When planning the ultimate vacation to Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, the lineup of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and unforgettable entertainment is only half the picture. The dining experience is an integral part of the theme park adventure, and for many guests, particularly those seeking a break from quick-service fare, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill stands as an essential stop. Nestled in the park’s charming New York area, this traditional Irish-American pub is beloved for its convivial atmosphere and stick-to-your-ribs authentic cuisine.Credit: Universal Studios JapanHowever, guests planning a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort in 2026 must prepare for a significant, extended change to their dining itinerary. Universal has officially announced that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will be temporarily closing for a substantial, year-long refurbishment. This extensive closure will affect guests visiting throughout the majority of 2026, including those planning to attend the highly anticipated Halloween Horror Nights 35 event. Understanding the closure dates and the unique offerings that will be missed is crucial for a seamless 2026 park experience. Read on for all the essential details about the Finnegan’s refurbishment and how to navigate dining at Universal Studios Florida during this time.Finnegan’s Bar & Grill: A Universal Studios Florida Institution Undergoing Extensive RenovationCredit: UniversalFinnegan’s Bar & Grill has long been celebrated as one of the few full-service, sit-down dining experiences within the Universal Studios Florida theme park. It offers a much-needed respite from the Florida heat and the energetic pace of the park. More than just a place to eat, it is a destination known for its authentic, cozy pub feel, live entertainment, and a menu that appeals to a wide variety of palates.The Closure Details: Dates and DurationUniversal Orlando Resort has confirmed the official temporary closure date for the popular restaurant. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will be closed starting on January 12, 2026. The expected reopening timeline is listed only as “Late 2026.” This extensive, nearly year-long refurbishment suggests that Universal is planning a significant overhaul, potentially including updates to the kitchen facilities, expanding seating capacity, or completely refreshing the interior and exterior theming. While the exact scope of work remains under wraps, the duration indicates a major investment in the future of this classic dining spot. Guests should track the official Universal Orlando website for the most current updates on the exact reopening date.The Menu Staples That Will Be MissedThe temporary closure means that guests will have to seek out alternative options for their fix of high-quality pub fare and traditional Irish dishes. Finnegan’s prides itself on a diverse menu that perfectly balances classic Irish pub favorites with American grill staples.Among the fan-favorite items that will be unavailable during the refurbishment are:Irish Fish & Chips: Flaky North Atlantic cod in an ale batter, served with pub chips.Corned Beef & Cabbage: A traditional favorite, often served with colcannon mashed potatoes.Dublin Lawyer: A luxurious dish featuring lobster and shrimp sautéed in an Irish whiskey cream sauce.Classic Burgers, Salads, and Signature Appetizers: Including loaded chips, hearty soups, and other comfort food essentials, all typically paired with a vast selection of draft beers and signature pints.The absence of these beloved menu items, combined with the restaurant’s unique atmosphere, will be keenly felt by both first-time visitors and longtime Annual Passholders.The Halloween Horror Nights 35 Impact: Missing the Menu and the AtmosphereOne of the most significant consequences of the year-long refurbishment is the confirmation that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will not be open for Halloween Horror Nights 35 (HHN 35). HHN is Universal Studios Florida’s premier annual event, and Finnegan’s traditionally plays a double role during the terrifying fall nights.First, its full-service bar and restaurant provide a vital, high-capacity dining option within the park. During HHN, the event’s specialty food and beverage kiosks are extremely popular, making Finnegan’s a crucial spot for guests seeking a complete meal and a dependable spot to rest and recharge before heading back into the haunted houses and scare zones.Second, the venue often serves as a popular gathering point for those purchasing the R.I.P. Tour or other VIP experiences, sometimes even offering special HHN-themed food or beverages. Its closure means that Universal will need to reroute guest traffic and likely establish new pop-up locations or utilize other venues in the New York or Hollywood areas to compensate for the lost dining capacity. Guests planning their HHN 35 itinerary should note this closure and plan their dining and refreshment breaks accordingly.Navigating Universal Studios Florida Dining in 2026With Finnegan’s Bar & Grill offline for the majority of the year, guests visiting Universal Studios Florida in 2026 will need to adjust their dining strategies. Fortunately, the park offers a wealth of other options to explore.Alternative Full-Service and Unique DiningFor those seeking a comparable full-service, sit-down experience, the following Universal Studios Florida locations offer excellent alternatives:Lombard’s Seafood Grille: Located in the San Francisco area, this waterfront restaurant offers a range of delicious seafood and American classics in an impressive setting. It is the park’s other major sit-down restaurant and will likely see increased demand.The Leaky Cauldron: Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, this location offers unique, immersive British pub food in a themed environment. While not Irish, it offers a comparable experience of immersive comfort food dining.Louie’s Italian Restaurant: Located in the New York area, Louie’s offers quick-service pizza and pasta, a great alternative for a fast, filling meal in the vicinity of the closed Finnegan’s.Quick-Service OptionsThe park’s diverse quick-service options remain plentiful, including the popular Richter’s Burger Co. and the highly-themed eateries in the new Minion Land. For a simple pint or a quick rest, many other kiosks and bars will remain open throughout the park.While the extended closure of Finnegan’s Bar & Grill presents a temporary challenge for dining at Universal Studios Florida in 2026, including during the critically important Halloween Horror Nights 35, it ultimately paves the way for a refreshed and enhanced dining experience when the venue reopens in late 2026. Theme park fans and food enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate what exciting changes Universal has in store for this New York area classic.The post Universal Sets Full Year 2026 Shutdown in Orlando Theme Park appeared first on Inside the Magic.