Sometimes, it feels like we’re being hit with refurbishment after refurbishment and closure after closure. That’s just life in the theme parks for ya! Construction and updates need to happen, and that means sometimes you can head to your favorite restaurants or rides.
Universal Orlando is adding a LONG refurbishment. Like almost he whole year long, which is really a bummer.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will be closed from January 12th, 2026, to winter 2026, according to the Universal website. Yikes!
Finnegan’s is located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida and is an Irish-American pub with a lively bar and full-service restaurant. They have some favorites like Fish & Chips, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and burgers, salads, and more.
Where should you eat instead? You can check out Lombard’s Seafood Grille, which also has salads and burgers as well as seafood specialties.
There are also some quick bites like Louie’s Italian Restaurant, in the New York section, which has pizza and Italian favorites like spaghetti and meatballs.
Mel’s Drive In is also a popular option, which has some of the most classic theme park food options like sandwiches, burgers, and chili cheese fries.
My personal favorite? Minions Cafe! I know the theme looks silly, but it’s probably the best food I’ve had at Universal. The Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich has caramelized onions, a secret sauce, and pimento cheese on a cheddar adn onion roll and I promise I think about it at least once a week.
Do NOT skip on Minion Tots. I usually order an extra side of them because they’re truly life-changing.
We’re going to be keeping an eye on the Finnegan’s closure to see if this is a normal refurbishment or something bigger coming, but in the meantime, make sure you keep following AllEars for more.
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD TRY THIS IN UNIVERSAL ORLANDO, BUT IT MADE MY DAY 10X BETTER
What’s your favorite dining at Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments.
That is a pic of Minions Cafe in Hollywood. The one in Orlando does not have a cafeteria line. You sit down and order. It’s much nicer.