What is the best concert venue in Chicago?

It depends on the kind of concert you're looking for. I've had fun at the United Center and Allstate Arena, but those were for bigger acts. My favorite show, and venue, is the Riviera. I saw my first concert there when I was 16, and it was a blast. It's the perfect size for a lot of acts, in that it's decent sized but not gigantic. It's a great place to check out a mid-sized band.

I spent a number of years in music promotion and it definitely depends on what type of music you like, the status of the artist and the price of the ticket. I personally love Schuba's but it is a very small club. Some venues offer better amenities than others, but for the most part, the Chicago concert venues are terrific. Metro, Double Door, Riviera and Lincoln Hall to the larger venues of First Midwest Bank in Tinley Park, Sears center in the NW burbs, Allstate Arena (near O'Hare), etc. For a summer show, I love FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island - with the lake behind you and the skyline as a backdrop to the stage. And the street festivals in the summer bring a lot of music talent to local neighborhoods and settings. Enjoy!

I have to agree...it depends on what your looking for. For a unique concert I love Ravinia in Highland Park. http://www.ravinia.org/ The only place you CAN bring food and drink into and watch a concert under the stars. Concerts in Grant park are fun. Sears, Allstate, Midwest and United for the really big names. Hope to hit Wrigley for a concert this summer!

One of my favorite venues is Metro -- 3730 N Clark in Lakeview (Wrigleyville). This is THE PLACE to find emerging artists - from local to national acclaim. They've hosted big name bands as well. Some shows (early start times) are for all ages, while the later shows are just for adults.