Metro

A Chicago institution where alternative rock’s greats cut their teeth
Word to the wise: There’s no readmission to the venue, so grab any essentials before you hand over your ticket.

If your tastes lie more with guitars and distortion than beats and bleeps, Metro is the essential spot to find great alternative rock and indie acts from Chicago and across the world. Opened in 1982, this revered venue hosted Husker Dü and Big Black in the 80s; local stars Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt and Urge Overkill in the 90s; and continues to pull in great underground names – for example, the likes of Montreal and Farkus today.
It’s a venue that almost always fills up, creating either an excitable atmosphere that makes the night, or a slightly cramped and uncomfortable experience, depending on your view. For those whose moshing days are behind them, there’s a balcony offering a less-intense vibe.