The Vic and Abbey Pub both definitely allow this, and I believe Schubas does as well. -Really crappy beer prices, even for a music venue where you expect somewhat higher prices(heck, think nowadays it's something like $6 or more for a fregging Miller Lite! and I don't even like Miller Lite....). Drink beforehand or after at nearby places such as neighboring Gingerman Tavern, if you have to drink. I don't hate Metro, since there are worser venues to see music at in Chicago. *looks disgustingly towards the Aragon* I do like their balcony(save a spot up there for me, guys), though dislike how if you aren't in the very front of the balcony, at one of the tables(sometimes cordoned off, for various reasons), or find space behind 2 people to look down at the stage, that you won't be able to see at all. The couches in the back of the balcony are nice, as well for a break. One of the security guards I often see when I come here(& surprisingly still works here) is pretty friendly, and *gasp* I actually remember him from way back in the day when I saw some early Kill Hannah shows. I'd give them 2.5, if Yelp allowed half star reviews(this site sadly still doesn't, as of this year). Agree with what my friend(Zachary M) said years ago in his review that they at least do give opportunities for up and coming bands to perform, unlike some venues. And they also are recording friendly as long as the artist permits it, unlike some venues that are draconian and don't allow it whatsoever(*cough* House of Blues). read more

I give Metro even one star because the band we saw here (Matthew Santos) was PHENOMENAL. Metro as a venue however, very frankly, sucks. It doesn't deserve any stars. 1. Miller lite is $6 2. Too many rules - must show ID to get in (but its 18 and over...) the manager forced this 23 year old to go home and get her ID. seriously? I wish i looked younger than 18. simply not the case -refused service at the bar upstairs because I hadn't gotten a wristband when I walked in. NOONE GAVE ME A WRISTBAND. (bartender proceeded to serve way younger than me looking wristbandless patron...cool) went down to get a wristband, returned to the bar, and the bartender refused to serve me because I "hurt her feelings" by arguing with her. wow. I didn't know we were on Oprah. -Finally got my miller lite. Enjoying the opening acts with friends (yah!!) We decide to step out for some fresh air. But oh! There is no reentry. Actual conversation I had with the doorperson Me: "So you mean to tell me I can't go outside and come back in?" Him: "no" Me: "What if I have to go take my insulin medication?" Him"no" Me: "Is the show sold out?" Him: "no" Me: "What if I leave and then pay 11$ again when I get back?" Him: "No, there's no reentry so I'll take your 11$ but I won't let you back in" Me: wow...... 3. For some place with so many rules....the fire escape on the 2nd floor was locked. That made me feel super safe. 4. Did I mention Miller Lite was 6$ Matthew Santos is amazing though. Download Matters of the Bittersweet on I tunes! read more

Awesome venue! I saw The Growlers here and it was one of my favorite concerts ever! Show started at 8:00pm, got there at about 7:45pm. It was a sold out show, so it was jam packed by the time I got there. There was a sea of people on the ground level, so being only 5'3 I couldn't see anything. I went upstairs, grabbed a beer, and again the center balcony was like five people deep. I was super bummed that I couldn't see the stage, but then I walked over to the right, saw a few reserved/VIP tables and some standing room, so that's where I was the rest of the night. I had an unobstructed view the entire show, sang, danced, and even ordered drinks from the waitress in the area, so I didn't have to go to the bar. It was great! It's a bummer that the bar is cash only, but I can live with that. I would 100% love to see another show here! read more

