Erin Giesenhagen, left, and Joanna Jurich, try the flatbread at the Lab Gastropub on Figueroa Street near USC. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
People toast at the Lab Gastropub. The Lab is a new off-campus bar and restaurant run by USC Hospitality as part of a concentrated effort to draw regular folks into the neighborhood. The theme is scientific, so beer is served in beakers and the tables are made out of chalkboards (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Kim Eeles of Long Beach enjoys a meal at the Lab Gastropub. The chalkboard behind her, like many throughout the bar, displays a real science equation. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Bartender Ashley Todd, 22, carries a beer sampler board at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Fried calamari with cocktail and tartar sauces is served at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The exterior and patio of the Lab Gastropub on Figueroa Street across from USC. The new bar and restaurant was opened by USC hospitality. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Randy Raby, left, and Ashley Ellis, wait for a table in leather “study chairs” at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The Lab Gastropub across from USC fills up on a recent Wednesday during happy hour. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Braised lamb shank with organic vegetables served at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
A caprese salad of tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil with grilled sourdough bread served at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Grilled lime and garlic shrimp served at the Lab Gastropub. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
