The Hard Shell - Downtown

Name: The Hard Shell - Downtown
Address: 1411 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA, United States, 23219
Telephone: (804) 643-2333
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1515 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

Feb 2, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 17 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 1,515 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
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood
Richmond
Seafood

Sort by

Filters

T
Tanya
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server did a great job providing excellent service and the food was delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food1service5ambience5
Food was not that good, but service was amazing.
p
positivejoe
Baltimore
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place right off i95 can’t Believe I havnt tried it until now
N
Ntellectual
Atlanta
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitperson Eva was knowledgeable, attentive and has a great demeanor. The food was exquisite especially the parmesan fries, she crab soup, fried oysters and mussels. The scallops were amazing. Great taste, texture, temperature and presentation. The ambiance is perfect for a date, afterwork cocktails or a large, well-dressed and well-behaved group of friends or colleagues. The Hard Shell is a lovely restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Really nice job. The fryer was out but we had plenty of options Two of us split two small plates.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The restaurant is located downtown. The oysters are the best oysters I’ve ever had. We had the filet and HardShell burger. They were both were delicious.
GA
GASteve
Richmond
116 reviews
vip
4.0
116 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service at lunch was great. The restaurant was not very crowded. The she crab soup was good but could have used more crabmeat. Likewise, the crab cake on the crab cake sandwich was good but could have been larger; it was slightly more than half the size of the bun. The side salad was fine.
T
Truefoodie
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The entire meal was exceptional! The raw oysters, and clams were fresh and flavorful. The brussels sprouts and truffle fries were great appetizers. The arugula salad was beautiful, crisp and topped with a perfectly cooked piece of salmon. One guest had the she crab soup and liked…but didn’t love it. The New York strip with fresh lump crab was the winner!! It was cooked to perfection and I loved having the ability to create my own meal. I chose the broccolini and asparagus and loved them both!
JR
JanetR
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved this place and will be back next time we are in town. I had the seafood pasta and it was incredible. Also recommend the carrot cake.
JL
JaLisa
Richmond
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
At this point I eat here weekly lol. Definitely the most consistently delicious food in Richmond.
b
baysalo
Key West
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Pleasantly surprised with our experience. Will surely be back.
RO
RayzdocOBX
Chicago
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Clean, crisp, simple but beautiful; comfortable seating. Excellent service and food!
RH
RichardH
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our go-to place to celebrate. This was our third New Years plus we have celebrated several anniversaries at the Hard Shell, downtown. A little pricey...but a really nice restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Top notch service and delicious food
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience3
You would think if your gonna pay these prices and go to a “high end” restaurant they would have a dress code. The guy sitting next me had pajama pants on and his friend was wearing shorts (It was December 30th) The food was so so but the server was fantastic.
m
mightymouse
Richmond
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at this restaurant. Really enjoyed the experience. Will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Completely amazing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great experience! We decided to dine out for Christmas Eve and we weren’t disappointed.
MV
MilVA
Richmond
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I have dinner every Christmas Eve at the downtown Hard Shell and it never disappoints. We had reservations but decided to join Dane at the bar instead. It was an great decision and he was great. Best wishes to all for a happy 2023!
RA
RichelleA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I loved this place. The food was so good. Had the shrimp and scallops
MC
MC90
Atlanta
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and great service! The ambience is wonderful too - perfect for a date night, girl's night, or just a dinner with friends. Highly recommend!
JP
JaimeP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We were celebrating our 38th anniversary and have always enjoyed having dinner here. We will definitely go again soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
The lobster tail was poached perfectly, tender and juicy. For dessert, the key lime pie was outstanding. Definitely will be back soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Space to small food good and service okay
CR
CharlotteR
Richmond
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience5
We went for our anniversary and stated so on the reservation. No acknowledgement of such from anyone. The server did not ask any questions nor did he offer any recommendations, we had to ask if there was a special entre. Server would get 1 out of 5 stars. The food was, as always, fantastic. A bit disappointed in not receiving any acknowledgement of our special day, but would return for the food but never for an occasion.
EJ
ElizabethJ
Raleigh
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service great food
JG
JanieG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice atmosphere, service and food. First time in Richmond and we picked a great place for dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was Emily who was bright about the menu, gracious and efficient. .Great oysters appetizer and excellent Hard Shell burger with inventive side salad. The Hard She’ll was a great find for us,
DA
DavidA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Got a great seat. Food was prompt delicious and a good amount.
BP
BrianP
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful atmosphere. Great food. A bit pricey on the entree side but the drinks and hors d'oeuvres were reasonable. I would go again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our sever (Vincent, I believe) was so great. He times our courses out perfectly and it was the best date my husband and I have had since moving from Chicago. Thank you to Vincent and the rest of the staff!
l
lodyt
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved our wait person ‘Em! Made our meal all the more awesome! Definitely coming back and recommending to everyone
S
Sorin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, so I am super picky about my seafood. Especially raw oysters, steamed crabs, and crab cakes. The Hard Shell provided a dozen quality oysters and they were substantial in size. The crab cake sandwich was perfect - little to no filler, not over cooked, and paired with a lovely sauce that kept everything juicy and moist. 10/10 will be back again soon for another business lunch.
RG
RuairiG
Exclusive
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
I love this restaurant. Food is excellent. Fried oysters are excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and awesome service, will be visiting this place again soon.
BJ
BrendaJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Blackened ribeye with shrimp was probably the best steak I’ve ever had. It was cooked exactly the way I asked-medium- and you could cut it with a butter knife. Our server, Vincent, was super friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back to get this again … and again!
DO
DONJ
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Daughter’s birthday
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
In town for a college visit, and it happened to be restaurant week. Both the food on the regular menu, and the restaurant three course meal were amazing! Fresh delicious seafood and wonderful steak!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
It was OK. The food was pricey for what you received.
HN
HalN
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went early, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Great food, and will be back again

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 1515 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

Feb 2, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 17 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

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Richmond

Ruby Salts Oysters

Fried Oysters

She Crab Soup

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

Filters

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