After eating dry chicken covered in tasteless sauce at countless other restaurants in the area, i decided to give this place a shot. I'm glad I did! I ordered chicken Vindaloo with Naan to pick up. Firstly, i must say, it was quite refreshing talking to such an upbeat person on the phone and even better to get the same service in person. After a few visits, I can say the service is consistent. Never had a problem there! On to the food! I've only ordered pick up here so I'm not sure if it's different dining in but they really have the best indian food in the area. The sauce was spicy but sweet enough to have a mouth watering taste after a couple of bites and the chicken was so tender! Paired with the right spices, good prices and amazing service? Yup I'll definitely be coming back and bringing friends with me. 5 stars :D
(5)
Christine S.
The food isn't anything special. But what can you expect from a place with such a mix of cuisine? But, it's close to campus and perfect for when I'm too lazy to cook and in the mood for some Indian. Though - don't expect it to be anywhere near authentically flavorful.
(2)
Kendall R.
Average food, great prices, super reliable! This is a great place to go when you have nowhere else to go. They have a large menu with breakfast offerings as well as American diner food and Indian food. Some items on the menu are better than others but it's okay overall. The food isn't amazing but it's pretty reliable and it's great for the price.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Chicken tikka masala is always on point and is good for two meals. Also had the garlic naan and it's perfect. I feel it's a pricier option for people compared to the other St. Paul restaurants down the street, but I think the food is a higher quality and more filling. The Indian food in general here is really good. I'd also recommend in the diner section of the menu chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and fettuccine Alfredo. The fettuccine is extremely creamy and a heavy meal, but good. I think the only negative to this place is the service can be kinda spotty and slow. The waiters here aren't super friendly or attentive, but they get the job done.
(4)
Katherine H.
This certainly is an interesting place. The first few times I came I ordered from their diner options. I got a decent chicken parm and an alright grilled cheese. Nothing to get super excited about, but they were reasonably priced and close to home. Most recently, I finally tried some options from their Indian menu. The Indian food is definitely the more expensive pick and it felt like a pretty pricey meal at first, but they really come through with the quality and quantity. My boyfriend and I ordered carry-out and got one order of plain naan, one order of garlic naan, an order of the paneer jalfrezi, and an order of the chicken vindaloo. Each dish also came with a huge container of basmati rice and the vindaloo came with a yogurt sauce to mix in for those of weaker taste buds. Everything was DELICIOUS. The sizes were suitable for the price I think. It ended up covering lunch for both of us and he had the leftover paneer for dinner. My absolute favorite was the chicken vindaloo...it was spicy and wonderful! The paneer was also quite good though. The only thing I wouldn't order again is the garlic naan...the naan in general was good, but the garlic naan wasn't particularly garlicky and not worth the extra money. If you're going to stop here, I'd really recommend the Indian options...but the American diner food isn't half bad for the price either.
(4)
Quin A.
Been here a couple of times and had their fish burger with fries both times lol. My friend tried one of the curries. Food was good and plentiful. I could only finish half in the diner. Interior is cosy and lean. Would definitely return to try the curry options. I hear their steaks and subs are awesome.
(4)
Morgan D.
Like others have said this review is not about the food, but about the service. It took about fifteens minutes since we arrived at the restaurant for our waiter to come and talk to us. I assumed that it must have been busy but I looked around and there was no one there. After finally getting our drinks, when we wanted to order our food our waiter was nowhere to be seen. Our food was pretty good. I got the chicken vindaloo which was surprisingly authentic; however it was tainted by the poor service. When we came to pay at the counter, we noticed that they had included 20% gratuity on the check for our party of four. I would never not tip growing up in the restaurant industry, but a 20% tip for the service we received is outrageous. In short, the food is pretty good but the service is horrible. Order takeout or regret your experience.
(1)
Jon B.
Good Indian food. Not the biggest fan of their diner food though, I'd stick with the Indian. Masala is delicious and the nan is great.
(4)
Joyce C.
I was first introduced to this place 10years ago when I came to visit (from NY) my sister at Johns Hopkins. It was my first exposure to Indian food and the malai kofta and palak panneer with side yogurt sauce was sooooo good here. Since then anytime I would eat Indian, Tamber's would be my reference point. During a recent visit to MD, I dropped in for lunch pickup and noticed that this place had become somewhat mix Indian/ deli/ burger shop. What had happened?? Business seemed slow and empty. I ordered Palak Paneer dish for $11.99... I'm not sure if it tasted as good as before. I was sad.
(3)
Alyssa A.
I came here with a group of friends. This place has a really interesting concept, its half an American Diner and half an Indian Restaurant. That means they have all your regular burgers, sandwiches and fries type food. In addition to that, the place smells like straight up curry. They have your chicken tikka masala, samosas, and naan. I came here with a group of 7 people and it was easy to call ahead and do reservations ahead of time. The decorations are kind of weird but the place is kind of confused in the theme itself. Its like an old school diner moved in after an indian restaurant closed down. Looking for a place for picky eaters? There is something for everyone here. Great to take a group to dinner. What is even better is they allow you to check out individually at the front of the restaurant so everyone can pay separate very easily.
(4)
Joann B.
We really enjoyed the Indian food here. We had the: naan, tandoori chicken, samosas; and because I was in a weird mood, I followed that order with a root beer float and fries! The naan was slightly buttery and fluffy - total perfection. The chicken was tender, well spiced and a decent portion. The samosas had the right amount of crunch to them and tasted so good. The fries and float were also really good. The desserts looked delicious, but we left ourselves without and room in our stomachs. I was a little apprehensive about trying Tamber's out, but I saw the crowd and thought it couldn't be that bad right? I'm glad we stopped in as their Indian food hits the spot.
(4)
Michael T.
Looks decent, tastes bad. Also overpriced. One of the only choices near Hopkins so a lot of students go there.
(1)
Sonya Y.
I love this place. Food has never never disappointed. Despite a large menu, somehow everything I have tried made me feel like it was a special. I usually get Indian when I go. I have turned people to indian food because of this place. Serves is awesome. Also great place to bring a client or just friend, or a partner etc. it honestly lends itself to everything. Pricing is totally reasonable and fair for the quality of the food and portions. Love this place. Just wish I lived closer to it. Keep up the great work guys!!
(5)
Landy L.
Had their carry out lamb curry with garlic naan. Portion of lamb in the curry was small and curry could have been more authentically spiced but otherwise it was good and lasted me two meals. What lamb there was, was very tender. Came piping hot which was a bonus.
(3)
Sarah T.
Just to clarify: this low rating is for the service/overall experience. Food was decent, so get take out. Upon arrival, it took awhile for our server to greet us and get us drinks, I assumed that it the time servers switched (since it was around 330-4) and didn't think anything of it. However, he took 10-15 minutes before taking our order, told us we couldn't have brunch and then brought out brunch foods to a table who came in AFTER us, did not clean off our table of any plates (so it was piling up on the side of our tables), very standoffish (and from other reviews, this is apparently not unusual)... The list goes on. I would never not tip, since I have been a server. But I would never waste my money again on tipping service here. So I will emphasize it again: if you really want to try their food, GET TAKE OUT.
(2)
Yong K.
Okay, so lesbehonest here, 3 stars doesn't mean bad. it means A-OK and that's exactly what tambers is: pretty good, but not the best the chicken tikka masala is pretty good (what i usually get) here the naan is okay.. not the best. i think they should use more yeast when making the dough most of their other indian food is pretty good too! cheeseburger - solid! kinda pricey though... especially for the indian food and they don't give you much curry they have a fairly large space, so it's good for larger groups too. i think once we fit a group of 16. interior looks like a regular diner. service is average Overall, If you are craving some indian food or some diner food and don't have time to go off the Johns Hopkins undergrad campus, this is a great spot. but if you have some time, there are definitely other places in baltimore you can hit up for good indian food, burgers, or italian food. (check out some of my other baltimore reviews if you wanna know some)
(3)
Emily T.
This review is for the carry-out Indian food I love the name of this place!!! But from the name of it one would never know it has AWESOME SAUCE Indian food. We usually get aloo gobi, chicken vindaloo and sometimes the yummy veggie samosas. Everything is always hot, fresh, delicious and the portions are generous! Also be sure to try the riata (yogurt) that comes with the naan. The service is always friendly and attentive. (At the pickup counter) We keep meaning to actually try eating in the restaurant!!
(4)
Kaylee H.
This place used to be awesome. The prices used to be much better, and they used to give out free rice refills. I think recently, they must have lost some revenue, because they started charging for rice. It'st still a generally good place to go when you're craving indian food at 3am in charles village.
(3)
Scott M.
Great hamburger for lunch, crispy and hot fries. Atmosphere is very nice, and service was excellent.
(4)
Jordan B.
This place is great. I used to come here often when I lived in the area. They have a huge menu (like a traditional diner) and everything I've had has been delicious. Cheesesteaks, salads with blackened or grilled chicken have always been my favorite. They are extremely quick. I come here for lunch and can be in and out in 30 mins. Finally, their Indian food is delish. Tika misala is always great and the portion is enough to serve 2. Their potato and onion nan are also superb.
(5)
Deepa K.
Diner that makes better Indian food than actual Indian restaurants in Baltimore. My go to place for Indian takeout, they have a separate takeout area in the back. Portions are huge and each curry entree comes with free rice. For vegetarians, highly recommend the palak paneer, malai kofta and naan. FYI spicy really means spicy!
(5)
Steve S.
Food was great. We loved having the choice of American and Indian for our family. Waiter was attentive and very nice. Friendly and casual atmosphere. Steady business on a Saturday evening. Parking wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I got a spot right out front. Highly recommend this unique place.
(4)
Erica M.
Very nice place......average food though. The only time I frequent here is when I'm at work.
(3)
Oliver F.
This is my favorite restaurant. Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. The best Mac and cheese this side of the missippi. Their chicken tikka marsala is the best I've ever had. Thank you tambers for existing.
(5)
Pegah Y.