Metro - The Growlers 3/10/17 - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Continuing the relative theme I started off with in my review of the Double Door, the Metro is sort of like an uncle who was your favorite relative when you were a kid. He took you out for a spin when he bought a Camaro IROC and drove it faster than you had ever driven in your life. You know, he floored it from a deadstop and you thought it was the coolest thing ever. He had posters of super-hot models when you just stopped thinking girls were icky and you started sporting wood at the most inappropriate times when you were near a girl you liked. He had those velvet black light posters of bands and of the couple performing all those sexual positions. Stuff that was just so mind-blowingly cool to your average 12 or 13 year old. In my opinion the Metro has maintained a level of credibility that WXRT lost more than 5 years ago. Both institutions can claim to have turned many Chicagoans onto some of the best music over the past 20 to 25 years. However the Metro still books some great acts, while XRT is in a race to compete with the Mix for the highly coveted 45 year old soccer mom demo. Holla. I have seen a huge number of really great sets at the Metro. The short list would include Pavement, Yo La Tengo, Guided By Voices (too many shows to count), Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, RJD2, US Maple, Ted Leo, Sleater Kinney, the White Stripes and Detachment Kit. While I don't like it as much as the Abbey or the Empty Bottle, it is still a fine space for checking out a show. If you don't feel like wading amongst the standing room only crowd on the floor, you can always try to claim a table on the balcony. In my opinion the Metro gets high marks because it is a venue that has scheduled many great shows in the past and continues to schedule a lot of really strong bands. It's a combination that only the Empty Bottle or the now deceased Lounge Ax could really match. read more

It's not like the Metro is lacking in reviews, but I have to chime in with some love for this venue. From the perspective of someone who has been in and played at a boatload of bars, the Metro seems to be a pretty solid venue from both sides. I've seen some tops shows here, and the sound has always been quite good. Beer on tap is usually a bit flat, drinks are pretty pricey, and the "cash only" thing is a little bit of a surprise for a venue so (relatively) big, but hey - the bartenders probably get mobbed, and the cover charges are low/reasonable, so no hard feelings. From the perspective of someone behind the scenes, the staff were all extraordinarily friendly and cool, from load-in until the end of the night. Even the security staff were pretty good-natured, a trait which can't be easy to maintain when being vigilant/doing your job with so many people trying to see what they can get away with... And whoa! They've redone the backstage area, which now feels so brand new I kept forgetting I was in a rock club. But in a totally good way, though... there is a startling lack of penis graffiti, which I had come to think existed on every single greenroom wall throughout the midwest! They have a nice lil' area with a mini-fridge with water, comfy (non-stinky... yet?) couches, and even a tea-kettle for folks suffering with scratchy throats. Tea may sound like the antithesis of rock and roll, but after 4-5 days of singing in smoky clubs, sometimes it's a lifesaver! read more

When I was younger, I used to live at "the" Metro. Not literally, of course (though there was one time that Cake did a free show there at 5:30 a.m. so I almost lived there that day). But when I first moved to Chicago 10 years ago and lived in Lakeview, I was at the venue two or three times a week. And this frequency showed restraint since it seemed like a band I love played there every night. As I've gotten older, I no longer long for the bands the kids love so my visits to Metro have grown fewer. Though each time I go, I still feel like Metro takes care of me. In a way, Metro is like "The Giving Tree" of Chicago concert venues. For those who haven't read the greatest children's book of all time (so much better than "Where The Wild Things Are"), it's the story of a boy who talks to and takes from a tree what he needs. As he grows older, the same tree always provides something. From branches to climb as a child to a stump to sit on as an old man. And Metro has done the same thing for me. As a boy, the Metro provided me a mosh pit. I didn't come here but once in my teenage years - I had the similar St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit. But the slam dancing at Metro is the wildest in Chicago. The punk bands it used to (and still does) host draw people from multiple states to experience a gig in Chicago. As a young workaday drone, the Metro provided me with good sound all over the venue. From the far back of the main floor, you can still hear just as well as at the front. I recently saw Michael and Michael Have Issues there. I was a little worried how a comedy show would sound at a rock club, but the acoustics were still pitch perfect. I could hear every word of every joke. Now as someone whose knees have started to go (I'm not old but I feel it), the Metro provides me with seats with views. The balcony is set up as a completely seated (and surprisingly comfortable) area. And the wings wind around back almost on top of the stage (and usually are not VIP area). It's comfortable and has good sight lines. I can only wait to see what Metro gives me as an old man. It will probably still be around. Though it could be nostalgia since the architecture at Metro is already classic. Anyone bored before a set can easily waste time staring at the ornateness of their surroundings. In "The Giving Tree," the dude is a selfish git and never thanks the tree. I am not that guy. I thank the Metro every time I'm there (and thank Chicago for having it) with my money. And I hope to keep thanking it for years to come - even if I have lost my hipness about most of the bands that play there and pay it far less visits. read more

