Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Gatlinburg serves shrimp a dozen ways in a dining room themed around the film Forrest Gump. You'll find Bubba Gump Gatlinburg at traffic light #8, across the Parkway from the Space Needle and next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. It's lively, family-friendly, and a fun dinner for kids who know the movie.

The food at Bubba Gump Gatlinburg

Shrimp is the star of the menu: fried, grilled, steamed, coconut, popcorn, scampi, and peel-and-eat. The kitchen also covers seafood and Southern favorites like fish and chips, ribs, burgers, and salads, plus frozen drinks. Portions are generous, and the fried seafood platters are made for sharing. Gluten-sensitive options are marked on the menu.

The theming

The dining room is filled with memorabilia, stills, and props from Forrest Gump. Every table has a flip sign, with one side to call your server and the other to let them know you're all set. Servers also quiz guests with movie trivia between courses. It's interactive and loud in a good way, so it's a hit with kids. If you're after a quiet dinner, choose somewhere else.

Visiting

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is at 900 Parkway, at traffic light #8 and Historic Nature Trail, in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. It's open daily for lunch and dinner, with later hours on weekends, and the retail market opens earlier than the dining room. Check current hours before you go.

Parking

Bubba Gump doesn't have its own parking lot. Use the paid lots and garages along the Parkway, which fill up in peak season, or park for free at the Welcome Center and ride the Gatlinburg Trolley into town. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg.

Reservations and groups

Reservations can be made online, and there's a waitlist, both worth using on summer and October evenings. The restaurant can host private events and groups of up to 250, a good option for family reunions and teams.

Tips for your visit

Reserve ahead in busy seasons — summer and fall evenings fill up fast.

Skip the drive — ride the trolley, since there's no on-site parking.

Share a platter — the seafood platters are made for the table.

Play along — the trivia and table signs are part of the fun.

More seafood in Gatlinburg

For an upscale seafood dinner with a raw bar, try Chesapeake's. For trout and catfish by a creek, head out to Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill. See all Gatlinburg restaurants.

Nearby

Traffic light #8 is one of the busiest corners downtown. The Gatlinburg Space Needle and Arcadia are right across the Parkway, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is next door, and Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ole Smoky's The Holler are a short walk away. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bubba Gump in Gatlinburg, TN?

At 900 Parkway, at traffic light #8, across from the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Is there parking?

Bubba Gump doesn't have its own lot. Use the paid garages along the Parkway, or park free at the Welcome Center and ride the trolley.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes. Reservations are available online, and there's a waitlist for walk-ins.

Is Bubba Gump good for kids?

Yes. The movie theming, trivia, and table signs make it a fun family dinner, and there's a kids menu.

Is there anything besides shrimp?

Yes. Fish and chips, ribs, burgers, salads, and frozen drinks.

Can Bubba Gump host a large group?

Yes. The restaurant handles private events and groups of up to 250.