An Indian diner??? Sign me up! I visited Tamber's Diner with a good friend in mid-January and it was a great food experience after a full weekend of fun in the city. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and the channa masala (with chickpeas) and it was delicious! There was so much food that we even had leftovers. This restaurant is conveniently located very near Johns Hopkins University, so I would highly recommend it to those who live in the area.
(4)
Jen K.
Tamber's is certainly an...interesting...place. It's a combination Indian/Diner-food restaurant (that serves alcohol) close to JHU's Homewood campus, that you can really only understand by going there. I decided to go a safe route and order the classic Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer (Cheese w/ Spinach). Not the best Indian food I've had, but not so bad! Good-size portions for the cost -- I wanted to have leftovers to take home, and they got me through several meals. It's certainly more of a place to go for the experience, or when you're drunk in Charles Village. Or if you're a JHU undergrad. Or if you're trying to pick up JHU undergrads?
(3)
Ravi P.
Retro 50s American diner look with Indian and American menu, an interesting combination to be sure. Not the best looking place, better than dive, but not good enough for a date, good enough for a casual dine in. The food was OK, not amazing, and prices were standard, $12-15/plate. Satisfying enough.
(3)
Robby B.
This is a staple for hungry and lazy Hopkins students that no longer have a meal plan, it's still worth going to even if you don't fit that stereotype. The menu's pretty large, featuring standard diner fare and Indian dishes. The American food is solid. My favorite is probably the smothered burger ($9) that has gravy and peppers on it too. The Indian food ($13-$17) is decent. The portions are big at least and usually last me a meal and a half or so. The biryani is good, but a little dry. I liked the tandoori salmon I got last time. The fished was nicely cooked but the sweet and tart sauce didn't pair very well with the slightly fishy taste. The veggies on the side (carrots, peppers, and onions) were great complemented the sauce much better. Wait staff is attentive and friendly. They also do take out, but you have to enter on the side. I can't recommend you go looking for Tamber's, but it does quite nicely in a pinch.
(3)
Steve K.
My sister and brother in law took me here. I eat fish or veggie and found a great selection. Meal was delicious, service great, and price very reasonable. Planning on going back soon.
(5)
Stephen B.
Pretty good Indian food but a little pricy. The naan is great! I love their paneer masala or shrimp/chicken tikka masala.
(4)
Todd L.
We have to give one star because of their bad service, arrogance, and bad attitude ..they only gave us half order but charged fully for all our order...when asked ... then came the bad attitude and arrogance.
(1)
Kristie S.
They are located right near the hospital, and so serve both traditional diner type food and have Indian food at the back of the menu. We chose several Indian dishes (the Vindaloo was good) which were prepared quite well. Service was attentive and the place was clean. I can't comment on the diner type food, but if you are looking for Indian food, I thought it was quite good.
(4)
Kristin S.
We have 2 relatively picky kids, so we decided to try Tamber's because it has Indian food for the grown-ups and diner food for the kids. Not a lot of atmosphere. Tamber's looks like it hasn't been redecorated since the 80s. But it's clean, and not too loud, and the prices are about right for what you get. Our waitress was very fast, efficient, and super-friendly. My husband is the Indian food authority, and he enjoyed his entree. I had chicken vindaloo and we split an order of naan, and both were satisfied with our food. My daughter had turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy -- the potatoes were definitely real (there were lumps), and the meat wasn't dry and had a nice flavor. My son had chicken tenders and fries, and he had enough to take some home -- pretty big portion. I've had better Indian food, but the availability of more kid-friendly dishes will probably bring us back sometime soon.
(3)
Anne K.
This is an ideal place for a casual night out-- great food, excellent service, calm quiet atmosphere. And where else in the world can one person have a cozy plate of macaroni and cheese and the other a delicious curry, rice, and naan?
(4)
Beee K.
This review is for their indian food. Very Very good! We often do take out, and their indian food is always plentiful, well seasoned and just plain good. Shrimp Korma, Lamb Saag, Bhindi Pyaaz( Okura and tomato stew type of thing), Bengan Bartha( Roasted egg plant and other things) are my fave. They have western food, too, and they are a-ok. They have mean malt milk shakes that I love but have not gotten for a while since it is freaking cold recently. Can't wait for spring and summer! Can't say much about their service, since we don't dine in that often there. I don't remember having a problem.
(4)
Lindsay G.
Food is very average. It used to be better, but has gone way down hill. We were told that the turkey on the hot turkey was freshly roasted in the kitchen. Ha! It was definitely deli turkey with gravy thrown on top of a piece of white bread. Overpriced and not good. The service isn't great either and the place looks dirty. I wouldn't recommend going here, there are plenty of other good places in Charles Village.
(2)
Glenn S.
This place definitely exceeded my expectations! I went with my two friends who are really into Indian cuisine and I must say, it was amazing. The service was great and the atmosphere was very upbeat. The menu is very large and well priced. For whatever reason I got a cheeseburger which was great. I can't remember what my friends got but it was like orange curry stuff...If you're in the area definitely check this place out!
(5)
Sara B.
Their food is ok. But the service is horrible. I went there many times before they never gave me a check with tips pre charged. So three of us went there today, after done eating we just sat there talk for a bit. The lady came over asked for credit card 10 minutes later. She gave each of us a check with tips pre charged ( we splitted). The price for what I ordered is $11.95, but my check turned out to be $15.78. We asked to talk to the manage, but our waiter came to talk to us and gave some nonsense declared they have the right to do this in the U.S.I asked what's the percentage of the tips they charged he said it's 18%, but it's over 25% when you calculate. They are unbelievably dishonest, I won't go there again.
(1)
Jason W.
This is a review of the Indian Cuisine (mostly.) Food Ordered: - Samosas - Chapati - Chicken Tikka Masala - Thick Chocolate Milk Shake The samosas were absolutely delicious. Not over fried like some places I have been. The crust on them was perfect. The chapatis were also very good. Perfectly cooked again. The Chicken Tikka Masala was very good. I've had Indian food from other places near by and it was obvious that they didn't cook the dishes the same way as Tamber's does. The chicken was of the right texture, obviously simmered in the sauce for a while. The Tikka Masala sauce as also flavorful and delicious. It did have a very strong buttery feel to it, but some may like that. The Thick Chocolate Milk Shake was exactly as it should be. Thick. Chocolate. Shake. Not much else to say here but it's quite interesting to note how many places in Baltimore get the idea of a Milk Shake WRONG! And I mean DEAD WRONG! Tamber's is the exception to that. This was one of the best shakes I have had since moving down here 5 years ago. As pleased as I was with Tamber's, I only gave it 4 stars because it wasn't above and beyond what I was expecting. The food (Indian) is great! The ice cream is also great. I will go back again, trust me. You should give it a shot too. Oh and one last thing, the price was amazing for the amount of food you get.
(4)
Joe K.
We sat out in the cold watching Johns Hopkins playing Bryn mar in women's soccer. Ended up tail gating with the familiy who's daughter plays for Bryn Mar. We ordered carry out because they don't deliver. We ordered chicken parm and a dinner chicken Caesar salad. The portion were huge and delicious. Carry out on the side of the building. I would definitely try this rest when visiting Johns Hopkins.
(4)
Christian H.
My excitement over Tamber's starts with the food. Specifically, their Indian fare is the best I have tried in Baltimore so far. In fact, everything I have tried at Tamber's is delicious. Second, the atmosphere is so unique, interesting, and fun. It is a true 50s diner ambiance. But there is a multi-cultural feel as well. There is also a pretty sweet full bar. Negatives: It's kind of far up Charles, there is no good public transit out there. And sometimes it gets a bit overrun with Hopkins students. Oh-the takeout is awesome! Don't get confused though, there is a separate entrance for takeout pickup. It's just around the corner from the main entrance. Fun for a reasonably priced, delicious, informal evening.
(4)
Ross M.
I had take-out Indian from here. It was okay.
(3)
Yishin S.
The biggest problem with Tamber's is that they attempt to cover all types of cuisines (Indian, American, Italian) when in fact they are only good at making indian food. 8 of us went there and everybody except me ordered the indian food. I ordered the spaghetti because I never like indian food. What a big mistake that was. I probably had 2 bites of my spaghetti and left the rest of them on the table. The portion of the spagetti is huge (I guess it is because they target hungry undergrads), and I can get better tasting spaghetti by buying the $3 frozen meal from supermarkets. The spaghetti is so tasteless and the chicken chunks are for sure from some already-processed bags. Everybody else on the table likes their indian food though. So, if you like affordable, big portion, indian food, this place is for you.
(2)
Zach N.
Just had the chicken sagwala and it was amazing. Soaked up the extra sause with garlic nahan.
(5)
Larry H.
I cannot say enough about this great restaurant. The Indian food is the best in Baltimore as far as I am concerned. The only thing keeping me from eating here more often is the distance, I live in Catonsville. Whenever I want Indian food done right I come here. My mother says the American food is also excellent but I can't get past the great Indian food. I need to respond to another review. The restaurant was closed for a long time for remodeling. The new design has lost much of the 50's atmosphere but there are still some 50's posters on the wall. I still love the place in spite of the modern decor.
(4)
Liwei Z.
The location of this restaurant is great, it's quite convenient to walk just a block away to get something to eat. But you are looking for good food and proper service, right? In this aspect, I think this place is just OK. Not to mention that when we asked for our bill, the waiter had already added 18% for the tips, all we need to do is just to sign! I felt very weird about this. I mean it's OK to pay 18%, but it should be our dicision how much to pay, right?
(1)
Judy C.
This place is simply weird. It's a diner that serves Indian food with staple diner food. I should have known that the food is probably not-so-great. I went with my friends who know their Indian cuisine, and we all agree that it was just ok. The price is a little hefty for the food we get. It was so ordinary that I don't remember what I got when I dined there once other than that I wouldn't go back there again.
(2)
Justin L.
