The Bowman Restaurant

My family have been going to The Bowman for Thanksgiving for the last 6 years, or more. The food and service has always been excellent, until last year.Last year (2023) we had a reservation and arrived on time. We were told it would be about a 20 minute wait, so we ordered drinks at the bar and waited. The 20 minutes, plus had passed. I asked the Hostess about our table and she then told me we had to check in with another Hostess just inside the door leading to the back dining area. This was unacceptable, but not to make a scene I let it go. When we were finally seated, we waited for at least 20 to 30 additional minutes before I finally asked the Hostess if we could get some service. The server arrived shortly after, but was very rude and acted as if we were bothering her. The food was subpar also. Even though we had a bad experience, we decided to give The Bowman another try this year (2024).Again, we had a reservation and arrived early. We were seated immediately, there wasn't very many people in the front room, where we were seated.The server showed up right away. We requested waters and cocktails. The cocktails arrived and I had to ask for water again. The server was obviously inexperienced in waiting tables. He lacked any etiquette in serving, He didn't introduce himself, he asked things like "What do you want?" instead of "Is there anything else I can get you?" "Have you decided on what you'd like?" and such.After we received our food, he was nowhere to be found. The next issue is not his fault. We all ordered the Filet Mignon meal. The steaks were all cooked improperly. I requested medium rare and it was rare, my sons ordered medium and his was medium rare, my daughter asked for well done and got medium. The corn was bland canned corn. Neither my son nor I ate the corn. I couldn't eat my steak, so I took it home and cooked it properly for the next evening. What is unsettling is that the entire time my plate with the corn and untouched steak lay on the table and our server never once asked if there was something wrong.I have to say that the drinks were not bad, the mashed potatoes and the cream of crab soup were good also.To say the least, it was a unanimous decision that we won't be back.We are sad to have lost a good dining spot.

Food was ok. Service was fair. And ambience is eclectic . Was disappointed compared to the earlier years. But ok value for the price

My friend, who invited me says the place hasn't changed in 30 years. I wouldn't know as I've never visited the Bowman in all my years. That said, there's a first time for everything. Including visits to this Carney mainstay. We arrived at 12:30 for lunch, seated ourselves and were greeted promptly by our friendly server. She was also efficient and professional. The menu, which is relatively limited (not a bad thing) assisted with our quick decision on what we wanted. We started with unsweetened iced tea. My friend ordered their oyster stew and a chicken salad sandwich. I ordered cream of crab soup and fish and chips. Soups were delivered quickly. My friend loved the stew and the cream of crab was good though reminiscent of she crab soup popular in Hampton Roads. Chicken Salad Sammie, accompanied by potato chips, was rated "excellent." My fish and chips? Well, uh, the fries were hot, greasy and soggy. The fish? More of the same. Edible, but... As mentioned, the house hasn't change in decades and for a town where folks like things static, that's a good thing. I may need to try something different next visit.

Ate several times on our trip to Maryland. Great service and delicious food.We had a blast each visit. Strong drinks

Needs new decor, more salt and flavor and a clear entrance. It feels like the 90s in there.

Came here because a friend invited me. Wouldn't be a place I would try normally but you guys know how we helpers do, we'll go to a place of someone invites us. I was not trying to be more critical because of it either that I had looked at previous pictures and reviews. I had a good idea of what I already wanted. I was with a big party so it took a long time to receive anything. When the waitress did come to take my order I ordered food and also drinks since I I wasn't offered anything since I had sat down.The waitress came back and told us they were completely out of oysters so half of us have to change our orders. I asked for the stuffed mushrooms and creme brulee. She informed me that the creme brulee was peppermint flavor SMH. I declined and ask for the mushrooms only. Their description sounded really good but there were no pictures of them so I was not sure what I was going to get, but hopeful. My drinks didn't come so I had to go to the bar to order them. I let the waitress know when she came back and she still didn't have them she said she understood and she wouldn't charge me for the drinks that she had for me she was bringing shortly. Everyone's food came out but my appetizer still had not and I was waiting for a long time. My drinks finally did come and they were correct status please about that. The waitress came back to inform me they had brought the mushrooms out the first time but was taken to the wrong table. I was afraid they would bring me the same one but it took some time for them to come out again and they were hot. I cut into them and I realized they were canned mushrooms. I was not excited at all but as I took the first bite, all I taste it was mustard. It was stuffed with a crab cake with cheese on top. I immediately pushed it away for me and waited for the waitress to come back. She didn't return for some time so I just went ahead and ate them. I didn't want to be a person at the table not eating their food although others were not happy with their dishes either. I had not eaten all day and decided just to eat them and take note. It would have been a hundred times better if they would have just used fresh mushrooms. It wouldn't be hard to put that on a portobello mushroom cap and it would have been awesome. Or maybe even sauteed the mushroom first to give it some flavor but canned mushrooms? I am not a fan of all the mustard in the crab cake but at least I could tell it was real crab meat. I was informed the steak was good and the sauce was very tasty as well.

This rating is based on the food and atmosphere. I feel rating on the service could kill a business if someone is having a bad day. That said. The server was personable and very friendly, just the kind of a server I would like but it will not be in the rating. Plenty of parking, but it does fill up on the really busy nights. Outdoor dining is nice but today was over 90. So we went inside. For the food I ordered the Austin Beef Sandwich $13.00Thinly-sliced prime rib with fried onions, fried mushrooms and pepper jack cheese served on a focaccia roll.What they didn't mention was the au jus on the side. TBH it was delicious, but I was envious of the sandwich my daughter and wife ordered. Baltimore Chicken Sandwich $15.00Juicy grilled chicken breast, topped w/ our creamy crab dip, tomato and bacon and served on a toasted kaiser roll. Comes w/ fries.The fries were all they would let me sample, but they were shoestring fries with herbs and tasty to boot. See what I did there... From this visit I will say, I am interested in going back, I am looking forward to the patio. 4.25 stars! Nice place!

Paid the live entertainment 1/2 of what was promised! Who else are they screwing, not paying or where else are they cutting corners. Never will they get one penny of my business.

I wanted to try this local restaurant. It was definitely crowded on a Friday night around 6:00pm. We had to wait about 40 minutes to get seated. I thought well it must be a great place so I decided to stick it out. Took a bit to get a waiter's attention. We ordered the Maryland crab soup and also the Cream of crab soup. Looked good at first but honestly both lacked enough crabmeat. I kept fishing in my bowl for lump crab meat; none was found. Disappointed to say the least. We decided to order appetizers because it had gotten so late and couldn't eat a large meal. We ordered the wings and the steamed shrimp. They both had great presentation. They were hot and delicious. Great sized wings and shrimp. We had no complaints with those appetizers. I know it was a busy night because staff was all over the place. Unfortunately we were the quiet ones and didn't get the attention that was desired. It definitely was loud and our party couldn't hear each other. Parking was also tough leaving. We got blocked in from those who decided to make parking spots across the handicap parking. I was honestly looking for some great soup and didn't feel we got it so that is why the rating isn't better.

Always enjoy going to the Bowman!! Excellent food, service and the overall atmosphere is great!!!