Public Works — Restaurant in San Francisco

I went here last night for the official side piece outside lands after show. I had been here once before for houseworks, but it was a small event only on the second floor. Before coming, I was a bit scared because Sidepiece usually brings out a lot of people and this is a small venue, I voiced my concern to my partner and little did I know it would foreshadow the night. When we got there, the two people in front of us were talking about how online it was sold out but they were going to buy a ticket at the door. We then heard security at the front tell someone to not sell any more door tickets until more online ticket sales people come. Then 1 minute later, we saw the two people in front of us purchase tickets and get in anyways. When we got in the place kept getting more and more packed, everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I went downstairs to get out and they CLOSED THE FRONT ENTRANCE. It was a line of people trying to get in and no one could get out. They said the only way to get out was the exit next to the DJ table… yes NEXT TO THE DJ TABLE. We then spent 20 minutes trying to exit, shoving our way through, I was having a panic attack, I was in tears, I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was going to die. I found ONE security person working the event, he was the ONLY security person. I was in tears asking him to please help me out and he told me “walk by yourself”. I told him it’s shoulder to shoulder and I can’t walk through people they’re like a wall… he told me “too bad”. I started screaming and crying desperately and rather than helping me, he told my boyfriend “handle your girl”. This was the useless security guard the the right of the DJ, he was black and had dreads and was NOT DOING HIS JOB. We then proceeded to shove our way out, almost got hit by a man that got upset by that until he saw the panic in my face. Then him and another guy also helped shove people for us to get out. When I got out I was so nervous I threw up and cried more. I told the guy at the front telling him conditions were not safe while bawling my eyes out. He offered me water and told me to please breath. I will never come back to this place… it scarred me. I thought I was going to die. Please if you value your safety do not go here. I have gone to EDC a lot , I went to outside lands that same day, I used to be a club rat… I have never experienced a place like this where I thought I wasn’t going to make...

i’ve had a few bad experiences here one was when one of my friends went missing and was blacked out drunk by herself, I told the guy working the front and asked for his help and he responded “what do you want me to do about it” then finally said he would keep an eye out for her after I explained a girl drunk and missing in the club is extremely concerning, he didn’t even offer to get security to help. (security eventually found her but it took over an hour of multiple people asking for help and looking for her) super dangerous!

another time a woman at the front wouldn’t let me and my friends go get food and come back when we had stamps for an event, and when I asked what the point of giving us stamps was if they won’t let us back in when we leave she said she would call security on us, which was very unecessary as this was a calm normal conversation. also if people are drinking you’re supposed to allow them to eat too it’s in abs certification training.

another time a bartender gave my friend a free drink and made me pay for mine right after, which was weird like at least be more lowkey about it if you’re flirting, pretty unprofessional.

other than this the vibes are always just ok, drinks are club drinks, crowd is hit or miss depending on dj. i’ve seen some really cool dj sets here but the staff and masculine heavy crowd has always thrown me off and i’m hesitant to come back and I always warn my friends about my issues...

BEST CLUB IN SF! Hands down! We always have a good time at Public Works! Staff is extremely polite and friendly and go the extra mile to make you feel safe. Free water is awesome! Drinks are reasonably priced and delicious! Sound system can be a little better but the vibe is such that I wouldn’t complain. Parking is difficult, ubering is your best bet to avoid break ins as well. Shout out to the short black dude in security, he’s such a sport! Always making everyone laugh and making us all feel safe! Bartenders are so nice as well.. they keep filling water cups and keep it on the bar after 2am! :) One recommendation to the management would be not to oversell the tickets. Several times we’ve gotten pushed around wayyy too much and felt very claustrophobic.

I’ve had countless amazing memories with my friends at this place and would like to thank the team for everything! Overall such a positive vibe at this place!

P.S: I’ve only attended Techno events...