The Hard Shell

08/07/2007 Posted by rleef77

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 me something while I waited for my waitress. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Whitehaven Vineyards and it tasted like Martinelli's sparkling cider. My waitress finally showed up and I ask whether the lobster chowder or she crab soup was better and she assured me the she crab was better. I'd really hate to taste the lobster chowder because the she crab was pretty gross. The flavor was fine, but the texture was more like melted cheese with 2 lumps of crab meat. The main reason I went to Hard Shell was for the crab cakes. I figured a seafood restaurant would have some of the best. The crab cakes were really good and they're about the only reason I would go back. They were really moist and hardly any filler. They were served with dried up rice and thin asparagus. I guess being from CA I know more wine than I should and the wine list was decent, but the prices were outrageous. They had a $17 bottle of Frogs leap Sauvignon Blanc for $42. That's just crazy.

Pros: Crab cakes and the outdoor seating was nice

Cons: The service was bad, she crab soup was bad and the wine list was expensive.

06/18/2007 Posted by babyblue211328

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 leaving me wanting more. So The next weekend I went back for Fathers day. I went on saturday nights, both times and around 8 is when it gets busy. I like dinner around 6:30, and it is a good time to go. You can make reservations, or walk in. Yea, the menu is kinda pricy, but you are getting quality seafood cooked to perfection alongside great steaks or veggies that are so tasty it makes you chew slower to actualy taste your food and not just eat. I love the atmosphere, with the brick walls, wood floors and outside dining I will be back sooner than later. the food was better than expected, the lobster dip is a must order and the cheese cake is the perfect ending to a mouth watering dinner. The service was perfect the first time I went, being an ex-waitress of 3 years, and so so the second time. But both times the parking was free, the food was perfect and the atmosphere is just one of those you have to experience!

Pros: Atmosphere, food experience

Cons: might be a little pricy for those who don't know good seafood!

04/05/2007 Posted by hartleytf

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 each week and enjoy a nice dining experience. This was one of the worst I have ever experienced for a fairly high-priced meal. I didn't mind the prices in the menu when we first entered the restaurant, but charging what they did for a truly disgusting meal was criminal. I still cannot believe the response I got when I showed the fish to the staff. She finally removed it when I told her I could not eat it... never offerred any comp or to take it off the bill.. never offerred to bring something else. That turned out to be a good thing, since I ended up getting sick about an hour later.

Pros: ambience is great

Cons: food was awfull and service was terrible as well

05/12/2006 Posted by jaturner

Extremely pricy. Not much selection on the menu. Extremely noisy.

Pros: free parking, outdoor dining

Cons: noisy, Expensive, crowded

10/27/2005 Posted 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.

Pros: Very good food

Cons: Noisey

05/22/2004 Posted by blehrhoff6

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.

Pros: Fresh Seafood, Great Selection, Live Jazz

08/13/2002 Posted by uvachief

Best calamari in Richmond. My favorite seafood place so far. Have not tried Mile Post 5 yet. Love all of their appetizers and not much to miss on the menu. Ambience is great. Jazz is a nice touch. Wine selection is wide and varied but their house wine is excellent. Little pricey but worth it.

Pros: food, ambience, wine

Cons: price