USC Hospitality has been active. In the past four months, they debuted Rosso’s Pizzeria and McKay’s, a restaurant named for the university’s legendary football coach. Now students and locals have a new option: a gastropub called The Lab. Architectural firm AC Martin populated the space with several lab-like design elements, including slate tables, beaker vases and science textbooks. You’ll also find communal tables, black-and-white tile floors and an outdoor patio.

Chef Thomas Moran delivers casual dining options like Artichoke Fritters with Chipotle Dip ($6), Flat Bread topped with Prosciutto, Fig Jam, and Parmesan ($10) or the Pulled Beef Hoagie ($10). A “Gastronomy” section of the menu contains composed dishes like Elbow Macaroni with Three Cheeses & Sweet Peas ($7), Braised Lamb Shank with Organic Vegetables ($12) and Fish & Chips ($14). The Lab offers more than 40 beers, including proprietary brews like The Lab Amber Lager and Trojan Blonde, both served in beakers.