You’re standing in the middle of Times Square. It’s loud. It’s bright. Neon lights are literally vibrating against your retinas, and honestly, you’re probably a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tourists pushing past you. Then you see it. The sign. The one with the cartoon shrimp. You start thinking about the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York menu and whether it’s actually worth the climb up those stairs.
Most people assume it's just a tourist trap. A gimmick. Something born out of a 1994 movie that somehow survived the digital age. But here’s the thing: it’s consistently packed for a reason. Whether you're a die-hard Forrest Gump fan or just someone who really needs a bucket of fried seafood before catching a Broadway show, the menu offers a specific kind of comfort that’s hard to find in the hyper-expensive, experimental dining scene of Midtown Manhattan.
What’s Actually on the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York Menu?
If you walk in expecting Michelin-star plating, you're in the wrong zip code. This is unapologetic, messy, Southern-inspired comfort food. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York menu is built on the backbone of shrimp—obviously—but it branches out into burgers, salads, and some surprisingly decent ribs.
The star of the show is the "Forrest’s Seafood Feast." It’s basically a massive platter designed to satisfy that deep, primal craving for fried things. You get Southern fried shrimp, seafood hush pups, fish and chips, and coleslaw. It’s heavy. It’s salty. It’s exactly what you want after walking fifteen blocks in the humidity.
Shrimp Rigatoni is another staple that people overlook. It’s a bit lighter than the fried buckets, featuring sautéed shrimp with tomatoes, basil, and a creamy lobster butter sauce. It’s not "authentic Italian," but it’s tasty. You’ve also got the "Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp." These are arguably the best things on the menu if you like that sweet-and-savory combo. They come with a Cajun marmalade that has just enough kick to keep it interesting.
The Appetizers You Can't Skip
Start with the "Run Across America Sampler."
It’s a bit of everything: Fried Shrimp, Spicy Chicken Strips, and Seafood Hush Pups. The hush pups are the real winner here. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, which is a texture profile that most chain restaurants mess up. They actually get it right.
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Then there’s the "Shrimp Shack Mac & Cheese." This isn't your standard blue-box stuff. They use a blend of cheddar, jack, and parmesan, then toss in small shrimp. It’s decadent. Maybe a little too decadent if you’re planning on staying awake for the second act of Wicked, but definitely worth the calories.
Prices and Reality Checks in Times Square
Let’s talk money. New York City is expensive. Times Square is a vacuum for your wallet.
When you look at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York menu, you’ll notice the prices are higher than what you’d find at a location in, say, Florida or Texas. That’s the "Times Square Tax." You’re paying for the real estate. Expect appetizers to hover between $14 and $20, while main entrees usually sit in the $22 to $35 range.
Is it cheap? No.
Is it fair for the location? Sorta.
Compared to some of the surrounding steakhouses where a side of asparagus costs $18, Bubba Gump is actually a relatively "affordable" family option. You can get a solid meal without needing a second mortgage. Plus, the portions are massive. You could easily split a few appetizers and a main dish between two people and leave feeling completely stuffed.
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The Drink Situation: More Than Just Lemonade
You’ve probably seen the flashing glasses. The "Trident" or the "Jenny’s Favorite."
The drink menu is a huge part of the experience here. They have these elaborate specialty cocktails that come in souvenir glasses you can take home. The "Coronarita" is a fan favorite—a margarita with a mini Corona tipped upside down into it. It’s festive. It’s a bit ridiculous. But it fits the vibe of the room perfectly.
For those not looking for a hangover, they have a pretty extensive list of "non-alcoholic specialties." The "Secret Mango Sparkler" is a go-to for kids and adults alike. It’s refreshing, bubbly, and honestly looks great in photos if you’re into the whole Instagramming-your-meal thing.
Why the Atmosphere Matters
You aren't just paying for the food. You're paying for the "Stop Forrest Stop" signs on the table.
