Metro

Came here for Eagles of Death Metal. A line to get your ID checked. A line for security check. A line to show your ticket. Another line to show your ID again to get the «I am allowed to drink» wristband. Place was sold out and probably oversold. Too crowded and hot. Sound sucked. Almost 1h wait between opening band and Eagles of Death Metal even though the stage appeared to be ready after about 15min. Had similar experience before at the Metro and will most likely not go back there. Chicago has better music venues!

Attended the Bob Mould show on May 6. It was a sold out show, and I suspect it was oversold. Very crowded and hot with so many people. Ticket prices were reasonable. Beer selection is poor and overpriced, as is the case at many music venues.
Sight lines for short people are good at the back corners where there’s a slight step-​up which is not very clearly marked. I saw several people nearly face-​plant early in the evening.
Ladies restroom is on the third floor, but it was clean and looked recently updated.
Oddly, the band merch area is located in a room outside the main area. You must get a hand stamp for re-​entry to visit and buy band merch. Never seen this before, and it doesn’t benefit bands, for sure.
While I realize that security is important, I felt like the Metro’s process for entry was disappointing, which is why I’d be unlikely to attend a show here again. Outside the venue, a security person made a joke about how I didn’t step up right away in a separate area to get my purse searched. I was also admonished inside the venue for holding out my left hand instead of right for the wristband. Rude.
Due to the attitude of security and the crowded experience, I’m unlikely to attend a show here again unless there’s someone I want to see that’s on my bucket list.

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 fiancé 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.

I had an unfortunate and horrendous customer service experience with the management of the Metro. At the door, my real drivers license was confiscated and I was told I could not provide any extra information to get it back, nor get let in. I did not want my license stolen. I asked them if I should call the police to settle it and they told me yes. This discussion was brief and polite.
I called the police who eventually arrived and confirmed my ID is legal and real. However, my ID was not returned, until several minutes later when I was told they did not care or believe the cops; after all the wait, I couldn’t come in.
I recognize they don’t want to lose their liquor license and that they also reserve the right not to admit me, but they suggested I wait for the cops — which took an hour — only to say the cops opinion held no sway in the matter. It was merely a tactic to defer me from dealing with it.
I was able to get my roommate to text a photo of my passport. The manager examined it. During that time, my friend (who also has a real ID and was admitted with it) made a joke about the circumstance. He was warned that he could be refused service too simply for his attitude. His joke was harmless and totally in line. They also told me that the picture might not be enough even after they suggested I provide it. Were they testing how far they could manipulate me?
Finally, I was allowed on the condition that I could not drink. At his point I didn’t care about drinking. But I do know how liquor licenses work and if the cops verified it than I pose no threat to them. My entry to the establishment was not a risk as only a government agent using the same database as the police would deem my ID fake. In addition, Licenses are generally lost in sting operations not from underage patrons. The point of their restriction was to punish me for me for even trying to disobey them. They wanted the last word.
I don’t think I offended them personally. I never raised my voice; I never was impolite; I followed their advice and guidelines on how to react. I never rolled my eyes of suggested through tone that I was exasperated. I wanted to cooperate because I trusted they had some protocol in his situation.
Sadly, I learned that they have no such plan. While waiting, I saw two underage people turned away. They didn’t put up a fight. Meanwhile the bouncers who denied me made numerous jokes about fake IDs to patrons entering. They knew I could hear and sometimes glanced at me. They were making an example of me. People who didn’t waste their time got admitted in s timely fashion.
But the one person making a reasonable claim that they were inaccurate, who wanted to clear it up with little fuss and on their terms was purposely treated poorly.
I fear that the next person in my position will not act the same. They may either raise their voice and be banned from the venue or choose not to cause trouble and have their ID stolen; nonetheless there is no good solution.
Even my victory — let into the show very late — came at the cost of my dignity just to serve their misguided attempt at authority. True authority is based on fairness, sensible behavior, and genuine concern. They exhibited none of these qualities.
I do not trust that they can provide for the safety of their customers if they view them with this regard.