This was kind of odd; an Indian/diner mashup restaurant? I went there knowing this, but the weirdness was still a little unsettling when we were actually dining there. The menu is pretty extensive, including Indian, diner staples (like burgers, fries, milkshakes) and other generic American restaurant standards (such as chicken parm, pot pie, etc). Roomie got a vanilla malt milkshake which was surprisingly good. It was so thick that the teeny straw they provided was pitifully inadequate. We split some cheese fries (because who doesn't want cheese fries with their Indian? Okay, maybe not everyone). They were hot and crispy...the cheese was a little strange, it had kind of a smoky flavor and a thick texture that gave us the impression it had instant potato flakes in it. The Indian entrees we got were solid but nothing remarkable. Rice included was ample. Service was polite and quick. Prices were a little more than what I'd like to pay for what was very standard Indian fare (13 each for our vegetarian entrees). I agree with previous reviewers that the main appeal of this place is that you can bring a friend who doesn't like Indian. Otherwise, there are much better options available. Granted, the complete bizarreness of the place probably constitutes the need for at least one visit, as it is yet another unique Baltimorean experience.
(3)
Nausherwan H.
As a big fan of desi food in general, I would say that they have a good variety of desi food with the added benefit of American cuisine as well. I would echo other commentators sentiment that it is a bit pricey, but it's definitely at least worth checking out.
(4)
Erin L.
I find myself ordering carry-out food here a lot because I'm a nurse at the hospital across the street. The burgers are great (very greasy though), sammies are good, and I also get the grilled chicken salad (which is HUGE) and the grilled cheese (cheap and delish). Above all, Tambers has the best milkshakes!!!! Good for what it's worth..... Although I have never dined in so I can't speak for the service or atmosphere.
(3)
Nancy J.
This is where you go when you love Indian food and your friends/family won't touch it. They offer American diner grub and a pretty good selection of Indian dishes. They are generous with the portion sizes and give plenty of rice. The garlic naan is very tasty, as is the Dal Makhani, Aloo Gobi, and Palak Paneer. The pakoras were good and came with mint and tamarind chutneys and on my request, they also gave me some raita. The biryani was good, though not the best I've ever had. The chai has a kick to it - perhaps fennel, so be prepared. Overall, it's good food. It's an essential Baltimore dining experience and I think it's worth a trip. I love to eat Indian food, but have the unfortunate luck of having friends with less cultivated palates. So, there are not too many restaurants that leave everyone fat and happy. Tamber's offers an option for everyone and it's got a good atmosphere to boot! They also offer carry-out that I've had many times. In case you are out there searching for authenticity in Indian food - good luck to you - since you should know that no two Indian houses prepare a dish the same way. This place is Indian owned, in case that makes a difference to you.
(4)
Jaehong H.
This place has a super long menu: American, Italian, and Indian, but it is really an Indian restaurant. I've been to this place often, to its restaurant and its to-go sector. (You get discount if you're a Hopkins student.) The theme of Tamber's is that they charge you heavily - ~$14 per entree- but they give you so much that you should really split it into two meals. I've tried chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, chicken briyani, seafood curry, tandoori tuna steak, mattar paneer, and chicken parmesan. I enjoyed chicken tikka masla and tandoori chicken the most. There's nothing really risky about these food either. I'd recommend you get food to go because their service in the restaurant is poor. You will be waiting for that water to be refilled and discussing with your friends about how much you should tip the waiter. Suggestion: if you are looking for decent Indian food or just want to try some Indian food, get chicken tikka masala or tandoori chicken. If you can afford to eat somewhere else, get the food to go.
(3)
Maddie M.
This place is pretty good compared to all the options availible on St. Paul St. They offer a lot of different options on the menu from italian to indian food. I came here for brunch on a saturday. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Everything was moderately priced for its quality. I order some chicken tikka masala with garlic nan to go with. It wasnt as spicy as I wouldve liked but it was still very tasty. I would recommend this place for a casual meal. Its quick and convenient. It has more of a diner look to it, if only it was open diner hours I wouldve gavie it 5 stars!!
(4)
Matthew L.
I haven't had the Indian food though I hear it's much better. The diner menu is simple and plain. I thought the salad was poor and the baked mac and cheese was greasy. The soups have been pretty good. It is more of a college spot for Johns Hopkins kids to get a late bite.
(2)
Colleen M.
I agree with other comments that the food is a little pricey, but you do get a large portion for the cost of the food. My lamb curry was $13.95 plus $3.25 for potato-stuffed naan. The lamb was nice & tender and the curry delicous - not very spicy but still fragrant and flavorful. I ate a good bit of the meat, and have plenty left over for lunch tomorrow. The place was kinda a mixed crowd: a few older couples, some groups of college students, two people who looked like they were on a date, and a little girl who lived next door talking to the people at the table across from us. Because the booths have high backs, you still feel like you have a nook private enough to get into a good conversation, even if you're seated in the middle of the restaurant. Our server was friendly and attentive. My only complaint is not the restaurant's fault at all - I ordered the wrong thing! My food was good, but next time I come here, I have to get the chicken badaam pasana. I tried my roommate's and it was delicious... the ground almond in the sauce gave it a great complex flavor and made it exactly what I was in the mood to eat. So I stole a little bit (not too much), and I'll look forward to next time I get the chance to visit Tamber's.
(4)
Angelique W.
Prior to the remodel, Tambers made more sense--it was a nifty fifties diner that also served more than passable Indian cuisine. That was circa 2006. Today, the restaurant has been expanded and has a more formal dining feel (eg, very high back booths, classical music playing), except for the posters and signs which harken back to the diner look (eg, "vintage" Coca-Cola signs (Tambers serves Pepsi products!), Marilyn, Elvis). Somehow, the old mashup worked and was appealing, but this just felt awkward. Food was still decent (in fact, the Indian offerings have expanded since 2006, which was quite welcome!), but the setting doesn't work and makes the entire experience less pleasant.
(3)
Not A.
We only ever order the Indian food for carry-out here, but it is a nearly weekly thing because of how delicious it is. There are student discounts with a Hopkins ID. Tambers is vegetarian and vegan friendly, and the staff are always pleasant and accommodating. I keep meaning to try some of the more American offerings but never make it past the samosas or malai kofta.
(4)
A. C.
We usually go for the Indian food at Tamber's, but it's also a go to when we have mixed opinions, or picky eaters. The diner food is decent, but the jalfrezis, vindaloos and kormas are the things to have. We tried several with different types of protein; I prefer the lamb and paneer, chicken is breast meat chunks and tends to get dry after long stewing. For an interesting dish, try the Malai Kofta (vegetable patties/cakes in a creamy, tomatoey, curry sauce). All the sauces are savory, boldly spiced. You can always get a malted to cool down your lip-numbing vindaloo though.
(4)
Hannah S.
Tambers is an American diner with Indian food, which is a great combination if you, or someone you're with is in the mood for Indian and someone else doesn't particularly like it. I usually eat their Chicken Curry which is tasty, but pretty oily. Tambers isn't a great place for high-class indian food, but its still good. I've also had the Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka, Eggplant dish, Spinach and Cheese dish -- most of their Indian dishes are pretty good. The naan isn't anything special either, but I do really like their potato naan. As for the American menu, the food is not that great, but also ok (hence 3 stars -- I feel like everything here is pretty good, but not great). The fries that come with meals are really good, but things like the salad aren't that special (think overpriced iceberg) or their chicken parm. Little known that their milkshakes and mango lassi are really good! Also, if you are in the mood for take-out, there's a window for that in the back of the restaurant and the prices are cheaper and you get free naan if you order Indian food. Tambers is a staple for the Johns Hopkins students who live close by :)
(3)
amanda b.
Have you ever wanted to dine on aloo palak with a side of onion rings? No? Well, here's a restaurant where you can do that anyway. I'm not entirely sure how Tamber's came about but I guess it works. I've not tried anything beyond the Indian food. It's reliably good but never amazing, and there's nothing beyond the most basic curries on the menu. Their okra dish is extra tasty, and not too heavy. They serve raita with every meal, which is a nice touch. Service can be a bit slow. I've been several times now. Will I go back? Yeah probably, but only because it's so convenient for me. You can get better food for the same price if you're willing to go to Mt. Vernon, as long as you're not looking for eggplant parm on the side.
(3)
Will S.
I like going to Tamber's a lot. It's a fun, busy, noisy restaurant with cheesy-fun diner decor that people always love. I usually find me entrees to be a little bland, but their appetizers are great and their milk shakes are top notch. I couldn't really say why, but I like this place a lot.
(4)
Andy B.
Pretty good Indian-2nd best in Baltimore after Cafe Spice. Food portions are not gigantic but they don't charge $17 for an entree. The dine-in food and portions are better than take out. I wish they sold meat samosas.
(4)
Carla C.
It was a bitter cold evening in January and I was lazily sitting on my couch with no desire to cook but had a ravenous hunger for Indian cuisine. Not really knowing the best place to order from, I boldly chose Tamber's because I knew of it as the Indian/50's Diner place (which is a strange but cool concept and I was curious). I consulted Yelp and the reviews were overall, pretty good. My order consisted of naan, samosas, palak paneer, vegetable curry and rice and they gave me plenty of everything. As you can see, I ordered enough food to truly give me a taste for what they had to offer and everything was delicious and hit the spot perfectly. The Samosas were crispy, the naan was fluffy and the palak paneer was delicious. I have a huge appetite and can usually finish off dinner sized servings in an evening but I was able to save my leftovers and re-heat them for TWO DAYS! I will definitely be calling Tambers again for Indian cravings in my future. Who knows, this time I might actually go inside and get a milkshake on the side.
(4)
Carrie L.
Just ate here for the first time the other day. Diner atmosphere but in a very cool, newly-gentrified neighborhood. You can actually walk down the street and enjoy yourself these days. I had an Indian dish and my companions sampled the diner food. Mine was very tasty and generous. I liked. I would go back.
(4)
Kate M.
My husband and I love this place. I really enjoy the Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Korma, Biryani, and Channa Masala. I have found that their Biryani and Vindaloo are both very different from other Indian restaurants, but I like them. Their garlic naan is very good. Their service is very good. Their American food is fairly average, with the exception of their excellent gyros. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(4)
Y. T.
Tamber's is the only "diner" I know of that also serves Indian food. There's something for everyone here, the food is good and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant itself is very family-friendly. For a truly unique dining experience you have to give this place a try. It's conveniently located in Charles Village, a block east of the JHU Homewood Campus.
