We stopped into The Hard Shell before a late imaging appointment at VCU, and it had been years since our last visit. It was a good reminder of why this place has stayed around. The atmosphere is still charming. The Slip location has that classic Richmond feel, warm and inviting without trying too hard. Parking was easy, which never hurts. Service was excellent, even with a large private party in progress. The staff handled it effortlessly and everything felt well paced. We started with the crab cocktail, which was outstanding. It is one of those dishes that justifies ordering out instead of making it at home. My only hesitation is Old Bay, which I know is a personal preference and not a fault of the dish. Even so, it was very well done. The calamari and truffle fries followed. Both were strong. The calamari leaned slightly salty on its own, but the sweet sauce brought it into balance. For entrees, my husband had the rockfish over greens, and I ordered the crispy rockfish with Brussels and polenta. Mine was excellent. Crisp, flavorful, and thoughtfully composed. I could not finish it, but that had more to do with our enthusiasm for appetizers than anything else. After all these years, Hard Shell remains a reliable, polished choice in Richmond. Consistency like that is not easy to maintain, and it shows read more

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Had a reservation for dinner. Was greeted warmly by the host and got seated right away as our reserved table was already ready. This restaurant has a modern, clean feel. Its warm ambient light and soft background music were relaxing. Our server Ali was nice. Food was great. Instead of raw middle neck clams, we opted to have them steamed and they were tasty. Pan seared crab cake as starter was the right size and delicious. Filet mignon and steak frites were flavorful. Vanilla bean creme brulee was very good. It's big and can be shared. Great food, ambiance and service. Will definitely come back! read more

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I was able to celebrate Mother's Day at another Richmond, staple hard shell. Everything came out nice and hot. The service was good. Shout out to Greg. He was a good server. The ambience was really nice. My favorite dish of the night was a shrimp pasta when I usually get a lobster roll, but this will be my new go to. I definitely recommend hard show whether it's this location or Midlothian because they have an array of options. I definitely need to go back for brunch. read more

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Richmond has some great restaurants if you look. The Hard Shell was one I have never been to, until now. The food was amazing. The service was great. And the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Being that it was the day before Valentine's Day, it was still nice. If you are a seafood lover check this place out. read more

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I can't believe I never wrote a review about the incredible time I had at The Hard Shell! I came here for my birthday dinner around restaurant week with two friends. Their Richmond Restaurant Week menu offered things from their regular menu at smaller sizes. This was perfect for me because I can rarely finish huge portions. Our waiter was super sweet and patient with us. For my three picks, I got the oysters, lobster tail and crab cake, and key lime pie. There were only three dessert options so my friends and I (since we were three people) decided to get one of each. One of my friends got the rockfish and the other got the honey garlic glazed salmon for their entree. They both kept raving about how incredible their dish was. I was obsessed with my oysters (you can see how much I like oysters from my oyster inspired nail set in the photo). I really enjoyed the crab cakes too and my lobster tail. The mashed potatoes were perfecton. We all loved the desserts: chocolate mousse, key lime pie, and cheesecake. The desserts were perfection. I loved our time here. They have charming outdoor patio that we ate at. There is also plenty of indoor seating too. This place is perfect for a date night or special occasion. It being in Shockoe makes it even more Richmond romantic. I highly recommend checking this place out. read more

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AMAZING dinner(&the adult beverage was fabulous)! I had the Salmon and as someone who orders it wherever we go(my partner does not like when I make it at home so I save it for when I go out), I have to say this was the best I have ever had anywhere in the world-great job! read more

A co worker and I came here for Richmond Restaraunt Week! I was so excited to come to The Hard Shell I've been wanting to dine here ever since I moved to Richmond but never had the opportunity until now! I love the industrial look of the restaurant and the open kitchen set up, we sat outside and the weather was perfect, the location can be tricky due to parking but you can pay for parking right across the street. The filet mignon melts in your mouth, I mean absolutely amazing, and of course as a seafood lover the lobster was perfect ! The lobster meat was tender and cooked to perfection! The crab dip was a hit! I actually ordered another one to take home, definitely order it when you come here, the chips that came with it tasted more like pastries sooooo good! I never had chocolate mousse before, and I must say it's pretty good, not too sweet or heavy, nothing too mind blowing though. Richmond restaurant week was the perfect time to come and try this place out, it's pretty pricey otherwise but I would definitely come back, the food and customer service is well worth it! read more