I wish the Metro didn't have so many good bands play. I imagine the security was staffed from a Craigslist ad reading "Were you bullied in Highschool? Do you want to take it out on paying customers? Want to make minimum wage while you do it? Then this is the job for you" What horrible people. It's one thing to do your job as a doorman, it's another thing to be a shitty person. I've been to many shows here. I've been coming since I was 12. I only started to loathe the place a few years ago. I've been here and my friends have been flat out denied entry for no reason. They paid for their tickets, had valid IDs, yet were turned away with no explanation. Well, I don't put up with that. I went outside demanding an explanation and... nothing. "I don't need to explain myself" said the security guard. Actually, you do. I will admit I was obnoxious (surprise!) and eventually got asked to leave myself, but still no explanation for my friends. They contacted the management a few days later and were basically told that the security has a right to deny anyone with no explanation. Sorry, but I'm not going to let a 350 lb guy with a 60 pt IQ and pent up anger from his childhood boss me around anymore. F the Metro, and SmartBar while we're at it. read more

Lord help you if you lose something here! Trying to recover a friend's lost drivers license for over 24 hours now, nobody answers the phone or calls back! I understand it's our fault we lost it, but you'd think someone could at least reach back out considering you need an ID to literally walk into any public space in Chicago right now. read more

"Hey man." "'Sup?" "Nothin' man. Hey, who are these guys again?" "The Rock Steady, or something like that." "Dude, that guy is such a spaz!" "Yeah, but they are kind of okay, yeah!" "I guess. Dude, we have got to Google these lyrics." "He's talking about doin' pills and shit, yeah!" "Where is that girl with the ass?" "What?" "That girl with the ass!" "No, we don't need gas, we took a cab!" "What?!" "..." "I said, where's that girl with the ASS?!" "You mean the waitress, dude?" "Yeah! I need more Bud Light, broseph, or I'm gonna die!" "Totally! Where is that girl?" "Hey, how long are these guys playin'?" "I don't know, a while I guess, why?" "Wanna go to Barleycorn after?" "Hells yes, bro!" I did see a couple of good rock shows here, I am certain of it. They were just mildly overshadowed by the Discovery channel nature documentary about DudeBros that was apparently being filmed at the same time. read more

The thing about Metro is that the standing area is really short and wide. It means you'll never have too many people in front of you, but you could be looking at the stage from a very wide angle. The balcony is also nice, but because it's so high, you can't really see anything once you're a few rows back. But this venue is great. Small enough to feel like you can connect with the artist, but big enough to accommodate awesome light shows and have room to dance. Just be respectful and aware of those around you. Talking to you, fist pumping dude who elbowed me in the head. read more

Not what it used to be. Mostly teeny-bopper, "alterna-bands", and hip hop on the odd night. They used to get some good gigs but basically, if you are over 25 and want to see a show- AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. Staff is rude, most the kids are drunk and/or fighting and it really ruins the fun if you are there to see a band. If its a band that rarely comes to town, then by all means go. If you just feel like going to see a show, once again: AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. read more

I have very fond memories of the Metro. Driving my '82 Volkswagon Scirocco, that was almost as old as me, wondering if it would even survive the trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago on a school night to see bands like Echo & The Bunnymen, Kula Shaker, Pavement, Girls Against Boys, Guided by Voices, Afghan Whigs and the Charlatans. To more recent years seeing acts like the Decemberists, Low, and Okkervil River. The more venues I go to, the more I realize that the Metro is nowhere near my favorite. I have read in reviews that "there isn't a bad seat in the house." I fully disagree with statements like these. If the show is sold out and you're not either right up front, have a reserved table, standing directly against the mezzanine edge or in front of the speakers, there really aren't many good seats in the house at all. Even for someone like me, who isn't short by any means. Bad views aside,especially now that I reside in the city, I will probably continue going to shows at the Metro well into my future years as a cougar. read more