If you want service, you flip the sign to "Run Forrest Run." If you need something, you flip it to "Stop Forrest Stop." It’s a gimmick, sure, but it’s an efficient one. The servers are trained to be high-energy. They’ll quiz you on movie trivia. If you don't know who Bubba’s mother was or where Forrest went to college, you might feel a little put on the spot, but it’s all in good fun.
The views are the unsung hero of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York menu experience. If you get a window seat, you’re looking directly down onto the heart of Times Square. It’s one of the best people-watching spots in the entire city. You get to see the chaos from a safe, air-conditioned distance while peeling shrimp.
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Dietary Restrictions and Healthy-ish Options
Surprisingly, the menu isn't a total wasteland for people trying to be healthy.
You can find a "Pear & Berry Salad" that features fresh greens, strawberries, pears, and pecans. You can add grilled shrimp or chicken to it. It’s a legitimate meal that won't make you feel like you need a nap immediately afterward.
For the gluten-sensitive crowd, they have a specific Gluten-Friendly menu. It’s not the most expansive list in the world, but it includes things like the "Steamed Shellfish" and "Grilled Salmon." Always make sure to tell your server about allergies, though, because the kitchen is high-volume and cross-contamination is a real risk in any busy seafood spot.
Tips for Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
- Check the Specials: They often have seasonal catches or limited-time drinks that aren't on the main laminated menu. Ask. Sometimes it's better than the staples.
- The "Shrimper’s Net Catch" is the real deal: It’s peel-and-eat shrimp steamed in beer. You can choose from Garlic Herb or Cajun spice. It’s messy, but it’s the most "authentic" seafood experience on the menu.
- Avoid the Peak Lunch Rush: If you go at 1:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to wait. Go at 3:30 PM. It’s quieter, the service is faster, and you’re more likely to snag that window seat.
- Don't skip the "Mama Gump’s Garlic Bread": It’s a side dish, but it’s buttery, garlicky perfection. Great for soaking up the sauce from the "Shrimp New Orleans."
A Word on the Seafood Quality
There’s a misconception that chain seafood is all "frozen-to-fryer."
While Bubba Gump is a large operation, they have strict sourcing standards. They use a variety of shrimp species depending on the dish, and the fish is generally delivered frequently to keep up with the insane volume of customers they serve in Manhattan. It’s not the "dock-to-table" experience you’d get in a tiny shack in Maine, but for a massive restaurant in the concrete jungle, the quality is remarkably consistent. You know exactly what you’re getting every time you walk in. Consistency is a form of quality in itself.
How to Handle the Wait
Let’s be real: there is almost always a wait.
The lobby is filled with Forrest Gump memorabilia and a gift shop. Use that time to browse. They have everything from "Shrimp Boat" hats to localized NYC-themed Bubba Gump gear. It’s a bit kitschy, but hey, you’re in Times Square. Embrace it. If the wait is over 45 minutes, you can usually leave your number and they’ll text you when your table is ready, allowing you to wander around the Disney Store or M&M's World nearby.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Make a Reservation if Possible: While they take walk-ins, checking their website or calling ahead for larger groups is a lifesaver.
- Target the Window Seats: Specifically ask the host if a window seat is available. Even if it adds 10 minutes to your wait, the view of Broadway is worth it.
- Download the Landry’s Select Club App: Bubba Gump is owned by Landry’s. If you join their loyalty program, you can earn points and sometimes skip the line at their various restaurants.
- Budget Accordingly: Plan for about $40-$50 per person if you’re getting a drink, an entree, and sharing an appetizer.
- Check the Kids' Menu: If you have little ones, their menu is shaped like a boat and has very reliable options like fish sticks and "popcorn" shrimp that actually please picky eaters.
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company New York menu is exactly what it needs to be: fun, filling, and familiar. It provides a reliable anchor in a neighborhood that can often feel chaotic and overpriced. It’s not trying to reinvent the culinary wheel; it’s just trying to give you a good time and a full stomach. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what a trip to New York calls for.