Are you looking for the best bars at Universal Orlando or looking to unwind at the best lounges at Universal?
If there is one thing I absolutely enjoy, it’s having a nice drink with friends after an exhilarating journey into some of our favorite movies at Universal Orlando Resort.
What I find the resort does very well, is making a unique range of adult beverages.
On top of having lots of enjoyable, relaxing and well-themed bars and lounges.
Even at the resorts, you will find some very impressive and laid back places with quality drinks and a good time to be had!
But me being your friend, I want to give you the real deal on the best lounges and bars across the entire resort.
And so, allow me to introduce my personal opinion on the 7 best lounges and bars at Universal Orlando along with a recommendation for a drink!
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1. Strongwater Tavern
Located at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, be prepared to relax as you are transported to the Caribbean through its immense and immersive theme.
Here you can experience one of the most popular bars on property, which boasts old world style rum runners as its main draw.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
Speaking of rum, Strongwater Tavern features a rum wall with more than 100 rare and vintage options, with the island well represented amongst the bottles on the wall.
Not-to-mention from other locations including Florida, France, and Spain!
They also feature a rum specialist who will take your taste buds on a truly rich and complex tasting journey.
Universal Orlando offers a rum flight tasting here, which is perfect if you can’t decide what you want to land on.
You have an option to choose three flavors, or ask your rum specialist for options and learn a lot about the flavor notes of each.
A Few of My Favorite Drinks on the Menu at Strongwater Tavern
- Fountain of Youth: St. Augustine Rum, Clement Creole Shrubb, Lime and Agave
- Tavern Grog: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Pimento Dram, Demerara, and Citrus
- Last Typhoon: Mount Gay, Eclipse Rum, Pineapple, Passion Fruit and Crème de Pamplemousse
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2. Bar 17 Bistro
If you are staying at Universal’s Aventura Hotel or popping by, head up to the rooftop to experience Bar 17, boasting 360 views of Orlando and all three Universal theme parks.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
The bar has a very modern chic vibe, giving off the feel of being at a nightclub on the West Coast.
Be sure to check in on Friday and Saturday to truly get the full experience with a DJ spinning tunes to go with those sweeping views.
And when you’re there, I would recommend trying the MARG 17 drink !
Normally, I don’t dive immediately towards margaritas, but this is the bar’s signature drink.
It has an exquisite blend of crystal-clear tequila, orange flavored liquor, lime, and agave that will tantalize your taste buds.
A Few of My Favorite Drinks on the Menu at Bar 17 Bistro
- Cotton Candy Skies: White Claw Spirits Premium Vodka, cranberry juice, and cotton candy syrup
- 360 Views: Patrón Silver Tequila, blue caraçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- 17 Apples: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, rosemary infused apple juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar simple syrup
3. Universal’s Great Movie Escape Room Bars
While the escape rooms at Universal CityWalk are a journey themselves, the big draw as of late are their bars!
The bars themselves feature grand art deco styles, movie props and has a 1920s, chill vibe to it.
There is one on the main level which is tucked away in a corner and wheelchair accessible.
While the other features tons of lounge space and allows guests to overlook the spacious lobby area.
Both bars have the same menu, boasting mocktails and cocktails, with alcohol being able to be added to the mocktail at one’s request.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
If you are looking to relax in a non-busy location, with a non-overwhelming menu, this is the place to check out.
A Few of My Favorite Drinks at Universal’s Great Movie Escape Room Bars
- Raptor Bite Signature Cocktail: El Jimador Blanco Tequila, mango nectar, triple sec, lime juice, Hella Smoked Chiller Bitters, garnished with jalapeño slices.
- Gigawatt Glow: New Amsterdam Vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice, Sprite, Angostura Bitters
- Grand Banks Swizzle: Appleton Reserve, Popcorn, Falernum, lime juice, Angostura Bitters
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4. Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Moving over to Universal Studios, we have to stop by Finnegan’s.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
This popular spot is a great draw and a way to chill during your busy park day. It fits the theme of its location in the New York section of the park.
This bar in particular is meant to replicate a New York style Irish American pub.
As one would imagine, you will find a wide variety of Irish inspired food and beers here that will make you forget you are even in Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando recommends their Gin and Tonic beverage. It’s traditional in a way, but it also boasts raspberry and thyme flavors that give the beverage a kick!
It’s anything but average or boring here, at Finnegan’s!
A Few of My Favorite Drinks on the Menu at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
- Prize Fighter: John L. Sullivan Irish whiskey, cucumber, and sour mix
- Lucky Mulberry: Tanqueray gin, Bols Blackberry liqueur, orange, and lemon juice
- Cranberry Margarita: Patrón Silver tequila, Cointreau, cranberry and lime juice, garnished with cranberries
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5. Chez Alcatrez
If we head over to San Francisco, you might actually just walk by and miss this secret favorite of mine, Chez Alcatrez.
Located near the Wharf area, you might have to be weary of Bruce hanging around here.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
It doesn’t have a ton of seating, but it offers a great photo opportunity at this nautical inspired bar and great drinks!
My Top Drink Recommendation at Chez Alcatraz
Here I cannot recommend enough that you get the Ocean Attack!
Filled with tropical flavors, you get a delicious beverage and a very entertaining recreation of a certain famous movie scene from your bartender.
Not to mention, it’s simply delicious and strong!
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6. Duff Brewery
While I’m not a beer person, Duff’s is always a must-do for me, especially during the fall!
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
Duff Brewery is located in the Springfield section of the park and has a sick view of the lagoon.
This outdoor bar has great seating and is a nice place to rest for a bit with a tall cold one.
My Top Drink Recommendation for Duff Brewery
The recommendation here would be the Dufftober fest beer if you are visiting during the fall or the Duff Beer Lite.
This is perfect, especially if you are a fan of the Simpsons!
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7. Backwater Bar
Ending our journey in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, we won’t have to go far into the park for our final bar, Backwater Bar!
Why We Love This as One of The Best Bars at Universal Orlando
Located in Port of Entry, at the front of the park, tucked away and hidden behind Confisco Grille, another delightful restaurant at the park, is Backwater.
Backwater Bar offers a cool and dark oasis inside with additional outdoor seating on its patio with umbrellas.
It is a hidden gem within Islands of Adventure that almost everyone misses as the hustle and bustle to hit Hulk, Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster.
My Top Drink Recommendation at Backwater Bar
Backwater Bar has cocktails and drinks of various tropical flavors and heights.
Universal The Jalapeño Margarita is a favorite, so be sure to give it a shot when you stop by!
Get a kick with your margarita as it blends the best offering of tequila and liqueur with homemade jalapeño lime juice mix! Sounds Spicy!
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
My Final Thoughts on The Best Bars and Lounges at Universal Orlando
I hope I have been able to truly open the eyes of all the solo travelers and grown-ups alike to the world of Universal’s amazingly immerse and hidden gems of bars and lounges throughout the resort.
No matter where you visit, you will be able to manage to find a phenomenal drink that will change your taste buds for the better.
Did your watering hole make the list? Share your favorite in our Facebook group?
Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
(Original Article Date: October 2, 2023/Updated by Editor on February 17, 2024)