this is an email i recently sent to the metro: To Whom it May Concern: Last night I came to your venue and was extremely upset. I had came to the box office at the Metro at about 11:30 pm and asked the worker if I bought tickets for the Metro would I get into the Smart Bar as well. The box office worker told me yes and that SmartBar would be open at 12:00 am. I honestly had no intention of going to the Metro but thought that I could catch part of that show too before SmartBar opened (thinking that because the Metro was still rolling that SmartBar was not open yet). At 12:00 am the SmartBar was not open from the Metro. The bouncer at the entrance kept saying that if we wanted to smoke cigarettes that we should ask Matt at the ticket taking counter. He explained that we could not go outside, only to create a line about a half hour later when others kept on asking. The Smartbar continued to not be open at 1:00 am-1:30 am as the line got longer to go outside. People kept telling me to talk to other people. Then Matt told me I could go to the end of the line after he had told me I could not smoke originally. I explained to Matt that I had only came to Metro because I thought I could get into SmartBar where I had originally intended on going. He told me that they were almost full down there and that it was two seperate shows. That there was nothing he could do except let me get in the back of the line to go outside and smoke or go outside and then pay again to get into the SamrtBar. I told him that I was waiting to go down there and open up a bar tap for me and my friends as well. I did not understand how your establishment would want to miss out on that money despite the cover charge, considering there ia a $25-$35 minimum. Still, he said there was nothing he could do and that maybe they would open up the downstairs later, it was just a "courtesy" that they did occasionally, despite what it "says" on the wristbands. We ended up just upset, frustrated and leaving. I have been a patron of the Metro for over 14 years and can't begin to think of how much money I have given you guys. I really just expect people to live up to their word. I don't feel like Metro respects their patrons at all. For instance: at the SmartBar you cannot get water without paying for it, and the tap water in the faucets is hot so you cannot drink it. What would happen if someone was on ecstacy and died of dehydration. It's not that uncommon. Despite everything I have given you guys, I always feel mistreated. So many people talk trash on your venue, do you ever think about that? Or is it just all about the money? anyone from this city knows...it's about the money. read more

You mean, Meh-tro? I'm over bad attitudes from employees, and Metro employees act like they are too cool for school. Like they are just hanging out with their buddies having a serious conversation about fixie bikes and I have to bother them by asking for a wristband so I can buy a $6 Miller Lite. The bad attitudes could be because there are so many people doing menial work. First you talk to the door guy, then you go to the box office and buy a ticket, then turn around and hand the ticket to the ticket collectors (four of them!), then get a wristband from the wristband guys (two of them!). Couldn't some of these jobs be consolidated? It also bugs me that the door guy has to confiscate prescriptions because they aren't allowed in the building. Yep, he shined his flashlight into my purse, spotted the bottle of antibiotics, and told me they'd have to hold onto them until I was ready to leave. Why? Who knows. I don't care that I am able to see the stage from so many angles (a big plus, since I'm short and usually can't see at shows). I don't care that the sound is decent, or the bathrooms are somewhat clean, or they book some good bands. I'm over Metro. read more

Get there early and head straight to the upper balcony if you want to avoid the mosh pits and sweaty people. Did this for a show I attended and thought I had the best seat in the house front and center. There was also a bar upstairs, just not a mens bathroom. Great place to see a show! read more

Saw my favorite band here last night. I've seen so many bands here and every time it has been just what you hope it to be. It's not over the top or outstanding it just is what it is. The metro feels like home. Home isn't going to knock your socks off, home isn't going to give you a boner, Home isn't going to get you drunk and make sweet sweet love to you (cheap bastard). Home is just going to make you feel.... well at home. The metro is like home and sometimes I hate going home, but honestly where the fuck else am I going to go? Thrice isn't going to play my grandma's house, that place is a shithole. Plus I saw my college roommate here and he was wearing a sleeveless hulk-a-mania t-shirt, can't beat that. read more

