Best club in the city, and here's why: 1. not pretentious, 2. crowds actually dance, 3. great rage of electronic artists, 4. staff are friendly and helpful (shout out to Jason!). It's because of all this that I became a PW Union member, and that has gotten me regularly dancing and seeing new acts more (it's also a screamin deal). I recently saw Endzeit and it was insanely awesome. The visuals in the center, right above the decks (in the middle of the crowd, not on the stage) was a stroke of genius. Also super great crowd that was considerate and friendly and full of earnest dancing. Can't wait for the next colab they do. read more

Was happy my partner shared his happy space with me for some drum and bass therapy. Such a lovely crowd of commingling customers. Not one bad experience was had when we showed up and caught Buck Wilson, Machinedrum, and Alix Perez. The bass was buzzy and the subwoofers were magical in the back of the room. That was my favorite place to hang out in the sea of dancing drum and bass lovers. For a random Saturday night, it felt liked I'd stumbled back into a grown up version of my rave days where no Jungle beat could land in my body wrong. Thanks for the strong drinks, the nostalgia, and some new DJ's to add to my playlists. read more

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Came here for the History of the Bay Day event and got to see Marshawn Lynch! The drinks at their bar were also really good. I attended with a friend who had invited me. Got to see a really cool art gallery, food truck menus, and small businesses selling some unique items. Parking was a little challenging outside but I circled around a couple times and was able to find a spot on the street a couple blocks away. Good thing it was a Sunday and free parking :) My friend and I only stayed a short time, but ended up enjoying ourselves. The weather outside was just sunny and perfect. read more

Public Works - Marshawn Lynch! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pluses: Terrific staff, great acts, wonderfully central, accessible location. Minuses: Horrendous sound system-- actually very high quality, but totally wrong (too powerful, distorted sound) for the relatively small space downstairs. (Upstairs is much better, plus some cool little nooks and hangout spaces.) read more

Came here on Saturday (11/22/25) for the Nero show. I parked near DNA lounge in the Costco parking lot and it was a short 10 minute walk over. The venue itself was very intimate and loved the music 2nd floor for a lovely view of the stage. The use of projections across the walls was a very nice addition. Would definitely come back here for other shows! read more

Public Works - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I don't usually review nightclubs because, let's be honest, they're normally so trashy , even when you have the best time that it's not worth it to actually Review them. Came here for Gorgon City on a Saturday night. And the venue was completely packed by the time it hit eleven o'clock. I thought the crowds here were really chill. I didn't see anybody get thrown out. Everyone with super respectful, and I loved the venue space. They had 2 different inside stages and also the outside area, which was the smoking area, housed a silent disco, which was fun. I liked that the main stage area had seats in the back that people able to use to get a better view. If you wanted seating, it was all over the second area as well as outside which I thought was a great touch. They have cool art everywhere that lines up. read more

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I'm thankful that Public Works is still doing their thing. Still bringing quality music to the SF area. I was thrilled to be able to attend an Ant-ten-nae and Polish Ambassador set the other evening here. The staff were super helpful and the security was professional, but low key (always a nice combo). The whole evening was smooth and magical. It was a lovely vibe. Good people with big smiles. Though I did wish that there was a little bit more seating on the ground floor - mostly to put my stuff down, I welcomed the opportunity to dance - and I had no problem finding seating while I was there. I appreciated that the bathrooms were clean, that the bartenders were on top of things (I stuck to water) - and the quality of the sound in the main room. Public Works has always had their act together. The owners and staff have made sure to keep the events calendar stacked and up to date - and the space seems well run and efficient. Trust. read more

This venue brings out some amazing house and techno artists. Unfortunately they have a history of chronically overselling their shows to the point that it's too crowded to have fun. It wasn't like that in the past, but since 2022 or so it's gotten really bad. I can't support a venue that favors profit over enjoyment of the patrons. I'm coming to dance, not stand there shooting video, and if no one has space to dance, then no one is having much fun. read more

