This is another really good venue to see music in Chicago, but I've got to agree with julie e - there are better. Yes, the sound is good. Yes, the stage is awesome. Yes, they book a lot of great bands. Yes, it is in a convenient location. But damn, it seems like you've got to be a douche to work here. Plus, a sold out show here is so uncomfortably packed to the gills that unless you're really in to being pushed around and full body contact with strangers it is super unpleasant. read more

I've had a completely positive experience with security here. Everyone I've interacted with has been really cool. Fun place to see a show, usually draws in a good crowd. And if you want to make sure your night is going to be more chill then you can watch the show from upstairs. Bartenders pretty friendly too. read more

Yes, it's in Wrigleyville. Yes, the floors are sticky. Yes, the crowd can be hit or really, rather miss. BUT, I like the Metro. I like the multiple levels that make sure that I can see from somewhere. I like the general worn-in vibe. I like that it's pretty affordable. I like going to a spot that has had such awesome acts for the past few decades. And most importantly, I like that it still gets some pretty sweet shows. read more

The performance was amazing, but the ventilation was terrible. The front half of the people standing in front of the stage were offered water because it was so hot. Hope they fix this soon, but I'll be back regardless! read more

Everyone should experience the Metro at least once in their life. It's definitely small, it gets really hot, very overcrowded, and they don't bring in the best acts, but it is an experience. I frequented this place a lot more when I was younger, now I just can't take it. read more

The Metro is a mixed bag. I can't say I have any complaints with the stream of bands they have coming through their doors. That said, its far from a favorite venue. The drink prices just boggle my mind every time I see them, the sound can be great to horrific depending on where you're standing, and the layout just really doesn't accommodate the usually sold-out crowds they get (space-wise sure, but good luck getting a view.) read more

Over the years, this still is my favorite venue to see any band. If your favorite band is playing here, I recommend you get tickets as it's well worth every penny! read more

i used to *really* love the metro. in fact, while i was in high school, i had a fake id just so i could get into shows here. then i grew up. and moved to the west coast. since my big move to california (in the early 2000s), i have been back to catch shows here twice. a lot has changed (or maybe i just thought a dingy, dirty club with overpriced drinks was uber cool in high school...). for one, this place is dirty to the point of reeking at times. now, i don't mind a dirty, sweaty club, but this one goes beyond "dirty." and the drinks are so overpriced (and watered down). the staff is a hit or miss - i found them to be at all ends of the "friendliness and helpful" spectrum. the will call is a bit disorganized, and i can't imagine what a nightmare will call would be for a sold out show. finally, the merch table is actually next door. so that means if you want to buy some band merchandise, you need to get your hand stamped, leave the venue, and then re-enter. i am irked by that. now for the pluses (there are some): the biggest one for me is the history. this place is a chicago institution and nearly every touring band has played here at one point or another. also the sound is pretty good, especially for an older venue. it's also VERY easily accessible via public transportation (which i recommend because i understand that parking is a nightmare). finally, the neighborhood is good for getting a bite to eat before or after the show. the metro doesn't quite hold true to the fond memories i had of it when i was 16, but it's still a decent place to catch a show. read more

i've been coming here for years now and this is definitely one of the better larger size clubs in the city. the sound is great, there's a balcony for those of us too old to rough it with the kids in the pit. if you're on the first floor and you're not tall like myself then the sight lines aren't so hot (i should wear stilts). another plus is the security at Metro aren't a bunch of 'roided up jerks trying to beat you up for getting some dance/mosh/crowdsurf on. obviously, this place doesn't have the intimacy of a smaller club like the ol' Fireside or even Subterranean but considering it's got a 1,100 person capacity, i'd say it's pretty damn intimate. read more

I went there for Underoath back in '09. I'd suggest either getting there pretty early if you wanna be anywhere near the front. I ended up on the balcony. It was nice because there's a really good view up there. Friendly staff, great sound, a little pricy, but overall good. read more

My favorite venue in Chicago. You can see from any spot in the room, tickets are usually pretty affordable (especially compared to House of Blues). read more

Very loud! Saw Chickenfoot there a few weeks ago. You are very close to the stage, general admission. Loved the venue though!

