The Hard Shell

Upon arrival, we were seated outside.. OK great.Jessy(?) our server promptly took our drink order- I ordered a bottle of Merlot while my husband got a beer. After delivering our drinks, Jessy rushes us to get our appetizer, he was also anxious to get our dinner order- I politely asked him if we could have a few more minutes.

Special occasion time means special place to eat. Made some birthday reservations for this place. Upon arriving, I was surprised how busy it was for a Tuesday night.

They have a nice area for some outside seating but it was a little too warm for me so we choose to eat inside. Waitress was super friendly. Patiently explained the menu and some of the cocktails selections.

The fried oysters appetizer was killer. Perfectly cooked bite size oysters placed on top of some amazing salsa. I had the Blackened Mahi Mahi. Very nicely cooked. The mashed potatoes was very creamy and seasoned well.

Tasty food. We went for lunch. The baked oyster and baked mussel appetizers are great. For light eaters, the 3 small crabcake appetizer is fine. She crab soup is tasty, get the small one, very rich. The shrimp and scallop is a bit light for the price, 3 shrimp, 2 scallops. Service, was not impressive, water and ice team refills required flagging down a waiter. If the photos I submit stay attached to this review, take a look at the building shots, the place is hard to find and they have a very small sign.

Excellent lunch experience, for both service and food. Took clients there: perfect setting with a combination of casual and wonderful menu. My blacked tuna sandwich was phenomenal. Lightly pan-seared with a combination of greens that I would not have thought of. Normally I'll only eat half of a sandwich and save the other half for later; not this time!

My husband and I visited The Hard Shell during a weekend trip to Richmond. A friend suggested this place and it was AMAZING!!!! We shared the muscles appetizer and husband had the oysters from the raw bar (I don't remember which ones, but they had options. I don't eat them to begin with and am pregnant couldn't try them. He said they were fresh and ate every last one). The broth for the muscles was buttery, savory, and flavorful. For entrees I had the lobster pasta and he had the surf n turf. Both lobster tails absolutely melted in your mouth! The pasta was creamy, well cooked and the truffle oil cream sauce was so damn good. His steak was cooked to his temp and really good, granted I only tried one tiny edge piece that was well done. For dessert we shared the key lime pie and the the vanilla creme brule'. Both amazing! The key lime pie was so thick and decadent! This was a splurge dinner and the cost is a little higher than normal BUT WORTH EVERY CENT!!!