The Nine-O Legend: 7 Shocking Facts About 901 Bar And Grill’s Uncertain Future And Iconic History
For over 75 years, the 901 Bar and Grill, affectionately known as "The Nine-O," has been more than just a sports bar; it is the single, undisputed staple of USC nightlife and student culture. As of late 2024 and into the early months of 2025, the legendary establishment continues to pour drinks and serve its famous wings at its prime location on Figueroa Street, but a massive real estate transaction has cast a long shadow of uncertainty over its future. This article dives deep into the bar’s iconic history, its beloved menu, and the fresh, unsettling news about the sale of its site, which has the entire Trojan community holding its breath.
The Nine-O is a true Los Angeles landmark, a time capsule of Trojan history that has witnessed generations of students celebrate victories, mourn losses, and forge lifelong friendships. The recent sale of the property to a major downtown developer has sparked intense curiosity: Will the 901 Bar and Grill survive the coming changes, or will the beloved institution become another casualty of Los Angeles real estate development? The answer is complex, rooted in the bar's deep-seated cultural significance.
The Undisputed Biography of a USC Institution
The 901 Bar and Grill is not a person, but its story is as rich and storied as any Trojan legend. It represents a living history of the University of Southern California campus life.
- Official Name: 901 Bar and Grill
- Nickname: The Nine-O (or 9-0)
- Location: 2902 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (Adjacent to the USC Campus)
- Established: 1947
- Type: Sports Bar, College Pub, Grill
- Cultural Significance: Widely regarded as the oldest and most iconic bar serving the USC community.
- Famous for: Whiskey Wednesday, The 9-0 Burger, Famous Wings, and its relaxed policy that "grandfathered in" students before the 21-and-over drinking age was strictly enforced.
- Recent News (2024/2025): The site, including the building housing the 901 Bar and Grill, was purchased by Trojan Fig Partners LLC, a downtown developer.
- Current Status (as of late 2024/early 2025): Currently operational, though its long-term future is uncertain due to the real estate sale.
The Sale That Shook USC: What the Trojan Fig Partners Deal Means
The biggest and most pressing news surrounding the 901 Bar and Grill is the recent transaction involving the land and buildings it occupies. This is the fresh, unique information that has alumni, students, and local residents buzzing with speculation. The sale of the property to Trojan Fig Partners LLC, a developer focused on the downtown Los Angeles area, was a significant event that signaled potential changes coming to the corner of South Figueroa and 30th streets.
Uncertainty on Figueroa Street
The transaction included the entire site, which housed the 901 Bar and Grill along with other tenants. While the bar itself was a tenant and not the owner of the land, its fate is now tied to the developer's plans. Developers often acquire older properties in prime locations for redevelopment, typically aiming for modern, high-density housing or commercial spaces. The purchase of the site near the USC campus, a rapidly developing area, strongly suggests that a major project is on the horizon.
As of the most recent updates, the 901 Bar and Grill remains open for business. This is a crucial detail. The bar continues to operate, serving as a beacon of stability amidst the talk of change. However, the purchase "might portend changes," a phrase that has fueled anxiety among the Trojan faithful. The question is not *if* the area will change, but *when* and *how* that change will impact the beloved Nine-O. The community is eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the developers or the bar's management regarding a potential relocation, a temporary closure, or a definitive end date.
For now, every "Whiskey Wednesday" and every game day gathering feels a little more precious, as students and alumni flock to the bar to soak in the atmosphere before the inevitable transformation of the area begins. The bar has become a symbol of resistance against the relentless march of Los Angeles redevelopment.
The Legendary Staples: What Makes The Nine-O an Icon?
To understand the depth of feeling about the 901 Bar and Grill, one must understand the unique traditions and menu items that have cemented its status as a cultural entity. The bar’s topical authority is built on decades of serving up classic pub fare and unforgettable drink specials.
The Infamous Whiskey Wednesday
Mention "The Nine-O" to any USC alumnus, and the first thing that comes to mind is almost certainly "Whiskey Wednesday." This weekly event is the epicenter of USC’s mid-week social scene, known for its lively atmosphere, cheap drinks, and packed dance floor. It's the night where the bar truly earns its reputation as the "single staple in USC nightlife." The party often features students dancing to classic college hits and turning their tongues blue from the famously potent AMFs (Adios Motherf*ckers), a cocktail that has become synonymous with the bar.
Menu Must-Haves and Comfort Food Entities
Beyond the drinks, the 901 Bar and Grill is a fantastic grill, specializing in classic American comfort food that caters perfectly to a college crowd. The menu is filled with entities that have achieved legendary status among Trojans.
- Famous Wings: Often cited as the best item on the menu, these wings are a game-day necessity and a late-night craving cure. They are a core part of the bar's identity.
- The 9-0 Burger: The bar’s namesake burger is a classic pub staple, known for being hearty and satisfying, a perfect pairing for a cold beer while watching a game.
- Rocco's Pizza Pies: The menu also features pizzas, specifically "Rocco's Pizza Pies," offering a quick, affordable, and customizable option for groups.
- Waffle Fries: Another popular side dish, the perfectly cooked waffle fries are a simple, yet essential, part of the 901 experience.
A Deep Dive into the USC Nightlife Ecosystem
The 901 Bar and Grill’s significance can only be fully appreciated within the context of the USC community. The bar’s long history, dating back to 1947, allowed it to "grandfather in" certain traditions and a unique relationship with the university that newer establishments can't replicate.
More Than a Bar: A Home Away from Home
For many students, especially those living in the nearby Exposition Park and Figueroa Street areas, The Nine-O is described as "more than a bar and grill," but a "home away from home." It’s a place where the USC rivalry against UCLA is fiercely celebrated, where students feel a sense of belonging, and where the transition into adulthood and post-graduate life is often marked by shared memories. The bar’s atmosphere is rowdy, loud, and unapologetically Trojan, complete with tons of TVs for watching games.
The bar's location on Figueroa Street makes it a prime social hub, easily accessible from campus dorms and apartments. This proximity has allowed it to dominate the USC nightlife scene for decades, consistently drawing large crowds for its daily specials and major events. The enduring popularity of the 901 Bar and Grill is a testament to its ability to maintain its classic, unpretentious college pub charm despite the rapid modernization happening all around it. Its survival, even on a short-term basis following the sale, is a small victory for tradition in a city obsessed with the new. The community remains vigilant, hoping that this iconic establishment will find a way to continue its legacy for the next generation of Trojans, whether at its current address or a new location nearby.
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