The Metro is great -- in theory. I found that for the first-time participant, it can be a bit of a drag. I will undoubtedly return and when I do, I will be equipped with the following tips: 1) Get a seat. I don't mind standing and the bulk of this venue is built for standing room only so it is what I expected. However, there is no denying that the seats are the place to be. It is in the very limited number of table and chair setups that you distance yourself from the hot, sticky, overcrowded mess that is the standing room. 2) Get there early. You will never get a seat unless you get there really early. Otherwise, it doesn't matter what time you get there. You will be mushed into a corner. 3) Wear the lightest clothes possible and order an ice cold drink. It was easily 100 degrees in there on a day when the outside temps were in the 70s. 4) Once the show has ended, do not rush out the doors. You will stand in a big sweaty crowd of people to get out. Might as well relax while everyone else battles to leave the venue through the same stairwell. read more

On the side of my Facebook page, I saw an advertisement for Skysaw, Jimmy Chamberlin (guitarist, Smashing Pumpkins) band playing at the Metro on Saturday, June 25th. I decided to go with my friend and brother. I forked over the $15 day of show admission per ticket for my brother and I. The bouncer accused me of being underage because I look young and asked me my middle name and hometown. turn off. I get inside and really liked the place. It had a balcony and a spacious lower level to see the opening act. My friend grabbed a beer that was expensive for being so mediocre. After fifteen minutes my brother needed to a cigarette. He went downstairs to ask the security guard if he could go outside to smoke a quick cigarette and he'd be right back inside. "No," he replied very rudely. How are smokers supposed to smoke?! My brother decided to go to the bathroom (stupid idea, I know), and outside the stall stood the security guard, waiting. He grabbed him by the shoulder and threw him out. When I found out, I begged him to just let him back in, it wouldn't happen again. The tyrant wouldn't allow it... so my $30 was blown and I didn't even get to see Skysaw's act at all. I will not be back to the Metro. Not under the security measures they take for absolutely no good reason. Also, get a brain cell and have a way for smokers to go outside and smoke a cigarette. read more

I'm in love with this place for nostalgic reasons. This was the best place ever when I was in High School. We came here almost every weekend for a show and it was awesome. Shows were cheap and we couldn't drink, so we didn't waste our money on booze. The venue itself is small and very intimate. Standing room only guarantees you're pretty close to the stage (relative to other bars/clubs). There's also an upstairs area with a few seating choices and more standing room. It's a dingy little dive of a place, but it's great. I guess now I'm not as enthusiastic about it as I used to be, just because there are better shows at other clubs (Schuba's, Empty Bottle, etc.). However, the Metro is one of the only places you could go when you were under 18 or 21 to see a show. Places like Schuba's or Beat Kitchen are 21+ 90% of the time. Nowadays, I am concerned with drink prices, and those places usually have way cheaper beer than the Metro (Metro charges $5 or $6 for Miller and other generic beer products - it's like a ball game or something). Still a great place to go to see a show. They also have a crazy downstairs bar area that I know nothing about, so maybe I'll check it out one day. read more

I've had great memories at the Metro and I used to really enjoy the fact that I lived w/in close walking distance from here. It made coming here a lot of fun. I don't make it up here as often anymore. Maybe it's the distance. Maybe I'm getting too old. Maybe I need to stop making these damned excuses. Obligatory band name drop: I saw Art of Noise here and made it onto their tour DVD. I also saw Front 242 at the Wax Trax Retrospectacle and got to meet Richard 23. If/when that concert footage gets released, I'm sure you'll be able to see/hear me screaming and generally losing my mind. The space itself a bit small and "intimate". I was never really impressed by their soundsystem and for all intents and purposes it's tuned for rock and rock only. Seeing DJs and/or electronic influenced artists will make you wish you had stayed at home instead. The bass just washes everything out. Having said all that, the Metro does a great job in booking varied and quality talent. The location is easily accessible by public transportation and there are plenty of pre and post show options in the area. They usually let concert goers into SmartBar (downstairs) for free after the show. It's worth checking out. Tip: Buy tickets direct at the Metro store (right next door) and save yourself the service fees. read more

