The Hard Shell - Downtown

4.7

1799 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Good for special occasions
Good for business meals
Healthy

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

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 1,799 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

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hard Shell - Downtown delights with "delicious food" and "phenomenal service," making it a favorite spot for seafood lovers. Guests praise its "inviting ambiance," efficient staff, and standout dishes like shrimp and lobster potstickers. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, this restaurant consistently delivers a memorable experience.

1,799 Reviews

J
Joseph
VIP
New York City
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Hard Shell is an amazing restaurant. The oyster selection is always good. I always order the rockfish or the sesame tuna. Both dishes are among the best at any restaurant in the city
Is this helpful?
S
Sam
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was delicious and the bartender was friendly and attentive. I’d definitely go back!
Is this helpful?
a
adam
VIP
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience as always! Keep doing what you do!
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s been a while since we’ve been to The Hard Shell and it didn’t disappoint! They have a new room where we were seated and the atmosphere was stylish and the service was excellent. The food was just as wonderful as we remembered (Hard Shell Pasta and Grilled Shrimp and Scallops). Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
D
Dana
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had a wonderful dinner with my daughter tonight and our server, Christian, was absolutely fantastic ! Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
i
ilene
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great vibe! Highly recommend. Our waiter, Molokai (Spelling might be off) was professional and respectful. He was very attentive to our needs (anticipated the need for wine refills) and did everything right. We were a party of four and had 5:15 reservations which were made through “Open Table” so convenient. We parked on the street in front of the restaurant as well as garage parking directly across the street. We started with a cup of She Crab Soup topped with fresh crab, could’ve been hotter but still delicious. Also ordered the Lobster dip appetizer. Yum. I opted for the 3 course meal (Soup/ Surf &Turf/ Chocolate Mousse) for $58.95. Such a deal! My Valentine ordered blackened salmon over an arugula salad that had apples, cranberries, toasted pecans, goat cheese, topped with a champagne vinaigrette. Also ordered was the Fish Tacos consisted of fried grouper, pickled red cabbage, pineapple salsa, jalapeno, cilantro, chipotle aioli. Was told it was amazing. 4th entree ordered was the Seared Rockfish came complete with whipped potatoes, brussels, dates, bacon, and lemon. Delicious! All the portions were generous. The four of us was able to share the mousse-creamy, and topped with whipped crème. Highly recommend this restaurant! We will be back! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
k
kelvin
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All the staff great us when we walk in the door and they all was pleasant . My wife drop something on the floor that she thought she lost the waitress also help us look for it I love this place
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
VIP
Richmond
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience here! The 10 oz Steak Frites was amazing! Had them blacken it and it was yummy! Our server Christian was terrific too.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was outstanding! The She Crab Soup was excellent - one of the best I ever tasted. I had a seafood tower that included crab, shrimp, clams, mussels and oysters and it was priced well and not lacking in numbers. Our waiter was very personable and knowledgeable and all around nice. He made for an enjoyable dinner. Parking is easy - a lot across the street that is comped by the restaurant. Highly recommend the food here. Try the Key Lime pie!
Is this helpful?
M
M
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this place - great food and service! It’s always a treat to come here!
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 4.7 stars by 1799 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 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

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