The Hard Shell - Downtown

4.8

1779 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 26, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 24 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

Located in downtown Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip, The Hard Shell Restaurant is known to locals as one of the best seafood restaurants in town. With a new fresh look; The Hard Shell features sleek booths, lots of light and a vibrant city feel. The Hard Shell has Richmond's widest variety of fresh and local seafood. Menu items include signatures such as filet and lobster, shrimp and scallops, lump crab cakes. Patio requests honored when possible but tables are first come, first served. Happy hour is available at the bar and on the patio and is first come, first served. Private dining & reservations are available. Dress is casual.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(804) 643-2333
Website
https://thehardshell.com/downtown/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
The private dining room accommodates parties up to 50 guests. The Hard Shell offers custom menus and bar packages to suit every event. The private dining room is the perfect place for dinner programs, wedding functions or celebrations.

Location
1411 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Neighborhood
Richmond
Cross street
14th St
Parking details
The Hard Shell validates parking after 5pm daily in the garage at the corner of 14th St. and Cary St. directly across from the restaurant.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Ruby Salts Oysters**$12.96
- Dz$24.95
Steamed Shrimp$12.95
- Lb$24.95
Snow Crab$14.95
- Lb$28.95
Middle Neck Clams**$8.95
- Dz$14.95
Dungeness Crab
- Lb$30.95
King Crab
- Lb$38.95
Snow Crab Combo**$36.96
1 cluster snow crab, 6 mussels, 3 each shrimp, oysters, clams
Maine Lobster Combo**
1 ¼ LB lobster, 12 mussels, 6 each shrimp, oysters, clams
- MKT

Appetizers

Parmesan Truffle Fries$6.95
horseradish aioli
Lobster Dip$9.95
with roasted peppers, fresh dill and fried flour tortillas
Fried Calamari$10.95
sweet chili & horseradish peppercorn aioli
Shrimp Cocktail$12.95
5 jumbo shrimp, house cocktail sauce
Fried Oysters$12.95
corn relish, house hot sauce, cilantro lime crema
Crab Cakes$13.95
house tartar sauce
Pan Roasted Mussels^$10.95
white wine herb lemon garlic butter, bacon, toasted bread
Seared Scallops$15.95
dates, lardons, sage brown butter
Brussels Sprouts$9.95
cranberry, parmesan, bacon
Cheese Plate^$14.95
drunken goat, beemster xo gouda, jam, crostini

Soup & Salads

add to any salad: chicken $5.95, steak* $6.95, shrimp $6.95, salmon* $10.95

She Crab Soup$5.95
topped with crab meat
House Salad$7.95
carrots, tomatoes, radish, red onions, lemon herb vinaigrette
Classic Caesar$8.95
romaine, shaved parmesan cheese, croutons, white anchovies
Wedge Salad$10.95
tomatoes, smoked bacon, red onion, gorgonzola dressing
Arugula Salad$9.95
apple, cranberry, toasted pecans, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette

Sandwiches

served with house-cut fries or a side salad

Angus Burger*$11.95
8 oz burger, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato & onion, brioche bun
Hard Shell Burger*$13.95
bacon, fried onions, horseradish aioli, brioche bun
Crab Cake Sandwich$14.95
arugula, house tartar sauce, brioche bun
Blackened Tuna Sandwich$14.95
pickled carrots, radish, jalapeno, cilantro aioli, brioche bun
Fried Oyster Po Boy$14.95
chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, sub roll
Maine Lobster Roll$24.95
served hot with butter or cold with citrus herb aioli, shredded lettuce

Seafood

Fish Tacos$18.95
fried grouper, pickled red cabbage, pineapple salsa, jalapeno, cilantro, chipotle aioli
Simply Grilled Salmon*$21.95
roasted potatoes, asparagus, lemon butter
Seared Rockfish$26.95
whipped potatoes, brussels, dates, bacon, lemon
Blackened Mahi Mahi$22.95
coconut rice, sautéed spinach, pineapple salsa, plantain chip
Fried Oysters$20.95
whipped potatoes, sauteed spinach, corn relish, cilantro lime crema
Live Maine Lobster
1 ¼ LB steamed whole, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, drawn butter
- MKT
Grilled Shrimp & Scallops^^$26.95
orange sticky rice, sauteed vegetables, soy ginger butter
Lobster Tail$24.95
grilled or poached, roasted potatoes, asparagus, lemon butter
Pan Seared Crab Cakes^^$28.95
corn & sweet potato salad, chipotle lime aioli, queso fresco
Hard Shell Pasta$28.95
linguine, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, lobster tail, tomato basil marinara

Meats

6 oz Filet Mignon*$26.95
whipped potatoes, asparagus, rosemary demi-glace
10 oz Hanger Steak*$25.95
house cut fries, horseradish aioli & house steak sauce
14 oz New York Strip*$32.95
roasted potatoes, asparagus, jumbo lump crab, dijon cream
6 oz Angus Filet & Lobster Tail*
whipped potatoes, asparagus, drawn butter
- MKT
Bourbon Molasses Ribs$20.95
full rack of ribs, french fries, slaw
Rib & Crab Combo$24.95
half rack of ribs, 1 cluster of dungeness crab, french fries, slaw

What 1,779 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood
Richmond
Best Service

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hard Shell - Downtown is a seafood lover's paradise offering a delightful dining experience with "amazing" food and "superb" service. The friendly staff, including standout servers like Kristian and Malachi, enhance the welcoming atmosphere. While some dishes may vary in perfection, patrons frequently praise the "incredible" flavors and the restaurant's vibrant setting.

