Jimmy's Carryout in Baltimore: Cantonese Roasted Meats and Noodles by the Pound
Jimmy's Carryout is a small counter-service operation on Mulberry Street in Baltimore's Chinatown that specializes in roasted chicken, duck, and pork served over rice or noodles, with pricing structured by weight rather than plate size.
What Jimmy's Actually Is
A no-frills carryout focused on Cantonese-style roasted meats. The operation consists of a counter with a visible rotisserie, a small ordering window, and minimal seating. Jimmy's does not take reservations, does not deliver, and closes early most days. The clientele skews toward people grabbing lunch or dinner on foot, office workers from nearby blocks, and long-term Chinatown residents who know the menu by heart.
Roasted Meats and Noodle Pricing
Whole birds and large cuts hang in the window. A half chicken costs roughly $8 to $10; a quarter runs $4 to $5. Roasted pork belly and duck are priced per pound, typically $12 to $16 per pound depending on the cut and current meat costs. All proteins come with a choice of steamed rice or chow mein noodles at no upcharge. A standard order, say a quarter chicken with rice and a small container of gravy, costs around $6 to $7. Combination plates mixing two proteins are available but uncommon; most people order single-protein, single-starch. Prices shift with wholesale meat costs, so confirmation before visiting is wise.
How Jimmy's Compares to Other Baltimore Cantonese Spots
Chinatown has several roasted-meat counters, each with slightly different strengths. Ding How, also on Mulberry Street, offers a larger dining room and broader dim sum service alongside roasted meats, making it better for sit-down meals or larger groups. Wa Ga on Paca Street includes congee and rice-noodle soup in rotation, appealing to diners who want broth-based dishes. Jimmy's succeeds by offering speed, consistency in its roasted meats, and lower prices than full-service dim sum restaurants. Choose Jimmy's if you want protein and starch fast and cheap; choose Ding How if you want to sit down and order multiple small plates.
Who This Place Suits and Who It Doesn't
Jimmy's works for office workers on a short lunch break, people building a quick meal at home, and anyone seeking authentic Cantonese roasted meat without upcharge for atmosphere or service. It does not suit diners expecting a full menu, alcohol, or table service. Vegetarians will find no substantive options. Anyone uncomfortable ordering at a counter with minimal English-language prompting should know that pointing at the window or showing a photo of a desired cut is normal and accepted.
First Visit Logistics
Arrive before 7 p.m. on a weekday; Jimmy's often sells out of certain meats by closing time. Stand at the counter, look at the hanging birds and cuts in the window, and order by pointing or name. The staff will ask how many pieces and whether you want rice or noodles. Payment is cash only. Expect your order in five to ten minutes. There are two small tables inside; most customers take food away.
Hours, Parking, and Access
Jimmy's is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and closed Sundays. Verify current hours by phone before a visit, as holiday closures and staffing gaps can shift the schedule. Parking on Mulberry Street is metered and difficult; the nearby Chinatown parking garage on Saratoga Street is the safest option. The location is a ten-minute walk from the Charles Center Light Rail stop.
Jimmy's has operated on the same block for decades and remains one of Chinatown's most consistent sources for roasted meat at transparent, low pricing. The place demands nothing beyond what it delivers.
