This was quite painless. I read the yelp reviews before going in for helpful tips. I went in to change my name after getting married.
I got to the social security parking lot at 8:30 am and there was plenty of free parking. I walked to the card services line which is on the backside of the building - there are two lines so go to the correct one the first time. The line was already about 30-45 people deep. They opened the doors promptly at 9:00am and let small groups in at a time. You all go up an elevator to the second floor and then exit to your left. After letting a security officer inspect your bag, the line leads you to a computer to input why you are there and your social security number. I waited less than 10 minutes until called to a window where it took 7 minutes for the lady to complete my name change. I call that a success.
Tips:
1. Get there early to wait in line as the process is so fast after that.
2. Have your actual marriage license (the top part you signed), driver's license, and birth certificate.
3. Be nice to the employees.