Akbar Restaurant Inc

Elite '08

19

51

Rachel K.

Rockville, MD

I LOVE me some Indian food and this was GOOOOD.  I had the Bhindi Masala and the boy had Channa Masala.  It came with a big plate of yellow rice and two servings of papadam.  We also had the naan (of course) and some King Fisher beer.  Total check=$30.  Not quite as cheap as Mumbai, but totally worth it for the US.  There was one really strange thing.  I asked the waiter about dosa and he said they didn't serve it because it was southern Indian (which I knew) so I asked him about a place that he would recommend to get some.  He got really snotty and blew the question off by huffing and saying something like, "it's only for breakfast anyway."

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63

131

Kathryn E.

Dallas, TX

Very good Indian fare, and they have a tasty lunch buffet as well.  Not as good as Ambassador, but close.

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Elite '08

49

75

Richard C.

Baltimore, MD

We were in the mood for Indian food last week, and despite my absence from Yelp reviews for a few months, I still check out the thoughts of fellow Yelpers.  I had already seen Theresa's review last year, so I decided that Akbar was going to be the restaurant to hit on this particular Thursday evening.

I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to Indian food, having been spoiled so much living in England which has some outstanding Indian restaurants.  Akbar didn't just deliver, but it is by far the best Indian food we have had in this country, and certainly on a par with some of our favourite restaurants from back home.

The service is unassuming - nothing special, nothing annoying, just efficient, which is all I'm really looking for.  The food, however, is something quite special.  We ordered the Aloo Tikki and Seekh Kebab from the appetizers, and the Chicken Methiwala and Boti Kebab from the entrees.

The Aloo Tikki (curry-leaf flavored potato pancakes) and Seekh Kebab (ground lamb with spices) were the perfect way to start the meal, and almost made me regret that I couldn't just eat the Seekh Kebab all night - succulent, tender, flavorful cuts of ground lamb 'sausage' - absolutely delectable.

Once the entrees arrived, we were very happy that we weren't eating the appetizers all night.  The Chicken Methiwala (boneless chicken cooked with fenugreek, herbs and spices) was one of the most delicious Indian dishes I have eaten - an Indian spice explosion!  The Boti Kebab (marinated cubes of lamb charcoal broiled tandoori style) came to the table sizzling away, and were then transferred to the plate by the waiter.  OK, so it stated 'cubes of lamb', and I guess they were cubes - 4 enormous 'cubes', each one almost the size of Simona's fist, and each one so tender and flavorful that they need to be tasted to be believed.

And the size of the 'cubes' was consistent with all of the food we had - very large portions, easily accommodating taking leftovers home for a complete second meal in the next day or two.  Our food came to around $35, and their wine and beer selection was also fairly inexpensive.  There website also has $5 discount vouchers if you order 2 entrees (found this out after our meal!), making it an even cheaper date.

I can't recommend Akbar highly enough - it's a gem tucked away in the basement level of Charles Street, and it's even managed to persuade me to start Yelping again.

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1

12

S S.

Owings Mills, MD

Strange as it may sound, in my 2 years in this region I have never been to Akbar b4. Went there last nite. It's a small place, but it was quite packed.

So here is my review:
Wait staff - very nice and polite. Were at our table immediately after our beers got over. Frequent rounds asking us if we need anything else and in the end, were quite polite enuf to ask us about how our experience was.

Service - The appetizers came out pretty quickly. Although the main course took a little longer. Still not that bad.

Food - Quite good. I liked it. Although I did from my friends that the lunch buffet was ordinary. Dinner a'la carte was def. gooooood!!!

Cons - well, the place is too cramped up. Our table was too small for a party of 4.

I must say, that overall I was impressed by this place and will def. be going there a lot!!!

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Elite '08

20

77

Theresa F.

Ann Arbor, MI

This is the restaurant I weigh all other Indian restaurants against.  I love Indian food and have eaten out at Indian restaurants across the globe, and I ALWAYS go back to Akbar's!
Akbar's gets 5 stars for its food.  Tucked away in a little basement on Charles St, Akbar's is cozy, quiet, full of subdued wait staff and usually nearly full.  Though you always feel like you are talking a bit too loud and enjoying yourself a bit too much, they really don't mind.  At least, they've never said anything to us! I always wish Indian restaurants were a bit more lively in atmosphere, but the food is worth it!
I've been here many times and tried many dishes, and literally, all their dishes are spectacular.  Definitely a must hit when visiting Baltimore, or a staple if you live there.  Yum!

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4

80

Pascal P.

Baltimore, MD

The food I've had here for dinner has always been delicious. The lunch buffet is nothing spectacular, but it's great for what it costs.  Dinner is also a great value. There's really nothing to dislike about this place, and choosing between Akbar and the equally excellent Mughal Garden which is nearby can be tough.

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13

25

Lee D.

Baltimore, MD

Not posh but moderate prices and good food. The space is a bit dilapidated, but they're great for take out. I love it for comfort food, but have heard it's not the most authentic North Indian.

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4

16

Rob H.

Washington, DC

Definitely the best Indian food I've had in Baltimore (and DC for that matter in this price range). Consistently great classics, very good prices, and respectable service. It's rustic Indian (not fancy, not shabby).

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29

202

Eric P.

Baltimore, MD

Akbar is usually a pleasurable experience, but the service can be spotty.

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