Annabelle R.
Yelp
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).