I've seen five shows here since 2009 and it's a great intimate venue. I try to get close to the stage on the floor because the sound can get weird on the balcony, especially with a lot of people. It's one of my favorite smaller venues in Chicago with the lighting feel of the venue. The staff has always been nice about queuing outside, but also have been rude inside. Also I love that they have a seperate room for band merchandise because it makes buying a shirt/CD or leaving easier. Drinks and soda are expensive like any other venue, so you might as well get something at the McDonald's or 7-11 down the street afterward. Having a red line CTA stop (Addison - Red line) close is a lifesaver. read more

First time for me here yesterday. Great music venue. Seems little crowded, but what sold our concert seems roomy to you? You can see scene very well from almost every angle. You can go also upstairs to the balcony. After the concert your wristband give us free access to a Smart Bar next door, well that's smart ;) read more

Forgot how much I loved this place. Saw "wolf mother" on a Monday night. The sound was excellent and your so close to the stage no matter where you are. I think I read 1200 people is what it holds. I'd like to go here more often. read more

This is a good place to see a show, with a lot of good ole Chicago charm. They have all ages shows as well as 21+, but the beer is expensive. Reconsider your decision to wear leather pants... they don't have air conditioning! read more

I've had good times there but it is a prettty small venue. Still had some pretty great shows hard to find parking though because of it location read more

I really dig this place, could care less what other people say. For me it possesses an atmosphere of nostalgia because of all the concerts I saw during high school for bands I loved then, but don't really give the time of day now. I haven't attended this venue in quite a while, however I will always appreciate it for the good times I have had here. read more

This place is great. Yes it is a drag when the shows are sold out. But the other shows I have seen there make up for it. So does the layout of the place. A great place to see up and coming local bands. read more

I love this place. It is my favorite music venue by far for seeing a decent sized band. The sound is always very prime here and I feel like I have always had a positive interaction with the people that work here. I also did a school project where they allowed me to shoot a band here and they were nothing but helpful. I sometimes go to shows that I wouldn't otherwise go to just because they are at the Metro. It is close to me so that helps out, but this is a great venue! read more

This was my first time at Metro. I'm 48 and after attending over 200 concerts in my day, I am surprised I never saw a show here. I recently saw Echosmith here with my 17 year old daughter. I knew it was standing room only so I panicked a bit knowing I was going to be in a mosh pit. We got there early and decided to head upstairs to the balcony and had a great arial shot of the stage. No crowds to fight and the sound was really good. read more

Love this place for live music as there is plenty of room down by the stage, the acoustics are great here. Also there is a balcony and upstairs but if you want a spot in the railing in the balcony get there early spots fill up fast. Bars located in every direction so you are never far from getting a drink during a show, not a bad spot really in the place to see a show. You can get great pics and vids during shows there. Also there are usually meet and greets either before or after the show which is cool not many places do that nowadays. Anytime you can see a show here it's a must. The sound during the show is unmatched, everything is always clear and easy to hear. read more

This is one of my favorite venues to see a show. The nice thing about this place is that if you want to avoid the pit or are unable to be in it, the balcony section still has a good view that doesn't seem too distant. read more

If a band is big enough to need to play a room that holds 1000 people I'd much rather they play the Metro than anywhere else in Chicago. Especially the Vic or the House of Blues. It doesn't have as much of a "corporate" feel to it as most places of its size but don't think twice, this is definitely a "professional rock venue." Sight lines are pretty good everywhere except for the balcony, but who outside of the old farts actually wants to be that far away for a show? read more

I know some people aren't too keen on it, but The Metro is one of my favorite venues. I like the size of the place; not too big or too small. It has some annoying aspects, but what venue doesn't? I've seen a lot of great bands here over the years. read more

The building itself was great, the show i went to (kings of convenience) was AMAZING, and the sound was well done. There's standing room only, and the balconies weren't very big. However you do get into the bar there for free after the show, which i guess is nice read more

i always find concert venues difficult to review, mostly because i feel like a concert so much depends on the performer! first drawback, is the cash only aspect..... actually the cash part isn't the problem, its the stupid lines for the atm. don't remember what the surcharge is. the other minus, is the view. i feel like it is a very flat venue so if you are on the shorter side you are sol. my fiance is a tad shorter than me so we always have to find the gap in tall people's heads so she can see. i've been to two shows at the metro, meg myers and the magic man, griswalds, and panama wedding. the place freaking rocks when the bands are playing. it goes off and sounds great too. read more