(4)
Mike W.
Never mind the diner food. It's passable enough and good if you're really craving Indian food but have unadventurous diners in tow. The Indian food is great. I have it on good authority that it's as close as American establishments come to what you'll get on the streets of Dheli. Plus it's the only Indian option in the city that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The staff is great and there's one really attractive waiter who looks like the Nepali Johnny Depp. Stay away from the Mango Lassi. Otherwise, I've never had anything on the menu that I wouldn't order again.
(4)
Pascal P.
I had take-out lamb saag from here once, and I thought it was pretty decent. The prices aren't the greatest though, and there are better indian places down in Mt. Vernon.
(3)
Marcia H.
One of my must stop places when back in Baltimore. Indian entres are reliable and even crabcakes are good. Fun to have broad selection.
(4)
Joe B.
I have been consistently satisfied by their Indian menu and consistently underwhelmed by their dineresque offerings. Service is fantastic. Friends and acquaintances complain of food poisoning, which has essentially put a stop to my visits.
(3)
Lisa M.
This is a first for me - a 50's style diner meets Indian, and does it well! My friend and I went in the middle of the afternoon for a snack, and although we only ordered a few things between us, the service was as gracious as if we'd ordered every item on the menu. The chicken saag gosht was quite lovely and full of flavor. The chicken in question was tender and the spinach thick (I don't like it when the spinach tastes runny). The dish itself is served in a little metal pot - the portion size doesn't look big, but the food is very dense. I was full after only eating half of it. It's not the most outstanding I've ever had but i could see myself craving it if I lived nearby. Note: You pay at the front, so after you get the check, I sat for a while feeling like an utter fool when no one came to get the check. Finally, I realized you go to the front to pay, and someone appeared promptly.
(4)
Shawn F.
Blending a 1950s diner with Indian food may seem a bit odd, but Tamber's does it with aplomb. I've stuck to the Indian menu on most of my visits here, and I wholeheartedly recommend the lamb saag - tender pieces of lamb in a blend of delicious pureed spinach. Not a lamb fan? The Chicken Sagwala is the same thing with a different meat. Service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is fun and inviting. The location is especially convenient for Hopkins students, whom you will likely find in great numbers here. My only regret is that prices are a bit high across the menu. Still, the spectacular saag keeps me going back.
(4)
Ruthie S.
SO DELICIOUS! Don't bother coming here for the diner food, as it's not as satisfying or worth the price. However, this is my favorite Indian food in Baltimore (note: I am not actually Indian myself.). They give you giNORMOUS portions, so you can save it for a few later meals. The prices are decent. The service is friendly, and they have a cute Aussie waiter. Great atmosphere, too! Weird that it's a 50s style diner, but the point is it looks CLEAN and NICE. The neighborhood is good, too, though it's a tad far from the rest of the St. Paul joints. Highly recommend! I go to this place at least once every couple of months!
(4)
J L.
The service: A The service has been very helpful and attentive every time I have been to Tamber's (which is often). The people at the restaurant are nice, helpful, and well presented. The food: A- I have only ever ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan bread, and Samosas from Tamber's, but that is for good reason. The samosas are delicious, the naan is generally well-made (every once in a while it's a bit crispy in my opinion), and the chicken tikka masala is fantastic. Their rice is also good (a simple thing, but very important as well.) Their menu is extremely impressive. Tamber's has all types of foods - namely American, Italian, and Indian (from my impressions at least; I usually skip straight to the Indian section). The building/environment: I love the 50s style diner theme of Tamber's. The booths are comfortable and the restaurant is pretty spacious. There are pictures of Elvis and Marylin Monroe on the wall to add to the theme. The outside of the building is nice. There is a club, "The Den," located above Tamber's. Tamber's also has a to-go option. You can phone ahead orders or place them directly at the separate to-go section of the restaurant. (There is a separate door for this apart from the main restaurant floor.) Overall: A (not an average) I love going to Tamber's. Every time I'm around the restaurant part of me wants to stop by just for some quick samosas. I would recommend it to anyone. Some items are more expensive than I would like, but that hasn't and will not stopped me from going back.
(4)
Sam S.
Tambers is an excellent restaurant for a lot of good reasons. Tambers is really great for kids, and adults alike. Tambers is Indian-American with lots of choices for everybody. They have great burgers and other great sandwiches on the American side, and on the Indian side, there is palaak paneer, shrimp biriyani, and other excellent Indian dishes. The waiters are super nice, I especially enjoy the waiter Max. Overall this is an excellent restaurant.
(5)
David T.
5 stars -- not because the food is THAT good, but you really have to hand it to a fifties-style diner that serves a good variety of indian food and has an award for the best mac n cheese in Baltimore. Pulling off this ridiculous shtick with style puts them above all criticism.
(5)
Eric P.
Tamber's is finally open after a very long renovation. The place has doubled in size, but unfortunately so have the prices. It no longer gives off the same aura -- the naan no longer comes in french fry baskets! The indian food is still good, and is probably the best affordable indian food within a short walking distance from JHU.
(4)
Danielle B.
Best milk shakes EVER....pretty decent Indian food too....I mean I haven't been there since 2005 but it was good then...so unless the renovations changed the food....I would say it's worth a try
(4)
D S.
We needed a dinner place within walking distance of the JHU dorms to have a meal with our daughter on our last nite in town; I'd overheard someone mention Tamber's so we checked the online reviews and gave it a try. Walking in the front door, we were greeted by the sounds of happy customers at every table and the rich aromas of curries. You know, when you think: "whatever it is I'm smelling, I need to eat THAT!" We enjoyed Chicken Jalfrezzi, Aloo Gabi Masala (cauliflower, potatoes, carrots), Chicken Biryani, Shrimp Tikka Masala, plain & garlic naan. We didn't realize the dishes would be so plentiful, but we didn't mind the temptation to over-indulge because we got to sample so much between the three of us. Our server was very attentive and intuitive -- on the spot but not disruptive. This was a great place for a casual, memorable dinner. You don't need to be a full-out Indian food enthusiast to be delighted by Tamber's. Take that first step in the door, and they'll do the rest ... my husband and I are 2,000 miles away and already anticipating our next visit!
(5)
J. M.
Rarely tempted to write a scathing review of a place where I was treated perfectly respectably but the food here is particularly terrible. Any place that sells you pancakes and tandoori chicken should raise alarm bells. I think they should start over.
(1)
Michaek S.
Tambers, Tambers, Tambers-- what happened to you? Back when you were Tamber's Nifty Fifities you had EXCELLENT Indian food. Spicy, flavorful, and it was a worthy trip just to have milkshakes and apple pie for desert if we wished! What other Indian place offers you that??? Never tried the American side beyond that...uniqueness of ordering Indian in American Fifties diner was always too much to pass up. Moved out of the 'hood-- years went by-- got a job in the City a few blocks south, said "Hey! Tambers's is still there!" So, apx. 2 months ago, we went here for lunch. Atmosphere is still 50s-faux dinner; clean, cheerful, friendly and quick service. But the Indian food.... Ordered chicken tikka masala-- yes, totally a dish made for the English- but can still be quite spicy and tasty when done well; this one tasted of Campbell's tomato soup! Way too sweet, no spice- and I swear it was just canned tomato soup mixed with cream!! Yecchhh!! Naan was fine. Rice was fine. My wife had chana masala-- not bad, but could have used more spice,too. I have fond memories of good meals here. And, honestly, for cream of tomato soup, it was good! For tikka masala sauce, well......I will come here again-- only I'm going to go for the meatloaf blue plate as that seems to be more their deal now..... (will update when that occurs!!) (hmm/.....Meatloaf tikka masala....if they use the same sauce, that would be a classic fifties dinner dish!! esp. with mashed taters......)
(3)
Eddie W.
Food is alright, not great. Service is alright. I think the 3 stars sum it all up pretty well.
(3)
Cassie S.
So the mac and cheese is awesome. Know this and order it on those days that cry out for comfort food.
(4)
Amanda K.
I was really excited to try this place out since it was listed as the "Nifty Fifties" diner serving Indian food - just exactly the kind of place that you know will be a hoot to eat at. It was actually not very amusing at all, and while I guess it didn't really have any of the decorative accoutrements that people are used to at Indian restaurants, it didn't really fit my image of a 50s diner either. Oh well. I got the chicken Vindaloo and didn't find it as horrifically spicy as I was expecting - really sort of a mild, pleasant spice level, which I did not think Vindaloo was. It was delicious, though, and the other people at our table who ordered Indian-style dishes likewise agreed that the food was great. The garlic naan smelled awesome, but it didn't really taste as good as it smelled. Was a little pricier than I would have liked, also, but the service was good.
(4)
Kate T.
Delicious. Tamber's has really good Indian food; I've heard great things about the American style food as well. I've tried a bunch of the Indian dishes here and they are all very, very delicious. The portion sizes are huge (definitely enough for two people/two meals). The naan is super delicious. About the spiciness, yes, if you order it off the menu, it's not spicy at all. However, if you tell them to make it spicier, then it's awesome! Prices are expensive (especially if you dine in), but it's totally worth it. The decor is interesting and the staff is awesome. A Charles Village must-see!
(4)
Ethan S.
We came here because our tour guide at Johns Hopkins recommended the place. It did not look Indian at all aesthetically, and the first 3 pages of the menu were all American dishes. I thought it was going to be an Indian-American fusion place from how it was described to us. It turned out to be basically 2 restaurants in 1: a typical American diner, or a classic Indian place. I just really didn't like the inside of the place... just too cheap and dry looking. The food was excellent though. I got chicken masalla I think and it was divine. The sauce was bright orange and super flavorful. The rice it came with was my favorite: long grain basmati rice. The one mistake with the dish was that they cut up the chicken instead of leaving it in chunks... why cut it...? it also made it drier :( Even the nan bread was very tasty and perfect for scooping up the leftover sauce of the chicken. I'd definitely go back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Omar R.
