In college my friends often spoke of a place where "a pound of shrimp" was an ordinary measurement, "waited for hours" wasn't a surprise, and "triple X" was something that you hated to love (because it tastes so good) and loved to hate (because it gives you trouble on the toilet the next day). I finally learned that all this amounted to an experience and restaurant called The Boiling Crab. With locations scattered in California, Nevada, and Texas, it's a place where you can be a kid again and channel your messy eating skills by donning a bib and digging into a mess of hot food with your hands.

Since then, thanks to friends who sung its praises, I've been able to see for myself the glories of fresh seafood smothered in spicy, garlicky, cajun flavor and sometimes even feel the war that rages in your stomach for hours afterwards. Although the number of times I've been a patron here can be counted on one hand, I already know that I love The Boiling Crab.

But it's not because of their food.

Don't get me wrong, I love me a pound of shrimp with the whole sha-bang (a mix of their three seasonings), but this is not what captures my heart. Nor is it the wacky nautical decor or the friendly and helpful staff. No, the true reason I love The Boiling Crab is actually the people that come to enjoy what it has to offer. The demographic of patrons is so diverse that it's hard to even begin describing the demographic. I have seen people of every color, every ethnicity, every race eating at this restaurant. I have seen people of all ages, young and old, eating at this restaurant. I have seen three generations of a family come together to share a meal here at one long table. I have seen babies in high chairs and kids having the time of their lives. I have seen grown granddaughters bring their grandparents and, being the awesome granddaughters they are, take pictures for their grandparents and show them how to peel and eat shrimp. This, all in one restaurant.

Besides the fact that all of these people are fans of the food and down to get dirty, what this varied customer base shows me is that so many different people feel comfortable eating here. The Boiling Crab is certainly not formal or high class, but it isn't fast food, either. Instead it's somewhere in the middle where you wait to be seated and have a sit-down meal, but it also feels like the true definition of a family restaurant where large groups are not discouraged. The interior vibe is lively and vibrant and the wait staff skews young, but this does not stop older patrons from coming in to grab a bite. And I guess everyone can relate to shellfish smothered in deliciousness no matter your background.

I'm grateful to The Boiling Crab for creating an atmosphere where people can relax, enjoy their food, and maybe have a beer or two. Maybe it's the whole eating-with-your-hands thing, or that it's always bustling with diners ready to chow down with friends and family. Whatever it is, I say – boil on.