If you’ve spent any time at all walking the wooden planks of Chicago’s most famous pier, you’ve probably seen it. The bright neon, the "Run Forrest Run" signs, and that inevitable line of tourists waiting to sit on a replica park bench with a box of chocolates. Honestly, Bubba Gump Chicago Navy Pier was a landmark for twenty-four years. It was the kind of place where you knew exactly what you were getting before you even saw a menu.
But here is the thing.
If you show up at Navy Pier today looking for a Shrimper’s Net Catch, you’re going to be staring at a completely different restaurant. In late 2020, the Navy Pier location closed its doors for good. It wasn't just a "temporary pandemic thing" either. While the rest of the pier was hibernating, the management decided to shake things up permanently. They wanted something more "authentic" to Chicago, which is a bit ironic considering the Pier itself is a massive tourist hub, but that’s the way the wind blew.
The Reality of Bubba Gump Chicago Navy Pier Closing
It’s kinda wild to think a place that survived nearly a quarter-century just vanished. Most people assumed it would be there forever. I mean, it was one of the first things you saw when you walked toward the west entrance.
Jeff Cantwell, who worked for the parent company Landry’s, basically said they didn’t want to leave. They wanted to stay. But Navy Pier’s leadership had a different vision. They chose not to renew the lease. Instead, they brought in Chef Art Smith—a local legend who used to be Oprah’s personal chef—to open a place called Reunion.
So, if you’re searching for the restaurant now, you’re basically looking at history. The space has been transformed from a Hollywood-themed shrimp shack into a more upscale, "Southern-chic" eatery. It’s less "Mama says" and more "James Beard Award winner."
Why People Still Search for It
You might wonder why thousands of people still look for the Bubba Gump Chicago Navy Pier every single month. It’s the nostalgia factor. For a lot of families, that was the spot. You’d go, the kids would play the trivia game with the flip signs (blue for "Run Forrest Run" and red for "Stop Forrest Stop"), and you’d drink out of a glass that flashed neon lights.
It was predictable.
Safe.
Comfortable.
Sometimes when you're traveling with three kids and you've already spent $80 on a Ferris wheel ride, you don't want a "chef-driven concept." You want fried shrimp and a waiter who knows movie quotes.
What the Experience Was Actually Like
Let’s be real for a second. The food at Bubba Gump was never going to win a Michelin star. But that wasn't the point. It was about the "Shrimper’s Heaven"—a platter featuring coconut shrimp, chilled shrimp, fried shrimp, and tempura shrimp. It was basically a heart attack on a plate, but man, it hit the spot after walking three miles in the Chicago wind.
One of the most popular items was the Shrimper's Net Catch. They’d bring out a literal net (or a bucket, usually) and dump beer-steamed shrimp right onto the table. You had a choice of garlic or secret Cajun spice. It was messy. It was loud. It was exactly what you expect from a themed restaurant on a pier.
The Memorabilia Factor
Inside, it was like a museum for 90s kids. You had script pages, storyboards, and costumes from the movie. The Chicago location was particularly cool because it had massive windows overlooking Lake Michigan. You could sit there, peel your shrimp, and watch the boats go by.
Honestly, the views were probably the best part of that specific location. Navy Pier is the #1 tourist destination in the Midwest for a reason, and Bubba Gump had prime real estate.
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The Transition to Reunion
When Bubba Gump left, it wasn't just a name change. The entire vibe of that corner of the Pier shifted. Chef Art Smith’s Reunion is much more focused on "elevated" comfort food. Think fried chicken that costs a bit more but tastes a lot more like actual chicken.
- Vibe: Modern, airy, and very "Chicago."
- Menu: Heavy on the biscuits, mac and cheese, and high-end Southern staples.
- Price Point: A bit higher than the old shrimp shack days.
Is it better? Depends on who you ask. If you're a foodie, yes. If you're a ten-year-old who wants to wear a "Gump" hat and take a picture with a fake suitcase, probably not.
Where to Find Bubba Gump Now
If you absolutely must have that specific Bubba Gump experience, you aren't totally out of luck, but you’re going to have to travel. The closest one to Chicago isn't even in Illinois. You’d have to head up to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
There are still several locations across the US, mostly in places like:
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee (super popular for the mountain views).
- Orlando, Florida (at CityWalk).
- Times Square, New York (the flagship, usually packed).
It’s a bit of a bummer for Chicago locals, but that’s the nature of city real estate.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Navy Pier Visit
Since the Bubba Gump Chicago Navy Pier is a ghost of the past, here is how you should actually handle your next trip to the waterfront so you don't end up disappointed:
- Check the West Entrance: This is where the old restaurant was. If you see Art Smith’s Reunion, you’re in the right spot.
- Book Ahead: Unlike the old days where you could just wander in, the newer restaurants on the Pier tend to fill up fast, especially on weekends when there are fireworks.
- Explore the Food Hall: If Reunion feels too fancy, head further down into the Pier. There’s a massive food hall with things like Giordano’s (deep dish is a must) and Billy Goat Tavern.
- Don't Forget the Gift Shop: Even though the restaurant is gone, you can still find plenty of Chicago-themed kitsch and movie-inspired gear in the general Navy Pier shops nearby.
Basically, the era of "Forrest Gump" dining in Chicago is over. It’s a bit sad, sorta like the end of the movie itself, but the Pier keeps moving. If you’re really craving that Cajun spice, you might just have to buy a bottle of the seasoning online and fry some shrimp at home while you rewatch the DVD.
Go check out the newer spots on the Pier to see how the food scene in the city has evolved since the 90s.