After eating dry chicken covered in tasteless sauce at countless other restaurants in the area, i decided to give this place a shot. I'm glad I did! I ordered chicken Vindaloo with Naan to pick up. Firstly, i must say, it was quite refreshing talking to such an upbeat person on the phone and even better to get the same service in person. After a few visits, I can say the service is consistent. Never had a problem there! On to the food! I've only ordered pick up here so I'm not sure if it's different dining in but they really have the best indian food in the area. The sauce was spicy but sweet enough to have a mouth watering taste after a couple of bites and the chicken was so tender! Paired with the right spices, good prices and amazing service? Yup I'll definitely be coming back and bringing friends with me. 5 stars :D
(5)Christine S.
The food isn't anything special. But what can you expect from a place with such a mix of cuisine? But, it's close to campus and perfect for when I'm too lazy to cook and in the mood for some Indian. Though - don't expect it to be anywhere near authentically flavorful.
(2)Kendall R.
Average food, great prices, super reliable! This is a great place to go when you have nowhere else to go. They have a large menu with breakfast offerings as well as American diner food and Indian food. Some items on the menu are better than others but it's okay overall. The food isn't amazing but it's pretty reliable and it's great for the price.
(4)Stephanie H.
Chicken tikka masala is always on point and is good for two meals. Also had the garlic naan and it's perfect. I feel it's a pricier option for people compared to the other St. Paul restaurants down the street, but I think the food is a higher quality and more filling. The Indian food in general here is really good. I'd also recommend in the diner section of the menu chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and fettuccine Alfredo. The fettuccine is extremely creamy and a heavy meal, but good. I think the only negative to this place is the service can be kinda spotty and slow. The waiters here aren't super friendly or attentive, but they get the job done.
(4)Katherine H.
This certainly is an interesting place. The first few times I came I ordered from their diner options. I got a decent chicken parm and an alright grilled cheese. Nothing to get super excited about, but they were reasonably priced and close to home. Most recently, I finally tried some options from their Indian menu. The Indian food is definitely the more expensive pick and it felt like a pretty pricey meal at first, but they really come through with the quality and quantity. My boyfriend and I ordered carry-out and got one order of plain naan, one order of garlic naan, an order of the paneer jalfrezi, and an order of the chicken vindaloo. Each dish also came with a huge container of basmati rice and the vindaloo came with a yogurt sauce to mix in for those of weaker taste buds. Everything was DELICIOUS. The sizes were suitable for the price I think. It ended up covering lunch for both of us and he had the leftover paneer for dinner. My absolute favorite was the chicken vindaloo...it was spicy and wonderful! The paneer was also quite good though. The only thing I wouldn't order again is the garlic naan...the naan in general was good, but the garlic naan wasn't particularly garlicky and not worth the extra money. If you're going to stop here, I'd really recommend the Indian options...but the American diner food isn't half bad for the price either.
(4)Quin A.
Been here a couple of times and had their fish burger with fries both times lol. My friend tried one of the curries. Food was good and plentiful. I could only finish half in the diner. Interior is cosy and lean. Would definitely return to try the curry options. I hear their steaks and subs are awesome.
(4)Morgan D.
Like others have said this review is not about the food, but about the service. It took about fifteens minutes since we arrived at the restaurant for our waiter to come and talk to us. I assumed that it must have been busy but I looked around and there was no one there. After finally getting our drinks, when we wanted to order our food our waiter was nowhere to be seen. Our food was pretty good. I got the chicken vindaloo which was surprisingly authentic; however it was tainted by the poor service. When we came to pay at the counter, we noticed that they had included 20% gratuity on the check for our party of four. I would never not tip growing up in the restaurant industry, but a 20% tip for the service we received is outrageous. In short, the food is pretty good but the service is horrible. Order takeout or regret your experience.
(1)Jon B.
Good Indian food. Not the biggest fan of their diner food though, I'd stick with the Indian. Masala is delicious and the nan is great.
(4)Joyce C.
I was first introduced to this place 10years ago when I came to visit (from NY) my sister at Johns Hopkins. It was my first exposure to Indian food and the malai kofta and palak panneer with side yogurt sauce was sooooo good here. Since then anytime I would eat Indian, Tamber's would be my reference point. During a recent visit to MD, I dropped in for lunch pickup and noticed that this place had become somewhat mix Indian/ deli/ burger shop. What had happened?? Business seemed slow and empty. I ordered Palak Paneer dish for $11.99... I'm not sure if it tasted as good as before. I was sad.
(3)Alyssa A.
I came here with a group of friends. This place has a really interesting concept, its half an American Diner and half an Indian Restaurant. That means they have all your regular burgers, sandwiches and fries type food. In addition to that, the place smells like straight up curry. They have your chicken tikka masala, samosas, and naan. I came here with a group of 7 people and it was easy to call ahead and do reservations ahead of time. The decorations are kind of weird but the place is kind of confused in the theme itself. Its like an old school diner moved in after an indian restaurant closed down. Looking for a place for picky eaters? There is something for everyone here. Great to take a group to dinner. What is even better is they allow you to check out individually at the front of the restaurant so everyone can pay separate very easily.
(4)Joann B.
We really enjoyed the Indian food here. We had the: naan, tandoori chicken, samosas; and because I was in a weird mood, I followed that order with a root beer float and fries! The naan was slightly buttery and fluffy - total perfection. The chicken was tender, well spiced and a decent portion. The samosas had the right amount of crunch to them and tasted so good. The fries and float were also really good. The desserts looked delicious, but we left ourselves without and room in our stomachs. I was a little apprehensive about trying Tamber's out, but I saw the crowd and thought it couldn't be that bad right? I'm glad we stopped in as their Indian food hits the spot.
(4)Michael T.
Looks decent, tastes bad. Also overpriced. One of the only choices near Hopkins so a lot of students go there.
(1)Sonya Y.
I love this place. Food has never never disappointed. Despite a large menu, somehow everything I have tried made me feel like it was a special. I usually get Indian when I go. I have turned people to indian food because of this place. Serves is awesome. Also great place to bring a client or just friend, or a partner etc. it honestly lends itself to everything. Pricing is totally reasonable and fair for the quality of the food and portions. Love this place. Just wish I lived closer to it. Keep up the great work guys!!
(5)Landy L.
Had their carry out lamb curry with garlic naan. Portion of lamb in the curry was small and curry could have been more authentically spiced but otherwise it was good and lasted me two meals. What lamb there was, was very tender. Came piping hot which was a bonus.
(3)Sarah T.
Just to clarify: this low rating is for the service/overall experience. Food was decent, so get take out. Upon arrival, it took awhile for our server to greet us and get us drinks, I assumed that it the time servers switched (since it was around 330-4) and didn't think anything of it. However, he took 10-15 minutes before taking our order, told us we couldn't have brunch and then brought out brunch foods to a table who came in AFTER us, did not clean off our table of any plates (so it was piling up on the side of our tables), very standoffish (and from other reviews, this is apparently not unusual)... The list goes on. I would never not tip, since I have been a server. But I would never waste my money again on tipping service here. So I will emphasize it again: if you really want to try their food, GET TAKE OUT.
(2)Yong K.
Okay, so lesbehonest here, 3 stars doesn't mean bad. it means A-OK and that's exactly what tambers is: pretty good, but not the best the chicken tikka masala is pretty good (what i usually get) here the naan is okay.. not the best. i think they should use more yeast when making the dough most of their other indian food is pretty good too! cheeseburger - solid! kinda pricey though... especially for the indian food and they don't give you much curry they have a fairly large space, so it's good for larger groups too. i think once we fit a group of 16. interior looks like a regular diner. service is average Overall, If you are craving some indian food or some diner food and don't have time to go off the Johns Hopkins undergrad campus, this is a great spot. but if you have some time, there are definitely other places in baltimore you can hit up for good indian food, burgers, or italian food. (check out some of my other baltimore reviews if you wanna know some)
(3)Emily T.
This review is for the carry-out Indian food I love the name of this place!!! But from the name of it one would never know it has AWESOME SAUCE Indian food. We usually get aloo gobi, chicken vindaloo and sometimes the yummy veggie samosas. Everything is always hot, fresh, delicious and the portions are generous! Also be sure to try the riata (yogurt) that comes with the naan. The service is always friendly and attentive. (At the pickup counter) We keep meaning to actually try eating in the restaurant!!
(4)Kaylee H.
This place used to be awesome. The prices used to be much better, and they used to give out free rice refills. I think recently, they must have lost some revenue, because they started charging for rice. It'st still a generally good place to go when you're craving indian food at 3am in charles village.
(3)Scott M.
Great hamburger for lunch, crispy and hot fries. Atmosphere is very nice, and service was excellent.
(4)Jordan B.
This place is great. I used to come here often when I lived in the area. They have a huge menu (like a traditional diner) and everything I've had has been delicious. Cheesesteaks, salads with blackened or grilled chicken have always been my favorite. They are extremely quick. I come here for lunch and can be in and out in 30 mins. Finally, their Indian food is delish. Tika misala is always great and the portion is enough to serve 2. Their potato and onion nan are also superb.
(5)Deepa K.
Diner that makes better Indian food than actual Indian restaurants in Baltimore. My go to place for Indian takeout, they have a separate takeout area in the back. Portions are huge and each curry entree comes with free rice. For vegetarians, highly recommend the palak paneer, malai kofta and naan. FYI spicy really means spicy!
(5)Steve S.
Food was great. We loved having the choice of American and Indian for our family. Waiter was attentive and very nice. Friendly and casual atmosphere. Steady business on a Saturday evening. Parking wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I got a spot right out front. Highly recommend this unique place.
(4)Erica M.
Very nice place......average food though. The only time I frequent here is when I'm at work.
(3)Oliver F.
This is my favorite restaurant. Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. The best Mac and cheese this side of the missippi. Their chicken tikka marsala is the best I've ever had. Thank you tambers for existing.
(5)Pegah Y.
