3 Stars: Better than expected (by L B C.)

L B C. — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:25:00 GMT

There are very few sit-down dining options on the Pier, and we've seen Bubba Gump outlets stabilize in many places over the years, so Bubba Gump it was. The noisy and touristy atmosphere was expected, as were the relative high prices and annoying concept of paying $10 for a drink so you can keep the tacky glass that you'll never be able to get home without breaking. However, the quality of the food was pleasantly surprising.

We were promptly seated next to a window on the beach level, our panoramic view of the ocean interrupted by the public shower and all that implies. (Try to get a second floor seat if possible.) The music blared loudly from the speaker just over our heads; it could not be turned down, according to our server.

From a menu several pages long and heavily focused on fried offerings, we finally selected an appetizer portion of "hush pups" and a pot of steamed shellfish. The pups arrived quickly; mouth-size fried bites of traditional cornmeal batter augmented by chunks of fish, bits of parmesan cheese, and snips of green onion. They were really quite good, and the accompanying mayonnaise-based remoulade sauce was outstanding.

Our shared entree arrived in a rustic (battered) aluminum pot filled with reasonable portions of crab, shrimp, mussels and clams and a bit of the steaming broth. The seafood was well cooked (tender, neither tough nor soggy) and well seasoned, and definitely enough for two lighter diners who'd shared an appetizer as well. The seafood was served with a slab of buttery garlic toast, a decent cole slaw, and standard-issue french fries. We ordered an extra side Caesar salad to have enough veggies; it had too much of a flavorful dressing, but was crunchy and fresh.

We passed on dessert; choosing instead to enjoy a margarita, declining the upsell offer to purchase the plastic margarita shaker for "only $5 extra." The margarita was still presented in a shaker and yielded three glasses of a pretty good beverage.

Our complete tab was $50 for two sharing a meal, appetizer, side salad and margarita. That wasn't bad. However, with most menu items running from $15 to $22 and drinks averaging $8 each, you could easily spend $40+ per person if you don't share, and there goes the value. For that much a person, there are many better options to be found off the beach.

Overall, the experience was better than expected, and definitely better/cleaner than the overpriced burger-and-dog and funnel cake stands elsewhere along the pier.

Bubba Gump may be, on the surface, a gimmicky theme restaurant, but the food isn't bad at all.

5 Stars: Life is like a box of chocolates.. (by Javier P.)

Javier P. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:57:00 GMT

If you love the movie, you'll fall in love with this restaurant, Based on the movie Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Is one of my Favorite Places to eat when I'm in the Santa Monica pier. Try the run across America sampler, and the shrimp scampi is delish. There's something for the whole family..

5 Stars: Coconut Shrimp!! (by India R.)

India R. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:17:00 GMT

This is my favorite restaurants! I loved the move and I love their food. It is a fun place to take the family and pig out on seafood! Run, Forrest, Run to Bubba Gump's!

PROs- good food, family fun, coconut shrimp
CONs- kind of pricey, always crowded

Insider Pages Reviews for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Rstrnt

3 Stars: Better than expected (by L B C.)

5 Stars: Life is like a box of chocolates.. (by Javier P.)

5 Stars: Coconut Shrimp!! (by India R.)