Went here for the first time on a Friday night to see Ferry Corsten. Took Waymo here and then an uber home. Unsure how parking is around here. Staffs were friendly including the bar tenders. The venue has a good sound and lighting system. It's not a huge space which I like for an intimate setting but it can get crowded. There's a 2nd floor which over looks the bottom floor so the dancing space is smaller. There is limited seating along the wall on both floors. You can buy water in a can at the bar or get free water from the water dispenser by the corner. I would bring a reusable water bottle next time. The only issue I had was the bathroom was not cleaned enough. It smelled so bad, it's slippery and disgusting. At the time I went someone took a dump on top of the toilet seat and it was there the entire night. After leaving the venue there was a couple of bacon hot dog carts outside for those with munchies. read more

Public Works - Ferry corsten - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Attended a comedy show here, Story Party: True Dating Stories with Emily Van Dyke. The show was fantastic and hilarious (you can see my separate review for "Story Party"). But I felt the venue was lacking, or just very ordinary. First off, it's located in an alleyway that doesn't look the safest to walk into (at least if I were by myself). And the building doesn't look like much on the outside, though there is some subtle artwork near the entry door, if you look more closely. Inside, we showed our admission tickets at the counter, and the staff gave it a glance and just let us in (a quick and hassle-free process). Then we walked around to check the place out and get some drinks before showtime. It looks like a warehouse inside with wooden flooring, like a space for holding raves. It didn't seem run-down or notably unpleasant in any way, it just looked like an open space with a bar, a little bit of colored lighting as decor (mainly in the bar area), and a stage, with rows of folding seats set up for the show.  The specialty cocktails on their menu were pretty good (we had the Old Fashioned and Tropical Storm), but the drinks were filled with ice and in small plastic cups, so I'd say a tad overpriced for what you get. The sole bartender on duty offered pretty standard service, nothing special, but sufficient. I did notice a little bit of random decor, some very confusing as to what they use this space for, ie. what looked like coin operated kiddie rides against the wall leading from the entrance to the bar (idk, photo ops for adults?). Also, a disco ball hanging from the ceiling that didn't seem like it fit in with the overall space. Their second level was not in use for the show I attended, so I only got a view from downstairs. The stage was also very plain, just a couple plants and a table (for the performer during the show). The sound system was decent. Again, my review is not based on the club scene here, but as a show venue, Public Works is pretty average, not outstanding in any way, but also not bad... If there's a good show I really want to see, I wouldn't hesitate to return (if "Story Party: True Dating Stories" happens here again, I'd recommend checking it out). read more

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I went Saturday night to see a Berlin-based DJ. The ticket in advance was $35, and I spent $15 on a cab to get there. They had a separate event upstairs. The downstair was totally packed (and very dark) at 11:30. I stayed 5 minutes & left. Public Works (and Halcyon, fyi) are going for as much profit as possible without consideration of its guests. I suspect it is illegal to have so many people in there at once. Nervy, too, that they'll charge more $ to get in as the night gets later & more crowded (like Uber for nightclubs). I will not return! read more

This place is sketchy as fuck. I came here to see Nora En Pure tonight and I didn't even make it in. Don't get deceived by the pictures from the business owner and all the ladies in the photos. I was going to see Nora by myself and as I kept walking towards this warehouse I turned back around and went home. I didn't want to get jumped, kidnapped, or experience something worse. There's no parking around and it's just plain ghetto. It's a shame this DJ performs at sketchy clubs like this and Temple where I almost got raped by a body guard because I took a Molly for the first time. I had to snap out of it and pretend I was interested for him to let me get out of the basement. I learned from that in 2019. I can only imagine how sketchy the staff and customers are in here. Save yourself the trouble and find a different venue to see your favorite DJ. Also, scroll all the way down. All the bad reviews are hidden. I wish I would've checked prior to going. I still made a good night out of it for myself and am grateful I'm home. :) I guess the one star can go to SpotHero for getting me a really nice, safe parking lot on Market street. read more

