Lemongrass Too in Baltimore: Thai Cooking That Rewards Repeat Orders
Lemongrass Too is a compact Thai restaurant in Southeast Baltimore that specializes in curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes cooked to order with adjustable spice levels. The kitchen takes requests seriously: proteins cook individually, sauces are made fresh, and heat can be dialed from mild to intensely hot. It operates as a casual counter-service spot without table service, designed for takeout and eat-in dining at a handful of tables.
What Lemongrass Too actually is
The restaurant occupies a narrow storefront with seating for roughly a dozen people at small tables and counter space. Orders are placed at the register, then collected at the kitchen window. The menu spans about 40 items across curries (red, green, yellow, panang), stir-fried dishes with chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, pad thai and other rice noodle dishes, and a small selection of spring rolls and appetizers. The operation is owner-managed and does not use delivery apps, which means you visit in person or call ahead to pick up. The kitchen is visible from the dining area, which builds confidence that food is cooked fresh rather than held.
Menu, pricing, and spice levels
Curries and stir-fries run 12 to 15 dollars for single proteins and 16 to 18 dollars for shrimp or combination plates. Pad thai and noodle dishes fall in the 11 to 14 dollar range. Spring rolls cost 4 to 6 dollars per order. Prices may shift with ingredient costs; call to confirm before a large order.
The spice slider is genuinely functional here. Mild means no visible chili heat; medium brings warmth without overwhelming; hot is properly fiery; and extra-hot is meant for people with proven tolerance. The kitchen remembers regular customers and will adjust the heat level on return visits without asking. This matters because Bangkok-style curries and certain stir-fries taste completely different across heat levels, and getting it wrong ruins the meal. If you are new to Thai food, starting at mild and escalating over visits is reasonable.
How Lemongrass Too compares to other Thai options in Baltimore
Lemongrass Too differs from Thai Nation on Eastern Avenue, which serves similarly priced food but with more elaborate plating, full table service, and a full bar. Thai Nation is better for a sit-down dinner with drinks; Lemongrass Too is faster and cheaper for lunch or casual takeout. Both source fresh herbs and cook to order.
Shan in Fells Point offers upscale Thai food in a designed dining room with cocktails, running 18 to 26 dollars for mains. Shan is the choice for a special occasion; Lemongrass Too is the choice for affordable, no-nonsense everyday eating. The curries at Lemongrass Too are less refined in presentation but equally bold in flavor.
Who this suits and who it does not
Lemongrass Too works well for people seeking direct control over spice heat, consistent quality on a budget, and no-wait lunch orders if you call ahead. It suits regulars who build rapport with staff and benefit from remembered preferences. It does not suit diners wanting ambiance, full service, or a cocktail pairing. It is not suitable for large groups, as seating is minimal and the kitchen can slow under volume.
What a first visit involves
Walk in, read the menu board or ask staff for a recommendation, place your order at the counter with desired protein and heat level, and wait 8 to 12 minutes. Grab a table or take your food with you. Plates are not rushed out; the kitchen prioritizes cooking properly. If you are uncertain about what to order, ask the counter staff which curry is most popular. Green curry is the best entry point for first-timers: it is herbaceous, moderately hot even at medium spice, and showcases the kitchen's technique without requiring prior Thai food experience.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Lemongrass Too is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours shift seasonally. Call ahead to confirm hours and to place a takeout order if you want minimal wait time. Street parking is available on nearby blocks in Southeast Baltimore, typically easy to find outside peak lunch hours. No parking lot is on site. The restaurant does not take reservations and does not use third-party delivery.
Lemongrass Too earns its place in Baltimore's Thai landscape by refusing to compromise on heat control or ingredient freshness while keeping prices well below full-service Thai restaurants. For people who cook Thai food at home or who have strong heat preferences, it remains a reliable choice.
