The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

4.7

2693 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Lively

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
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 2,693 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
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade is praised for its "excellent food and service," offering consistently delicious seafood and a diverse menu. Diners highlight the "delicious she crab soup" and commend the attentive staff. The ambiance can be lively, making it ideal for special occasions. The restaurant is a "neighborhood gem," providing a memorable dining experience.

2,693 Reviews

R
Ryan
Washington DC
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always great! We need to frequent Hard Shell Bellgrade much more often. Food is wonderful, cocktails are tasty and prices are reasonable.
Is this helpful?
j
ja
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Wife and I have eaten here several times. Food is excellent. Surprisingly not difficult to get table at 7pm on short notice. The crab cakes are spectacular, I especially like the pickled red onion. Now, Hard Shell is NOT an expensive restaurant, but it is not a cheap one either. Total bill w one glass of wine, two entrees, and an app was around $100.00 pre gratuity. Service was dreadfully slow. I don't even blame server entirely for this as the whole place was weeded the whole time we were there. We are not in a rush, it's a date not worried. Now, typically when we have eaten here in the past bread is brought to the table. This is such a petty small thing but when I have rez for 7pm and it's 7:40pm and apps have not come out yet I find that frustrating. I see other tables with bread so I ask the server if we could have some. She said yes and then informed me that "it's like $1.00". I found this infuriating. My question is this, did every other table that had bread also ask, and get told that the bread is $1.00? why would you have bread as a accompaniment/offering, if you don't want guests to have it? The price is immaterial as I did not see bread basket on the menu so why would the server not offer it. Again, it seems awfully tacky to charge guests one dollar for a "baguette" especially when we've been seated for 40 minutes without apps even having come out, and in light of the fact we are dropping around $120 on this meal after tip. Again, it is not about the charge. It feels gross that I have to ask and that the restaurant is charging one dollar. Again, my entre was $30 and well worth it!. not most expensive thing on menu but not cheapest. My wife had a glass of wine with her meal.. I don't drink. The app was scallops which were excellent, but I would expect that if I'm paying $16 for 3 scallops. Just thought I'd share this experience.
Is this helpful?
D
Debi
VIP
Richmond
30 reviews
4.0
30 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Hard Shell is one of our go to places. This time, I tried something different as I had a craving for scallops. I usually love anything Asian but although the shrimp and scallops were good, there was too much cabbage and not enough rice. However, it will still be our go to place.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Richmond
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was very professional and courteous throughout our visit. She was very attentive to our needs. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very inviting.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeremiah
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was great and Aubrey our server was FANTASTIC
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Richmond
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Hardshell. The food is delicious and service is great .
Is this helpful?
s
susan
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice, food was delicious & we enjoyed. Lunch was quiet
Is this helpful?
L
Lynn
Richmond
71 reviews
5.0
71 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic; from great service, to delicious food, and a perfect spot for a birthday celebration! We will be back
Is this helpful?
J
Josh
VIP
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Held a business lunch here today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Everybody was very happy with the food, the service was impeccable, and this restaurant just feels great.
Is this helpful?
R
Regina
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everyone was outstanding as usual. Thank you so much.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 464-1476.

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade is rated 4.7 stars by 2693 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Price
$30 and under
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

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Virginia

The Best Bars for Foodies in Richmond

She Crab Soup

Crab Dip

6 oz Filet Mignon

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

Review summary

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Virginia

The Best Bars for Foodies in Richmond