My only experience(s) going to a Social Security office is at this one, which (from what I understand) is probably good thing considering most have a DMV-like reputation.
It helps (probably A LOT) that this office doesn't deal directly w/assigning SS numbers & issuing cards. They pretty much deal w/monetary stuff pertaining to SS (retirement,death benefits, disability, etc...). The office is small, but clean. It's a kind of a weird set-up. You get checked/questioned by a security guard when you enter, then you go to a machine, enter your SS number, answer a few questions, and they give you a number.
The seating area is rows of aluminum benches. I've had two experiences here (I had to come back 2-3x for each) & I can't think of a single time I had to wait that long for my number to be called. Where long waits can occur is if you actually have to "interview" w/someone to review information. However, once you're called back the people who conduct said interviews are nice & knowledgable (at least that was my experience).