Since 1999, visitors to Universal CityWalk have been able to grab a burger, sandwich or other favorite American dish at another American favorite – a sports car racing-themed restaurant. NASCAR Sports Grille will close November 1. As the finish line nears, no replacement has been announced.

This year has marked a huge change in dining options at CityWalk. There are more to come. If you are familiar with the venue, there are only a handful of restaurants remaining that you might have visited in the past. They include Pat O’Brien’s, Bob Marley’s, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Hard Rock Cafe, NBA City and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. There are also a few fast-service dining options as well.

CityWalk continues to be a great night life attraction. With plenty of retail stores, bars, nightclubs, a movie theater and miniature golf course, you are bound to have an appetite if you spend any amount of time there. The attraction restaurants do well. The incoming restaurants will continue to provide a wide variety of cuisine choices for this Orlando night-life attraction.

If you are a racing fan, however, you will not be able to dine amongst the checkered flags and stock car influences after November 1. Of course there is plenty of opportunity for that about an hour’s drive away in Daytona. Instead, you’ll have new choices including Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Vivo Italian Kitchen, Antojitos, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Bread Box or the Cowfish (opening later this year.

Last Updated on November 12, 2014