If you’ve always had a soft spot for the smash 1994 Tom Hanks hit Forrest Gump, a meal at Destin’s branch of the international Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. chain will likely tickle your fancy while you’re vacationing on the Emerald Coast. Seafood connoisseurs may scoff a bit, and if you’ve got an aversion to fried food you’ll struggle here, but all in all it’s a pretty fun family-friendly eatery conveniently set along the Parkway.
If you’ve seen Forrest Gump many times, or at least if you’ve seen it recently, you’ll probably get to show off a bit during your Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. visit: The waitstaff serves patrons with a side of trivia questions based on the flick. There’s also Forrest Gump/Bubba Gump merchandise on offer.
Shrimp served in a whole galaxy’s worth of presentations lies at the core of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., but we probably didn’t have to tell you that. From the Mama Blue’s Shrimp Gumbo to the Shrimp Po’Boy, from the Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp to the Accidental Fish & Shrimp plate, it’s easy to get your shellfish on here.
Among a couple of options for going all-out in the shrimp department (see our menu highlights below for more) is the Shrimper’s Heaven sampler pack: Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp, Tempura Shrimp, and Crispy Golden Shrimp served together with the whole family of Bubba Gump dipping sauces—Tangy Asian, Cajun Marmalade, and Zesty Cocktail.
It’s not all about shrimp here, though. Other seafood comes fairly well represented too, from the Maker’s Mark Glazed Salmon and Captain’s Fish & Chips to the Steamed Crab Legs and the appetizer menu’s deep-fried calamari.
Meanwhile, you can take a culinary veer away from the surf is you’d prefer and go for something like the burger, the Texas chicken sandwich, the Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs, or Mama’s Southern Fried Chicken.
A few salads and some veggie sides help cut the grease at Bubba Gump Fish Co. And there are some pretty tasty desserts rounding out the menu as well.
From cold beer to cocktails to beer-and-cocktail concoctions (a Coronita, anyone?), meanwhile, you’ve got your choice of beverages for washing down the feast.
Here are a few menu highlights for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.—not all of them even of the shrimp persuasion!
Bourbon Street Mahi Mahi
One of the better entrees at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves charbroiled, Cajun-spiced Mahi Mahi with a bourbon sauce and some grilled shrimp over mashed potatoes.
Shrimp Shack Mac & Cheese
A decked-out mac-and-cheese with Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan chunked with breadcrumbs puts sautéed shrimp in the starring role.
Shrimper’s Net Catch
Enjoy a jumbo portion of beer-steamed peel-and-eat shrimp dressed in either Bubba Gump’s garlic spice or Secret Cajun Spice.
Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs
House-made BBQ sauce is the key ingredient for these slow-roasted ribs, served with a side of fries.
Come to Destin’s Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. armed with your favorite Forrest Gump lines—“Run, Forrest, run!” maybe, or “Life’s like a box of chocolates”—and roll up those sleeves for some fried seafood indulgence.
Insider Tip:
If you want the VIP treatment at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.—and yes, it’s possible to get VIP treatment at a chain—join the “Landry’s Select Club” through the restaurant’s parent company: It gives you immediate priority seating, birthday rewards, and other perks each time you dine.