Public Works is still the best nightclub on Earth. Hifi lovers, you are home here! I wish there was a Public Works in every city in the world. They are such a gift to the music scene. The sound quality is unreal. I never have to bring ear plugs to any show here -- in fact, I discourage it, because the audio technicians at Public Works are so world-class and expert that you will want to experience every detail of PW's perfect sound system. The layout is AWESOME, and it is always well-ventilated and air conditioned. Plenty of perfect views of the stage and DJ booth and crowd. Perfect crowd size. The community are super respectful and sweet, inclusive music lovers. Unlike Audio, you will never encounter harassment or any other issues. I don't know how Public Works manages to capture that kind of safe, perfect vibe -- but they do, year after year. A San Francisco institution. I will often attend shows alone and solo here as a woman -- and I never regret it because it is so safe, and staff are always so considerate and looking out for you. Even on the coldest, rainiest, windy days, the staff are super kind and careful. Booking is stellar. I wish every electronic artist and DJ I love would choose this venue on their SF stop. The tiny side stage with a loft area often debuts some of the most innovative DJs and local talent. Cannot imagine my world without Public Works. They are a #1 reason why I continue to love San Francisco and why it is so hard to leave. read more

This venue is dope. The entrance is down an alleyway and you enter into a bar that's almost like a warehouse. Lots of open space, nice lighting, the sound was bumpin. Very chill atmosphere. I had a chance to check out Dan the Automator, he helped produce for people like Gorillaz, Kool Keith, and Del the funky Homosapien. The bartenders were friendly, it wasn't hard to get a drink. The bathrooms were clean too. Overall it was a really fun night and I got to be close to the action. I will come here again. If you think this place is grimey then you haven't been to a real party before. read more

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What a sad little club! The people at the door were absolutely miserable. I was yelled at for waiting for my friend (who had my tickets!) and told to "move move move I know you're waiting for your friend but you've got to keep it moving" ...when there was no one else in line?? The immediately harshed vibes were not at all in line with the kind of place this was marketed to be. Hard pass on trying it again read more

I love this club! It has the best sound system in SF by far! Saw infected mushroom here last year and it was the best night out of the year for me, lights and sound were amazing. I wish they kept booking big acts at Public Works instead of the midway. This year Infected Mushroom and Skepta,are playing at the Midway and I am devastated because they are two of my favourite acts, but the sound at the midway is so much worse than PW, there is not point in going for me. read more

I'm at a Stavroz concert, and overall the space and energy of Public Works during this show was outstanding. It felt safe and fun, queer-inclusive, and the staff was extremely kind and supportive. I especially appreciated how easy it was to get water, use the restrooms, and move around to different stages during the night. My buddy and I could easily separate and rejoin one another through the night as the music took us, and he showed me the little corner of the alt stage--it was hella cool. The experience overall does have some issues. Sound is muddled at different patches in the venue, although thankfully it never felt so loud as to be harmful (a little ringing the next day though, but that's to be expected). Drinks are relatively easy to come by but $30 doubles! And as someone who needs to rest his feet every now and again I'm disappointed at how the designated benches are used as stepping-stools for shorter patrons or used-drink holders. So, basically, in order to rest my feet, I have to sit on someone else's shoe bottom gunk, or move upstairs where I can sit but have no line of sight with the stage. Not great, I know we can do better, because we are better. Signage and other reminders of club culture will help make the space more accessible. Public Works gets the important things right: inclusivity, safety, kindness, and that leads to good fun. Super worth your time all around. read more

Public Works - Stavroz! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

This area is a magnet for crime. In less than 20 minutes, my car was broken into, leaving me with shattered glass, stolen belongings, and a sinking feeling of violation. After talking to locals, I learned this happens constantly, yet nothing changes. There's no security, no deterrents--just a free-for-all for criminals. If you value your safety and peace of mind, stay far away. read more

Small venue but had a blast, left a jacket at coat check and they were able to mail it back to us. Staff was really friendly through and through read more

I'm so tired of waking up the morning after a show here with a sore throat from all the vaping people do on the dance floor. There's a designated smoking area outside that must be fairly empty, because people constantly billow out massive plumes of vape clouds inside and security doesn't bat an eye. It's just nasty. I've been to plenty of other venues in bigger cities that actually manage to keep vaping off the dance floor. read more

Had a great time at public works. Great space and delicious drinks. The friends and I danced the night away.