An Indian diner??? Sign me up! I visited Tamber's Diner with a good friend in mid-January and it was a great food experience after a full weekend of fun in the city. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and the channa masala (with chickpeas) and it was delicious! There was so much food that we even had leftovers. This restaurant is conveniently located very near Johns Hopkins University, so I would highly recommend it to those who live in the area.
(4)Jen K.
Tamber's is certainly an...interesting...place. It's a combination Indian/Diner-food restaurant (that serves alcohol) close to JHU's Homewood campus, that you can really only understand by going there. I decided to go a safe route and order the classic Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer (Cheese w/ Spinach). Not the best Indian food I've had, but not so bad! Good-size portions for the cost -- I wanted to have leftovers to take home, and they got me through several meals. It's certainly more of a place to go for the experience, or when you're drunk in Charles Village. Or if you're a JHU undergrad. Or if you're trying to pick up JHU undergrads?
(3)Ravi P.
Retro 50s American diner look with Indian and American menu, an interesting combination to be sure. Not the best looking place, better than dive, but not good enough for a date, good enough for a casual dine in. The food was OK, not amazing, and prices were standard, $12-15/plate. Satisfying enough.
(3)Robby B.
This is a staple for hungry and lazy Hopkins students that no longer have a meal plan, it's still worth going to even if you don't fit that stereotype. The menu's pretty large, featuring standard diner fare and Indian dishes. The American food is solid. My favorite is probably the smothered burger ($9) that has gravy and peppers on it too. The Indian food ($13-$17) is decent. The portions are big at least and usually last me a meal and a half or so. The biryani is good, but a little dry. I liked the tandoori salmon I got last time. The fished was nicely cooked but the sweet and tart sauce didn't pair very well with the slightly fishy taste. The veggies on the side (carrots, peppers, and onions) were great complemented the sauce much better. Wait staff is attentive and friendly. They also do take out, but you have to enter on the side. I can't recommend you go looking for Tamber's, but it does quite nicely in a pinch.
(3)Steve K.
My sister and brother in law took me here. I eat fish or veggie and found a great selection. Meal was delicious, service great, and price very reasonable. Planning on going back soon.
(5)Stephen B.
Pretty good Indian food but a little pricy. The naan is great! I love their paneer masala or shrimp/chicken tikka masala.
(4)Todd L.
We have to give one star because of their bad service, arrogance, and bad attitude ..they only gave us half order but charged fully for all our order...when asked ... then came the bad attitude and arrogance.
(1)Kristie S.
They are located right near the hospital, and so serve both traditional diner type food and have Indian food at the back of the menu. We chose several Indian dishes (the Vindaloo was good) which were prepared quite well. Service was attentive and the place was clean. I can't comment on the diner type food, but if you are looking for Indian food, I thought it was quite good.
(4)Kristin S.
We have 2 relatively picky kids, so we decided to try Tamber's because it has Indian food for the grown-ups and diner food for the kids. Not a lot of atmosphere. Tamber's looks like it hasn't been redecorated since the 80s. But it's clean, and not too loud, and the prices are about right for what you get. Our waitress was very fast, efficient, and super-friendly. My husband is the Indian food authority, and he enjoyed his entree. I had chicken vindaloo and we split an order of naan, and both were satisfied with our food. My daughter had turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy -- the potatoes were definitely real (there were lumps), and the meat wasn't dry and had a nice flavor. My son had chicken tenders and fries, and he had enough to take some home -- pretty big portion. I've had better Indian food, but the availability of more kid-friendly dishes will probably bring us back sometime soon.
(3)Anne K.
This is an ideal place for a casual night out-- great food, excellent service, calm quiet atmosphere. And where else in the world can one person have a cozy plate of macaroni and cheese and the other a delicious curry, rice, and naan?
(4)Beee K.
This review is for their indian food. Very Very good! We often do take out, and their indian food is always plentiful, well seasoned and just plain good. Shrimp Korma, Lamb Saag, Bhindi Pyaaz( Okura and tomato stew type of thing), Bengan Bartha( Roasted egg plant and other things) are my fave. They have western food, too, and they are a-ok. They have mean malt milk shakes that I love but have not gotten for a while since it is freaking cold recently. Can't wait for spring and summer! Can't say much about their service, since we don't dine in that often there. I don't remember having a problem.
(4)Lindsay G.
Food is very average. It used to be better, but has gone way down hill. We were told that the turkey on the hot turkey was freshly roasted in the kitchen. Ha! It was definitely deli turkey with gravy thrown on top of a piece of white bread. Overpriced and not good. The service isn't great either and the place looks dirty. I wouldn't recommend going here, there are plenty of other good places in Charles Village.
(2)Glenn S.
This place definitely exceeded my expectations! I went with my two friends who are really into Indian cuisine and I must say, it was amazing. The service was great and the atmosphere was very upbeat. The menu is very large and well priced. For whatever reason I got a cheeseburger which was great. I can't remember what my friends got but it was like orange curry stuff...If you're in the area definitely check this place out!
(5)Sara B.
Their food is ok. But the service is horrible. I went there many times before they never gave me a check with tips pre charged. So three of us went there today, after done eating we just sat there talk for a bit. The lady came over asked for credit card 10 minutes later. She gave each of us a check with tips pre charged ( we splitted). The price for what I ordered is $11.95, but my check turned out to be $15.78. We asked to talk to the manage, but our waiter came to talk to us and gave some nonsense declared they have the right to do this in the U.S.I asked what's the percentage of the tips they charged he said it's 18%, but it's over 25% when you calculate. They are unbelievably dishonest, I won't go there again.
(1)Jason W.
This is a review of the Indian Cuisine (mostly.) Food Ordered: - Samosas - Chapati - Chicken Tikka Masala - Thick Chocolate Milk Shake The samosas were absolutely delicious. Not over fried like some places I have been. The crust on them was perfect. The chapatis were also very good. Perfectly cooked again. The Chicken Tikka Masala was very good. I've had Indian food from other places near by and it was obvious that they didn't cook the dishes the same way as Tamber's does. The chicken was of the right texture, obviously simmered in the sauce for a while. The Tikka Masala sauce as also flavorful and delicious. It did have a very strong buttery feel to it, but some may like that. The Thick Chocolate Milk Shake was exactly as it should be. Thick. Chocolate. Shake. Not much else to say here but it's quite interesting to note how many places in Baltimore get the idea of a Milk Shake WRONG! And I mean DEAD WRONG! Tamber's is the exception to that. This was one of the best shakes I have had since moving down here 5 years ago. As pleased as I was with Tamber's, I only gave it 4 stars because it wasn't above and beyond what I was expecting. The food (Indian) is great! The ice cream is also great. I will go back again, trust me. You should give it a shot too. Oh and one last thing, the price was amazing for the amount of food you get.
(4)Joe K.
We sat out in the cold watching Johns Hopkins playing Bryn mar in women's soccer. Ended up tail gating with the familiy who's daughter plays for Bryn Mar. We ordered carry out because they don't deliver. We ordered chicken parm and a dinner chicken Caesar salad. The portion were huge and delicious. Carry out on the side of the building. I would definitely try this rest when visiting Johns Hopkins.
(4)Christian H.
My excitement over Tamber's starts with the food. Specifically, their Indian fare is the best I have tried in Baltimore so far. In fact, everything I have tried at Tamber's is delicious. Second, the atmosphere is so unique, interesting, and fun. It is a true 50s diner ambiance. But there is a multi-cultural feel as well. There is also a pretty sweet full bar. Negatives: It's kind of far up Charles, there is no good public transit out there. And sometimes it gets a bit overrun with Hopkins students. Oh-the takeout is awesome! Don't get confused though, there is a separate entrance for takeout pickup. It's just around the corner from the main entrance. Fun for a reasonably priced, delicious, informal evening.
(4)Ross M.
I had take-out Indian from here. It was okay.
(3)Yishin S.
The biggest problem with Tamber's is that they attempt to cover all types of cuisines (Indian, American, Italian) when in fact they are only good at making indian food. 8 of us went there and everybody except me ordered the indian food. I ordered the spaghetti because I never like indian food. What a big mistake that was. I probably had 2 bites of my spaghetti and left the rest of them on the table. The portion of the spagetti is huge (I guess it is because they target hungry undergrads), and I can get better tasting spaghetti by buying the $3 frozen meal from supermarkets. The spaghetti is so tasteless and the chicken chunks are for sure from some already-processed bags. Everybody else on the table likes their indian food though. So, if you like affordable, big portion, indian food, this place is for you.
(2)Zach N.
Just had the chicken sagwala and it was amazing. Soaked up the extra sause with garlic nahan.
(5)Larry H.
I cannot say enough about this great restaurant. The Indian food is the best in Baltimore as far as I am concerned. The only thing keeping me from eating here more often is the distance, I live in Catonsville. Whenever I want Indian food done right I come here. My mother says the American food is also excellent but I can't get past the great Indian food. I need to respond to another review. The restaurant was closed for a long time for remodeling. The new design has lost much of the 50's atmosphere but there are still some 50's posters on the wall. I still love the place in spite of the modern decor.
(4)Liwei Z.
The location of this restaurant is great, it's quite convenient to walk just a block away to get something to eat. But you are looking for good food and proper service, right? In this aspect, I think this place is just OK. Not to mention that when we asked for our bill, the waiter had already added 18% for the tips, all we need to do is just to sign! I felt very weird about this. I mean it's OK to pay 18%, but it should be our dicision how much to pay, right?
(1)Judy C.
This place is simply weird. It's a diner that serves Indian food with staple diner food. I should have known that the food is probably not-so-great. I went with my friends who know their Indian cuisine, and we all agree that it was just ok. The price is a little hefty for the food we get. It was so ordinary that I don't remember what I got when I dined there once other than that I wouldn't go back there again.
(2)Justin L.