Rarely do I get out to Wrigleyville, no matter how often some of my favourite artists -- Conor Oberst, Adele -- end up performing at the Metro. I curse it's such a popular forum for musicians. The only easy parts of the laborious, time-consuming process are deciding to go and ordering the tickets off the website, presuming you can get them in time. Navigating my way in proves a nightmare, an abundance of one-way streets in the neighbourhood doing little for my patience or my heart rate. Add in the usual blend of psychosis-inducing misery, notably the douchebag taxi drivers and oblivious college students, and you come up with an unwholesome concoction. Just for giggles, Wrigleyville one ups other neighbourhoods by sprinkling in nearly impossible parking, angular streets, misleading sandwich boards for seedy parking lots ($5 advertised, but actually $25 for the night? I think not!), and plentiful cops ready to pounce your vehicle and ticket it before you've stepped out from the passenger's side. Is it really worth the headache? No. The Metro as a venue sits within spitting distance of Wrigley Field, making any schedule conflict with the Cubs a hellish nightmare. Not even taxi cabbing it up from an L station is worth the expense and time. Slipping in during the off season ought to be less hectic, but it isn't. By the time you weave in, desperate for some music and relief, bouncers and staff do their best sometimes to stretch out the ordeal. More than once I've watched some hapless patron pulled aside and questioned or stalled while the rest of the line shivers or impatiently tries to imagine they might get onto the floor before the second act. The drinks are weak, beer tasteless, and everything comes for a price. It starts to feel a bit like a postmodern hell where attention from those on high comes with a price tag attached, and your dwindling funds slip away through a grate. The moment you actually get inside, prepare to be assaulted by a mob of a crowd made up of the same mindless idiots who wander out into traffic; music lovers as passionate about the band you're about to see as Parisians are about bakeries; everyone in between. I've had to endure elbows in my ribs from It Girls and been rescued by a swarm of Northwestern alumni who pushed me to the front of the crowd during Conor Oberst showing up with his latest incarnation of a band just so I could get a close-up view. You never really know what you're going to get, it's a grab-bag and sometimes the biggest musicians give very intimate performances for a space of this size. The musicians here are one thing, the sound crews another. I hate the House of Blues' staff for their absolute inability to figure out turning up the bass drowns out the singers' voices completely. I'm pretty sure the HoB staffs its soundboard with 3-year-old deaf bonobos. Metro never has problems with getting good sound quality and it probably helps that they're qualified for countless different genres. I've been pleased to actually hear the music I shelled out money for a ticket on. But the rest of the package is just so fraught with frustration and annoyance I can't give this venue a higher star rating. Getting in and out is a pain in the ass. The staff frequently have a cooler-than-thou condescension that radiates off them in waves, and for no reason. The Metro as a building isn't much special and the bar is hardly worth the cost. read more

The Metro is the de-facto concert venue in Chicago, for better or for worse. Maybe it's nostalgia, but people not from Chicago always say it's the "Best Venue in the City", it's not. They're still basking in that '90s alterno hey-day of the Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Liz Phair, etc etc. (I notice a lot of Yelpers are giving Metro nostalgia-props too). Back in real-time, there's more affordable places elsewhere in the city with better staffs and cheaper drinks, who are more supportive of local talent (namely Schuba's, The Hideout, Empty Bottle, Subterranean, more recently Ronny's and Reggie's, and a bunch more). The venue seems to be a step or two behind these days, i.e., if there's a band selling out Metro, you prolly could've seen them 9 months ago someplace else in the city for cheaper. They still book legitimately well but some of the nights are just sad. Metro seems to host a lot of lame-but-profitable bands. (I do have to give them props for booking the free Decemberists show in Millennium Park last summer though... that was really cool). An optimist would say they make money on lame seat-filler bands so they can host groups they like. For it's size, the sight lines are fabulous. The space is wider than it is deep so even if you're in the "far back" of the venue, you're closer than you'd be at similar-sized spots like The Vic and The Riv and Congress. Although Smartbar (situated below The Metro) sucks, the post-Metro show DJ sets (where artists spin after their official performances) are a really good idea. In the past few years members of New Order, LCD Soundsystem, Interpol, Ladytron and Hot Chip have played records for the always dodgy crowd. And the staff. Oh shit, the Metro Staff... always assholes. Your typical Metro staffer is 21, studying mixed media at Columbia, full of an inexplicable elitist attitude, and are very proud to work at The Metro -- not sure why. read more