Please read my full review... this place is extremely unsafe. I went here last night for the official side piece outside lands night 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 it out alive. read more

Do not come here if you were born after the 90s unless you want to be the youngest ones here. Venue was small also.

I've been going out in SF for longer than many reviewers have been alive. With that said, this is the FIRST venue that didn't even ask about my bag. As a matter of fact, NO ONE's bags were being looked at. I hate to sound like a Negative Nancy, but in this day and age of weapons being everywhere, the least a venue can do is notice who is carrying bags and take a peak inside. I could have had literally anything inside of my small backpack. Beware if you attempt to sit on the benches at the back of the club: condensation from the ventilation system leaks A LOT. If you'd like to have water randomly dropping on your head, hang out there. If not, watch out. That can be a bonus for some folks, but just a head's up. It's a nice enough club, but I've definitely been in better. I won't return until I know that their entrance monitoring is stepped up a bit. There were definitely some unsavory characters in the crowd when I attended. I don't want to be around when someone gets mad and is able to use the weapon that NO ONE SEARCHED FOR... read more

Hi! I saw John Summit on the 25th and it might of been one of the best shows I've seen in San Francisco so hella props booking this baby boy! But I mainly wanted to thank the GM who helped me and my friends in one of maybe one of the scariest moments I've had at a event. My friend passed out from heat exhaustion, and her being 5"10 my other friend I could only do so much till this hero came and helped us take her outside. He was so calming and helpful and didn't make stressed or scared. I wanna thank you so much!! I appreciate you so much and you don't realize how much this means to me! On a happier note here's some video of John read more

A club where the staff enjoy the music as much as the patrons. Great club to enjoy with friends and meet new. San Francisco at its finest. read more

Public Works - Diva Danielle - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is the best venue in the city, hands down. The line ups are always solid...in both rooms. And sometimes you can access both parties at once. Yes please. The soundsystem just got a serious upgrade too, so it thumps in there. The bars are this dope exposed wood look, which I dig..a lot. (Most clubs in this city have way, way too much going on and I feel like one of those vip server people are gonna come by at any moment with a giant bottle of Goose with a sparkler in it. That's gonna be a nope from me). The bar staff is super nice. And the fact that it's on its own little street is a bonus. 10/10 recommend read more

Public Works - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

We went to John Digweed and had a blast. Intimate enough to feel part of the action. Exceptional sound system. Friendly crowd. Easy access to bathrooms. Super easy access to bar area as well. Look forward to returning. Really fun experience overall. read more

I like atmosphere and location of this club. It was Atish. this Saturday. Sound is perfect. I will coming back in this club many times for sure. Nice people. Clean and cold. Vibes). So much fan read more

Public Works - Dance - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great venue for a comedy show. Lovely atmosphere and crowd. Found easy street parking on a Sunday night. Just wish they had snacks too...

Not quite my vibe but I can see the same certain kinda people coming here. Do you burn? Do you go to burning man? Do you want to go to burning man? Do you look like the people that go to burning man? Do you wanna connect and dance with people who look like they go to burning man? If you said yes to any and/or all of my questions, then this is the place for you. Immediate burning man vibes. Or maybe if you're thinking old school rave warehouse vibes, this place gives off a little bit of that too. read more