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This place is definitely one of my go-to's. It's very nice inside it makes me feel elegant. Great for a lot of different occasions, including date night or a girls night! I'm always excited to hear what specials they have every time I go; I feel like they always have something creative and delicious. I am an raw oyster girl and I'll tell you they are fantastic! I get them every time I go here. The crab cake is also really good and the jumbo crab cocktail was life changing I can go on for days about the food that I like there BUT the dessert..... that key lime pie is like no other!! The carrot cake is amazing too!! And I got to throw in there the salt air margarita is divine! Also just a parking hack, if you park in the parking deck across the street, bring your parking slip to the host and they will honor your parking. The staff is incredibly nice and very knowledgeable about their plates. I love it! read more

The Hard Shell - Crab cake stuffed salmon with broccolini - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I love coming here. The seafood tower is always a MUST. My friends from nyc come and this is a first stop on their list. But back to the seafood tower. It didn't even need butter it was SO FLAVORFUL. they also have a great happy hour that goes til 6 even on weekends !! The ambiance is great and the waiter Christian was phenomenal. Shout out to him!!! I will always come back :) read more

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Had an amazing dinner on Tuesday, April 14. Our waitress was Jazmin and she was knowledgeable about the menu. She provided great customer service and was overall a delight. Food was great. Will definitely go back again! read more

This was my first time at Hard Shell and I was impressed! As soon as I walked in I was greeted by the host. There is outdoor seating available as well as indoor seating with a seperate more quiet area..great ambiance for large groups , couples or friends. We were seated and the waiter came immediately to provide fresh water. The menu had a good variety of selections. I ordered the crab dip and it was good . I selected the crab cake and lobster tail entree that included asparagus and whipped potatoes. I also ordered spinach on the side. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! I am a picky eater and loved the food ! The asparagus was perfectly cooked. The whipped potatoes were creamy, the crab cakes were well sraoned not salty and the lobster tail was well seasoned and very meaty! The sautéed spinach was delicious and well cooked lightly seasoned .I will definitely return and try something different! Our waiter was very attentive and always checked to ensure we didn't need additional items and we were satisfied with our food and beverages! I chose key lime pie for dessert. The pie was rich on flavor and not overly sweet! Perfect texture read more

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I love this little place. It's tucked in on Cary down in the Bottom. Its environment indoors is wonderful and the outdoor patio in spring and fall is amazing. Been going for years. Somehow they always hire attentive and experienced waitstaff and you feel it. The food is fabulous. Well prepared. The individual flavors can be tasted. Seafood is seafood, right? Not here. I just wish they had never gotten rid of the chalkboard menu wall. That held so much character with those old brick walls down in the bottom. read more

Hard Shell was so nice. I walked over after being in the park. The servers were nice. The atmosphere was nice. I sat outside and enjoyed my dinner. My only complaint is the food could use more flavor. The fish made me what it came with either a sauce or more seasoning. But other than that I enjoyed my visit there. read more

The Hard Shell - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Based on a recommendation from the hotel concierge, I walked down to Shockoe Bottom to go to The Hard Shell. The concierge recommended the Crab Cake Entree, and he was spot on! I sat at the bar and enjoyed one of their classic cocktails during 'Happy Hour'. The bartender was very friendly, and ensured that my meal was delivered quickly. Highly recommend...I will be back! read more

The Hard Shell - Crab Cake Pan Seared Crab Cakes Entree - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

It's excellent! And always busy. But wait! The last time I was there they were out of Alaska King Crab, the main reason I was there. What they substituted, with my consent, was nowhere the same. Anyway, I'll keep going there for the King crab. read more

Great time- great service and the food was very delicious. Seafood is always fresh and tasty. read more

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Great seafood tower, great service, cozy atmosphere. Loved it! Really nice waitstaff.

