Metro is located in an old auditorium and is Chicago's premier venue for live alternative and rock acts on the verge of breaking into the big time. There's not much in the way of atmosphere -- it's basically a big black room with a stage -- but the place has an impressive history. Everybody who is anybody played here when they were starting out, including REM, Pearl Jam, and local heroes the Smashing Pumpkins. Newer "alternative" bands that are getting attention from MTV and radio stations show up at Metro eventually. The subterranean Smart Bar -- at the same location -- is a dance club open 7 nights a week (you can get in free if you've seen a concert that night at Metro). Some shows are all-ages, but most require concertgoers to be at least 21. Tickets are sold in person through the adjoining Metro Store (sans service charges), or by phone through Ticketmaster.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»