Duration
1-2 hours (including potential wait times during busy periods)
Price
$20-35 per person for entrées, plus drinks and tip
Best For
Families with kids who love movie themes • Groups wanting a lively dinner atmosphere • Seafood lovers visiting downtown Gatlinburg
Pro Tip
Arrive right at opening time (10:30 AM on weekends, 11 AM weekdays) or between 2-4 PM to avoid the dinner rush crowds and find easier parking downtown.
About Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has earned a reputation as a popular family dining destination in Gatlinburg, drawing visitors back repeatedly for its entertaining atmosphere and hearty portions. The restaurant showcases an extensive collection of Forrest Gump memorabilia throughout the space, while servers engage diners with movie trivia questions during the meal.
The menu centers around shrimp preparations, with standout dishes including the Coconut Shrimp and Shrimp New Orleans. Non-seafood options like burgers, ribs, and chicken round out the offerings. Most entrées fall in the $20-35 range, reflecting the generous portion sizes that often provide leftovers for later.
Timing visits strategically proves essential, as the restaurant experiences significant crowds during peak dinner hours and weekends, with wait times sometimes exceeding an hour. The atmosphere runs loud and energetic, making it better suited for casual family gatherings than intimate dinners.
Parking presents a notable challenge without a dedicated lot. Nearby garages charge $8-10, though the free Park & Ride system with trolley service offers an alternative. The best approach involves arriving right at opening time or during the quieter mid-afternoon period to minimize both wait times and parking hassles.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Forrest Gump Movie Memorabilia
The entire restaurant is filled with props, photos, and quotes from the movie. Our servers quiz you on trivia throughout the meal, and there's a gift shop with themed merchandise.
Coconut Shrimp
This is their signature dish and honestly lives up to the hype. The shrimp are huge, perfectly crispy, and come with a tangy dipping sauce that our kids always ask for extra.
Shrimp New Orleans
Blackened shrimp over rice with a spicy Creole sauce that has just the right kick. The portion is massive - we usually take half home for lunch the next day.
Run Across America Sampler
Perfect for sharing, this appetizer platter has coconut shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and other Southern favorites. Great way to try multiple things without ordering separate dishes.
Interactive Server Experience
The staff really gets into the theme with movie quotes and trivia games. They'll flip table signs when you need service and keep the energy high throughout your meal.
Prime Parkway Location
You're right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, walking distance to Ripley's Aquarium, the Space Needle, and all the main attractions. Perfect for dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early or use Park & Ride lots - downtown parking fills up fast and costs $8-10
- Bring patience for waits during peak times, especially weekend evenings
- No reservations accepted - it's first come, first served seating
- Expect a loud, energetic atmosphere - not ideal for quiet conversations
- Check for Early Bird specials weekdays 1-5 PM to save money
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsBubba Gump Shrimp Co. receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co?
Sunday 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM, Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM. Hours may vary during holidays, so we always recommend calling ahead to confirm.
How much does Bubba Gump Shrimp Co cost?
Most entrées range from $20-35, with appetizers around $15-25. Expect to spend about $20-30 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. They also have an Early Bird menu weekdays 1-5 PM with options around $14.
Do I need reservations for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co?
No reservations required - it's mostly walk-in seating. However, expect waits of 30-60+ minutes during peak dinner hours and busy weekends. You can call ahead to check current wait times.
How long should I spend at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co?
Plan 60-90 minutes for your meal, plus any wait time for a table. During busy periods, the total experience can easily stretch to 2-3 hours including waiting.
Is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co good for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love the movie theme, trivia games, and casual atmosphere. There's a dedicated kids menu, and the staff is great with families. Just be prepared for a loud, energetic environment.
Is there parking at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co?
No dedicated parking lot. You'll need to use nearby paid parking garages ($8-10/day) like McMahan or Aquarium garages. The free Park & Ride lots with trolley service ($2 all-day) are a budget-friendly option.
Do they have non-seafood options?
Yes! The menu includes burgers, ribeye steaks, pork ribs, chicken dishes, and pasta. While shrimp is the specialty, there are plenty of options for non-seafood eaters.
Is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co worth the movie hype?
If you're a Forrest Gump fan, you'll love the memorabilia and trivia. The food is solid chain restaurant quality with generous portions, though some feel it's overpriced for what you get.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
900 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
900 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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