Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bubba Gump Shrimp – San Francisco
Bubba Gump Shrimp - San Francisco
Photo from Bubba Gump Shrimp
Bubba Gump Shrimp at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 155 of the guests
#1547 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#30 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
699
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Bay Views
- Themed Decor
- Seafood Options
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Inconsistency
- Food Issues
The restaurant, a vibrant Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, invites you to dive into a memorable dining experience. At Bubba Gump Shrimp, you’ll discover not just delicious seafood but also a fantastic selection of beers to complement your meal.
It’s a casual yet trendy spot where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and the fresh flavors of the coast.
Overview: Introducting Bubba Gump Shrimp
Bubba Gump Shrimp offers a memorable dining experience, often praised for its stunning view and lively atmosphere. Many guests enjoy the well-prepared seafood, particularly the shrimp, and find the overall setting quite engaging.
It’s a place where the surroundings truly enhance the meal. However, some diners note that prices can be a bit steep, and while the service is generally attentive, there can be occasional lapses.
A few experiences also mention cleanliness issues in certain areas, suggesting room for improvement in consistency.
Good
7.1
out of 10
699
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
163
negative
48
neutral
488
positive
Bubba Gump Shrimp achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at 69.8%, which places it in the mixed category, just shy of a good rating.
This suggests that while many patrons leave pleased, there’s a segment that feels their expectations weren’t fully met, creating a slight divergence in perception. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.2) stands out as a strong point, frequently celebrated for its unique setting.
Food (7.1) also performs well, with many enjoying the diverse offerings. Service (6.7) is generally considered good, though some experiences vary.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.5), which receives an average score. These insights are drawn from 699 customer comments, with 488 positive remarks and 163 negative observations.
What people like
- Stunning Bay Views
- Engaging Themed Decor
- Delicious Seafood Options
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Inconsistent Service
- Food Quality Issues
Bubba Gump Shrimp offers a distinct experience, largely driven by its captivating setting and generally enjoyable food. While it excels in creating a themed atmosphere with impressive views, potential diners should be aware of the higher price points and occasional service inconsistencies.
With a solid recommendation score of 7.3, this restaurant is certainly worth considering if you prioritize a unique ambiance and good seafood. However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect flawless service, you might want to manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bubba Gump Shrimp
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, theres a lot to love! With a solid 7.1 score and a 71.4% customer satisfaction rate, the culinary experience is generally good. Many of the 197 positive comments rave about the delicious shrimp, generous portions, and excellent overall food quality, often highlighting fresh ingredients and tasty meals.
However, its not all sunshine and shrimp cocktails. About 60 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Guests occasionally found the food lacking flavor, served cold, or sometimes even overcooked.
There were also mentions of excessive spiciness in certain dishes.
Food
276
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
60
negative
19
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious shrimp dishes
- Generous food portions
- Fresh, tasty meals
What people don't like
- Lacking flavor
- Food served cold
- Overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Bubba Gump Shrimp was truly memorable, marked by amazing food, top-notch service, and unbeatable views. From the moment we arrived, Claire welcomed us warmly and provided exceptional service, seating us at a dream table with a gorgeous view of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- drinksAll of our food, and drinks were delicious
- seafoodI had a really delicious meal, and Ernest provided wonderful service. The highlight was definitely the seafood on the menu, especially enjoyed with a table by the water, which was lovely. Thanks to all the staff for a great experience!
- shrimpshrimp in all sorts of flavors, which were very good
- good foodForrest Gump fans, this place is definitely worth a visit. I had a great experience with good food, good drinks, and beautiful Harbour Views. The great location at Pier 39 made it even better.
- portionsDe très belles portions servi
- Captains Fish & ChipsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried a variety of dishes, including Captains Fish & Chips, kids Mac and Cheese, Shrimp Heaven, Mama's Fried Chicken, Clam Chowder cup, Bourbon Street Mahi, Calamari, and Queso and chips. For dessert, I indulged in the Ooey Gooey chocolate cake and homemade Strawberry Shortcake.
