Unlike a box of chocolates, at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., you know what you’ll get
Written: Feb 15 '07
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Pros: fun theme, great atmosphere, terrific service, big portions
Cons: average taste, expensive for a chain
The Bottom Line: At least once in your life, you must Run, Forrest, Run to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for a meal.
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| mjtriplett's Full Review: Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and Market |
If you like theme restaurants, you’ll probably enjoy the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., an international chain based on the 1994 movie Forrest Gump.
I’ve eaten at the Mall of America's Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 3 times, all at the request of out-of-town company. While my experiences were enjoyable, it’s not a restaurant I’d visit of my own accord. It opened on the MOA's 3rd floor in 2003 and has raked in business ever since, especially after a few other themed restaurants closed.
You must see Forrest Gump before visiting this restaurant. It’s not loosely based on the movie…it has everything but Tom Hanks in leg braces. Signs, movie memorabilia and license plates adorn the walls screaming famous Gump quotes like “Stupid is as stupid does.” On each table is a license plate flip-chart. The red one reads “Stop, Forrest, Stop,” and the green one reads “Run, Forrest, Run.” Used as a means of alerting your server to your table's status, green means they can go about their business and red means you need something.
Bubba Gump’s atmosphere is casual fun. Servers wear Gump-themed buttons and most employees are of the college age crowd. It’s busy, but even with a line they move quickly and I’ve never had to wait longer than 20 minutes.
The menu is limited and consists primarily of shrimp and seafood entrees. They do have a couple of standard salads and sandwiches for those who don’t care for the “fruit of the sea,” as Bubba calls it. You may expect to get a filling but average meal at Bubba Gump. For a chain, the entrees are a little pricey, and a meal for 4 including a couple of smoothies or specialty drinks runs about $85-$100.
I’ve had the fish & chips and the “boat trash” entrees. The fish & chips was one of the greasiest meals I’ve ever encountered, but it was good tasting. The tender Mahi Mahi was covered in a subtle but delicious homemade beer batter. The boat trash is, as you may have guessed, a bucket filled with several edible sea creatures including shrimp, lobster and mahi mahi. I ordered this because of its unique name, and although it filled me up, the Cajun spicing was overdone and masked the seafood's flavor. However, all of the food is well-cooked and served in generous portions.
As with all theme restaurants, the key is in the atmosphere, and Bubba Gump’s delivers. If you liked the movie even a little, you’re sure to like the restaurant. The idea that signs control your server’s actions is unique and actually works well. If you don’t want your server to interrupt your conversation, simply leave the sign on red. If you need a drink refill, flip to green. All of the servers I’ve encountered have been extremely high energy and friendly. If you’re game, they’ll play a little movie trivia with you. It’s fun, but it’d be better if you could at least win a free drink or meal!
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations If you like themes, this is one of the best.
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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mjtriplett
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Member: Mel
Location: Minnesota
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