Metro is one of the best sounding rooms in Chicago. Sure the drinks are overpriced and it’s only a partial bar, but it’s a music venue, not a cocktail bar. They bring in some great upcoming artists from the area and elsewhere and have nice workers, a good (but tiny) on tap selection, and a great looking and great sounding room. Also, having played at The Metro 3 times myself, I know that they treat artists very well and do their best to make sure everything stays on time. They are one of the only venues I’ve played where they send multiple big strong guys to go and load all of your equipment, no matter what size band you are. Really a fine establishment and a Chicago legend. Only real issue is parking. Use SpotHero and get a nearby garage or one of the spots that local residents rent out for the evening.

Love the Metro!
Plus sides: Fun place to see a show. Fun atmosphere. Tickets are reasonable. Nice diversity of performers. Drinks very good from bar and cost same as anywhere else. Restrooms were ok… it’s an old building so they are few and tight. To be expected. Coat check efficient and safe. ALMOST every staff member we came in contact with were professional and courteous and «smiling»…they seem to really like working here!
Negs: Despite our tickets saying the doors open at 6… they opened at alittle after 7pm, but only to the VIP people. Once they were all in… we, who were not VIP, were permitted to start in, we had stood outside in the cold and rain at that point for quite a while. The web site listed a different door opening time than what was on our tickets. We were beyond frozen and my feet… killing me. The show room is elbow to elbow so if you need personal space… forget it. Women who drink too much and dance with full beers in hand= beer all over you. Stand in back if you can… still a great view of stage. I think too many tickets sold… do two shows instead make it more comfortable. Once show over… rushed from the premises even though we were trying to buy merch. I did not notice the merch shop available on the way in, as we were shuttled towards the event room. .so exactly when were we supposed to shop if they wanted us out «now». My husband paused for a moment (and I mean like 20 seconds) at the top of the stairs to look back at the stage and was rudely told «KEEP MOVING» when he told the staff member he just wanted one last look at the stage… the rude guy said «thats nice now move along». So we felt a little like they got our money, now get out kind of attitude… at least from him. Were adults… not used to being treated like that. But we had talked with other staff that were beyond excellent! So we will attend another show… but pay for seats I think.

Dude this venue is such a gem! Awesome place to see a band because it’s a smaller venue. Awesome sound!
Bartenders are great and super nice.

I wasn’t expecting much but I really enjoyed this venue. The venue is very small. I thought it was a lot smaller than House of Blues, but I don’t know actual capacities. It just seemed smaller. I was in the back and could see the stage great. Drinks were very reasonable for where you are ($ 7). Bathrooms were clean enough and enough stalls so never too long of a line. Coat check was $ 2. Seriously this place is the best deal in the city. Surprisingly, all the security was very nice and friendly. As they were ushering us out I asked if I could go back up and use the bathroom. No problem! I was not expecting that! The only complaint is that it took a long time to get our coats at the end of the night. But I guess that’s typical when an entire venue is trying to leave at the same time.

Staff is extremely rude and aggressive. I don’t know who manages this place but who ever does clearly encourages their employees to treat their customers like sh*t. You immediately are frisked and aggressively violated when you walk in. (ok i understand security measures i am all for being safe) but no it doesn’t stop there. You are then herded and yelled at like cattle when getting your tickets and coat checked. Once you are finally in and want a beer the bartenders will speak down to you and throw away your beer if you turn your back and then deny you ever purchased a beverage.
I truly do like the feel for this place and love seeing some of the bands that come through here but the employees really need to check themselves and treat their customers with some respect.

The security was pompous and just completely rude. I will never go here again! They had no answers for me when they decided that I couldn’t enter the venue because I attempted to toss an empty bottle OUTSIDE, even before checking in and before I entered. There was a fat guy in particular who wanted to feel like he was doing some great security or detective work but was just unreasonable. I should’ve known better than to allow this venue to take my money. I wish I would’ve read all of these horror stories in the reviews before going or before (unfortunately) purchasing a ticket to support a young artist. Nonetheless, do not go here if you don’t want to be mistreated or scammed by a wannabe security team.