Update- The bottle throwing happened at The Double Door, Not Metro. I'll still go to The Double Door, maybe bring a helmet. One of my faves, have seen some great bands here Goo Goo Dolls, to The New York Dolls, Buzzcocks... Not a big fan of draft beer, but better than having some asshole throw a glass beer bottle at someone. Which is exactly what happened to me at The Double Door by some wasted preppy guy who thought it was OK to grab my ass and when I shoved him away he threw the bottle at me. He got to spend the night in jail, and I got royal treatment. Still I'd rather not be hit with a glass bottle. read more

The fact that they get so many good bands is the only reason why I'm giving it 2 stars, otherwise it would get 1. I was here for the Lykke Li show which was fantastic but the security made it drastically less enjoyable. I showed up with my 19 year old cousin, and a few other friends. During the show, I ordered a Sprite for my cousin and was bombarded by 2 security guards immediately after getting back to our spot. The short white guy and fat hispanic guy were harassing us about the drink I just handed her. Calm down, it's a SPRITE. The short one then takes it out of her hand and starts smelling it while holding onto my arm. First of all, she doesn't want your dirty disgusting nose hovering about her cup, second, since you're assuming there's vodka in it, you wouldn't be able to smell the alcohol anyway you idiot and lastly, remove your god damn hand from my arm. I always knew the security here were dicks but they crossed the line this time. They need to quit treating everybody like a criminal. It's a shame I'm forced to come here to experience good music. read more

My largest complaint is the staff. Most of them were just jerks! We were at a show to help a band sell merchandise. When we got there and gave the name of the your manager, he told us that he let the guy know we were there and he would be out. Well when we finally made out way into the building, the tour manager was trying to call us to see where we were. Obviously had not been notified of our arrival, and we were made to look late and unprofessional. Then as we sold merchandise through the show, we were told very conflicting things. My boyfriend went up to get beers and he brought them back. Great. The next drink, a guy told him he couldn't bring them to the merch table, but we could put them on the other side of the door and go through. Understandable with Chicago liquor laws. But then when I went to get a drink, a different employee got mad at me for going through the door (which people had been going through all night) and then threw our almost full beers away! Douche! Didn't have a positive interaction with any of the employees. And they take 20% of the bands merch earnings ... That's just dumb. Not going back, and will advise anyone I know to not support that establishment. read more

Metro has great show prices and a massively diverse collection of performers come through here. The sound is good, but I don't find it to be incredible. I'm of the school that bands just don't need to be so effing loud. I could give lectures about this topic, but I'll spare you. The floor is flat--no incline, no levels. So if you're 5'1" like me, you won't see much. Still a chill place though, and if you can get front of balcony views, that's the prime spot. I don't recall exact prices of beer, but it's freaking expensive for a measly cup of beer. read more

Oh, man...the Metro. I've had some great times at that venue. Back in high school, all my friends from school and I would go to the usual metal shows. We'd all go, rock out, have a great time...but those days are over now. Why is that? Metro fails to book the same style of music...it's just not there anymore. The same kind of badass Chicago Metal doesn't really play there as much, and as a result, I haven't gone in years. It was great back in the day. Sound system is great, stage and lighting aren't bad at all. The old design of the building is interesting as well, as it used to be some sort of Swedish Dance Hall, if I remember correctly. Better in the past, but still has potential to be a kickass place to kick back and enjoy some music. read more

I saw a band out of Arizona, The Format, here in the summer of '06. Blame it on the booze, but I didn't pay much attention to details. On the macro, though, this place was a nice little venue for a drunken group of friends to forget a concert. My wife lost her camera while we were there. The staff members weren't very helpful at the time, nor during the follow-up phone calls that we made. I'm certain that type of thing is common for them, but tact and a little empathy would have been nice. All in all I'd go back and forget the place all over again. read more