- FoodFood is great
- Shrimp HeavenMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried a variety of dishes, including Captains Fish & Chips, kids Mac and Cheese, Shrimp Heaven, Mama's Fried Chicken, Clam Chowder cup, Bourbon Street Mahi, Calamari, and Queso and chips. For dessert, I indulged in the Ooey Gooey chocolate cake and homemade Strawberry Shortcake.
- dessertHet toetje (lava cake) was super lekker
Frequently criticized
- foodWhen I asked if they could warm up my fish and chips, they brought me out a brand new plate, which is why I'm rating the server so high. Sadly, our food was all cold and the flavor was lacking. I wouldn't say it was Roxanne's fault, and I wasn't going to ask for all the food to be brought back.
- burgerMy girlfriend did not get fed that day because the waiter kept forgetting her burger.
- dishesWe found the bill particularly steep because we didn't even have an enjoyable evening. The dishes were served to us in the wrong order, and in terms of flavors, even avoiding the fried dishes, we found nothing memorable. The food was a disappointment, and the service was also poor.
- food qualitySome of the food was clearly prepared wrong
- portionsThe portions are small
- salmonsalmon and shrimp were both over cooked
- seafoodthe sea food should be superb...... but sadly it was not
- shrimpsalmon and shrimp were both over cooked
- Cajun seasoningTo much Cajun seasoning on the food was not pleasant
- Clam chowderLike everywhere else, I've noticed that prices have gone up and sizes down. Unfortunately, the Clam chowder was NOT good.
Overall, the food at this spot generally hits the mark, especially if youre a fan of shrimp and generous servings. While there are occasional misses with flavor or temperature, its often a good bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the attentive and friendly staff. With 143 positive remarks out of 227 total, its clear that many experienced excellent service and found their servers, like a wonderful server, truly made their visit special. The overall score for service sits at a respectable 6.7.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 63%. Some guests reported issues like slow service, long wait times, and even encountering rude staff, with 71 negative comments. A few felt a distinct lack of attention, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
227
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
71
negative
13
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent, helpful servers
- Spot-on recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff encounters
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Bubba Gump Shrimp was truly memorable, marked by amazing food, top-notch service, and unbeatable views. From the moment we arrived, Claire welcomed us warmly and provided exceptional service, seating us at a dream table with a gorgeous view of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- staffthe entire staff seemed to be working in sync, creating a really pleasant dining environment
- waiterHowever, the service was quite slow, and we felt overlooked at times. While our initial waiter was very good and helpful, the overall wait time was a letdown. The atmosphere was also a bit much, with loud music contributing to a rather noisy environment.
- serverClaire was a fantastic server with great attitude and was super helpful and kind.
- waitersHowever, it is a bit expensive. I believe we had a new waiter who struggled, but other waiters seemed spot on. It's recommended to take a taxi as parking is a hassle.
- wait timeWhile the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation. The wait time was non-existent, and the price per person ranged from $50–100.
- attentiveVery attentive and amazing.
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant had a fun atmosphere and the bartender was friendly enough. However, the food was a letdown.
- great servicegreat service
- happy birthdaythey sang me happy birthday
Frequently criticized
- serviceService is Terrible !! Our waiter walked away from us mid conversation!!
- waiterHowever, it is a bit expensive. I believe we had a new waiter who struggled, but other waiters seemed spot on. It's recommended to take a taxi as parking is a hassle.
- attentionour table did not get the attention it needed
- checkthey would not serve us or even bring us our check.
- managementBeing asked to leave twice, despite cooperating and showing restraint, was humiliating and deeply upsetting. The lack of professionalism and empathy shown by the management raises serious concerns about how non-American tourists are treated. What should have been a memorable meal at a globally recognised restaurant instead left us feeling unwelcome and disrespected.
- rudeOur experience was great even though we arrived late. We had previously tried Hard Rock Cafe, but they were rude and seemed disappointed to see us at a late hour. Andy at Bubba Gump was wonderful and even gave my daughter an extra specialty drink.