Why does every band I have even the slightest interest in seeing play the Metro? I have sort of a love-hate relationship with this place. I think it's too far away and parking is shit, but the sound is okay and I like that they have cocktail waitresses wandering through the crowd (so I don't have to plow back up there myself everytime some slam-dancing fat guy spills my drink). If we could just do something about the ventalation.... read more

Of all the venues in Chicago, this is my favorite place to see a band. Yes, parking is a pain, but the Metro is so worth it. I've been going there since 1990, (saw NIN midnight show!) It was great then, and still is. read more

This is probably my favorite place to see a band in Chicago. You can always see the stage, I've never felt too crowded there, and the bands I've seen there, at least, always sound good. I'm well over 21, so sometimes I prefer to see shows at 21 and older venues, but I've never had a problem with any youngins at the Metro. I generally skip the post-show Smart Bar shindig. read more

I personally haven't had a bad experience with the people who work here, but I can easily see how it could happen, because I haven't necessarily had any good experiences with them either. However, it is understandable for them to want people to follow a few rules because it keeps chaos to a minimum and makes the overall experience better for everyone. The place is well sized, and I think it's pretty cool - architecturally. The bands that play are sweet, and I can't complain about bad sound quality (though I know it happens sometimes) because I usually just go to dance. read more

Love it! Great Staff! Great shows! Go see shows there because it may be your last chance to see a band when it is small before they hit the big time, and then you have to pay twice as much to see them at a bigger place with a worse viewing experience. read more

I came here for an event so not really sure what usually goes on here. First time here. It was a little small but we made the most of it. One of the guys giving out the wristbands for 21+ was a jerk. He ignored me and my friend as we walked up to him. Probably because we look young but if we're handing you our IDs you don't just walk away from us. That's just rude! Other than that, great drink deals that night and fun event. read more

Things I like are the sound & size. Not intimate but nice for an up & coming band. Neat. Beer selection is small but acceptable. I did feel like we were being herded like cattle on the way in. At the indie shows I've attended, I've noticed audiences more interested in talking than listening to music. Odd & rude, but not Metro's fault. Rock, metal & hardcore is fun here. Security's dealing with crowd surfing needs improvement. Most venues security will pull in the crowd surfer safely & end them off. Metro pushes them back into the crowd, and dude eventually falls on someone's head. Not cool. read more

Metro used to be my favorite venue but after last night, they've lost a loyal customer. At the White Denim show, security guards mixed up my girlfriend (22) with my underage friend (18) and accused me of "passing drinks to a minor" even though I did no such thing and was escorted out without being told what I did. Spoke to the manager who was nice but not very helpful and refused us reentry or a refund. We offered to call the cops to breathalyze my underage friend but the manager told us that the cops were "ruthless" and we "didn't want to involve them". When asked to identify who I "passed the drink to", the security guard hesitated before incorrectly identifying my underage friend. This is an absolute disappointment to me as I was looking foward to this concert for months and was excited to see one of my favorite bands perform live. Metro, please train your security guards better so other people don't have to miss out on one of their favorite bands like I did. read more

Never again! Saw Vulfpeck here--great band! Why separate sexes in security line--some sort of misogyny? I was publicly harassed by woman bouncer because at my age I sometimes don't think I will need an ID. Wasted my time going through stupid "rules" about their insurance which amounted to threats. Guy inside providing wristbands for booze was fine when I indicated I wasn't going to drink. So much smoking inside due to no re-entry policy. Major fire hazard. Most pot-laden stinking club I've been to in awhile. The hostesses plowing through are annoying too. read more

This has to be the worst venue in the the entire city. Poor logistics for entry...poor ticketing method... just poor. It's basically standing room only however the standing room is wide and narrow which doesn't allow anyone to view. If you come just find a corner and listen to the music and don't attempt to see the artist as you will be wasting your time. I gave them one start solely because there is NOT a half option! read more

love the metro. if you get lucky, you'll catch the eye of a server, and he/she will cocktail for you all night---and you never have to brave the crowds for beers! the sound is good, they don't care if you take the posters off the walls (which i do EVERY time, bad girl) , it's easy to get close to the stage, and they get great smaller acts through.... best show i saw there: black keys, night before lollapalooza last summer. super duper show, and the metro is part of the reason! read more

Best music venue I've ever visited. It truly is one of a kind

My favorite place to see a rock or punk rock show, yes the place can be a little dingy, but that's part of the fun. There's nowhere else like it. No matter where you are you're close to the action. read more