Looking for a beer and a place to unwind? Universal Orlando has your back with some great bars and lounges to post up at between rides on The Mummy. This article covers some of our favorite locations around the theme parks, CityWalk, and hotels. There are many places to buy alcohol in the Universal theme parks, but we are looking at a subset of locations that offer bar or lounge seating, draft options, and liquor.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill (Universal Studios Florida)

TouringPlans Reader Rating: 92% Approval

Sitting on the corner across from Revenge of the Mummy is Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, a replica Irish bar complete with an ornate wooden bar. The largest sit-down bar in the theme parks, Finnegans seats roughly a dozen guests at the bar with two walk-up serving spots. There are plenty of other spaces to sit in Finns, across from the bar is a long wooden standing table that bifurcates the bar from the restaurant seating and there is a small seating nook in the right corner. There are three TVs in Finnegans tuned to sports channels.

Thirsty? Finn’s specializes in UK beers, Irish whiskies, scotch, and mixed cocktails. Beers on tap include domestic options, Crooked Can craft beer, Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, Strongbow, and more in cans and on tap. Finn’s is also the best place in the park for cocktails with a full bar, top-shelf Irish whiskies and scotches, plus a themed cocktail menu. If you are hungry the full Finnegan’s menu is offered at the bar, including appetizers and side dishes.

Bigfire (CityWalk)

TouringPlans Reader Rating: 83% Approval

Bigfire, CityWalk’s signature steak restaurant, features the resort’s largest selection of premium bourbons. The small bar space is tucked away on the far left of the restaurant and features roughly a dozen bar spots and a standing counter space at the windows big enough for cocktails at apps. Bigfire’s extensive bourbon menu includes their own Woodford Reserve blend and several types of Pappy Van Winkle, including an aged 23-year bourbon 2 oz pour that costs over $500! If that’s a a little too expensive for your blood try the Smoked Old Fashioned which is smoked on an oak board before it is served.

The Bigfire menu is available at the bar, including steaks, seafood, burgers, and more. We are a big fan of the hearthstone bread and mussels with white wine and butter as a split appetizer, but the bar lacks small plates and bar food we typically like to see. As the kids say the vibes are immaculate, think of a chill lakeside cottage with a vintage tunes playlist, but the venue does not have TVs for sports.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew (CityWalk)

TouringPlans Reader Rating: 79% Approval

Do you know who has TVs? NBC Sports Grill & Brew features over 80 TVs throughout the bar and restaurant showing all the sports games and highlights on the major networks, ESPN, and more. NBC Sports Grill Brew has two bars, one downstairs with two dozen chairs and self-service tables and a second upstairs with a dozen chairs. This is not only the spot for sports but beer with over 100 beers on tap or in a bottle including their own custom-made IPA.

Grill Brew has an extensive list of appetizers and shareable items like a giant soft pretzel, chicken wings, cheese curds, nachos, flatbreads, and dips. The entrees are ok – the burgers stand out with high-quality ingredients but the rest of the menu is simply ok. We love to grab an app and beer here and catch up on the “real world” with sports coverage.

Strong Water Tavern (Loews Sapphire Falls)

Strong Water is my favorite bar at Universal and lots agree – the food menu is stellar and the rum-based cocktails are the best balanced and tastiest drinks at the resort. Strong Water is located in the lobby of Sapphire Falls hotel and overlooks the manmade waterfalls at the back of the resort. Inside is a bar with a dozen seats with reservable high tables and lounge spaces for larger parties. Several TVs in the tavern show sports and current events making Strong Water a good backup location to watch a game.

The food and drink at Strong Water are fantastic. The cocktails are made with fresh ingredients and the finest rums but they are potent, drinkers beware. If you want to sample something less intense try the rum pours to sample the unique flavors of each rum or pick up a beer or wine option. Strong Water’s food is superb if not slightly overpriced for the quantity you receive. I am a fan of the goat curry with coconut rice, all my vegetarian and vegan friends rave about the vegan hot pot, and for picky eaters and chicken tenders are among the best I’ve had anywhere. Strong Water is a must visit for me every trip.

Swizzle Lounge (Cabana Bay Beach Resort)

Last but not least is the chique Swizzle Lounge at the delightful Mid-Mod themed Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Located in the hotel lobby the bar is modeled after the liquor cabinets parents would keep in the 50s and 60s. The bar seats around a dozen guests but there is ample lounge space with colorful furniture. Swizzle’s cocktails are retro throwbacks that come with an iconic swizzle stick, but the bartenders can still whip you up your favorite. Draft and bottled beers are on the menu plus wine. We enjoy the vibe of Swizzle but the seating area becomes overcrowded when families are waiting for transportation in the lobby.

What are your favorite bars and lounges at Universal Orlando? Leave them in the comments below!