
Metropolitan Square Downtown
A vibrant hub for diverse dining, live entertainment, and festive experiences, especially magical during the holidays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace

Metropolitan Square Downtown
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for diverse dining, live entertainment, and festive experiences, especially magical during the holidays.
"The village of Des Plaines did a great job!! Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit!!"

Balcony Seating Caution
Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. :movie_camera:
Holiday Magic
Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. :sparkles:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holiday Festivities
Throughout the Square
Experience the magical Christmas spirit with festive decorations and events that bring the village to life.

Diverse Dining Options
Various eateries
From authentic Thai street food to upscale dining, satisfy your cravings with a wide array of culinary delights.

Live Entertainment Venues
Theaters and performance spaces
Enjoy a night out with family and friends at venues offering a range of performances and entertainment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Balcony Seating Caution
Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. :movie_camera:
Holiday Magic
Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. :sparkles:
Des Plaines
Speakeasy Upstairs
Discover the hidden Speakeasy bar upstairs for a unique night out. :cocktail:
Convenient Parking
Ample parking is available, including EV charging stations. :electric_plug:
Tips
from all over the internet
Balcony Seating Caution
Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. :movie_camera:
Holiday Magic
Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. :sparkles:
Speakeasy Upstairs
Discover the hidden Speakeasy bar upstairs for a unique night out. :cocktail:
Convenient Parking
Ample parking is available, including EV charging stations. :electric_plug:
Authentic Thai Flavors
Don't miss the authentic Thai food, from Pad Thai to Tom Yum soup. :curry:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Metropolitan Square Downtown is praised for its festive holiday atmosphere and diverse entertainment options, including theaters and a unique Speakeasy bar. Visitors appreciate the variety of dining, especially the authentic Thai food. However, some guests have noted issues with sightlines in certain balcony seating areas.
"A great venue! One word of caution! Do not purchase a seat in the second or third row of the balcony! The risers are not tall enough to see past the people sitting in front of you 🫤"
Kevin Bradley
"I had the greatest time hanging out here for the holidays!! The village of Des Plaines did a great job!! Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit!!"
Steven McHugh
"Deplaines Theater was my first visit. Had a great time. They have an array of venues to experience. They have food and cocktails. Speak Easy bar upstairs. Great place to have a great night out with family and friends"
Christine Miklosik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Metropolitan Square Downtown is accessible by car, with ample parking available including EV charging stations. Public transport options may vary; it's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes to the area.
Yes, there are numerous parking spaces available, including dedicated EV charging stations, making it convenient for visitors with electric vehicles.
Absolutely! The square is designed for exploration, with various businesses and venues to discover on foot. It's a great place to stroll and take in the atmosphere.
While specific accessibility details for each venue may vary, public areas are generally designed for ease of movement. It's advisable to contact individual venues for specific accessibility information.
Familiarize yourself with the square's layout beforehand. Many visitors enjoy walking between the different shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces to experience everything it offers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general public areas of Metropolitan Square Downtown is typically free. However, individual venues like theaters or specific events may require tickets for admission.
Operating hours can vary significantly by venue. While some shops and restaurants may have standard business hours, entertainment venues will have specific showtimes. It's best to check the schedules for individual establishments.
Metropolitan Square Downtown hosts various events throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Check local listings or the square's official website for upcoming performances and special occasions.
For performances at the theaters within the square, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular shows. Check the respective venue's website for ticketing information.
Re-entry policies are typically determined by individual venues. For general access to the square, re-entry is usually not an issue, but for ticketed events, check the specific venue's guidelines.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the festive holiday decorations, diverse dining options like authentic Thai food, and the various live entertainment venues. The Speakeasy bar upstairs is also a unique spot to check out.
You can find a wide range of culinary experiences, from authentic Thai street food with dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup to other diverse eateries catering to various tastes.
Yes, especially during the holiday season when the square is beautifully decorated. The architecture and vibrant atmosphere also offer many picturesque spots for photos.
The atmosphere can range from bustling and lively, especially during events or evenings, to more relaxed during weekday mornings. It's known for its festive spirit during the holidays.
Absolutely! With its diverse dining options, Speakeasy bar, and live entertainment venues, it offers a great setting for a memorable date night.
📸 📸 Photography
The square offers great photo opportunities, particularly during the holiday season with its festive decorations. The architecture and general ambiance also provide picturesque backdrops.
Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed in public areas. However, for commercial purposes or within specific venues, it's advisable to check their individual policies.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public spaces and around venues for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting. Weekday mornings also provide fewer people in your shots, allowing for cleaner compositions.
Keep an eye out for any prominent architectural features, public art installations, or seasonal displays, especially during festive periods like Christmas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While specific kid-focused activities aren't detailed, the general availability of food and entertainment makes it a viable option for a family outing. The convenience of parking, including EV charging stations, also adds to the ease of planning a family trip.
couples
Visiting during the holiday season can add an extra touch of magic to your outing, with festive decorations creating a charming ambiance. The variety of options ensures you can tailor your evening to your preferences, whether you seek a lively night out or a more relaxed, sophisticated experience.
Food Enthusiasts
Beyond Thai cuisine, the square offers a variety of other dining establishments, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving. Exploring the different eateries can be an activity in itself, making the square a destination for those who prioritize gastronomic experiences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights at Metropolitan Square
Visitors often rave about the quality and authenticity of the food available. The mention of 'crispy fried rolls' and 'northern-style beef noodles' alongside the iconic Tom Yum soup highlights the breadth of Thai flavors represented. This commitment to diverse and high-quality dining makes Metropolitan Square a destination in itself for those who appreciate good food.
Entertainment and Events
Beyond regular performances, Metropolitan Square Downtown truly shines during the holiday season. The village goes all out to create a 'magical experience' and 'Christmas spirit', making it a popular destination for festive celebrations. These seasonal events add an extra layer of appeal, drawing visitors who seek to immerse themselves in holiday cheer and community gatherings.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit