The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

Review summary

1. G

   Glen VIP

   Richmond71 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Very disappointed this time. Cold crab soup, kinda fatty ribs and worse of all was them no longer let me substitute mahi for the standard fried fish in the fish tacos. For at least 10 years it has not been a problem and it was the dish I most frequently went there for. Maybe never again as they were harsh in their NO MORE SUBSTITUTIONS per the chef. I didnt think one piece of fish vs another was that challenging for a chef :)
   

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2. D

   Darlene VIP

   Richmond7 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We are long term and dedicated diners at Hard Shell. Love the staff however, a large but after last night in regards to side options. Ordered the tuna sandwich and wanted Brussel sprouts (personal favorite) over fries. I was informed about the unreasonable new policy that I couldn’t substitute sides without being charged the full amount for the Brussels sprouts. No up charge was even offered although I could better deal with that than a full charge. I can go to many other like restaurants and get any side I desire for no additional charge. We were with friends that shared the same sentiment as we did. In my humble opinion, this policy is wrong and needs to be addressed. I did speak with the manager on duty and was informed that this was indeed the new policy. None of this endeared me to want to return any time soon. Being long time and faithful Hard Shell followers this pains me deeply. Validates to me, not ALL change is for the better.
   

   The Hard Shell - BellgradeResponded 1 day ago

   Hi Darlene. I am sorry if there was a miscommunication last night. We will change out the sides options on a sandwich. You are correct, if there needs to be an additional charge, then we will apply said charge to the item. We appreciate and value your continued business and hope to see you again soon.
   

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3. MO

   MONIQUED

   Richmond9 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Had a good birthday dinner with our son celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We made a 7:45 pm reservation because there were no earlier times available, even though it was later than we usually dine. Upon arrival the restaurant is practically empty and we are seated at a table after waiting a few minutes and not exactly greeted warmly By hostess. A server greeted us very quickly with a “we need to hurry and get orders in and I’ll check to make sure staff knows You’re here because we close at 8.” So I said we had a reservation for 7:45 that I made online and the response with attitude was “oh yea well you made it online and we are not allowed to call you”. Was I not supposed to do that?? Like so it’s my fault. Honestly we should’ve just left. Stayed. Food was pretty good. Server made an attempt to be less Karen as dinner continued but it was obvious our presence was an annoyance. You really need to fix reservation system or instruct your staff to respond in an appropriate manner. It’s not like you’re a fast food restaurant. People don’t make a casual decision to dine at a restaurant like this one. I wish someone had just called us earlier that evening and told us they can’t accept us. So embarrassing for us in front of our out of town family here for a funeral.
   

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5. H

   Helen

   Atlanta5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful experience with my Neice/God Daughter visiting from NC. Such a wonderful experience! Thank you
   

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6. R

   Rick

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Egg benedict with lump cake and the egg omelet were outstanding. Was not aware they did brunch and highly recommend it.
   

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7. C

   Chris

   Richmond3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a great experience eating with a group at Hardshell. Everything was top notch from our server to the manager. Its was a fun experience and we will be back for sure.
   

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8. R

   Robb VIP

   Richmond9 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   I had the special - blackened mahi and shrimp. Very tasty and served piping hot.
   

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9. K

   Kristine

   Richmond11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 7 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Outstanding as usual. We certainly recommend the service and the seafood.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Awesome place. The only thing that could be better is if the sound didn’t reflect off the walls and we could hear other conversations versus our own Food was great! Service was great!
    

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