- staffIt was always so much fun to visit this San Francisco classic. While I was disappointed the staff didn’t ask us any trivia questions, the overall experience was still amazing.
- waiting timeWaiter had us wait 3 hours before getting our food.
- waitressThe food maintained the brand's standard, although I have some doubts about the quantity of the shrimp bucket (which was large). It's a shame about the service; the waitress who served us didn't explain how the call system with the Run & Stop signs worked, nor did she make an effort to present the various dishes we ordered. At one point, she was replaced by another waitress to attend to other tables.
- CCTV footageWhile we did express disappointment at being denied service despite presenting valid IDs, no insults or inappropriate language were used. We even asked the manager to check the CCTV footage, but this request was dismissed. Being asked to leave twice, despite cooperating and showing restraint, was humiliating and deeply upsetting.
Overall, the service can be a highlight, with many experiencing friendly and attentive staff. While theres a chance of encountering slower service or less attentive moments, its often worth trying for the positive interactions. Just be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, earning a solid 8.2 and a fantastic 87.3% customer satisfaction. With 145 positive comments out of 166, guests consistently praise the incredible views of the bay and Alcatraz, the fun place vibe, and the lively Forrest Gump-themed atmosphere and decor . However, a smaller number of 17 comments noted some downsides.
Some found the atmosphere could be loud or crowded , while others mentioned feeling cold inside . A few also pointed out dirty restrooms or a perceived lack of trivia .
Ambience
166
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
145
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible bay views
- Fun movie-themed decor
- Lively, engaging atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud, crowded environment
- Cold indoor temperature
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereLocated directly on Pier 39, this restaurant offers a super selection and a great atmosphere. The taste and presentation of the food were top-notch.
- viewMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and the view was awesome. However, a significant issue arose as we lost our credit card here.
- locationlocation is very beautiful and characteristic
- decorThe decor, atmosphere, and vibe all pay homage to the movie
- experienceThe food and service were exceptional. While the prices have increased a bit and the portions are smaller, it was still an excellent experience overall.
- placeThe place itself is very nice. However, the bathrooms were dirty, which was a significant downside.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- view of the bayBeautiful view of the bay
- viewsMy experience at Bubba Gump Shrimp was truly memorable, marked by amazing food, top-notch service, and unbeatable views. From the moment we arrived, Claire welcomed us warmly and provided exceptional service, seating us at a dream table with a gorgeous view of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- ambiancebelle ambiance du restaurant qui rappelle le film Forrest Gump
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredie Atmosphäre einfach stimmiger. Bei unserem letzten Besuch im September 2025 wirkte alles verändert – leider mit deutlich weniger Flair.
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were dirty
- cold insidepeople eating with coats inside the room for the cold
- different languages/culturesI have been going for years and will definitely return. I will say, if you don’t like loud environments and different languages/cultures around you, you might want to skip it… Lastly, I recommend the pink lemonade (alcoholic). Delish!
- eveningdidn't even pass an enjoyable evening
- large and crowdedit's pretty large and crowded
- loud environmentsI have been going for years and will definitely return. I will say, if you don’t like loud environments and different languages/cultures around you, you might want to skip it… Lastly, I recommend the pink lemonade (alcoholic). Delish!
- parkingdon't mess with parking
- people in the cityPeople in the city are just snobby.
- restaurantThe restaurant deteriorated
If you're seeking a lively, themed spot with incredible views, this place is a strong contender. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and check the restrooms upon arrival to ensure a smooth experience.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall score for this aspect sits at an average 4.5, a handful of guests (3 out of 30 total opinions) did find some bright spots. They mentioned good value and a decent price for certain offerings, sometimes even with a fun souvenir included.
It seems a few experiences hit the mark on affordability. However, the picture isnt all rosy, with a poor 10% customer satisfaction for value. A significant 15 negative remarks highlight concerns about menu prices being excessive or outrageous .
Many felt things were a bit pricey , overrated , or that the bill was simply too steep, often mentioning surcharges or increased costs. It seems the perception of value often falls short.
