The Hard Shell - Downtown

4.7

1563 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

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 request honored when possible but tables are first come, first served. Private dining & reservations are available. Dress is casual.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(804) 643-2333

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 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.
Private party contact
Leandra Dunlevy: (804) 643-2333

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 1,563 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood
Richmond
Seafood

Sort by

MK
MatthewK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice first visit. Excellent variety of good food and drink selections. Waitstaff was very attentive. Pricing was good. I’ll be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely enjoyed myself and will be back again.
FL
FionaL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Didn’t expect a homeless walked by and asked for food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Dined here to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The food was exquisite! Great value for money. Daniel, our server, provided extraordinary service. He was very attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and made great recommendations for beverage pairings. I would definitely dine here again!
TM
TimMil
Raleigh
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Salmon was very good. Rockfish was good. Great service, nice feel to the restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food from start to finish and very friendly service - all on a day when I know the staff must have been exhausted. Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Menu is limited. The food was fair seems as though the quality has gone down at this restaurant. Service was good. Probably try somewhere else next time! Long time Hard Shell customer.
JC
JohnC
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Hard Shell always offers delicious seafood and steaks. Their she crab soup is to die for. The hanger steak was seasoned well and extremely tasty. Their menu changes to offer a wide variety of vegetables. The atmosphere is always pleasant, and the noise level is appropriate so you can easily have an enjoyable conversation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mississippi
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Ordered the Ruby Salts oysters and they were amazing!!!
PM
PhilM
New England
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal and service. Reasonably busy business service was top rate. Very short walk from our hotel. Been here three years in a row while driving home. Will make it an annual event. Food as well prepared and delicious.
DC
DebC
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was terrific and so was the service and price!
MS
MarSea
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu choices for Restaurant Week, servers are very attentive, bartender is always smiling. We love going for weekday happy hour; the tuna tacos melt in your mouth. I had a wonderful time in March when I celebrated my birthday there. My only small criticism is the she crab soup needs more sherry!
BK
BrianK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The Staff took into consideration the notes put on the Open Table reservation and accommodated us quite nicely. The food and evening were just fantastic
T
Tina
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super delicious and affordable seafood! The cocktails were great too.
V
Vinny
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had 6oz Filet and my wife had Rockfish. Both excellent. Steak was perfect medium rare. Service was great. A couple large parties there at same time but noise was ok. Totally going again!
TA
TAMARAD
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We went for a couples double date and it was a nice experience. My friends she crab soup and entree we ok but the waitress took the items off at no request of ours which was very nice. We will return again as the lobster dip, and fried oysters were outstanding!
HH
HeatherH
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
We enjoyed oysters, scallops, salmon, and steak. The seafood is always delicious. This was my first time ordering a steak, and it did not disappoint. Will definitely be back!
LE
Luv2Eat
Atlanta Metro
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service were both excellent! We were visiting Richmond and this was a great find.
MD
MartinDee
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The scallops as a starter were the best I have ever had. Lobster roll was just OK. The lobster train is a great value although it’s not very large. Desserts were great too.
KI
KIMBERLYM
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our food was delicious. Our server made great recommendations based on our questions. It is a lovely place!
R
Rb60
New York Area
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice, comfortable seafood restaurant. Good value, great service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great time celebrating my birthday with family and friends. The service and meals were well received and worth it
BT
BrendaT
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The servers were attentive and the food was delicious, hot and tasty.
AP
AlvinP
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice and clean, I will be returning in the future.
KJ
KimberlyJ
Richmond
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner, Everything was excellent as always.
JB
JudyB
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Server a little slow to start (maybe she didn’t realize we were there?) but once she took our order, all was well paced from then on. Chef was able to accommodate a variation to their menu—a nice touch. And food was delicious!
MA
MeganA
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I highly recommend the Hardshell. We enjoyed the oysters for an appetizer followed by the seafood pasta and the filet with lobster. Everything was delicious and our server was very tentative.
NS
NancyS
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Excellent in every way, except for one LOUD table of four men who you might say were boisterous, and finally using profanity in their stories. Management should have shut them down . Luckily we were done and left. Everything else excellent as always.
SR
ScottR
Richmond
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice small restaurant downtown. Cozy upscale atmosphere, got a little loud at times. I wanted to hear some music but the crowd drowned it out. Food was excellent, good service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful spot. We always do a bunch of apps to share. Evan is our favorite!
L
Leslies
Richmond
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time eating here. The food was amazing!! We definitely will be back soon.
TC
ToriC
Richmond
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
Service and atmosphere were perfect, but the quality of food was lacking for the price. Ordered a fillet mignon medium because even if it’s a little over or under cooked then it’s still fine. Came out super rare. Couldn’t eat it and didn’t bother sending it back after over hearing staff talking about how many steaks had been sent back. She crab soup had to much shell in it to finish. Very dissatisfied and disappointed.
GS
GabiS
Richmond
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience1
we were originally sat at a table right next to the door, when it opened it felt like Antarctica. it felt like they just shoved a table where it barely fit and called it a day. it was also like 5 inches from another table, why would i want to go to a restaurant and be able to feel a person breath right beside me? we asked to move and got sat in the back room which just didn't feel like we were at a 4.5 star restaurant, very bland. the food was okay. the best part of our meal with the she-crab soup, so the entrees were obviously disappointing. the server we had was delightful thought. i think the best thing that place has done is hire good servers. will not be going back
R
Robbie
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Service, took a few extra minutes to get drinks from the bar due to the holiday (valentines day) crowd, but was not long enough to be an issue. Our waitress Sam was absolutely amazing, already planning on going back as long as she is our waitress. Food was amazing.
SR
SarahRVA
Atlanta Metro
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Hard Shell has the best seafood in Richmond. We love the shrimp cocktail, fried oysters, Ruby Salt oysters (the best), and salmon. Steaks are also delicious. The staff are great and ambiance is lovely. Definitely worth the visit.
AR
AngieR
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to celebrate our anniversary and the food was absolutely delicious. My boyfriend doesn’t like Brussel sprouts but he definitely demolished the appetizer.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great! Service was excellent!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
I’m ok with this place, nothing to call home about. I was expecting more but I won’t complain. Food was made to order, had to send it back. Waiter probably had to many tables to give the attention we desired. However he was polite. Can’t say I’d return, but I can say I’ve had the experience.
BF
BrandiF
Richmond
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the crab cake and lobster with brussel sprouts and asparagus it was simply delicious!
JW
JerriW
Richmond
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
This is a great restaurant. The food is always a choice between what is good and what is great. I also like that the ambiance strikes a nice balance between dressy and casual so no matter what meeting or event I am coming from, I feel comfortable going to Hard Shell to eat.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Hard Shell - Downtown using the Order Online button. The Hard Shell - Downtown also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 643-2333.

The Hard Shell - Downtown is rated 4.7 stars by 1563 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 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(804) 643-2333

Other options

Order online

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
Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
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.
Private party contact
Leandra Dunlevy: (804) 643-2333

The Hard Shell - Downtown

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Richmond

She Crab Soup

Ruby Salts Oysters

Seared Scallops

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

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

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

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day