Metro Chicago is a legendary independent music venue located at 3730 N Clark St in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The venue comprises two distinct spaces: the larger Metro Main Space, which can host up to 1,100 guests with seating for up to 300 on the main floor plus a balcony, and the intimate Smart Bar downstairs, with a capacity of 400. Known for hosting early performances by iconic bands like R.E.M., Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins, Metro Chicago continues to bring major Chicago acts together with emerging artists in a dynamic live-music setting.

Whether you’re after a big night out or a closer, more intimate set, we’ve got you covered for securing seats or standing room in the right space. Read on for seating details, parking, transit access, and nearby lodging and dining to make your visit easy from start to finish.

Seating and layout: The Metro Main Space offers a general admission/standing configuration on the main floor, complemented by a balcony for additional viewing. Smart Bar is a separate, smaller space ideal for focused sets and intimate performances. If you’re looking for a particular view or vibe, we can help you find the right option and secure your seats through our trusted network.

Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot at Metro Chicago. Plan for street parking or nearby paid lots. For convenience, SpotHero is a good option to compare nearby parking options and reserve a spot in advance.

Transit: The venue is easily accessible by public transit. The CTA Red Line Addison stop is nearby, and bus routes #22 Clark St and #152 Addison run near the venue. This makes it convenient to get to and from shows without driving.

Nearby hotels and dining: For a convenient stay, consider Hotel Zachary Chicago (about 0.2 miles away), Majestic Hotel Chicago (roughly 0.8–1.0 miles), and City Suites Hotel (about 0.7 miles). We partner with recommended local hotels and nearby restaurants to help you plan meals and accommodations before or after shows. If you’d like, we can connect you with affiliate options for hotels and dining to simplify your visit.

Notable moments: Metro Chicago has a storied history with early performances by R.E.M., Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins, and it continues to host major Chicago acts such as Chance the Rapper and Fall Out Boy. It’s a trusted stop for fans seeking authentic, uncrowded, and memorable live music experiences.

Getting there

Metro Chicago is located at 3730 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613. Public transportation options to Metro Chicago include the CTA #22 Clark St. bus or the Red Line (Addison stop at Wrigley Field). Metro Chicago does not have dedicated parking, but metered street parking is available on Clark Street, along with several pay lots in the nearby area. [1]

Inside the venue

Metro’s Box Office is located at 3728 N Clark Street and is open Monday-Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Metro Chicago has a capacity of 1,100. [1] [2]

Venue history

Metro Chicago was originally opened in 1982, but the building was constructed in 1927 and initially served as a Swedish Community Center. The venue was formerly called Cabaret Metro. Metro Chicago has hosted a variety of local, regional, and national emerging bands and musicians. [3]

References

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Venue type: independent music venue with two spaces (Metro Main Space and Smart Bar downstairs)
Capacity: Metro Main Space up to 1,100 (with up to 300 seated); Smart Bar capacity 400
Seating chart: general admission/standing on the main floor with a balcony; Smart Bar is a separate, smaller space
Parking: no dedicated venue parking; street parking and nearby paid lots; SpotHero recommended
Transit: CTA Red Line Addison stop nearby; CTA bus routes #22 Clark St and #152 Addison nearby
Nearby hotels: Hotel Zachary Chicago (0.2 mi), Majestic Hotel Chicago (≈0.8–1.0 mi), City Suites Hotel (≈0.7 mi)
Notable events hosted: early performances by R.E.M., Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins; has hosted major Chicago acts including Chance the Rapper and Fall Out Boy