Chinatown Parking Garage — Local services in San Francisco

I never imagined I’d write a long, detailed review for a parking garage, but this experience was so appalling it made me realize how much I usually take basic courtesy for granted, because I honestly didn’t know a place could be this questionable.

The garage uses a single, narrow lane for both entering and exiting. Cars drive downhill to get in, but when I was abruptly told to leave, I had to reverse uphill into a cramped Chinatown side street. No staff member bothered to guide traffic; halfway through my blind reverse another car appeared behind me. One careless move and we would have collided. Cones, hand signals, even a shouted warning, none of that existed.

Communication barriers are one thing; outright hostility is another. The attendants couldn’t (or wouldn’t) explain whether I was supposed to wait, circle the block, or give up entirely. Instead, they barked orders with an attitude that suggested customers were ruining their day just by showing up.

At one point an employee tossed out a mocking “one-size-fits-all” Asian phrase that had nothing to do with my background. It was entirely unnecessary, unprofessional, and left me wondering how often similar remarks get thrown at other drivers.

I was blocked from entering because they claimed the garage was “full,” yet other drivers were waved right in moments later. Nobody, inside or outside, seemed to understand the rules, because the staff never clearly stated any. The entire line of drivers wore the same bewildered expression and every single driver at that time was confused.

Chinatown is usually celebrated for its warmth and culture, but this garage embodies the opposite: unsafe traffic management, zero professionalism, and an undercurrent of disrespect. If you value your time, your safety, or simple human decency, avoid this place. After reading other Google reviews, I noticed the management replies to every single comment, especially the one star ones, with a long list of excuses insinuating they did nothing wrong. I’m not posting this to change their minds; I’m posting it so other visitors know they have plenty of alternatives nearby. I was lured in by the garage’s authoritative-sounding name, but we ended up parking elsewhere without any trouble. Cost wasn’t the issue to us because we were on an invited trip to SF and this was a one-time visit. If you’re also here for just one memorable day, do yourself a favor and pick another lot. I have no expectation that this place will improve, so the best solution is simply...

My first experience here I was taken aback at how fast paced these guys move. HOWEVER, once I understood why, everything made sense. These guys run a super tight ship and must be very quick in their service. So much so that once I understood what they were doing, business with them was easy.

All you have to do is pull in, leave the vehicle running, tell the attendant how much time and they take care of your vehicle for you. YOU DONT EVEN NEED TO THINK! Literally set and forget. The reason they leave the keys in the vehicle is so they don't lose them and also you can hop in and go, the reason they roll at least one of the windows down is so the keys don't get locked in the car. Now, you may be asking: "Isn't this a recipe for getting my car jacked or things stolen?" My answer is no. The attendant(s) there are always attentive and on alert, these guys do this for a living and are very alert all the time. I've left a work phone in my car on accident and had been out with my girlfriend for up to 3 hours and it was still there. They take extreme pride in their work and have also been in the business for many years and I would trust them with any of my vehicles and belongings. They value your vehicle just as much if not more, they want your business and want you to have a great experience in Chinatown.

Their rates are also very fairly priced for the convenience, service, security, and safety as well, for about $7 an hour. Not including if you had left your car overnight.

The owner is friendly once you get to know him and is a very hard worker. He also supports the local shops and helps them create fliers and promotes their business as well. Ask for a guide for the best places to eat or shop around...

This was one of the worst parking experiences I’ve ever had. They cram cars in with no regard for space, safety, or the possibility of damage. My car was parked so tightly next to another that I accidentally scraped it while trying to exit—there was simply no room to maneuver.

What made it worse was the owner, Michael. He was incredibly rude and dismissive, even though I immediately provided my insurance and fully cooperated. Instead of handling the situation with professionalism, he was aggressive and completely uninterested in helping resolve anything. It’s clear he has no respect for his customers.

You drop off your car at the front, but when it’s time to pick it up, you’re left to search through a chaotic, disorganized maze of vehicles packed in every direction. It feels more like a car trap than a functioning lot.

If you absolutely have to park here, insist that the staff pull your car out for you. Otherwise,...