This was kind of odd; an Indian/diner mashup restaurant? I went there knowing this, but the weirdness was still a little unsettling when we were actually dining there. The menu is pretty extensive, including Indian, diner staples (like burgers, fries, milkshakes) and other generic American restaurant standards (such as chicken parm, pot pie, etc). Roomie got a vanilla malt milkshake which was surprisingly good. It was so thick that the teeny straw they provided was pitifully inadequate. We split some cheese fries (because who doesn't want cheese fries with their Indian? Okay, maybe not everyone). They were hot and crispy...the cheese was a little strange, it had kind of a smoky flavor and a thick texture that gave us the impression it had instant potato flakes in it. The Indian entrees we got were solid but nothing remarkable. Rice included was ample. Service was polite and quick. Prices were a little more than what I'd like to pay for what was very standard Indian fare (13 each for our vegetarian entrees). I agree with previous reviewers that the main appeal of this place is that you can bring a friend who doesn't like Indian. Otherwise, there are much better options available. Granted, the complete bizarreness of the place probably constitutes the need for at least one visit, as it is yet another unique Baltimorean experience.
(3)Nausherwan H.
As a big fan of desi food in general, I would say that they have a good variety of desi food with the added benefit of American cuisine as well. I would echo other commentators sentiment that it is a bit pricey, but it's definitely at least worth checking out.
(4)Erin L.
I find myself ordering carry-out food here a lot because I'm a nurse at the hospital across the street. The burgers are great (very greasy though), sammies are good, and I also get the grilled chicken salad (which is HUGE) and the grilled cheese (cheap and delish). Above all, Tambers has the best milkshakes!!!! Good for what it's worth..... Although I have never dined in so I can't speak for the service or atmosphere.
(3)Nancy J.
This is where you go when you love Indian food and your friends/family won't touch it. They offer American diner grub and a pretty good selection of Indian dishes. They are generous with the portion sizes and give plenty of rice. The garlic naan is very tasty, as is the Dal Makhani, Aloo Gobi, and Palak Paneer. The pakoras were good and came with mint and tamarind chutneys and on my request, they also gave me some raita. The biryani was good, though not the best I've ever had. The chai has a kick to it - perhaps fennel, so be prepared. Overall, it's good food. It's an essential Baltimore dining experience and I think it's worth a trip. I love to eat Indian food, but have the unfortunate luck of having friends with less cultivated palates. So, there are not too many restaurants that leave everyone fat and happy. Tamber's offers an option for everyone and it's got a good atmosphere to boot! They also offer carry-out that I've had many times. In case you are out there searching for authenticity in Indian food - good luck to you - since you should know that no two Indian houses prepare a dish the same way. This place is Indian owned, in case that makes a difference to you.
(4)Jaehong H.
This place has a super long menu: American, Italian, and Indian, but it is really an Indian restaurant. I've been to this place often, to its restaurant and its to-go sector. (You get discount if you're a Hopkins student.) The theme of Tamber's is that they charge you heavily - ~$14 per entree- but they give you so much that you should really split it into two meals. I've tried chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, chicken briyani, seafood curry, tandoori tuna steak, mattar paneer, and chicken parmesan. I enjoyed chicken tikka masla and tandoori chicken the most. There's nothing really risky about these food either. I'd recommend you get food to go because their service in the restaurant is poor. You will be waiting for that water to be refilled and discussing with your friends about how much you should tip the waiter. Suggestion: if you are looking for decent Indian food or just want to try some Indian food, get chicken tikka masala or tandoori chicken. If you can afford to eat somewhere else, get the food to go.
(3)Maddie M.
This place is pretty good compared to all the options availible on St. Paul St. They offer a lot of different options on the menu from italian to indian food. I came here for brunch on a saturday. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Everything was moderately priced for its quality. I order some chicken tikka masala with garlic nan to go with. It wasnt as spicy as I wouldve liked but it was still very tasty. I would recommend this place for a casual meal. Its quick and convenient. It has more of a diner look to it, if only it was open diner hours I wouldve gavie it 5 stars!!
(4)Matthew L.
I haven't had the Indian food though I hear it's much better. The diner menu is simple and plain. I thought the salad was poor and the baked mac and cheese was greasy. The soups have been pretty good. It is more of a college spot for Johns Hopkins kids to get a late bite.
(2)Colleen M.
I agree with other comments that the food is a little pricey, but you do get a large portion for the cost of the food. My lamb curry was $13.95 plus $3.25 for potato-stuffed naan. The lamb was nice & tender and the curry delicous - not very spicy but still fragrant and flavorful. I ate a good bit of the meat, and have plenty left over for lunch tomorrow. The place was kinda a mixed crowd: a few older couples, some groups of college students, two people who looked like they were on a date, and a little girl who lived next door talking to the people at the table across from us. Because the booths have high backs, you still feel like you have a nook private enough to get into a good conversation, even if you're seated in the middle of the restaurant. Our server was friendly and attentive. My only complaint is not the restaurant's fault at all - I ordered the wrong thing! My food was good, but next time I come here, I have to get the chicken badaam pasana. I tried my roommate's and it was delicious... the ground almond in the sauce gave it a great complex flavor and made it exactly what I was in the mood to eat. So I stole a little bit (not too much), and I'll look forward to next time I get the chance to visit Tamber's.
(4)Angelique W.
Prior to the remodel, Tambers made more sense--it was a nifty fifties diner that also served more than passable Indian cuisine. That was circa 2006. Today, the restaurant has been expanded and has a more formal dining feel (eg, very high back booths, classical music playing), except for the posters and signs which harken back to the diner look (eg, "vintage" Coca-Cola signs (Tambers serves Pepsi products!), Marilyn, Elvis). Somehow, the old mashup worked and was appealing, but this just felt awkward. Food was still decent (in fact, the Indian offerings have expanded since 2006, which was quite welcome!), but the setting doesn't work and makes the entire experience less pleasant.
(3)Not A.
We only ever order the Indian food for carry-out here, but it is a nearly weekly thing because of how delicious it is. There are student discounts with a Hopkins ID. Tambers is vegetarian and vegan friendly, and the staff are always pleasant and accommodating. I keep meaning to try some of the more American offerings but never make it past the samosas or malai kofta.
(4)A. C.
We usually go for the Indian food at Tamber's, but it's also a go to when we have mixed opinions, or picky eaters. The diner food is decent, but the jalfrezis, vindaloos and kormas are the things to have. We tried several with different types of protein; I prefer the lamb and paneer, chicken is breast meat chunks and tends to get dry after long stewing. For an interesting dish, try the Malai Kofta (vegetable patties/cakes in a creamy, tomatoey, curry sauce). All the sauces are savory, boldly spiced. You can always get a malted to cool down your lip-numbing vindaloo though.
(4)Hannah S.
Tambers is an American diner with Indian food, which is a great combination if you, or someone you're with is in the mood for Indian and someone else doesn't particularly like it. I usually eat their Chicken Curry which is tasty, but pretty oily. Tambers isn't a great place for high-class indian food, but its still good. I've also had the Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka, Eggplant dish, Spinach and Cheese dish -- most of their Indian dishes are pretty good. The naan isn't anything special either, but I do really like their potato naan. As for the American menu, the food is not that great, but also ok (hence 3 stars -- I feel like everything here is pretty good, but not great). The fries that come with meals are really good, but things like the salad aren't that special (think overpriced iceberg) or their chicken parm. Little known that their milkshakes and mango lassi are really good! Also, if you are in the mood for take-out, there's a window for that in the back of the restaurant and the prices are cheaper and you get free naan if you order Indian food. Tambers is a staple for the Johns Hopkins students who live close by :)
(3)amanda b.
Have you ever wanted to dine on aloo palak with a side of onion rings? No? Well, here's a restaurant where you can do that anyway. I'm not entirely sure how Tamber's came about but I guess it works. I've not tried anything beyond the Indian food. It's reliably good but never amazing, and there's nothing beyond the most basic curries on the menu. Their okra dish is extra tasty, and not too heavy. They serve raita with every meal, which is a nice touch. Service can be a bit slow. I've been several times now. Will I go back? Yeah probably, but only because it's so convenient for me. You can get better food for the same price if you're willing to go to Mt. Vernon, as long as you're not looking for eggplant parm on the side.
(3)Will S.
I like going to Tamber's a lot. It's a fun, busy, noisy restaurant with cheesy-fun diner decor that people always love. I usually find me entrees to be a little bland, but their appetizers are great and their milk shakes are top notch. I couldn't really say why, but I like this place a lot.
(4)Andy B.
Pretty good Indian-2nd best in Baltimore after Cafe Spice. Food portions are not gigantic but they don't charge $17 for an entree. The dine-in food and portions are better than take out. I wish they sold meat samosas.
(4)Carla C.
It was a bitter cold evening in January and I was lazily sitting on my couch with no desire to cook but had a ravenous hunger for Indian cuisine. Not really knowing the best place to order from, I boldly chose Tamber's because I knew of it as the Indian/50's Diner place (which is a strange but cool concept and I was curious). I consulted Yelp and the reviews were overall, pretty good. My order consisted of naan, samosas, palak paneer, vegetable curry and rice and they gave me plenty of everything. As you can see, I ordered enough food to truly give me a taste for what they had to offer and everything was delicious and hit the spot perfectly. The Samosas were crispy, the naan was fluffy and the palak paneer was delicious. I have a huge appetite and can usually finish off dinner sized servings in an evening but I was able to save my leftovers and re-heat them for TWO DAYS! I will definitely be calling Tambers again for Indian cravings in my future. Who knows, this time I might actually go inside and get a milkshake on the side.
(4)Carrie L.
Just ate here for the first time the other day. Diner atmosphere but in a very cool, newly-gentrified neighborhood. You can actually walk down the street and enjoy yourself these days. I had an Indian dish and my companions sampled the diner food. Mine was very tasty and generous. I liked. I would go back.
(4)Kate M.
My husband and I love this place. I really enjoy the Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Korma, Biryani, and Channa Masala. I have found that their Biryani and Vindaloo are both very different from other Indian restaurants, but I like them. Their garlic naan is very good. Their service is very good. Their American food is fairly average, with the exception of their excellent gyros. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(4)Y. T.