Went to the Metro a few weeks ago and witnessed one of their security assault people. I was in line waiting for merch and saw a couple get pushed around and then thrown out just for staying and chatting with someone they knew that was in line behind us. They clearly just finished purchasing merch! Later, when someone tried to get back in saying that they lost their keys, the same security staffer pushed him in the face without question and the guy fell to the ground outside. It was a disgusting display. Then, as I got to the table to purchase, another staffer made an announcement that some items were left in coat check and said to everyone, and I'm not joking, "There are five items left in coat check. If you don't claim them before we close, we're selling your ****." I don't know what happened to this venue. About a month before I had heard about some people being abused by security there on different accounts, but I didn't believe it. Now, witnessing it myself, I will never be going back. read more

Metro is almost always home to the bands who come to town that I MOST want to see. I'll see shows I like a lot at Double Door or Riviera, but Metro lands the most shows I end up LOVING. For the number of tickets they sell for a sold out show, I find the main floor to be big enough to find a decent spot to watch the show, and you're pretty damned close to the stage in any case. Short girls and guys always have trouble at general admission venues- so get there early duh. I'm 6' so everything's fine for me. The balcony isn't really ever my favorite, but people line it 2-3 deep as well. They have waitresses that wander through the incredibly packed crowd serving drinks. OK, don't expect to spend a night of drinking relying on this service, but if you need one more beer to get through the end of the show, keep your eyes open for the girl pushing through with a tray in the air. For after-show fun Metro offers free admission into the Smart Bar down in the basement. A pretty decent place to drink and discuss the show you just saw if you ask me. So the place is decent in my opinion for catching a show, but obviously in a city of limited venues it's my favorite since it nabs all the shows I want most to see- Metro has given me lots of memories: Jane's Addiction ($5!), Skinny Puppy, Afghan Whigs, Triplefastaction, Local H, Garbage ('95 & '05), Stills, Sisters of Mercy, Interpol, Siouxsie, Ride, Pop will eat itself, Metric, Iggy Pop, Catherine Wheel, Secret Machines- those are just a few shows that come to mind from over the years where I had a great Metro concert experience. That makes Metro my favorite place to see a show. read more

I love small music venues in Chicago: Schubas, Empty Bottle, Double Door, Bottom Lounge. But the Metro is set apart from all these places as just absolutely terrible. The Metro oversells its shows. This means that people are crammed as far back as the hallway leading to the bathrooms. And not only can you not see there, but you can't hear well once you have passed the bar. And when this place is packed full of sweaty people, and the temps reach in to the triple digits, do you think the Metro will leave any of its fans on? Of course not. I'm not sure why, but I think they want people to buy more over-priced water and drinks. It takes forever to get inside. If you have will call tickets, the only free option, they make you line up according to what online venue you bought your tickets from. Of course many don't remember so there is chaos around the will call window that can hold you up a long time. Even if you do get there the minute the doors open, there is a great chance they reserved all the balcony seats for fans who never show up (but I dare you to try to sit in an empty seat.) Do other places sell out? Hell yes. But I have still been able to hear and see everywhere else. And most places in Chicago don't have the money hungry attitude the Metro has. Everyone else keeps their fans on. If you can avoid going here, I would. There are much better venues. read more

When its empty its fine. It's a nice place to see a show. I've been here for both big acts and local bands. BUT- When its full prepare do die of suffocation and heat exhaustion. This place does not believe in AC. Also if you're female prepare for a workout. The women's bathroom (where all the doors are broken and looks like they haven't been cleaned in 3 weeks) is up on the third floor. The staff can be jerks but most of the time for good reason since its an all ages venue and kids are punks. I don't blame them for doing their job. Kick out one underage drinker- more room for me. I've had some memorable times here, but my heart will always be in the basement... at Smart Bar.... where I belong... where the drinks are better and I can open a tab. read more