Value
30
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
15
negative
12
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value possible
What people don't like
- Prices are excessive
- Bill often steep
- Surcharges may apply
Often praised
- priceWe had the BEST view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. All of our food and drinks were delicious, and some even came with a cute souvenir glass for a decent price.
- good valuegood value too
Frequently criticized
- pricesI love coming here, it brings back old memories. Like everywhere else, I've noticed that prices have gone up and sizes down. Unfortunately, the Clam chowder was NOT good.
- priceThe atmosphere was also a bit much, with loud music contributing to a rather noisy environment. It's a bit pricey, with a per-person cost of $30–50, but the food quality almost made up for it.
- billWhat a major disappointment – never again! We found the bill particularly steep because we didn't even have an enjoyable evening. The dishes were served to us in the wrong order, and in terms of flavors, even avoiding the fried dishes, we found nothing memorable.
- charged for both plateshanded their card to dude and ended up getting charged for both plates
- extra chargeun pequeño sobrecoste por el lugar
- menu pricesMost of the menu is over 20$
- overratedI think it's a bit overrated
- surchargemás de 8 personas tiene otro sobrecoste
If price is a major concern, be prepared for a potentially steep bill and excessive costs, as many find the value disappointing. However, if you're not on a tight budget and are willing to pay for the experience, you might still find a few items that offer a decent price .
How are the prices at Bubba Gump Shrimp?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 155 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the price ranges, while the average is 40, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options for those looking to splurge a little more too!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 155 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bubba Gump Shrimp
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Forrest Gump Vibes and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It has a cozy atmosphere that truly immerses you in a Forrest Gump theme. Beyond the unique ambiance, the food was delicious.
I highly recommend this place, especially if you're visiting San Francisco!
- atmosphere10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Decent Casual Seafood Spot
My experience at Shrimper Haven was okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly special. I wasn't expecting a Michelin-starred meal, and it felt more like a casual seafood restaurant designed for a quick, affordable meal.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food received a 4, while the service was rated a 3. The price per person was between $20–30, and we had booth seating for our group of 2 people. Reservations were not required.
- casual seafood restaurant5
- quick, affordable meal5
- atmosphere5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Mixed Experience at Bubba Gump
My experience at Bubba Gump was okay. The atmosphere was very nice, and the bartender was helpful with non-alcoholic beverages. However, getting service from the waitress was not so well, as she never came to the table and we were just sitting there.
The food was also okay. Hopefully, my next visit will be an awesome experience.
- atmosphere8
- bartender9
- non alcoholic beverages7
- service4
- waitress3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Cold food, okay service
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food was cold, which was a major letdown. The service was okay, but overall, I wish we had gone somewhere else.
It was towards the end of the evening, so I could have just been a bad time.
- service5
- food2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Friendly Service, Great Views
Thinking of Forrest Gump? You should try a place from this chain at least once! My experience was very positive.
The service was incredibly friendly, and the view of Alcatraz, the bridges, and the Bay was simply stunning. It's a place worth visiting for the atmosphere and the welcoming staff.
- service10
- view9
What Bubba Gump Shrimp offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in San Francisco?
When visiting Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Pier 39, you’ll find several parking options. There’s a paid parking lot, a paid parking garage, and paid street parking available. Be aware that finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult.
Can I make reservations and what dining options are offered at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?
Yes, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended, especially for popular times. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service, and catering is also available for your events.
How does Bubba Gump Shrimp perform overall?
Bubba Gump Shrimp holds an overall score of 7.1. Its Ambience (8.2) is a standout, followed by Food (7.1) and Service (6.7), both rated as good. Value (4.5) is considered average, indicating areas for improvement.
What are the main draws for visitors?
Many visitors are drawn to the restaurant’s stunning views and engaging, movie-themed atmosphere. The delicious seafood, particularly the shrimp dishes, and generally attentive service also contribute to a memorable experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks?
Some common concerns include the higher price points and occasional inconsistencies in service, such as slow wait times. A few guests have also noted issues with food quality, like cold or overcooked dishes, and cleanliness in certain areas.