1,780 Reviews

J
James
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent Food and service. Great atmosphere and ambience for a date night.
Is this helpful?
B
Beverly
Richmond
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
It was a short notice reservation but one well worth it. The Parkerhiuse rolls are fabulous, along with the she crab soup, crab cake, steamed shrimp and salad. Service was great. Other than the loud table behind us it was an excellent night.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Alex was the best server ever. He took so much care of us and was very knowledgeable in regards to the menu. He made the entire night and we will back. Food and atmosphere were also good. Do miss the baguette bread though.
Is this helpful?
C
Carl
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
The front section was very loud. However we sat in the back at a table for two. Unfortunately the seating was not accommodating for a romantic dinner. The server was very matter of fact and couldn’t wait to get away from the table. The food was ok, portions were small compared to the price. The ambiance for a seafood (upscale casual ) was lacking.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Richmond
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
I have dined here several times for dinner, but today was the first lunch seating. Food arrived cold — she crab soup and mussels as an entree. The soup did not have any lump crab and was barely tepid. The mussels were dry and did not have broth — several mussels unopened even after steaming. I had to request a bowl for shells… an odd ask for a seafood restaurant. Our waitress asked for refills on beverages but never delivered. The next time she appeared with the check. This is NOT what I expected of The Hardshell. Sadly this experience will prevent a rebooking!
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
VIP
Richmond
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always good experience! Our server Christian was very nice and attentive!!!
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
VIP
Richmond
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visited The Hard Shell to celebrate a VCU graduation and had a wonderful experience! Our server was efficient and friendly and extremely accommodating. The oyster sampler was excellent! I had talked up the she crab soup to my family and it did not disappoint. We also enjoyed fried calamari, oysters Rockefeller, the tuna tartare tacos, the fried grouper tacos, seared scallops with dates, lardons, and brown butter, The Hard Shell pasta (tons of delicious seafood over linguine), key lime pie, and creme brulee. All of the food was phenomenal!
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
VIP
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service and food are phenomenal at hard shell! Always a great place to dine at.
Is this helpful?
R
Ruby
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is delicious. I did note the menu had changed some from last time I was there but everything was still delicious
Is this helpful?
L
Lesley
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I went with my husband to celebrate. The food was delicious. We enjoyed a seafood tower appetizer. The seafood included: lobster, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and clams. Fresh and delicious. The she crab soup was creamy with just the right amount of sherry. I highly recommend.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Hard Shell - Downtown offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 643-2333.

The Hard Shell - Downtown is rated 4.8 stars by 1779 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 26, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Hard Shell - Downtown

1411 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Additional information

Cross street
14th St
Neighborhood
Richmond
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
The Hard Shell validates parking after 5pm daily in the garage at the corner of 14th St. and Cary St. directly across from the restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://thehardshell.com/downtown/
Phone number
(804) 643-2333
Private party facilities
The private dining room accommodates parties up to 50 guests. The Hard Shell offers custom menus and bar packages to suit every event. The private dining room is the perfect place for dinner programs, wedding functions or celebrations.

The Hard Shell - Downtown

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

She Crab Soup

Crab Cakes

King Crab

Raw Bar

Ruby Salts Oysters**$12.96

Steamed Shrimp$12.95

Snow Crab$14.95

Middle Neck Clams**$8.95

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab Combo**$36.96

Maine Lobster Combo**

Appetizers

Parmesan Truffle Fries$6.95

Lobster Dip$9.95

Fried Calamari$10.95

Shrimp Cocktail$12.95

Fried Oysters$12.95

Crab Cakes$13.95

Pan Roasted Mussels^$10.95

Seared Scallops$15.95

Brussels Sprouts$9.95

Cheese Plate^$14.95

Soup & Salads

She Crab Soup$5.95

House Salad$7.95

Classic Caesar$8.95

Wedge Salad$10.95

Arugula Salad$9.95

Sandwiches

Angus Burger*$11.95

Hard Shell Burger*$13.95

Crab Cake Sandwich$14.95

Blackened Tuna Sandwich$14.95

Fried Oyster Po Boy$14.95

Maine Lobster Roll$24.95

Seafood

Fish Tacos$18.95

Simply Grilled Salmon*$21.95

Seared Rockfish$26.95

Blackened Mahi Mahi$22.95

Fried Oysters$20.95

Live Maine Lobster

Grilled Shrimp & Scallops^^$26.95

Lobster Tail$24.95

Pan Seared Crab Cakes^^$28.95

Hard Shell Pasta$28.95

Meats

6 oz Filet Mignon*$26.95

10 oz Hanger Steak*$25.95

14 oz New York Strip*$32.95

6 oz Angus Filet & Lobster Tail*

Bourbon Molasses Ribs$20.95

Rib & Crab Combo$24.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Hard Shell - Downtown offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Hard Shell - Downtown restaurant rated?

Is The Hard Shell - Downtown currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day