Metro Lounge & Sushi Bar

Metro fuses a sushi bar, an intimate concert venue and a dance club all into one. It may seem like those three things don't go together, but at Metro it works. The classy interior furnished with leather couches and teak wood furniture adds an air of sophistication, but the place lacks any pretention. Rather, it invites locals to enjoy great food, fun music and a relaxing (or wild, or both) evening with friends.

When to Go: Starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, you'll find Metro open until midnight Monday and Tuesday, 1 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Though usually closed on Sundays, during football season, Metro opens from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The bottom line: Metro is the go-to place during the week after a long day at work or class, or to let loose during the weekend. 

On Tap: Metro has no beers on tap. But alongside popular beers such as Coors and Blue Light, Metro offers foreign imports such as Sapporo, Heineken, and Stella Artois. Metro also serves a wide variety of top shelf liquor and wine – anything from Merlot and Pinot Noir to Chardonnay. The bottom line: Whatever you're in the mood for, Metro's got it. 

Blue Plate Special: Metro features two menus. Sit at the sushi bar and order customer favorites such as the SU roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese and salmon) or the Metro Roll (smoked salmon, poached shrimp, scallion and cream cheese). Prices range anywhere from $6 to $10 for a roll. From Wednesday to Saturday, customers can also choose from the bistro menu, which provides classic American food including pasta, seafood and meat. Prices range from $9 to $17 per meal.  Or, if you'd like something more casual, you can sit at the bar and order sliders or Metro wings – special spicy wings described by staff as "out of this world." The bottom line: Metro is great if you want a tasty snack, are in the mood for sushi, or want something hearty and delicious.

The Scene: Karaoke nights on Wednesdays always draw a large crowd. So do Friday and Saturday nights, when local reggae, rock 'n' roll, and dance music bands come to perform. There is a dance floor for those who want to rock out to the show and a separate seating area and lounge for those who just want to relax and have a drink and/or meal with friends. If you want to shoot pool, there's a room in the back to do that as well. The bottom line: Metro's versatility allows for many different experiences in one night.

The Crew: The bartenders, waiters/waitresses, and bouncers are friendly and willing to offer advice on food or drink. The DJ, who selects the tunes on the weekends, can sometimes be found at the bar nearly every day of the week, ready to engage in conversation. The bottom line: The crew is friendly enough to make you feel welcome, but not overbearing; they let you enjoy the night with your company.

The Crowd: Because of Metro's strict over 21 rule and dress code, you'll mostly find graduate students, area professionals, and locals dressed to impress. Occasionally (i.e., karaoke night), the place fills with undergrads. The bottom line: Metro usually attracts an older, sophisticated crowd, but all over 21 are welcome.

The Deets: Every night is a specials night. Monday and Tuesday there's half-priced sushi. Sing your heart out for Wednesday karaoke from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and purchase Blue Light for $2 and Absolut vodka for $3. Starting Feb. 3, Metro will host trivia night every Thursday with prizes and a beer special of Coors and/or Coors Light for $2 and Bacardi for $3. Bands and the DJ on Fridays and Saturdays guarantee a good time. And if none of that appeases you, bring your friends to the back room to shoot pool. Want the place to yourself? Metro also hosts private parties. The bottom line: Come to relax or have a wild time. There's something here for everyone.

Profile by Noelia de la Cruz