Tamber's is the only "diner" I know of that also serves Indian food. There's something for everyone here, the food is good and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant itself is very family-friendly. For a truly unique dining experience you have to give this place a try. It's conveniently located in Charles Village, a block east of the JHU Homewood Campus.
(4)Mike W.
Never mind the diner food. It's passable enough and good if you're really craving Indian food but have unadventurous diners in tow. The Indian food is great. I have it on good authority that it's as close as American establishments come to what you'll get on the streets of Dheli. Plus it's the only Indian option in the city that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The staff is great and there's one really attractive waiter who looks like the Nepali Johnny Depp. Stay away from the Mango Lassi. Otherwise, I've never had anything on the menu that I wouldn't order again.
(4)Pascal P.
I had take-out lamb saag from here once, and I thought it was pretty decent. The prices aren't the greatest though, and there are better indian places down in Mt. Vernon.
(3)Marcia H.
One of my must stop places when back in Baltimore. Indian entres are reliable and even crabcakes are good. Fun to have broad selection.
(4)Joe B.
I have been consistently satisfied by their Indian menu and consistently underwhelmed by their dineresque offerings. Service is fantastic. Friends and acquaintances complain of food poisoning, which has essentially put a stop to my visits.
(3)Lisa M.
This is a first for me - a 50's style diner meets Indian, and does it well! My friend and I went in the middle of the afternoon for a snack, and although we only ordered a few things between us, the service was as gracious as if we'd ordered every item on the menu. The chicken saag gosht was quite lovely and full of flavor. The chicken in question was tender and the spinach thick (I don't like it when the spinach tastes runny). The dish itself is served in a little metal pot - the portion size doesn't look big, but the food is very dense. I was full after only eating half of it. It's not the most outstanding I've ever had but i could see myself craving it if I lived nearby. Note: You pay at the front, so after you get the check, I sat for a while feeling like an utter fool when no one came to get the check. Finally, I realized you go to the front to pay, and someone appeared promptly.
(4)Shawn F.
Blending a 1950s diner with Indian food may seem a bit odd, but Tamber's does it with aplomb. I've stuck to the Indian menu on most of my visits here, and I wholeheartedly recommend the lamb saag - tender pieces of lamb in a blend of delicious pureed spinach. Not a lamb fan? The Chicken Sagwala is the same thing with a different meat. Service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is fun and inviting. The location is especially convenient for Hopkins students, whom you will likely find in great numbers here. My only regret is that prices are a bit high across the menu. Still, the spectacular saag keeps me going back.
(4)Ruthie S.
SO DELICIOUS! Don't bother coming here for the diner food, as it's not as satisfying or worth the price. However, this is my favorite Indian food in Baltimore (note: I am not actually Indian myself.). They give you giNORMOUS portions, so you can save it for a few later meals. The prices are decent. The service is friendly, and they have a cute Aussie waiter. Great atmosphere, too! Weird that it's a 50s style diner, but the point is it looks CLEAN and NICE. The neighborhood is good, too, though it's a tad far from the rest of the St. Paul joints. Highly recommend! I go to this place at least once every couple of months!
(4)J L.
The service: A The service has been very helpful and attentive every time I have been to Tamber's (which is often). The people at the restaurant are nice, helpful, and well presented. The food: A- I have only ever ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan bread, and Samosas from Tamber's, but that is for good reason. The samosas are delicious, the naan is generally well-made (every once in a while it's a bit crispy in my opinion), and the chicken tikka masala is fantastic. Their rice is also good (a simple thing, but very important as well.) Their menu is extremely impressive. Tamber's has all types of foods - namely American, Italian, and Indian (from my impressions at least; I usually skip straight to the Indian section). The building/environment: I love the 50s style diner theme of Tamber's. The booths are comfortable and the restaurant is pretty spacious. There are pictures of Elvis and Marylin Monroe on the wall to add to the theme. The outside of the building is nice. There is a club, "The Den," located above Tamber's. Tamber's also has a to-go option. You can phone ahead orders or place them directly at the separate to-go section of the restaurant. (There is a separate door for this apart from the main restaurant floor.) Overall: A (not an average) I love going to Tamber's. Every time I'm around the restaurant part of me wants to stop by just for some quick samosas. I would recommend it to anyone. Some items are more expensive than I would like, but that hasn't and will not stopped me from going back.
(4)Sam S.
Tambers is an excellent restaurant for a lot of good reasons. Tambers is really great for kids, and adults alike. Tambers is Indian-American with lots of choices for everybody. They have great burgers and other great sandwiches on the American side, and on the Indian side, there is palaak paneer, shrimp biriyani, and other excellent Indian dishes. The waiters are super nice, I especially enjoy the waiter Max. Overall this is an excellent restaurant.
(5)David T.
5 stars -- not because the food is THAT good, but you really have to hand it to a fifties-style diner that serves a good variety of indian food and has an award for the best mac n cheese in Baltimore. Pulling off this ridiculous shtick with style puts them above all criticism.
(5)Eric P.
Tamber's is finally open after a very long renovation. The place has doubled in size, but unfortunately so have the prices. It no longer gives off the same aura -- the naan no longer comes in french fry baskets! The indian food is still good, and is probably the best affordable indian food within a short walking distance from JHU.
(4)Danielle B.
Best milk shakes EVER....pretty decent Indian food too....I mean I haven't been there since 2005 but it was good then...so unless the renovations changed the food....I would say it's worth a try
(4)D S.
We needed a dinner place within walking distance of the JHU dorms to have a meal with our daughter on our last nite in town; I'd overheard someone mention Tamber's so we checked the online reviews and gave it a try. Walking in the front door, we were greeted by the sounds of happy customers at every table and the rich aromas of curries. You know, when you think: "whatever it is I'm smelling, I need to eat THAT!" We enjoyed Chicken Jalfrezzi, Aloo Gabi Masala (cauliflower, potatoes, carrots), Chicken Biryani, Shrimp Tikka Masala, plain & garlic naan. We didn't realize the dishes would be so plentiful, but we didn't mind the temptation to over-indulge because we got to sample so much between the three of us. Our server was very attentive and intuitive -- on the spot but not disruptive. This was a great place for a casual, memorable dinner. You don't need to be a full-out Indian food enthusiast to be delighted by Tamber's. Take that first step in the door, and they'll do the rest ... my husband and I are 2,000 miles away and already anticipating our next visit!
(5)J. M.
Rarely tempted to write a scathing review of a place where I was treated perfectly respectably but the food here is particularly terrible. Any place that sells you pancakes and tandoori chicken should raise alarm bells. I think they should start over.
(1)Michaek S.
Tambers, Tambers, Tambers-- what happened to you? Back when you were Tamber's Nifty Fifities you had EXCELLENT Indian food. Spicy, flavorful, and it was a worthy trip just to have milkshakes and apple pie for desert if we wished! What other Indian place offers you that??? Never tried the American side beyond that...uniqueness of ordering Indian in American Fifties diner was always too much to pass up. Moved out of the 'hood-- years went by-- got a job in the City a few blocks south, said "Hey! Tambers's is still there!" So, apx. 2 months ago, we went here for lunch. Atmosphere is still 50s-faux dinner; clean, cheerful, friendly and quick service. But the Indian food.... Ordered chicken tikka masala-- yes, totally a dish made for the English- but can still be quite spicy and tasty when done well; this one tasted of Campbell's tomato soup! Way too sweet, no spice- and I swear it was just canned tomato soup mixed with cream!! Yecchhh!! Naan was fine. Rice was fine. My wife had chana masala-- not bad, but could have used more spice,too. I have fond memories of good meals here. And, honestly, for cream of tomato soup, it was good! For tikka masala sauce, well......I will come here again-- only I'm going to go for the meatloaf blue plate as that seems to be more their deal now..... (will update when that occurs!!) (hmm/.....Meatloaf tikka masala....if they use the same sauce, that would be a classic fifties dinner dish!! esp. with mashed taters......)
(3)Eddie W.
Food is alright, not great. Service is alright. I think the 3 stars sum it all up pretty well.
(3)Cassie S.
So the mac and cheese is awesome. Know this and order it on those days that cry out for comfort food.
(4)Amanda K.
I was really excited to try this place out since it was listed as the "Nifty Fifties" diner serving Indian food - just exactly the kind of place that you know will be a hoot to eat at. It was actually not very amusing at all, and while I guess it didn't really have any of the decorative accoutrements that people are used to at Indian restaurants, it didn't really fit my image of a 50s diner either. Oh well. I got the chicken Vindaloo and didn't find it as horrifically spicy as I was expecting - really sort of a mild, pleasant spice level, which I did not think Vindaloo was. It was delicious, though, and the other people at our table who ordered Indian-style dishes likewise agreed that the food was great. The garlic naan smelled awesome, but it didn't really taste as good as it smelled. Was a little pricier than I would have liked, also, but the service was good.
(4)Kate T.
Delicious. Tamber's has really good Indian food; I've heard great things about the American style food as well. I've tried a bunch of the Indian dishes here and they are all very, very delicious. The portion sizes are huge (definitely enough for two people/two meals). The naan is super delicious. About the spiciness, yes, if you order it off the menu, it's not spicy at all. However, if you tell them to make it spicier, then it's awesome! Prices are expensive (especially if you dine in), but it's totally worth it. The decor is interesting and the staff is awesome. A Charles Village must-see!
(4)Ethan S.
We came here because our tour guide at Johns Hopkins recommended the place. It did not look Indian at all aesthetically, and the first 3 pages of the menu were all American dishes. I thought it was going to be an Indian-American fusion place from how it was described to us. It turned out to be basically 2 restaurants in 1: a typical American diner, or a classic Indian place. I just really didn't like the inside of the place... just too cheap and dry looking. The food was excellent though. I got chicken masalla I think and it was divine. The sauce was bright orange and super flavorful. The rice it came with was my favorite: long grain basmati rice. The one mistake with the dish was that they cut up the chicken instead of leaving it in chunks... why cut it...? it also made it drier :( Even the nan bread was very tasty and perfect for scooping up the leftover sauce of the chicken. I'd definitely go back.
(4)