Kind of a hit and miss experience with this place. I'll start off with the negative and then list the positive. I went out on 3/24 with a group of girls for an event that we signed up for online for free entry before 1030 pm arrival. We arrived to public works at 1028, waiting in line until 1040 and were told that we need to pay 25$ each since we were late. The woman at the door was also incredibly rude and hostile to everyone, I want to say her name was Nicki. Just an absolutely miserable and genuinely mean, I hope whatever is going on with her gets better so she stops trying to ruin everyone else's day. From what I saw, they were charging basically all the free entry's at least 10+ people. It appeared PW created an artificial line to tell us that we were late. Pretty scummy behavior. Next we were under the impression that this was a large venue. It was not at all. They closed off part of the venue and we were sectioned off to a very small bar. It was kind of weird and not at all what we were expecting. The whole ticket and what they were selling seemed kind of like a bait and switch. Anyway, about half the group that we originally started with left about an hour later because the venue was odd. I stayed with some other girls and we managed to have our own fun. The night kind of felt like a boiler room which was fun unique vibe. If you're looking for a large "club" vibes, I would not recommend this place at all. Midway is a much larger and elaborate venue. Just set your expectations when coming. Drinks were cheap 13$ which was nice. read more

This venue is fun. I had heard of it, but went to it for the first time tonight. My friend had 2 passes and I tagged along. I sat on the bench for a bit. Then we decided to dance on the floor. It took forever for the main act to come on after 12AM, so at about 12:08, we left the venue and went home. It was regular electronic dance music. The crowd is not obnoxious and the workers are nice and cute. read more

Public Works - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you know you know! Pretty awesome and they bring in a lot of great underground talent that would previously never make it out to the Bay Area. read more

Horrible experience. We came here to see Gorgon City. Before they came on the business owners "son" went on a power trip and kicked our friend out for no apparent reason. I tried to apologize for any harm done, as it was my birthday, and he said he was willing to talk to my friend. I spent 15 minutes on the phone telling my friend to come back so we could work it out. When he made it to the door the owners son said "it's out of my hands" and "he'll learn today". Why waste my time and get my hopes up? This guy was on a power trip and refused to give us a refund. I will not be attending this venue again and advise every one else to take their time and money elsewhere. They are rude, sexist, racist, and homophobic. I hope this place gets closed down soon and wish there was more I could do than write a review. "Nelson" is trash and so is this venue. read more

Public Works is an excellent venue to rent for your private event. The staff are knowledgeable and professional. We rented the entire venue for one nite. The staff from venue managers, security staff, tech and bar are top notch. They went over and above to make sure we were happy with the set up for our event. Very nice bar downstairs and upstairs. Great environment. Will absolutely rent this venue again. Do yourself a favor and go to Public Works for a show and definitely rent for a private event. read more

Public Works is awesome! I attended the Madonna & Kylie Minogue party and was just completely impressed with the sound, the venue, the lights, the staff. This event was first class all the way complete with a fun crowd! It's been years since I've danced so much for so long. Thank you Public Works you created a meaningful memory. read more

Public Works - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great music, sound, lighting and location. It's not the Brooklyn Mirage, but SF's version. I don't remember the drink prices. Hmmm. Yes, a lot of hipsters, wide range of ages, sexual orientations, and a lot of marijuana. Lol... I don't partake but if it keeps people happy and non-violent than so be it. Will I return, Oh Yes... read more

I went to public works during Covid for One More Time, a daft punk tribute band. Still being cautious about Covid I was very happy to hear about their policies of requiring a vaccination card. When I arrived, security did ask for my vaccination card and ID, and really looked at it to make sure it wasn't a fake. I felt very safe due to their Covid procedures and was able to have the prime time of my life at the tribute!! read more

Public Works - One More Time Tribute Band (Daft Punk) 2021 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is actually probably pretty cool..I don't know why I didn't like it as much as I expected to. It was too hipster for me. I appreciate looking at (staring down ;)) the occasional eccentrically dressed hipster flouncing down the sidewalk, but once you go into a club and its transformed into complete hipsterdom it's a bit much. Especially if you're actually trying to find someone attractive (includes well-dressed!) at the club and the huge horn-rimmed glasses look doesn't really do it for you.. Anyway, the people we ran into themselves were nice. Mostly friendly, and all different ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, you name it. I would say the girls tended to be younger than the guys but apart from that it was pretty evenly mixed! Still a very "happening" place of course, really cool lights and music , and decent venue, so who knows maybe the more I come here the more it'll grow on me ^^ read more