Bubba Gump Orlando Review: Best Shrimp, Hidden Tricks & CityWalk Tips

If you’re visiting Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando, it’s more than just a themed restaurant — it’s basically a mini Forrest Gump attraction mixed with big seafood portions and tourist-friendly fun.

What to Try

Best Signature Dishes

• Shrimper’s Heaven (~$28.99): One of the most popular platters: fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, and tempura shrimp with fries and sauces. Good if you want to sample multiple shrimp styles. 
• Shrimp New Orleans (~$26.99): Grilled shrimp in spicy garlic butter sauce with rice and garlic bread. This is usually the better choice if you prefer flavor over deep-fried food. 
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (~$15.99): One of the simplest but most classic seafood options at Bubba Gump. Served chilled over ice with large peeled shrimp and cocktail sauce, this dish is a good choice if you want something lighter before ordering a bigger entrée.
  • Life hack: if you’re planning a larger seafood meal already, sharing one shrimp cocktail between two people is usually enough as an appetizer.

• Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp (~$25.99): Sweet + crispy coconut shrimp with Cajun marmalade. One of the chain’s signature dishes. 
• Mama Blue’s Shrimp Gumbo (~$7.99 (cup) / ~$11.99–13.99 (bowl)): Great if you want Cajun/Southern flavor without ordering a giant entrée. 
• Run Across America Sampler (~$26.99): Good for sharing. Includes fried shrimp, chicken tenders, queso dip, hush puppies, and chips.
• Bourbon Street Mahi Mahi & Shrimp (~$27.99): Even though it includes shrimp, many visitors order this mainly for the grilled fish. Served with mashed potatoes and a bourbon-style sauce. Usually considered one of the more balanced entrées on the menu.
• Fish & Chips (~$22–26): Beer-battered white fish with fries and tartar sauce. This is one of the safer picks for picky eaters or kids who may not want shrimp-heavy dishes.
• Grilled Salmon (~$27–32): A healthier option compared to the fried seafood baskets. Typically served with vegetables or rice depending on the current menu. Popular with visitors who want a lighter dinner before continuing around CityWalk.

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Non-Seafood Options

Even though shrimp is the main theme at Bubba Gump, the menu is surprisingly friendly for groups where not everyone loves seafood. They also serve burgers, ribs, chicken, salmon, and classic American comfort food — which makes the restaurant much easier for families and mixed groups.

• Baby Back Ribs (~$29.99): A full rack of slow-cooked baby back ribs glazed with BBQ sauce and served with fries. This is one of the better “big appetite” options on the menu and is often enough to share alongside appetizers.
• All-American CheeseBurger (~$18.99): Classic cheeseburger with fries. Simple, tourist-friendly comfort food if someone in your group wants to avoid seafood completely. Bubba Gump burgers are usually large enough to be filling after a long Universal Studios day.
• Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich (~$17–20): Crispy fried chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, and fries. A good option for visitors who want something lighter and cheaper than the larger seafood platters.
• Key Lime Pie (~$10–12): Surprisingly one of the better desserts there according to many visitors and reviews.
• Kids Menu Options (~$8–12): For families, Bubba Gump also usually offers:
  • chicken tenders;
  • mac & cheese;
  • popcorn shrimp;
  • mini burgers. Portions are tourist-friendly and good for younger kids after a long park day.

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Practical Life Hacks

1. Go Before the Universal Rush

The biggest crowds hit after park closing.

Best times:

• around 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• or late evening after 8 p.m.

CityWalk becomes packed right after Universal Studios closes.

2. Eat Here Without a Park Ticket

It’s located in CityWalk, not inside the theme park itself. You can visit without buying a Universal Studios ticket.

3. Sit Outside at Night

Outdoor seating gives better atmosphere and people-watching on CityWalk, especially with all the neon lights and live music nearby.

