My husband and I have been trying out local steamed crab places and so far this place is the best. The crabs are big, heavy and tasty. We got crabs from them 2 days in a row once. Definitely will be going back in the near future to get our crab fix. We got snow crab legs from them once too but unfortunately we thought it was bit pricey and bit dry. Maybe bad crab legs day? read more

Crabs in Columbia! Every time I've ordered and picked up from here (6 times now) I've told them that this area needed a place like this badly. Each time I've ordered, I've called 1-2 days ahead to place my order. I've gotten exactly what I wanted every time, and the size and consistency of their crabs is better than anywhere else I've ordered from. The seasoning is great, and every crab is full and flavorful. I also love that they offer unshucked oysters by the dozen, because that's a great add-on for us. They've got competitive prices, high quality product and a location that can't be beat if you live in or around Columbia. read more

Hard Shell - 2 dozen Medium - Seafood Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

I thought this place was the best for crabs and had been going there for over a year periodically. I would always get 1/2 dozen of large crabs because it's only for me. Today they would not sell me 1/2 dozens as the guy stated that he would only sell by the dozen. I will not be going there ever again. I am very disappointed read more

If you're in the Columbia/Elkridge area and looking for a grab place this is the place to go. I call in and can get my crabs within 30 minutes and the crabs are nice and heavy. There customer service is also great. read more

The owner told me that the crabs were very good and charged me the regular size. All I received were small and soft crabs. They didn't taste good at all. I understand that the crabs are not consistent, but to charge me for the larger size and gave the small crabs was not acceptable. read more

If you want dry, old, and overcooked snow crab legs this place is for you! I generally try to give new businesses a chance or two before giving them a review, but this place is horrible period! Almost everything they ran out of and they just opened. The best thing on the menu was the crab cake and that was uncooked. Small and overcooked shrimps for their "large shrimps" I'd honestly just drive an extra 10 miles in any direction to eat at a seafood place. Don't waste your time here. read more

Hard Shell - Seafood Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

The crabs were excellent; very meaty and heavy. The service was great as well. I placed my order over the phone and the crabs were ready within 30 minutes. read more

Awesome flavor had a little problem with freshness of crabcakes but owner quickly relived issue without complaint

My boyfriend and I have gotten crabs here twice so far. Both times they were excellent- perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, sweet, fresh crabmeat. I'm from MD and have been eating blue crabs my whole life. This place is the real deal. I will absolutely be ordering from them again and again. We are lucky to have these guys in Howard county! read more

My family tried the large crabs, jumbo shrimp, crab cakes, and corn today at Hard Shell for the first time today! Everything was so yummy! We ordered a dozen crabs but Hard Shell gave us so much more. Will definitely come back for all the great food soon! read more

Best service and prices for what you order. The seasoning is not to salty or overwhelming. Im from New Orleans and was surprised they even had live crawfish. I've never been disappointed. read more

By far the best crabs within 15+ miles of Columbia MD. ALWAYS full. Mustard is always pale yellow (a sign of freshness). At most crab houses the 2 of us have to order 2+ dozen large, here we are sated at 12....pushing it when we get 1.5 dozen. Perfectly cooked, not over seasoned. read more

Best steamed blue crabs! Always meaty no matter the size. Reasonable prices. Take out only.

Delicious crabs cooked to perfection! Great customer service! Even grabbed a bag of old bay caramel popcorn that was a pleasant surprise.

Didn't even eat anything. Nothing on their website as of this posting says they are carry out only. Drove 20 minutes to find out you need to order ahead and cannot dine in. read more

Picked up a 1/2 bushel large steamed crabs last night-and finally a true to the word-LARGE CRABS! Tasty meaty and not a watery or light crab in the lot. Yes expensive, but when I pay a-lot -I expect to get good crabs and I did! read more

Hard Shell - Seafood Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

We hadn't had steamed crabs in a couple years and I'd recently discovered Hard Shell so decided to give their crabs a try. We ordered a dozen medium and were more than happy with what we got. At least 13 or 14 medium crabs, perfectly seasoned and steamed and full of meat. I stopped in the day before to order, I don't know if it's necessary to pre-order but I'd suggest it just in case. Delicious! read more

