The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

4.6

2425 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

Located in Midlothian, 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 & indoor reservations are available . Please contact the restaurant for private dining requests. Dress is casual.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(804) 464-1476

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(804) 464-1476
Website
http://thehardshell.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Jeff Kolakowski

Location
11400 W Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113
Neighborhood
Midlothian
Cross street
Huguenot and Robious Roads
Parking details
Public Lot
Entertainment
Saturday Evenings 630pm to 930pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Ruby Salts Oysters**$12.95
- Dz$24.95
Middle Neck Clams**$8.95
- Dz$14.95
Steamed Shrimp$12.95
- Lb$24.95
Snow Crab$14.95
- Lb$28.95
Dungeness Crab
- Lb$30.95
King Crab
- Lb$38.95
Snow Crab Combo**$36.95
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
Crab Dip$9.95
old bay, parmesan, lump crab, toasted baguette
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

Meat & Cheese Plate

$24.95 for 2 People or $44.95 for 4 People

Cheeses^^
drunken goat, beemster xo gouda
Meats^^
capicola, saucisson sec salami

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
Baby Iceberg Wedge$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 side salad

Angus Burger*$11.95
8 oz burger, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato & onion, brioche bun
Hard Shell Burger*$13.95
smoked bacon, fried onions, horseradish aioli, brioche bun
Crab Cake Sandwich$14.95
arugula, house tartar sauce, brioche bun
Blackened Chicken Sandwich$11.95
cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, chipotle lime aioli
Lobster Roll Maine Lobster$24.95
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 butter
Blackened Mahi Mahi$22.95
coconut rice, sauteed spinach, pineapple salsa, plantain chip
Fried Oysters$22.95
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 2,425 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood
Richmond
Seafood

