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The Hard Shell

4.5

About this business

The Hard Shell offers an excellent variety of seafood as well as contemporary American dishes. The outdoor seating here is the best in Shockoe Slip. This is a fun place to go for lunch or dinner, convenient to many shops and attractions. A wonderful variety of seafood, which includes several types of crab, is offered. Cornmeal and Herb Fried Oysters are served on the half-shell with Grand Marnier creme fraiche and Smithfield ham rice pilaf. All varieties of shellfish is served by the pound with several choices of sauce. 

Location details

1411 E Cary St, Ste LL, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tue9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wed9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thu9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SatClosed
SunClosed
4.51,134 reviews
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Eli B.'s profile image
16 years ago

Richmonds Finest Seafood Restaurant Extensive raw menu featuring oysters, clams, shrimp, mussels, crab legs, and lobster. You won't be disappointed in the beef or lamb either. The Hard Shell is truly a wonderful dining experience. 

rleef77's profile image
17 years ago

At least he crab cakes were good. – I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this was definitely not what I was expecting. I just moved from Palo Alto, CA to Richmond and I really had high hopes for the great restaurants that are here. Hard Shell is not going to be one of my favorites. Right off the bat there was no hostess at the front when I walked in and I had two different waiters look at me before a third finally helped me. After sitting down, no one came to take my drink order, so waiter #3 came over and offered to get m... read more

babyblue211328's profile image
babyblue211328 
17 years ago

Fabulous! – I'm not very downtown savy, but this place is pretty easy to get to. The website has directions, which is a plus, because using the other direction websites are confusing and wrong most times. Once there, I was very impressed. The atmosphere was great because it can go a couple different ways, dressy or casual, and neither party feels over or under dressed! It's priced to be dressy, yet the place looks casual. The first time I went the service was great, the food was great and the whole experience was just leavin... read more

hartleytf's profile image
hartleytf 
17 years ago

Great Ambiance... terrible food and service – Nice ambiance... kudos to the designer and owner for creating a great setting for an excellent meal... Unfortunately, nobody told the management or the Chef... terrible food and service. My grilled fish was completely overcooked until it was dry and hard on the outside... and yet it still smelled as if it was sitting around for several weeks. The wait staff didn't care... she aknowledged that it was bad, snarled her lip up at it and walked off. I dine out as I travel several days... read more

jaturner's profile image
jaturner 
18 years ago

something fishy here – Extremely pricy. Not much selection on the menu. Extremely noisy. 

markhambr's profile image
markhambr 
19 years ago

User review by markhambr – A group of 8 went on a Wednesday night and were glad we had reservations. The restaurant was very busy and we had trouble hearing more than 1 people down the table. Everyone enjoyed the food and the service was very good. 

Heather M.'s profile image
Heather M. 
19 years ago

Wonderful Food and Ambiance! The Hard Shell, located right in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, is an awesome restaurant. We recently help our wedding rehearsal dinner there, and we were very happy with them. The food was delicious, the service attentive, and the atmosphere is very cozy. 

Michelle M.'s profile image
Michelle M. 
19 years ago

Yummy! The Hard Shell is a great restaurant. The location - on the slip in downtown Richmond - is wonderful. There wide offering of raw bar selection is unbeatable and they have many other items on the menu. They also have a back room great for parties. I hosted a brunch here and it was amazing. We have about double the number of guests anticipated and they were quick to accomodate us. 

blehrhoff6's profile image
blehrhoff6 
20 years ago

Just Plain Worth It – Sometimes you just need to go out and spend a few bucks, and when that happens you want to make sure it's going to be worth it. The Hardshell has a great selection for any seafood lover, the rawbar is terrific, and the lobster stuffed with crab for under 25 dollars is unbeatable. This place has a great atmosphere for people who want a fancy meal in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The live jazz only adds to the flavor of the great seafood you'll get here. 

Frequently asked questions about The Hard Shell

How is The Hard Shell rated?

The Hard Shell has a 4.5 star rating with 1,134 reviews. 

When is The Hard Shell open?

The Hard Shell is closed now. It will open on Monday at 9:00 a.m. 

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