Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at 1501 Broadway is the Times Square outpost of the seafood chain inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. It occupies a large space in the historic Paramount Building at West 43rd Street, and visitors come for heaping shrimp platters, Southern comfort food, and a playful movie theme a few steps from the theaters of Broadway.
Shrimp anchors the menu. It arrives fried, coconut-crusted, steamed in buckets, or tossed into pastas and Cajun-spiced platters, alongside fish and chips, baby back ribs, and burgers. Each table has the chain’s signature license-plate signs. Flip “Run Forrest Run” to call your server, or leave “Stop Forrest Stop” showing to be left alone. Servers often quiz diners on film trivia, and the walls are packed with movie memorabilia and quotes. An on-site market sells branded shirts, hats, and souvenirs. The chain, now part of Landry’s, traces its roots to Monterey’s Cannery Row. Guests give this location a 4.3 rating and frequently praise its family-friendly energy and generous portions.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Pre-theater evenings (5–7 p.m.) and weekend afternoons draw the longest waits, especially during summer and the December holidays. Arrive for a late lunch around 2–4 p.m. or after curtain time for quicker seating. Joining the online waitlist or booking ahead through the official site helps groups. The Times Sq–42 St subway station (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S) sits about a block south. Bryant Park and the TKTS booth are both an easy walk away.