4. Ask for Forrest Gump Trivia

Servers sometimes do movie trivia interactions. The restaurant is filled with props and references from Forrest Gump. Knowing details like the name of Forrest’s bus driver (Dorothy) or his favorite fruit (apples) can sometimes lead to extra enthusiasm from the staff or small table-side interactions.

5. Use the “Run Forrest Run / Stop Forrest Stop” Signs

Tables have signs:

• “Run Forrest Run” Blue = you’re good;
• “Stop Forrest Stop” Red = service needed.

Master the sign system. Flip it to Red only when you need service; otherwise, leaving it on Blue. Tourists often miss this detail.

6. Split Entrées

Portions are huge. Many shrimp platters can realistically feed two lighter eaters.

7. Don’t Overpay for Drinks

The themed cocktails and margaritas are fun, but prices are high in CityWalk. If budget matters, focus on entrées instead.

8. Check Universal Parking Timing

If you arrive late enough in the evening, Universal sometimes offers cheaper parking rates compared to daytime theme-park parking.

9. Best Photo Spots

Inside:

• Giant shrimp boat decor;
• Forrest Gump movie props;
• License plate wall;
• Retro Southern-style signs.

Outside:

• Neon Bubba Gump sign facing CityWalk;
• Iconic replica of the Forrest Gump bus stop bench (complete with suitcase and shoes).

10. “Skip-the-Line” & Saving Hacks

Bubba Gump is a popular spot, especially in tourist heavy-hitters like Universal CityWalk or Orlando. Here is how to navigate the crowds and keep your budget in check:

• Priority Seating via Landry’s Select Club: Since Bubba Gump is part of the Landry’s restaurant group, members of the Landry’s Select Club can often get priority seating. This allows you to walk up and be seated significantly faster than the standard standby line—a lifesaver during peak hours when wait times can exceed 60 minutes.
• Annual/Season Pass Discounts: If you are visiting the Universal Studios CityWalk location, show your valid Annual or Season Pass to receive 10% off your meal.
• The “Costco/Sam’s Club” Gift Card Hack: One of the best ways to shave 20% off your total bill is to purchase the Landry’s Multi-Brand eGift Card bundle. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club frequently offer two $50 eGift Cards ($100 total value) for just $79.99.
  • Note: These cards are valid at over 400 Landry’s locations, including Bubba Gump, Morton’s, and Rainforest Cafe.

Tip: You can actually stack these! Use your discounted eGift cards to pay for the bill while using your Landry’s Select Club membership to skip the line and earn points on the visit.

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Why is This Place So Popular?

• Family-Friendly Vibes: It is the ideal spot for a meal with the kids. The menu is approachable and straightforward, while the interior is vibrant and engaging enough to keep everyone entertained.
• Iconic Photo Ops: Almost every location features the legendary bench complete with Forrest’s suitcase and running shoes—the ultimate spot for a souvenir photo.
• An “Honest” Experience: This is quintessential American casual dining. You don’t go there expecting haute cuisine; you go because you’re guaranteed consistent quality, massive portions, and great service.
• The Gift Shop: Most restaurants have an attached retail space where you can find everything from branded glassware to apparel featuring quotes that have been part of the pop-culture lexicon for decades.

Pro Tip: If you’re putting this together for a review, mentioning the “Stop Forrest Stop” table signs is usually a hit, as it’s one of those specific mechanical details that people love to look for when they visit.

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Practical Tip for Groups

One reason Bubba Gump works well at Universal CityWalk is that it’s not “only a shrimp restaurant.” In mixed groups:

• seafood fans can order platters;
• kids can stick with burgers or chicken;
• lighter eaters can choose salmon or gumbo.

That flexibility is one reason the restaurant stays consistently busy with tourists and families visiting Universal Studios Orlando.

Useful Details

• Located at Universal Studios CityWalk:
  • 6000 Universal Blvd, Suite 735, Orlando, FL 32819
  • (407) 903-0044
• Usually open daily around:
  • Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    Mon – Thu: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
    Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Reservations can help during weekends and holidays.
• For menus and current hours: Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando.