The Bowman Restaurant & Pub

The service is great and so is the food. I particularly liked the soft shell crab sandwich and cream of crab soup.

Im not very big on Unilocal and writing reviews but every time I come here its always a pleasure. today we came I’m with my twin baby boys that are 2 and one of them wouldn’t really calm down… the owner and staff calmed him down and not only did they make him happy the owner bought him a scratch off and he won! I offered the money to the owner and he would not accept it. The food was phenomenal and the service was exceptional. My husband’s first time there and he can’t wait to go back… and he’s very picky.

Went there for Thanksgiving. We had to change reservations at the last minute to an hour later and they accommodated even though they were packed, awesome! Food was great and staff was super nice. A very nice time!

Very consistent food, service and drink at The Bowman.
I find myself in Parkville at least a couple times a quarter for work and always make it a point to stop in for a drink and a bite to eat.
My last visit I had 2 craft beers and the crab soup and the Lobster special with asparagus and it was outstanding.
My waitress was very attentive without being overbearing and chatty. I like the atmosphere and it also is a very special place to me as we celebrated my 21^st birthday there with several family members who are now deceased. Keep up the good work!

TL;DR version: crap service, mediocre food, good patio/​music
Found myself at the bowman to check out the music. The hostess didn’t want to seat us outside because the only table was «right next to where they’re singing». Which I understand, not all guests would like that. Took a significant amount of time to get our drink orders in or even see a server. We weren’t in a hurry so it was fine. My companion put in her order and the server left without asking for my order. Came back with companions food, and dropped it off without taking my order. We got her attention long enough to order the singer a drink (which she never received) but she left while I was trying to tell her my order.
I get it. I wasn’t yelling at her. Just trying to say «and can I get the…» And she’s gone. 50 minutes after sitting down she’s finally around long enough to take my order! I was just ordering potato skins, this wasn’t some complicated process that required listening for more than 6 words. But she was very polite.
We were outside so it’s possible they were completely overwhelmed inside.
Overall I had an enjoyable evening. But had I not eaten before coming it would have been a disaster.

This place is great! Terrific food at a reasonable price. Great service, neighborly atmosphere. Cream of crab soup is delish. Ruben is tasty and greek salad has authenticity.
I will be back!

This place came through when we need them. Our mom passed away and the original place that we wanted to the lunched need 48 hours to accommodate us. We called and they could not be more helpful and advise that the 15 – 20 people could use the regular menu for the meal. The 2 waitress were on mark for everything and good was good.
I would recommend that they add «Old Bay» to the condiments on the table as the chef is not using them as they could be used.

I come here for the food. Never had a bad meal. Tonight I saw Alaskan King Crab legs go to another table. They looked good enough that I had to order them… and oh were they worth it for $ 9 a cluster. Lots of streaming hot crab meat! The $ 15 prime rib dinner on Thursday night’s is another reason to come here. Dress in jeans and come hungry. A great gin and tonic and so reasonably priced it is totally worth the drive from Roland Park. …and I have to say friendly service. wish I had thought to take a picture before I devoured everything… oh, well … next time… and there is definitely a next time.

Great food! Love the oyster stew and cream of crab soup!

This is the kind of restaurant I remember going to as a kid. A place where it took some time to order and be served your food — and while you waited, you and your family and friends took the time to talk and unwind. Things just don’t seem like they used to anymore. The food here is ok. This is the place to go if you want to go old school and chill with your peeps while getting some grub.
Ahhhh, nostalgia!

My wife & are retired & we dine out frequently. We have been to Bowmans a couple of other times, but this particular visit was exceptional.
I had the lobster special which was three half lobster tails (3oz ea), a side of choice (asparagus was fresh & great) & ice cream for desert. «ONLY $ 15.00»
My wife had the oyster stew, which was so delicious, she drank the broth.
I only wish they had the lobster special more often.
To say the least, we will be back again.

Warning, I’m giving this place a good review. Been here twice over two years and have been more than happy with the crab cakes and especially the crab imperial (an off menu item). The icing was the fresh yellow squash served as a side yesterday. Best I’ve had and I’m from farm country.
Now, I’ve been in for lunch twice and ate in the bar eating area and it is acceptable as such, and the waitstaff is very friendly. I will head back next time in town.

We ate here as part of a large family celebration. Salad was blah. Lasagna was blah. No ice for drinks. Service was average. The food was average at best. The Bowman has been a Parkville/​Carney landmark for many years but just not my scene or taste.

Well… I met some friends here for dinner, and to see a band we like for dancing. Sadly, this place is way too small to dance. I heard good things about the food, but when my plate came I was a bit unsatisfied with the crab cake. It tasted fine, but was the size of a golf ball… too small for the price. I ordered apple pie a la mode and the pie tasted store bought. When the bill came, I was surprised to see the pie and ice cream alone cost $ 10. Overall the price wasn’t justified, the food was just okay and there wasn’t enough of it.

Best of everything? I beg to differ. This place almost made me sick with their crab. A friend had told me to steer clear of this place and I should of listened. Sorry, Mike you were right all along. *Chugging Pepto* Consider yourself warned.

Was with a large party for a wake. Was treated well with prompt a courteous service. Appetizers were at the table on arrival, bruschetta and crab dip, both very well done. Menu was pre set, but was a choice of crab cake, stake, or chicken. All came with salad and potato. Chose the crab cake and was pleased. Nice size with good lumps and not much filler, very good taste as well. Potato was well a potato. Salad wasn’t bad, with peppercorn ranch (not overpowering peppery as many are). Finished off with a moist piece of chocolate cake.

The Sauteed Shrimp appetizer is really good. The food in general is above average in quality and taste. I don’t think you can go wrong with a pasta or steak dish. Their seafood is pretty well known in the area though sometimes I’m not as impressed with their seafood as some of the other dishes. Every time I’ve been to the Bowman I’ve been satisfied. It’s a local staple in the Parkville area and I’m always happy to enjoy a meal at this establishment.

Do yourself a favor and try the scallops. Cooked perfectly every time. Used to come w/​mashed garlic potatoes (yum) but now w/​risotto (creamy & delicious). Cream of crab soup is tasty and full of crab. Friendly, helpful staff.

I liked the food and service here a lot. I ordered the stuffed shrimp (loved), my brother and dad got the scallops (they loved them and said the scallops were super tender), and my sister-​in-​law got the crabcake (kind of small, but she enjoyed it). We had brought a cake for my dad’s birthday, and they not only put candles on it, but brought it out at the right time and plated it nicely.
I recommend sitting in the formal dining area for a nice dinner experience, but be warned that you can’t get the sandwiches there.

Wow, I can’t believe I’m just now getting to my review which is from Thanksgiving of 2009. Anyway, my family came here for Thanksgiving dinner last year and it was extremely disappointing. Service was friendly but it was dreadfully slow, the room was obnoxiously loud and crowded, and the tables were packed so close together that there was no atmosphere. For a place that tries to come across as almost fine dining, nothing but the prices lived up to that.
The Thanksgiving menu consisted of a choice of several main entrees, several sides, and several desserts. It really didn’t matter what any of us picked because it was all slightly above cafeteria quality. For an attempt at a nice family dinner, this was a complete failure. It really felt like they were just trying to cut corners by packing everyone in and selling mass produced crap food at a premium since it was a holiday.
Maybe coming here for a regular meal is better but I really have little interest in returning to find out.