I have picked up HardShell multiple times. always just caught, noted by the light yellow row, vs dark brown. always HEAVY!!, can barely pop down a dozen X-large between the 2 of us. there are several places that do deliver...begins with R, ends with L, DO NOT!. Never have I had a light, re-cooked, dead-cooked crab from HardShell. Better than cantlers, mikes, or any other. 30 year MD native. read more

Let me just say as a native Baltimorean, eating steamed crabs since I could walk, Hard shell offers the best steamed crabs I have had in my 60 plus years living in the Baltimore area. They are the real deal. I have been back three times, and have been more than pleased each time. The seasoning is exceptional, the crabs size is spot on, the crabs are heavy and full. They are cooked perfectly as the claw meat comes out easily after cracking and usually whole. The staff are very nice people and very customer oriented. I am tasting the next batch as I write this review!!!! I am a truly satisfied and very happy customer. read more

marty delivered 4 bushels of the best crabs ever. he gave us mallets and corn as a gift. highly recommended.

My family and I love steam crabs and this is in my opinion the best place in the area for them. I don't know what it is but it's something about their seasoning that makes them stand out. Ever since we moved to Howard county I've tried a few places and this place is definitely the best! It's really cool that they sell their seasoning separately because I use it for chicken and other things that I cook. This is a great carry out place for crabs and other seafood and I highly recommend it! read more

I attempted to call to order crabs, as instructed on their website, but they were very rude. I will not support a business that is this rude to potential customers. read more

Crabs are seasoned great and a nice size. Service was pleasant! I recommend calling ahead to minimize the wait.

Really nice service and they looked out for us! I wasn't excepting for them to be so accommodating. I NEVER. write reviews but I had to! I hope you guys try them out. On my way home to eat the crabs and might add another review. Just had to write it now because I'm lazy and would forget to say something if I did it when I got home. read more

These crabs are CONSISTENTLY stellar! True to size, meaty, and oh so scrumptious! They do what all crab places should: toss their light crabs into a separate section called, "Lites." Prices are fair and the owners have integrity. During the time crab leg prices went through the roof, these owners decided not to even feature them because they didn't want to charge their customers exorbitant prices. Order ahead and choose your time slot. They're ready on time. So whether you're having a crab feast...or just want a dozen for yourself, you won't go wrong here. read more

Ordered a half bushel large crabs for pickup that afternoon. When I arrived they were hot and ready to go. Friendly service. Crabs were heavy, well seasoned and delicious. We will be back soon! read more

Fantastic Crabs. Always the size you order and even throw in some bigger crabs . Never, I repeat Never a light crab. Opening them up you will not get any water coming out as they are MEATY!!!. My go to place always. Live or steamed they serve to please. Other items they have you should try like soups and shrimp etc. They taste great. Place is here to stay!!! read more

They have a loyal customer forever love the customer service gives you a warm at home feel the crabs are amazing heavy nice size and AFFORDABLE My mom told me about this place she loves the owners she always raves about how nice they are and how good the crabs are so we tried them out she was 100% accurate i will never get seafood from anywhere else I've told all my friends and coworkers about Hard Shell read more

So happy we noticed this place while driving by! We are big crab eaters, and this is much more convenient than others places we've gone. We've gotten steamed crabs twice now- crabs were good, perfectly seasoned, and the staff was very nice. Can't wait to try the soup next time! read more

We unfortunately found them ver rude when we walked in to see what they had and see if we could buy some steamed crab. Not sure we'd return. Wild Seafood has always been our go to, and never rude there. read more

This place is great ! Customer service is is 5 stars and their crabs are top quality .

Came here for the first time Saturday. Got a 3 dozen male crabs. The crabs were very flavorful and meaty. I would recommend the place to anyone. The flavor alone I think is the best I've had on crabs. Really enjoyed the crabs on a beautiful Saturday. This will be my new go to crab place no doubt. Thanks Hard She'll for the yummy crabs. read more

I truly enjoy crabs here. I am from Baltimore and a crab lover so I love that I have a spot that is close and has awesome crabs.

I truly dont know why there are not more reviews on this place. I went there yesterday to buy a dozen crabs and to be honest, I was very skeptical because this was my first time going to this place. I had no idea they were located right up the street from me. I cant say enough about this place. Their large crabs are huge and fresh. I was actually shock. How could I not know about this place? They were delicious. I am very particular about my crabs and they exceeded my expectation. If you are looking for fresh large crabs, this is the place. read more

hard shell is our go to spot in howard county! we are always satisfied seafood is always good.