A venerable rock palace, this legendary alternative live music venue is the reason why the other half flocks to Wrigleyville. A converted theater with the seats torn out to provide plenty of moshing opportunity, up-and-coming and established local, regional and national acts play on the hallowed sound stage where Nirvana and R.E.M. performed "before the bandwagon" gigs, where the Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Liz Phair and Veruca Salt all cut their teeth, where James Brown, Iggy Pop and Prince performed to sold-out shows and Bob Dylan performed two shows to celebrate the club’s 15th anniversary in 1998. More recent acts include The White Stripes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Stephen Malkmus, Sonic Youth, Sleater Kinney, Ben Lee, Zwan and the Foo Fighters.

The cover varies widely according to the who's performing; see local acts for as little as $3 or $4 (you can get tickets at the door); larger acts sell out for $20 well in advance. Metro has its own box office, so you needn't pay exorbitant Ticketmaster charges. Most shows (with the exception of late-night weekend shows, which are usually 18+) are all ages. After-hours revelers who are over 21 can go downstairs to the Smart Bar, Metro's resident dance club, where some of the city's best DJs spin a variety of dance music until 4 a.m.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jean Kwon