Bubba Gump Shrimp Company at Universal CityWalk: Fresh Seafood, Classic Americana, and Great Vibes
There’s no shortage of places to enjoy amazing Florida seafood in a joyful, laidback atmosphere, but when you’re at Universal CityWalk, you need to visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for shrimp and a good time!
Located right at the Universal CityWalk entrance, this iconic spot, inspired by the classic film Forrest Gump, serves up delicious seafood and Southern-inspired dishes in a fun-loving atmosphere that will have you feeling right at home.
Home-Sweet-Home Ambience
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company manages to capture the charm and American spirit that made Forrest Gump such a well-loved movie. The down-home décor pays homage to the movie’s Alabama setting, creating a relaxed, Southern-inspired atmosphere worthy of its status as an American icon. Every location is committed to creating a casual environment where anyone can come as they are, enjoy a great meal, and have a great time.
The building itself is rustic and feels like an Alabama fishing shack. One dining room is decorated just like a homestyle dining room in a Southern home. Throughout the dining rooms, you’ll find memorabilia from the movie like still photos from the film, reproductions of script pages, storyboards, and even costumes on display. It’s the perfect chance to test your knowledge of Forrest Gump trivia and browse movie-inspired merch while you enjoy a great meal.
Whether Forrest Gump is your favorite movie or you’ve yet to see it, just a minute at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company will have you raring to head home and watch it right after you finish your meal. (Run, Forrest! Run!)
But of course, food is at the center of this experience – after all, as Bubba himself said, “shrimp is the fruit of the sea.” So, shrimp lovers, come hungry! Enjoying a hand-shaken margarita prepared tableside and delicious seafood feels all the more special when it’s inspired by a classic movie starring Tom Hanks.
The Mouth-Watering Menu
There’s plenty to love about Bubba Gump Shrimp Company’s menu. The fact that they have gluten-free and kids’ menus is the cherry on top.
Shrimp-tastic Starters
Start your meal off with appetizers like Mama Gump’s Garlic Bread Basket, made with a fresh baguette, or get started with shrimp mac and cheese. For an interactive experience, go for the Shrimper’s Net Catch – peel ‘n’ eat shrimp steamed in beer for extra flavor, tossed in your choice of garlic or Cajun seasoning.
Ready for a feast? Go all-out with the Run Across America Sampler, which includes fried shrimp, seafood hush puppies, chicken tenders, tortilla chips alongside Bubba’s Far Out Dip, and chili ancho aioli, cocktail sauce, and Maker’s Mark bourbon sauce for dipping and drizzling.
Who needs a main course??
Mains (also Shrimp-tastic)
While the starters might have you thinking you don’t need to look any further down the menu, you might still want to take a quick peek – there’s sure to be something you’ll want to save room for! After all, appetizers and entrees go together like peas and carrots.
Soups, Salads, and Handhelds
Most people don’t think of soup and salad when they think of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, but Forrest himself mentioned “shrimp soup, shrimp stew, [and] shrimp salad,” when he rattled off all the things a person can do with shrimp.
However, the Universal restaurant also provides some non-shrimp options! These soups and salads are an excellent entrée choice, especially if you’re in the mood for a lighter meal (or filled up on starters). Offerings include a strawberry salad with chicken, raspberry vinaigrette, feta, and glazed pecans, or their classic Caesar – which you should definitely get with the Cajun shrimp add-on!
Want to warm up with a bowl of hot soup? Their classic New England clam chowder is sure to please your palette. Or try Mama Blue’s hearty, rich shrimp gumbo with fish, okra, Andouille sausage, poached shrimp, and steamed rice. Mmm!
For a casual bite, try the shrimp po boy or the Texas chicken sandwich with a Cajun-spiced chicken breast, cheese, and bacon, smothered in a flavorful chili ancho aioli. Craving a classic? Go for an all-American cheeseburger. They also offer Beyond Burgers, a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter alternative to a classic burger.
Don’t forget to add French fries, seafood hush pups, grilled shrimp skewers, mac and cheese, or one of their other delicious side options to round out your meal!
Seafood Menu
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a seafood restaurant first and foremost, so this is part of the menu you really don’t want to miss!
We’re talking options like salmon cooked in a Maker’s Mark glaze, fish and chips, jambalaya, and shrimp New Orleans (grilled shrimp in a spicy New Orleans-inspired sauce). There’s also charbroiled Cajun-spiced Mahi Mahi with grilled shrimp, bourbon sauce, and mashed potatoes.
Sometimes all you want is to go all-out on shrimp. We get it! Go for the “20 for $22” and enjoy a combination of fried and tempura shrimp all to yourself. We also love the coconut shrimp served alongside fries, coleslaw, and a Cajun marmalade for dipping.
Ready for a feast? Opt for Jenny’s Surf and Turf, which includes flame-grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, herbed butter, and a lobster butter sauce. Or try the crab and shrimp boil for two. Split a selection of snow crab, shrimp (choose between garlic or Cajun seasoning), Andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes.
You’ll be as full as Forrest Gump after he “drank me fifteen Dr. Peppers!”
From the Farm
We love Bubba Gump Shrimp Company’s selection of Surf and Turf variations. Lieutenant Dan’s Surf and Turf features baby back ribs and grilled shrimp, while Forrest’s Surf and Turf swaps out the baby back ribs for ribeye so you can choose your own adventure (or choose based on your favorite character).
If you like the idea of choosing your meal based on a movie tie-in, consider the movie-inspired Ping Pong Chicken Pasta with grilled chicken breast and linguine in a cream sauce. Maybe eating it will turn you into a ping pong master overnight! (You never know!)
Delicious Desserts
It’s easy to fill up on shrimp, but don’t forget to save room for a delicious, sweet dessert to round out your experience. (Life is like a box of chocolates, after all!)
We love the chocolate chip cookie sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, peanuts, and whipped cream. It’s indulgent, always hits the spot, and is perfect for sharing family-style. Something about a cookie sundae always feels homemade, which we think matches the Forrest Gump vibes perfectly.
Craving a different kind of Americana? Opt for the New York-style cheesecake topped with fresh strawberry sauce for a slightly more metropolitan flair.
Must-Have Movie Merch
When you’re spending time at such an iconic spot, stopping at the gift shop on the way out is a must-do. Browse Lieutenant Dan-inspired camo gear, hats, tees, souvenir glasses, and more, complete with tie-ins to Forrest Gump lore.
If you loved the Cajun shrimp, pick up a Bubba Gump seasoning set so you can make your own at home. You might also want to grab an apron, potholder, and oven mitt set so you cook it in style! You can even find a mini shrimp magnet plush or take home a ping pong ball to work on getting your serve as good as Forrest’s.
Planning Your Visit to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company frequently runs special events and discounts, so be sure to check their website before your visit to see if they have any holiday specials or events to take advantage of!
According to TripAdvisor, you can expect fantastic service, but you should also potentially expect a wait. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, so unless you make reservations beforehand, you might need to wait a little while to start your meal. Budget-wise, the meal is a bit of a splurge, though that’s to be expected with the wonderfully themed ambiance and delicious seafood feast.
As folks who love Forrest Gump, we think it’s definitely worth it!
What’s your favorite scene from Forrest Gump? Ours is the ping pong sequence. Leave a comment with your favorite part!
Cover Image
Photo: Nick Traveller
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