Finnegan’s Bar & Grill closed in January for a nearly yearlong refurbishment. Finnegan’s opened with Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and has been a fan-favorite for its extensive bar, live-music, and Irish pub food. The refurbishment is extensive – the entire restaurant has been gutted with visible progress from Delancey Street in the New York section of the park . While it’s being refurbished, Lombard’s Seafood Grille is only one sit-down restaurant inside Universal Studios.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is scheduled to re-open in late 2026 and until then, there is a temporary Finnegan’s menu over at the Battery Park bar on the lagoon.
The menu is limited to three food items, Irish beer, signature cocktails, and a full bar. Since this location is typically used as one of the “HHN Bars” during Halloween Horror Nights, you’ll want to check out these items before summer ends!
Shepherd’s Fries – crispy fires, shepherd’s pie filling, beer cheese sauce, and onion crisp – $8.99
It should go without saying, these fries are heavy! You’ll want to eat them inside during the hot summer weather and share them with a friend. However, they are absolutely delicious. Everything was made fresh and the meat sauce was so flavorful. Topped with beer cheese and fried onions, it’s a perfect guilty pleasure. This should be at the top of your Universal Studios must-eat list!
Fish & Chips – beer battered and fried fresh cod, served with chips and tartar sauce – $16.99
The fish and chips were also freshly prepared and were light and crispy. The breading was perfect and the fries were crisp. This version of fish and chips is superior to what you can find in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Splitting both the Shepherd’s Fries and the Fish and Chips is a perfect Universal Studios lunch. Pair this winning combo with a Harp Lager and some AC inside Mel’s Drive-In and you’re in theme park heaven!
