Hold onto your pints, Universal fans! We’ve just gotten the official word from Universal Studios Florida, and it’s a bombshell for anyone planning a culinary tour of the park next year. The beloved and often essential sit-down spot, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, is going dark for a truly massive, year-long refurbishment. Get ready to kiss those famous Irish Fish & Chips goodbye for nearly twelve months, because this closure is going to be a game-changer for dining plans.
Finnegan’s, located in the charming New York backlot, is one of those rare in-park venues that manages to be both a “lively bar and a full-service restaurant.” It’s the place you go when you’ve had enough of theme park snacks and need a proper meal—think savory Corned Beef & Cabbage, a plate of Dublin Lawyer (yes, lobster and shrimp in a whiskey cream sauce!), or a simple, perfect burger, all washed down with a great selection of beers. It’s a genuine oasis in a park built on high-octane thrills.
The Closure Dates: Don’t Book Your Holiday Reservation
The official shutdown date is set for January 12, 2026.
And here’s the kicker that’s hitting vacation planners hard: the expected reopening is listed only as “Late 2026.” This isn’t a minor kitchen update or a two-month cosmetic refresh. A closure of this length, nearly 350 days, points to a major construction project. Insiders are buzzing that this could be anything from a total interior gut and remodel—to modernize the kitchen and seating—to something more structural, potentially even tying into future development plans for the surrounding New York area. Whatever the reason, Universal is committing serious time and money to this update, meaning we should expect a beautifully shiny, revamped pub when it finally reappears.
The HHN 35 Disaster: Where Will the VIPS Eat?
The timing of this closure couldn’t be worse for the legions of horror fans who descend on the park every fall. The “Late 2026” reopening confirms what we all dreaded: Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will be closed for the entirety of Halloween Horror Nights 35 (HHN 35).
Why is this such a big deal?
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The Stay & Scream Lifeline: Finnegan’s is a critical spot for guests who use the “Stay & Scream” holding areas, allowing them to enjoy a full, sit-down meal and beverage during the transition period before the houses open. With Finnegan’s out, that major piece of capacity is gone.
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Alcohol and Atmosphere: During HHN, the bar at Finnegan’s is a magnet for guests looking for a traditional cocktail or beer away from the pop-up tents. It’s a key spot to decompress after escaping a terrifying haunted house. The atmosphere itself, cozy and non-spooky, is a necessary antidote to the high-stress environment outside.
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Dining Pressure: The loss of Finnegan’s means that the park’s only other major full-service restaurant, Lombard’s Seafood Grille, is going to be absolutely slammed. Reservations there will become gold dust during the 2026 HHN season. Park management will have to scramble to create temporary, high-volume dining solutions to fill this massive culinary void.
Our Advice: How to Survive the Finnegan’s Drought
If you have a 2026 trip planned, here is the essential dining strategy you need to adopt:
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Book Your Lombard’s Reservations NOW: If you absolutely need a sit-down meal, focus on Lombard’s Seafood Grille or look to the restaurants in Universal CityWalk before or after your park visit.
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Themed Comfort Food: Head over to The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley for an immersive, though quick-service, British pub-style meal. It’s the next best thing for a hearty, savory plate.
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Embrace the Quick Service: The nearby Louie’s Italian Restaurant (pizza and pasta) and the various venues in Springfield, U.S.A. (The Simpsons), will likely be your best bet for a fast, filling meal in the New York area.
While this long closure is a bummer, especially for those loyal fans of the delicious Dublin Lawyer, the massive scale of the refurbishment suggests that Finnegan’s will return better and bolder than ever in late 2026. Until then, you’ll have to find a different place to raise your glass.