Waitress was great! Knowledgeable, kind & communicative. Co worker and I enjoyed our meals! Will be sure to return if ever in the area again! read more

The Hard Shell - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Great food and great service!! Love coming here for special occasions. We always have Jasmine and they are so fantastic!!

Been a while. But this is a stone cold great place for seafood. I remember eating there in the last 90's and then in 2008 I went back and great, Almost 2 decades later, still really good. It is basic. But if you want seafood done well, this is the spot. read more

I had a phenomenal experience at The Hard Shell. I went right after work, around 5:15pm. I had a reservation and was seated right away. I was disappointed to find out you can't order happy hour drinks or food at the tables. The bar was already full so we couldn't get a space there either. We ordered drinks, apps, and dinner from the regular menu. It was all delicious! I had the crab dip for an appetizer and lobster roll with side salad for my entrée. They were both delicious! The service was phenomenal. I went on a fairly cold day and they took my coat and hung it up for me as well while we dined in. I will definitely return and hopefully the next time I can get a spot at the bar to enjoy some happy hour cocktails. read more

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I traveled to Richmond for work and located a seafood place in downtown Richmond. I choose to try The Hard Shell because of the ratings and have to say that overall, I agree! Service was prompt and friendly (shout out to Taylor!) and ambiance nice: good music, nice size bar, a mix of tables and expansive booths as well as outdoor patio searing. The menu is a mix of fish but-as the name suggests-shell fish dominates. They have selections for meat eaters-I started with the BBQ ribs followed by the shrimp pasta; the BBQ rib appetizer was fantastic: highly recommended-fall off the bone tender! Choosing an entree was hard-lots of good choices, but I went with the shrimp pasta-which I have to say was just Ok. Think a blush or vodka sauce as opposed to what seemed a heavy cream sauce would have added the punch I sought. But presentation, serving size, ambiance and value were all there! I had a late evening reservation so didn't linger for dessert but I'll be back when next in town and recommend you do as well! read more

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Omg!!! I had one of the Best steaks ever!!! I got the ribeye with shrimp and it was cooked perfectly! I didn't need any seasoning. It was juicy, tender, and full of flavor! I also had asparagus, delicious as well! The French fries were ok. My daughter loved them, but they were too stringy for me. read more

The Hard Shell - French fries - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Really enjoyed this dinner. Sat at bar. Service and food was great. Oysters were delicious. read more

The Hard Shell - Chesapeake Oysters & Steamed Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Yum! I was visiting the RVA area from California for a work trip and heard that VA was known for their oysters. Naturally, I had to try them and I found out The Hard Shell serves Chesapeake and Ruby Salts oysters. We ordered the oyster sampler, my boyfriend ordered the lobster roll, and I got the grilled lobster tail. I also ordered the she crab soup. Everything was super yummy and fresh. The oysters weren't as briney like I'm used to but they were still very delicious. Also they were huge! It was about $25 for a dozen, the price wasn't bad. The drinks they make are also very good. I ordered a refreshing cocktail, the blackberry bramble. Service was very friendly! This restaurant is perfect for a date or for small groups. read more

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*Restaurant week review* We had a really great experience at the Hard Shell downtown during restaurant week! They served their normal menu as well and the server was upfront that the restaurant week menu portions would be smaller but a great deal to try different things. All the food and drinks were really good and the meats were all so tender, especially the fried calamari - I've never had calamari so tender. The only critique I have would be to clean the clams more as there was some sand or grit still in them. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. They validate parking in the garage directly across the street daily after 5pm. Overall, we left stuffed and satisfied and we would come back! read more

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It is a very steady business in service and food. Sometimes it becomes very busy which can slow things down.