Sort by

SF
SusanF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service-as usual! My favorite restaurant in Richmond!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great good and outstanding service, our server was excellent and attentive to what we wanted
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time and I will be back and I am telling everyone that the reviews were correct Excellent food
e
elle
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have dined at the Hard Shell many times… always top notch with the food and the service!!
BD
BaumgartnerD
Richmond
44 reviews
vip
3.0
44 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food3service2ambience3
Got to watch the hostess take selfies throughout the night .. 👀
SM
SandyM
Richmond
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous dinner and fun servers. Couldn't have asked for a better anniversary spot!
JT
JeanetteT
Naples
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Always love food here. Noise level is a little too loud most times as I noticed they place diners too close if restaurant is not crowded. Restaurant not very crowded when we go as we tend to eat early.
MB
MichaelB
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Hard Shell serves great food at reasonable prices and the service has always been great! I think its a very good value for your dining dollar!
s
shortandsassycd
Richmond
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was delish as normal. I had two people with me that had never eaten here. The server was knowledgeable and accommodating. The mini blueberry muffins were everything! Every morsel of each entree was eaten. We will all be back.
LS
LaurenS
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience all around… hostess, server, entire meal. Only some what negative comment is the noise level.
DO
DOUGandLYNNE
Richmond
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I enjoyed our brunch and were extremely satisfied. Our food was served piping hot and very tasty. Our server who was also bar tending was spot on.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday celebration… meals, drinks & service… delightful! Pineapple bread pudding for dessert… delicious!
C
Candy
New York Area
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We like Hard Shell because of the quality of their seafood. We like that they have a variety of appetizers, including Clams on a Half Shell, as well a great selection of entree's. The taste of the food was incredible and the chef was willing to change an entree to satisfy a member of our party. The staff from the hostess to the waitress were excellent. I highly recommend Hard Shell for any occasion.
MM
MarkM
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The Hard Shell is close to home and always good for a quick meal and a great bottle of wine.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great! And service was great also! Very pleasant place to eat for all occasion!
f
foodie
Richmond
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Waiter was absolutely wonderful! Love the food. Our group goes there 2 times a month and are always happy. Thank you.
JM
JonathanM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great place to dine. Food is fresh and tasty.
JP
JohnP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at this location and the staff, atmosphere, food, and drinks did not disappoint. Will return for sure! Thanks so much to Jessica, Sydney and Marissa.
BS
BobS
Richmond
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
When we arrived for our reservation, the hostess led us to a table in the back room. It is very loud and the ambience is lost from the rest of the restaurant. We declined to sit in the back room and were seated in the outdoors tented area where our server met us and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. $1 for bread?????
JB
JasonB
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
By far the best she crab soup and mashed potatoes I have ever had. SUPERB!!!!!!!!
NW
NoelleWard
Richmond
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall2food5service2ambience5
Each time you go to The Hard Shell the beautiful ambiance is extraordinaire! Outdoor dining is spectacular! Indoor seating options are all spectacular the same! The restroom is super nice and the bar area is also beautifully appointed! The food is wonderful! Dinner, brunch, lunch, happy hour, everything is delicious and perfectly prepared!! Everything!! We miss the fun crackers and bread pre-Covid-19! Please bring back! We also miss the great staff! They always used to have awesome and kind staff before the renovation and after their renovation. Each staff person for our table if the last six total visits 2022-2023 is horrible. Horrible attitude of each server. No idea why. Yesterday’s brunch was delicious followed by a wacky, crazy, oddly negative server. After eating she was very upset if we placed our leftover food into a container and stated it’s the restaurant policy to remove the leftover plates and put any food in a to-go container in “the back” and she was very upset with us. It was particularly odd. Having been a server for 15 years of my 50 years of age, this was a first but nonetheless rolled with the punches and tried to keep everything positive and just get out of there.
SW
SusanW
Richmond
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great variety. Happy hour menu fantastic. Wonderful experience.
MS
MichaelS
Richmond
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was very good and was served timely. The wait staff was very good, you could see the effort
TB
TheBaroness
Richmond
139 reviews
vip
5.0
139 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great seafood and wonderful service. Recommend you go early
H
Holmes
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
It's a nice restaurant for Dining however when you start to spend upwards of 45+ per meal I would think complementary bread or some finger dish should be complementary before the main meal.
MR
MikeR
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We come to the Hard Shell on a regular basis. This was the 2nd year in a row that we came on Mother’s Day. The food is always excellent. Our server, Corrine, was very nice. She was also very attentive to our needs. We highly recommend the Hard Shell!
G
Gman0927
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was excellent, three of the four in our party ordered the Grill Shrimp and scallops, which our server stated was the most popular item ordered. All three were extremely happy with that selection. One in our group ordered the lobster tail, though tasty, was a tiny portion, thus I shared my shrimp and scallop dish with my spouse. Value wise it was a bit high but the food was excellent, and service was top notch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Always an enjoyable experience!! Midlothian’s best kept secret
CO
COLAKA
Richmond
36 reviews
vip
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Waitress was great and the service was prompt. We will return....
BC
BrianC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We arrived a few minutes before our reservation, and were seated within a couple of minutes! Our server was fantastic; she had a great personality, was knowledgeable about the menu, and she was appropriately attentive, she was just The Best! The Food! We started with with the crab dip, and it was sooo good! My wife had the crab cake sandwich and fries, and I had the crab cake dinner………. Everything Was Awesome! Unfortunately, we were too full to eat dessert there, so we got 2 slices of their cheesecake to carry out. Do I really need to tell you how good it was?! Yep, it was excellent!! Each time we have been to The Hard Shell at Bellgrade, the entire experience, beginning to end, has been phenomenal!
KD
KittyD
Richmond
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience2
The food was Good. The staff was friendly but it’s noisy, it always has been.
RC
RhondaC
Richmond
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another spectacular dinner at the Hard Shell! The food was outstanding! The reason we always celebrate special occasions at the Hard Shell is because of Matthew! We adore him! Thank you Matthew for making every dining experience so amazing.
AM
AlexanderM
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seven of us eat on the patio. The food was absolutely fabulous!
JF
JeanF
Richmond
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience3
We would’ve liked to of had a nicer dining experience with the fact that this is a nicer place. But I feel like restaurants staff do not like it when you walk in with kids even if they are older kids.
The Hard Shell - BellgradeResponded on May 9, 2023Hi Jean, I’m sorry to see this was your experience with us recently. We definitely strive to be inclusive and family friendly. I’d like to know more about your visit, and welcome you back for a better experience, if you could reach out to me here at the restaurant. Bellgrade@thehardshell dotcom Thank you, Chris Franklin
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We went for restaurant week and had the pre fixe menu . The food was fabulous . I would definitely go back again. Can’t wait till fall restaurant week.
l
live2eat
Naples
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Went for Richmond restaurant week. Great three course meals. I had mussels appetizer and crab cakes and my wife had she crab bisque and salmon. Unlike many restaurants during restaurant week, the portions were not reduced. We were so full we took the key lime pie desert home.
Q
Quiona
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, definitely recommend the mussels appetizer and crab cakes entree
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our table wasn’t ready in time, so the manager gave us 2 free appetizers. It was only about 20 minutes late (probably because it was restaurant week), so that was really good of them.
FF
FridayFoods
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visited for Restaurant Week menu and the food was delicious as usual. The crab cake entree was perfectly cooked. Everything was perfect!
TH
TambreH
Jacksonville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you love seafood, this is the place to go. The crab cakes were awesome.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Hard Shell - Bellgrade using the Order Online button. The Hard Shell - Bellgrade also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 464-1476.

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade is rated 4.6 stars by 2425 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(804) 464-1476

Other options

Order online

Google Map for The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

11400 W Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Huguenot and Robious Roads
Neighborhood
Midlothian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Jeff Kolakowski
Entertainment
Saturday Evenings 630pm to 930pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thehardshell.com/
Phone number
(804) 464-1476

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Virginia

The Best Bars for Foodies in Richmond

The Best Cheap Eats in Richmond

Crab Dip

Crab Cakes

Pan Seared Crab Cakes

Raw Bar

Ruby Salts Oysters**$12.95

Middle Neck Clams**$8.95

Steamed Shrimp$12.95

Snow Crab$14.95

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab Combo**$36.95

Maine Lobster Combo**

Appetizers

Parmesan Truffle Fries$6.95

Crab 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

Meat & Cheese Plate

Cheeses^^

Meats^^

Soup & Salads

She Crab Soup$5.95

House Salad$7.95

Classic Caesar$8.95

Baby Iceberg Wedge$10.95

Arugula Salad$9.95

Sandwiches

Angus Burger*$11.95

Hard Shell Burger*$13.95

Crab Cake Sandwich$14.95

Blackened Chicken Sandwich$11.95

Lobster Roll Maine Lobster$24.95

Seafood

Fish Tacos$18.95

Simply Grilled Salmon*$21.95

Seared Rockfish$26.95

Blackened Mahi Mahi$22.95

Fried Oysters$22.95

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

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

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

How is The Hard Shell - Bellgrade restaurant rated?

Is The Hard Shell - Bellgrade currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information