The venue is okay. The bar is close to the stage area, so it’s easy to get your drinks and not miss any of the show. It was big enough to accomodate a large crowd, but small enough to feel intimate. Of course, being 5’0, I could barely see any of the show while I was in the standing crowd. Although I liked the idea of being closer to the stage, I had to stand waaay in the back near the exit so I could get a glimpse of the stage. So if you’re short, wear heels or get a spot right in front of the stage. If you’re tall, this venue will be 5 stars for you.

It was quite a bit bigger on the inside, and it was intimate, like another person said. I’ve been to bigger venues before, but you’re definitely still getting an experience here. There are no windows, and you most likely cannot hear from the outside.
EDIT: This was actually a great venue.

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.

Small, intimate venue. However it’s not without its issues.
The floors are uneven, there are levels in standing area, but not illuminated. Maybe I had one too many beers, but I kept tripping all over the stairs. Nearly fell flat on my face twice.
Also, the entire lineup isn’t posted online. So I reached the venue at 7:30 but the headliner didn’t come on till 9. And then we couldn’t get dinner because we can’t re-​enter the venue. Wtf?
The show and the bar are good (cash only). But they need to make some practical changes to make the experience more enjoyable.

First time here and I loved it!
Small and intimate and just my style! We got there at a decent time, line wasn’t long at all and we were able to get a prime spot on the balcony.
I would definitely come back for a concert here!

3.5 Stars
I attended The Peoples Champion Tour (Talib Kaweli/​Immortal Technique). The venue itself is really easy to find and if you’re diligent enough you can find free parking and parking is free on Sundays. Or take the number 22 bus and it drops you off right at the venue. I went on a Sunday night and it was packed!!! I couldn’t imagine what the crowd for the event I went to would of been like had it been a Friday/​Saturday night. The set up is 2 floors and then a mosh pit type area by the stage. It was an intimate vibe and the sound system was decent. I would come again but I definitely would get there earlier so I could be closer to the stage. Bartenders were fast and drinks over priced.

I love live music, and I’ve been to most concert venues in the city. This is an intimate place, and there’s practically nowhere you could stand that you wouldn’t have a good view of the stage (and I’m 5’2″!).
The sound here is far superior to other concert venues in the area-​ahem, Cubby Bear, I’m talking about you. It’s nice that they actually adjust the levels so you can hear each instrument instead of just turning it up as high as it can go.
There are bars upstairs and downstairs, and their draft selection is small but well-​curated. It’s cash only, but they do have an ATM if you need it, although I’m sure it comes with a fee. The bathrooms are sufficient in number and cleanliness, although some people did seem to use them for smoking.
If a band you like is coming to the Metro, buy your tickets without hesitation. You will love it!

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 Unilocal 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).

The space is beautiful and the sound is fantastic. I’m pretty impressed with the cocktail waitresses who are able to make their way through the crowd.
One complaint: No tap water and $ 3 for a bottle of water? Give me a glass of water so I can then buy another drink and keep on dancing!

We came here for the 2014 Watsky ft. Anderson Paak and Kyle show on November 15^th. 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.

Metro is one of the more well known venues in Chicago, and for good reason. I have witnessed so many epic, life altering shows here. The stage is hands down one of my favorites. I’m extremely short and have yet to run into any visual issues here. They also have an upstairs balcony area for standing and watching the show. You definitely can get a really good view if you arrive early and can snatch a spot up there. They have a bar upstairs and downstairs which is good for obvious reasons.
Sound has always been solid, as well as the crowds and security.
Located in the very hectic Wrigleyville unfortunately, but if you are for sight seeing you can take a short walk down Clark and check out Wrigley Field and take a selfie in front of it.
Also a ton of cool restaurants hidden in the area. Parking will be a pain in the ass so be prepared (even worse during baseball season and the Cubs are playing).