I've been to The Hard Shell many times and have never been disappointed. It's a great place to take a date or for family and friends to get together. The staff is always friendly and helpful and willing to make good suggestions. The patio is a great place to relax and enjoy your meal when weather permits. We've enjoyed their Happy Hour as well as dinner and lunch. The restaurant is located in trendy Shockoe Bottom with convenient parking right across the street. One note of warning: Not all of their house wines fall under the Happy Hour pricing. I ordered Chardonnay which isn't included in "house wines." Our server aplogized for the misunderstanding and agreed that it was confusing. She adjusted the price for us on that particular visit. The bottom line is The Hard Shell offers quality seafood and great atmosphere. read more

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The service here was great! The young man service us was so nice and personable. We came as a group and he was so welcoming and answered all of our questions with a smile! The lobster was overcooked to my liking but we really enjoyed the oysters. read more

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Took my mother here while she was visiting richmond and she thought it was great. We both ordered their oyster sampler which was great and calamari was good too. Would definitely take her back everyone was very welcoming and she felt at home. read more

First time here and was pleasantly surprised! Raw oysters on the halfshell, great! Nice plate fully loaded with typical sides. Cheasapeake were nice size and plump. She Crap soup was also notable. Wife enjoyed a 'less sugary' version of a lemon drop, made nicely by Aubrey. We enjoyed enough the first night, also went back a second on a weekend stay downtown. See prior review but made up for a disappointing dinner at the Tobacco Company. Nice quiet vibe and bar was enjoyable to hang out. read more

Great experience... but dont eat outside. There is a mexican spot across that plays LOUD music. I liked the NY strip "oscar syle" but the asparagus served with it was abysmal. My friend's seafood was so salty it was a joke... Its a fake gourmet restaurant. Many better places in Richmond to pay $40 a plate :) The only reason this is five stars is the hostess reimbursed us for the bad side dish, otherwise it would be three stars, or less, since this place is overpriced. You can get better seafood at Whole Foods :)) read more

I highly recommend HardShell if you are in search of an intimate dining experience. It's a great place for a date or small gathering of friends. The aesthetics are very clean and intimate with low lighting. The seafood here never disappoints. I love their She Crab soup. I usually find myself longing for more than the cup. The oysters are lightly fried and divine. The crab cakes are the perfect combination POF crab meat and seasonings. The service here is a 10/10 I've never had bad service at the HardShell. The waitstaff are attentive and knowledgable. read more

The service was the worst.We had 14 guest with a set menu. Our reservation was for 6:30, we received our salads at 7;50. They had one server who was very forgetful. read more

Good food, moderate prices, great service, great ambiance. This is an overall go to spot.

I came here on Valentine's Day, in which the restaurant's atmosphere was great for special occasions. The crab dip was delicious and the soft bread paired well. The shrimp pasta was delicious, and though the portion does not look large - it's very filling. The service was amazing and made for a positive experience at The Hard Shell. read more

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The food was amazing. The crab cake was one of the best I ever had, and the lobster tail was tender, not overcooked. Crispy Brussel sprouts were truly crispy and flavorful. The tuna tacos as appetizer were delicious. Decor was nice, clean and comfortable, sleek but not too industrial. The craft cocktails were a perfect way to start the evening. Service was attentive but not pushy. read more

The food was very tasty. The variety of foods in one plate is what makes Richmond such a fun place to explore for your taste buds. The portions were good and the prices are even better. The atmosphere is very professional and relaxing. I highly recommend. read more

The Hard Shell - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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They served us an unopened oyster (which is dangerous and cannot be eaten) which should have been double checked before it left the kitchen, and the crab was sadly the least tasty part of the whole meal. The salmon I had was good, but the service was slow for it being not very busy. We sat outside and you can hear conflicting music from the Hard Shell and the next door mexican restaurant which was overwhelming. I would not be back. read more

My husband and I went here during restaurant week and the selection available was amazing for the rice! An appetizer, entree and dessert for $35! Cannot best that! The food was very good! We inhaled all our food and it was just the right portion. We had she crab soup, calamari, crab cake with lobster tail, crème brûlée and the brownie! The server was nice but he seemed a bit slow and very busy. They must not have had enough staff. Overall it was a great restaurant and definitely worth going to read more

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