The Boiling Crab — Restaurant in San Diego

Came in today, Easter 2023. We always have been wanting to try this place. However, there's always a line, and we don't want to wait 3 hours. We were debating whether to go to Crabtown or here. We chose the boiling crab. My wife wanted crabtown, but I convinced her to try this place out. There was no wait, and the service was excellent. Our server Ron, I think? Was attentive, and everyone else who was on shift kept checking on us. Price wise, it's not that bad. However, the head on shrimp was really difficult to peel. It's probably due to being overcooked. The crawfish were hard to peel. They claimed they were fresh and not frozen. The tails kept ripping off. We got 2 boils with shrimp, crawfish, sausage, corn, potatoes, and hardboiled eggs. They were both shebang style, one medium spicy, and the other extra spicy. I walked in there with an open mind to give this place a chance. The flavor was just not there, to be honest. People claim this is the best place in San Diego, but after today's experience, I'd say it falls short. I had heard it was too salty. That is true. There was way too much salt in the mix. Like I said, we came in with the best intentions, but the flavor is off. I knew I was never gonna live this one down with my wife. Picked up the tab and walked out never to return. Crabtown is my go-to from now on. I'm writing this from an unbiased point of view. The boiling crab is not...

There was a really long wait, so be prepared for that, especially on a weekend. I think we waited for about 75 minutes just to get seated. Oh, and they don't take reservations or offer call-ahead seating. We drove for almost 30 miles to go here specifically, so we just had to wait.

They don't offer Southern King Crab any longer, and they have not updated their menus, so be aware of that. The last time I visited here, that's what I got.

Also be aware that they refuse to split checks. If you come in a big party, you will have to divide it all up on your own. I don't understand this stupid 'policy'. Honestly, they are in the service industry, right? If I wanted seafood only, I would go literally next door to the seafood market and buy seafood. I come to TBC for seafood plus service. They do take 'up to four different credit cards per check though'. Whatever!?!

The food is why I come. It is delicious. While the logistics leave a bit to be desired, the seafood is fantastic. I order my crab with 'the whole shebang'. The corn and the potatoes are great too. I recommend that they go right in the bag with your crab.

If they could fix a few little service-related things, this place would get the 5th star from me. But no one from TBC is going to read...

This was my first visit and I left feeling very disappointed. My partner and I ordered shrimp and snow crab, our server advised us to order mild as their medium was a 8-9 heat level. We took his advice and ordered mild. Well we got medium, and this completely ruined the meal. It was too hot to eat, I had a total of 3 shrimp, 1 crab leg, before I had to stop eating and I’m pregnant so I can eat. My stomach was incredibly upset, I told a server and at first the just offered butter to cut the spice, I let them know that I would no longer be able to eat because of the state of my stomach. The manager came over and offered to remake the food I again reiterated that I would no longer be able to eat because of the state of my stomach. He offered us a discount, my partner tried to power through, but we left so much to waste. They gave us 30% off which I didn’t really feel was sufficient considering we left over half the food and I didn’t get to eat but a couple bites. We paid $58 for only one of us to try to eat. I will say this the flavor was incredible, if the food had been an edible for me level of heat I could have put down the pound of shrimp on my own. I would give this place another shot but this first impression left a lot...