The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

4.6

2710 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

10 Mar 2025

19:00

Select a time

Booked 16 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Great for happy hour

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 10:30–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–15:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:30–17:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–20:00
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
Area
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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Ruby Salts Oysters**US$12.95
- DzUS$24.95
Middle Neck Clams**US$8.95
- DzUS$14.95
Steamed ShrimpUS$12.95
- LbUS$24.95
Snow CrabUS$14.95
- LbUS$28.95
Dungeness Crab
- LbUS$30.95
King Crab
- LbUS$38.95
Snow Crab Combo**US$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 FriesUS$6.95
horseradish aioli
Crab DipUS$9.95
old bay, parmesan, lump crab, toasted baguette
Fried CalamariUS$10.95
sweet chili & horseradish peppercorn aioli
Shrimp CocktailUS$12.95
5 jumbo shrimp, house cocktail sauce
Fried OystersUS$12.95
corn relish, house hot sauce, cilantro lime crema
Crab CakesUS$13.95
house tartar sauce
Pan Roasted Mussels^^US$10.95
white wine herb lemon garlic butter, bacon, toasted bread
Seared ScallopsUS$15.95
dates, lardons, sage brown butter
Brussels SproutsUS$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 SoupUS$5.95
topped with crab meat
House SaladUS$7.95
carrots, tomatoes, radish, red onions, lemon herb vinaigrette
Classic CaesarUS$8.95
romaine, shaved parmesan cheese, croutons, white anchovies
Baby Iceberg WedgeUS$10.95
tomatoes, smoked bacon, red onion, gorgonzola dressing
Arugula SaladUS$9.95
apple, cranberry, toasted pecans, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette

Sandwiches

served with house-cut fries or side salad

Angus Burger*US$11.95
8 oz burger, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato & onion, brioche bun
Hard Shell Burger*US$13.95
smoked bacon, fried onions, horseradish aioli, brioche bun
Crab Cake SandwichUS$14.95
arugula, house tartar sauce, brioche bun
Blackened Chicken SandwichUS$11.95
cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, chipotle lime aioli
Lobster Roll Maine LobsterUS$24.95
citrus herb aioli, shredded lettuce

Seafood

Fish TacosUS$18.95
fried grouper, pickled red cabbage, pineapple salsa, jalapeno, cilantro, chipotle aioli
Simply Grilled Salmon*US$21.95
roasted potatoes, asparagus, lemon butter
Seared RockfishUS$26.95
whipped potatoes, brussels, dates, bacon, lemon butter
Blackened Mahi MahiUS$22.95
coconut rice, sauteed spinach, pineapple salsa, plantain chip
Fried OystersUS$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^US$26.95
orange sticky rice, sauteed vegetables, soy ginger butter
Lobster TailUS$24.95
grilled or poached, roasted potatoes, asparagus, lemon butter
Pan Seared Crab Cakes^US$28.95
corn & sweet potato salad, chipotle lime aioli, queso fresco
Hard Shell PastaUS$28.95
linguine, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, lobster tail, tomato basil marinara

Meats

6 oz Filet Mignon*US$26.95
whipped potatoes, asparagus, rosemary demi-glace
10 oz Hanger Steak*US$25.95
house-cut fries, horseradish aioli & house steak sauce
14 oz New York Strip*US$32.95
roasted potatoes, asparagus, jumbo lump crab, dijon cream
6 oz Angus Filet & Lobster Tail*
whipped potatoes, asparagus, drawn butter
- MKT
Bourbon Molasses RibsUS$20.95
full rack of ribs, french fries, slaw
Rib & Crab ComboUS$24.95
half rack of ribs, 1 cluster of dungeness crab, french fries, slaw

What 2,710 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade is a "neighborhood gem" for seafood lovers, offering "excellent" she-crab soup and "fantastic soft shell crabs." Many praise the "attentive" service and "great food," with favorites like crab cakes and oysters. While noise levels can be high, the ambiance remains "pleasant."

2,710 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day 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.
Is this helpful?
H
Helen
Atlanta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day 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
Is this helpful?
R
Rick
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day 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.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day 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.
Is this helpful?
R
Robb
VIP
Richmond
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 2 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.
Is this helpful?
K
Kristine
Richmond
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding as usual. We certainly recommend the service and the seafood.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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!
Is this helpful?
V
Vickey
VIP
Richmond
69 reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience! However with the new menu, the rockfish entree with mashed potatoes and dates has been replaced with a rockfish polenta dish that was subpar. The original rockfish dish was delicious with a great balance of fish, sauce, dates and vegs. Please please put it back on. Thank you, very-frequent local dinner
Is this helpful?
J
John
Atlantic City
104 reviews
5.0
104 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Vast menu of different types of food. Very good drink list. Definitely recommend.
Is this helpful?
K
Kay
Richmond
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
She-crab soup delicious as always. Grace was an attentive and thoughtful server.
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 4.6 stars by 2710 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

10 Mar 2025

19:00

Select a time

Booked 16 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
Area
Midlothian
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–15:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:30–17:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–20:00
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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thehardshell.com/
Phone number
(804) 464-1476

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

Make a booking

Select a time

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Virginia

The Best Bars for Foodies in Richmond

Raw Bar

Ruby Salts Oysters**US$12.95

Middle Neck Clams**US$8.95

Steamed ShrimpUS$12.95

Snow CrabUS$14.95

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab Combo**US$36.95

Maine Lobster Combo**

Appetizers

Parmesan Truffle FriesUS$6.95

Crab DipUS$9.95

Fried CalamariUS$10.95

Shrimp CocktailUS$12.95

Fried OystersUS$12.95

Crab CakesUS$13.95

Pan Roasted Mussels^^US$10.95

Seared ScallopsUS$15.95

Brussels SproutsUS$9.95

Meat & Cheese Plate

Cheeses^^

Meats^^

Soup & Salads

She Crab SoupUS$5.95

House SaladUS$7.95

Classic CaesarUS$8.95

Baby Iceberg WedgeUS$10.95

Arugula SaladUS$9.95

Sandwiches

Angus Burger*US$11.95

Hard Shell Burger*US$13.95

Crab Cake SandwichUS$14.95

Blackened Chicken SandwichUS$11.95

Lobster Roll Maine LobsterUS$24.95

Seafood

Fish TacosUS$18.95

Simply Grilled Salmon*US$21.95

Seared RockfishUS$26.95

Blackened Mahi MahiUS$22.95

Fried OystersUS$22.95

Live Maine Lobster

Grilled Shrimp & Scallops^US$26.95

Lobster TailUS$24.95

Pan Seared Crab Cakes^US$28.95

Hard Shell PastaUS$28.95

Meats

6 oz Filet Mignon*US$26.95

10 oz Hanger Steak*US$25.95

14 oz New York Strip*US$32.95

6 oz Angus Filet & Lobster Tail*

Bourbon Molasses RibsUS$20.95

Rib & Crab ComboUS$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 bookings?

Make a booking

Select a time

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