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Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
7.6
Forrest Gump-themed seafood restaurant offering Southern comfort food with ocean views and movie memorabilia. The interactive service style and kids menu make it a tourist-friendly family destination on the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimper's Heaven Platter, Run Across America Sampler, Lieutenant Dan's Drunken Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Movie-themed dining with Pacific Ocean backdrop
Who should go: Families with kids who love themed restaurants
When to visit: Late afternoon for sunset ocean views
What to order: Shrimp platters, fish & chips, hush puppies
Insider tip: Ask for trivia cards to entertain kids
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier parking decks $8-15, fills up by noon on weekends. Street meters 2-hour max
Dress code: Tourist casual - shorts, flip-flops, beach attire all common
Noise level: Loud - themed announcements, birthday celebrations, pier crowds
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially summer
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typically, walk-ins usually ok
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - salads, pasta, veggie burgers available
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads with modifications
Gluten-free options: Some options marked on menu, grilled fish available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - too loud and kitschy. Better for established couples who enjoy tourist spots or families
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but expect 30+ min waits on weekends. Bar seating sometimes available faster
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, movie trivia, high chairs, and staff used to energetic children. Perfect for ages 4-12
Best For
Better for: Ocean views while dining, entertaining kids with movie theme, large group accommodations
Skip if: You want authentic seafood, intimate dining, or local non-touristy experience
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
7.6
While primarily known for seafood, this Forrest Gump-themed pier restaurant serves tender baby back ribs with a Southern-style dry rub and tangy BBQ sauce. The ocean views and touristy atmosphere add novelty to solid rib execution that locals often overlook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs, Ribs & Shrimp Combo, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Ocean views meet Southern-style ribs on the pier
Who should go: Tourists and families seeking pier dining
When to visit: Sunset for best views and atmosphere
What to order: Full rack ribs, hush puppies, key lime pie
Insider tip: Request patio seating for ocean breeze
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier parking lots $8-25 depending on duration, very crowded weekends/summer. Consider parking at Santa Monica Place mall (2 hours free with validation) and walking 10 minutes
Dress code: Casual beach attire welcome - shorts, sandals, tourist gear all fine. It's a pier restaurant
Noise level: Loud and lively - families, pier sounds, themed music. Not ideal for intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, no reservations taken for groups under 6
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min, faster if you sit at the bar
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, sides. About 5-6 solid options
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly modified salads, check with server about prep
Gluten-free options: Some options marked on menu, but kitchen isn't dedicated gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates who appreciate touristy fun. Too loud and family-oriented for romantic intimacy, but pier walk after dinner is a plus
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes but expect long waits on weekends. Bar seating often available faster. Best strategy: put name in, explore pier, return when texted
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, movie memorabilia to explore, and patient staff used to families. Pier attractions keep kids entertained during waits
Best For
Better for: Combining ribs with pier activities and ocean views - no other BBQ spot offers this combo. Also better for tourists wanting the 'full Santa Monica experience'
Skip if: You want authentic BBQ atmosphere or craft beer selection. For serious BBQ, head inland to Bludso's or Baby Blues instead