Theme Park Scope

One of Universal Studios Florida’s most popular restaurants just entered its biggest phase of construction yet.

If you’ve walked through the New York section of Universal Studios Florida recently, you’ve probably noticed that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill looks dramatically different. What started as an interior refurbishment has now expanded to the building’s exterior, with scrim and scaffolding wrapping around much of the iconic Irish pub as Universal continues its major renovation project.

The newest construction milestone sees beige scrim and scaffolding covering two sides of the Finnegan’s building, stretching all the way to the roofline. Blue construction walls remain in place around the perimeter, preventing guests from getting a close look at the ongoing work.

Finnegan’s closed to guests in early January as part of an extensive refurbishment project. Previous construction updates revealed that the restaurant’s interior had been completely gutted, leading many fans to speculate that the renovation would focus primarily on the dining spaces. However, the addition of exterior scaffolding now confirms that Universal is also giving the building’s façade a significant refresh.

Perhaps the biggest clue comes from the scale of the scaffolding itself. Because it extends to the rooftop and wraps around multiple walls, the project appears to involve far more than cosmetic touch-ups around the entrances. The construction suggests Universal is investing in a comprehensive exterior refurbishment that could include structural repairs, repainting, façade restoration, or other enhancements to the building’s iconic streetscape presence.

Guests can still spot one familiar detail amid the construction.

The classic Finnegan’s sign remains visible above the construction walls, although much of the restaurant’s main entrance has been removed as work continues. The sight serves as a reminder that while the building may look very different today, the beloved Irish pub isn’t going anywhere.

Finnegan’s isn’t the only location receiving attention in Universal Studios Florida.

Just a short distance away, the D. Ghirardelli & Co. building is also undergoing an exterior refurbishment. Unlike Finnegan’s, however, that project features themed scrim printed with artwork matching the building’s façade, helping minimize the visual impact of construction for guests walking through the park. Finnegan’s could potentially receive similar themed scrim later in the project.

While Universal has not announced a reopening timeline for Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, the expanding scope of construction suggests the refurbishment is entering one of its most significant phases. As one of the park’s most recognizable full-service restaurants, the refreshed venue is expected to continue serving guests for years to come with updated interiors and a revitalized exterior.

We’ll continue watching this project closely as construction progresses and Universal reveals more about what’s in store for this fan-favorite dining location.

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