The Hard Shell Bellgrade

Used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Oysters are smaller and overcooked. Prices are high. Service is mediocre. Other options in area are better so probably my last time giving them a chance

We went for Sunday brunch. The picture on the sign outside showed delicious looking crepe-like pancakes with blueberries and strawberries. But the actual blueberry pancakes, while delicious and loaded with blueberries, had no strawberries, and were not crepe-like. I asked the server if you had real maple syrup or just corn syrup and it was the latter - and I don't think she knew what maple syrup is. But you should offer that for a quality pancake experience. After learning their were no strawberries as pictured, I ordered an omelet, and it was delicious.

Great meal!! The only issue was that our French fries were cut extremely small-we had to eat them with a fork!

Food was so so for the price. Drinks were small for the $ and service was marginal Asked for a quiet booth. Put next to the kitchen. Stated in res it was an anniversary dinner, no mention no nothing

First - our server Kate was great! She was very friendly, attentive and took wonderful care of us our entire meal.. Second- the food was delicious! I had the crispy-skin rockfish. Yes, the skin WAS crispy! The crispy brussels sprouts had a hint of sweetness.. Yum! The only thing I did not care for was the polenta. It was NOT creamy at all! Very lumpy and really unappealing. If I was going to send the plate back for anything, it would be for that. My husband really enjoyed his crab cake and lobster tail. Impressed that the lobster was perfectly cooked. Looking forward to another visit.

Our server, Jack, was outstanding!!! He made the whole dining experience memorable. Hard Shell is our family's favorite restaurant and they lived up to that expectation Friday evening. The majority of our guests enjoyed their Dungeness crab which was cooked to perfection. We also enjoyed the oysters and crab cake. Next time, we will reserve a table on the outdoor patio which looks to be a great combination of al fresco dining with protection from the elements.

Always a great experience but was disappointed that the rockfish with dates and potatoes isn't on the menu. Its my favorite dish and hope you'd bring it back.

Most in our party liked our choices. Fried oysters were heavy on breading and disappointing, however.

We were so pleasantly surprised, went for a borthday dinner after the boys golfed and wanted a surf and turf option. DELISH!! Great vibe, easy and not fussy but great food (so casual vibe but upscale food).

I had a great birthday dinner at The Hard Shell! The atmosphere was welcoming, clean, and comfortable. I got the Simply Prepared Shrimp with Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli. It was delicious! I even loved that they gave a free dessert for my birthday! I picked the crème brûlée, which was delicious as well!

The food was good but I was very disappointed with Hard Shell's no substitutions policy. I don't care for mashed potatoes and asked to sub russet potatoes and was told they would have to charge me for the russets as a separate side dish. I dropped $108 at this restaurant and they wouldn't change the potatoes. Probably my last time there.

Celebrating a Special Birthday – A Memorable Evening

My two friends and I visited this restaurant on May 30th to celebrate a 70-ish birthday, and we arrived right at 4 PM when dinner service began. The atmosphere was elegant, clean, and well-lit—perfect for a special occasion.

Initially, our server seemed a bit unfriendly, which was disappointing. However, as the evening progressed, his demeanor improved significantly, and the service became much more pleasant.

I ordered the hard shell seafood and requested Alfredo sauce instead of the usual tomato-based option, and they were happy to accommodate. The dish was absolutely delicious! The bread served reminded me of Jamaican coco bread—soft, slightly sweet, and very satisfying.

One friend had a cheeseburger, and the other enjoyed a shrimp dish. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, the ambiance, and the great conversation that flowed throughout the evening.

All in all, it was a delightful experience, and I’d definitely consider returning.

Menu was outstanding as usual, we had cocktails “I don't feel my legs “, delicious. She crap soup and the new soup was amazing flavored, Salmon and Loabster were perfect cooked and seasoning. Overall excellent experience, reception, waitress excellent as well! Our favorite restaurant in Midlothian! Thanks Guys you rock always!

Had our anniversary dinner at Hard Shell tonight. First, the crab soup lacked the requisite sherry or any seasoning at all and was just barely lukewarm cream, NOT hot!! However, the soup did have a decent amount of crab on top. Next issue was when I asked to substitute roasted potatoes for the whipped potatoes (both listed at $5.95 on the menu). I was told there would be a $5.95 UPCHARGE for the substitution of potatoes for potatoes!! I asked twice to clarify because I could not believe it. Lobster tail was decent albeit small. However, came with drawn butter and a lemon wedge NOT with their usual delicious citrus burre blanc sauce. Generic bread with dinner was served after requesting it, but with a $2.00 charge. We did receive a free dessert for our anniversary, but should not have selected the mediocre “brownie” with ice cream. We have been dining at The Hard Shell for many, many years and are quite disappointed with the mediocre food. We are disappointed that they appear to no longer value their patron's dining experience.

I usually love this restaurant, however yesterday was NOT a great customer experience. The waitress was great, but we waited almost an hour before our entrees arrived. We placed our dinner order together with our appetizers. The appetizers arrived promptly. We were never given an explanation or an apology concerning the delay in receiving our meals. Several other guests just got up and left. Additionally, the menu stated Butter poached lobster tails, I only received one and three bites it was gone! Very disappointing! We were celebrating my Aunt's 92 birthday!