Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Times Square occupies a prime corner of the historic Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway and West 44th Street. The chain, inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump and run by Landry’s, serves shrimp-heavy Southern comfort food to crowds who want a themed, easygoing meal in the middle of Midtown’s theater district.
Shrimp anchors the menu. Popular orders include Bubba’s Far Out Dip, Shrimpin’ Dippin’ Broth served with bread for dunking, Mama Blue’s Southern Fried Shrimp, and seafood platters with hush puppies and fries. Each table has a metal license-plate sign. Flip it from “Run Forrest Run” to “Stop Forrest Stop” when you need your server. Servers often quiz guests on film trivia, and movie memorabilia lines the multi-level dining room. Upper-floor tables look out over the Times Square lights. A gift shop on the ground floor sells branded hats, T-shirts and souvenirs.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Pre-theater dinner, roughly 5 to 7:30 p.m., brings the longest waits, along with weekends and the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. For a calmer meal, arrive for a late lunch on a weekday between 2 and 4 p.m. Join the online waitlist or reserve ahead through Landry’s, especially with a large family group, and ask for a window table upstairs. The nearest subway is Times Sq–42 St, served by the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7 and S trains. The A, C and E trains stop at 42 St–Port Authority, a short walk west. Broadway theaters line the surrounding blocks, so check showtimes and budget about 90 minutes for your meal.
