Arlon's Carry Out in Baltimore: No-Frills South Asian Curries and Biryanis
Arlon's is a counter-service operation on Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore that sells Indian curries, biryanis, and breads with a focus on speed and affordability rather than dining room comfort. The menu runs to about a dozen curry options plus rice dishes, and the setup is pure takeout: order at the counter, pay, and leave within minutes. It fills a specific role in Baltimore's Indian food landscape as the cheapest entry point for home-cooked-style curries.
What Arlon's actually offers
The kitchen operates from a small space with minimal seating, if any. The business model centers on volume and low overhead: curries are made in advance, ladled into containers, and paired with basmati rice and naan. There is no table service, no reservations, and no attempt at ambiance. Customers walk in, scan a laminated menu board, order, and typically eat elsewhere or take food home.
Menu and pricing
Curry prices cluster in the $8 to $12 range depending on protein. Chicken curries (tikka masala, butter chicken, korma) sit at the lower end; goat or lamb versions cost $1 to $2 more. Vegetarian curries (dal, chana masala, paneer tikka masala) run $7 to $9. A biryani, which includes rice cooked with meat or vegetables, costs $10 to $13. Naan is $2 to $3 per piece. A complete meal for one person typically costs $12 to $18 before tax.
The curries themselves are thick and not especially refined: they lean sweet and mild rather than complex. Spice levels are calibrated for American palates, not for heat-seeking customers. Vegetarian options exist at every price point, though the emphasis is clearly on meat proteins.
How Arlon's compares to other Baltimore Indian restaurants
Charm City has few low-cost Indian options. Sabor Latino and other Latin-focused spots on Pennsylvania Avenue offer faster transactions but lack Indian depth. Tamashii Ramen on the same corridor offers comparable pricing ($9 to $13 per bowl) but serves Japanese noodles, not curries.
The nearest real competition is Papermoon Diner in Fells Point, which serves Indian-inspired dishes (saag paneer pizza, chicken tikka quesadillas) as part of a broader eclectic menu; a typical Indian entree there costs $14 to $16 and arrives plated and finished. Aam in Harbor East, Baltimore's most formal Indian restaurant, charges $16 to $22 per entree and requires more time and money. Arlon's undercuts both in price and assumes you are willing to sacrifice presentation and leisure for economy.
For someone wanting quick, cheap curry, Arlon's has no direct rival in Baltimore. For someone prioritizing quality, technique, or ambiance, it does not compete with Aam or other seated establishments.
Who this suits and who it does not
Arlon's works for people on tight budgets, those craving a curry lunch at work, and anyone willing to accept modest quality in exchange for speed and low cost. It also suits customers with specific dietary needs: the vegetarian menu is substantial, and staff can typically confirm ingredient questions.
It does not suit diners seeking restaurant experience, plating, or refined flavor. It is not a date destination or a place to linger. If you want butter chicken that tastes fresh and balanced, eat elsewhere. If you want butter chicken for under $11, Arlon's delivers.
What a first visit involves
Walk in, scan the menu board behind the counter, and decide on a curry, rice type (white or brown basmati), and protein. Naan is optional. Place your order verbally, pay cash or card, and wait 5 to 10 minutes while the kitchen rehears and portions your meal. Receive a plastic clamshell container and a small stack of naan in a paper bag. Leave.
There is no printed menu to take home, no order number system, and no seating. The transaction is purely functional. Staff are typically efficient but not chatty.
Hours and logistics
Arlon's operates primarily as a lunch and early-dinner spot; verify exact hours before visiting, as they can shift seasonally. The location is on Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore, accessible by car or bus. Street parking is available but can be tight during midday. There is no dedicated lot. The storefront is modest and easy to miss if you are unfamiliar with the block.
Arlon's occupies a narrow margin in Baltimore's Indian food world: it is the cheapest, fastest option for curry takeout, and it competes on volume and price, not quality or experience. For a weekday lunch or a frugal dinner, it works. For anything else, choose elsewhere.
