I've been to the Lab quite a few times and the visits I can recall have been a pretty good time!
Most of the food seems to come from Future's next door and I haven't really noticed a kitchen anywhere. There is usually a DJ around on the weekend and the tunes seem to vary but they never get loud enough to drown out your conversation with a friend (an absolute necessity for any bar that decides to hire a DJ!).
As for the staff the bartenders are pretty cool and will have a drink with you from time to time. The doormen/bouncers are the most fun of any place I know and always seem to cheer you up with some sort of a cheeky comment that will also go to show you they have a pretty good memory and will remember you from week to week!!
The reason you really come here though is the ridiculously awesome drink deals that vary from time to time and the basement area which will remind you of many bars in Greenwich Village. I've tried to put a pattern to the drink deals but have found that they vary from time to time. From what I remember I have been there for $3 rail Thurs (including 2-3 varieties of Whiskey/bourbon), $3JD Fri, and $3 Absolute Sat! There are often deals on beers as well, and the other fine spirits on the shelf also go for a very fair price ($6 for Remy Martin).
Great place to pre-game and meet friends
oh, and one note to the Lab...please fix the men's room! I'm tired of being indecently exposed to the femmes waiting in line !