Bowley's on the Bay

Name: Bowley's on the Bay
Address: 800 Chester Rd, Middle River, MD, United States, 21220-4322
Telephone: (410) 335-8613
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

86 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Chesapeake Bay’s newest restaurant & dining location. Located waterfront in Bowleys Quarters, our new indoor restaurant, Bowleys On The Bay is sure to be your new dining destination. Located inside Long Beach Marina at 800 Chester Road in Bowleys Quarters Maryland, we are easily accessible by boat or by car. Our Summer resort style destination & beach dining is now complimented by our new indoor dining area.

We are not taking reservations at this time.

During the Summer months, walk our beach, grab a waterfront outdoor shaded table, sit under a swaying palm tree, enjoy amazing views & a cool Island vibe with our tropical soundtrack. During our off season, come grab an indoor bar stool, high top table or dining room chair & get cozy with an amazing menu selection.
We offer weekly specials, a Sunday Brunch & more.
Please check our Facebook daily & our website for updates on all the wonderful times you’ll share with us this coming year.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(410) 335-8613
Website
https://bowleysonthebay.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
800 Chester Rd, Middle River, MD 21220-4322
Neighborhood
Bowleys Quarters
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 86 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

86 Reviews

AS
AsiaS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience2
Service was trash, from the hosting staff making us wait 25 mins to clear a table and when we were seated the table was still filthy. The young table busser bought out glasses to the table holding the mouth piece with her hands. Food took forever and came cold. Thought this would be a nice place to have my birthday dinner but it was sadly ruined. Will never return again
Bowley's on the BayResponded on June 5, 2023
We apologize for any issues with your experience, Asia. We always strive to provide the best service to our customers and it's disappointing to hear that we fell short in your case. We have taken note of your feedback as means for improvement for future dining experiences.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience4
Thursday night. Initially the server was around, but ended up apparently having to go tend bar, so we sat for almost 40 minutes waiting for them to collect the check. Food was ok, not great.
Bowley's on the BayResponded on June 5, 2023
We apologize for any delay in service that may have occurred during your visit. We will take your comments into consideration as we strive to provide the best possible experience for our guests. While you enjoyed the food, we do hope for the opportunity to welcome you back in to impress you with the 5-star worthy service we are known for.
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H
leonH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience1
The cream of crab was OK, but not in my top top five. The view from inside the restaurant is poor. The food was quite good, but not great, so pricing was a little high. Service was fast and accurate, however there were not a lot of people there at 6 PM on a Friday night. Overall, probably not going back.
Bowley's on the BayResponded on May 8, 2023
Leon, we appreciate you taking the time to share feedback regarding our prompt service. We hope you'll give us another chance in the future to provide a 5-star dining experience.
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AS
AnnetteS
Dundalk
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were excellent. Definitely be back. Best Ahi tuna appetizer!
Bowley's on the BayResponded on May 8, 2023
Annette, thank you for the 5-star review. We're happy to know you consider our Ahi tuna appetizer the best! We look forward to your next visit.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
8 reviews
vip
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
Sat at the bar and every time we wanted something, whether to order, refill, etc, had to flag down the bartender. They never asked themselves. They were in between switching menus so out of many things. The view is great but they need to work on customer service.
Bowley's on the BayResponded on May 8, 2023
We appreciate you taking the time to share feedback, and we hope you'll give us another chance to provide a 5-star dining experience.
2 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was great all around. The food was fantastic the service was great and quick
Bowley's on the BayResponded on May 8, 2023
Thank you for the 5-star review. We're happy to know you enjoyed the quality of our food and drinks, and we hope you'll visit again soon!
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LY
LloydY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful day, great service. The food came quicker than we expected.
Bowley's on the BayResponded on May 8, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Lloyd. We are glad to hear that you had a beautiful day and enjoyed the great service during your visit. Our team works hard to ensure that our customers receive their food in a timely manner, and we are pleased that we were able to exceed your expectations in this regard. We hope to have the pleasure of serving you again in the future.
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RP
RachelP
Baltimore
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
Calamari was over cooked and rubbery, manager had it remade and said she was taking it off the bill (didn’t). Gnocchi with crab tasted like tuna fish and portion was tiny. Overall big disappointment. Bartender was new behind the bar and more focused on talking to people who work there vs guest at the bartop. Manager was not dressed appropriately was cold and rainy but had on short Jean shorts, flip flops and dirty feet.
2 people found this helpful
C
Cssj
Greensboro
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
Service was slow. Food was very good. The dining room is best if you want to have a conversation as the bar area is quite noisy which is to be expected.
1 person found this helpful
G
Goldenfan
Baltimore
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall2food4service3ambience1
I had been here before on a week night and enjoyed everything including the quiet atmosphere. Went this time with friends to whom we recommended Bowley’s. What a difference! So disappointing! It was LOUD! The place was small but they had amped up live music which they put right up against the door to the dining room. We had to yell to one another to converse. They had changed chefs. We were told they no longer served bread or rolls- a favorite of our friends. The food was fairly tasty but lukewarm. Asparagus was undercooked and my friend said she needed a chisel to cut her torte dessert. My Martini tasted like straight vodka. It was just a terrible night all around.
1 person found this helpful
JB
JillB
Charlotte
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
We left without eating. The food was cold, not edible, and we paid for the meal.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
Food was good. For Valentine’s Day it wasn’t that bad. Noticed our server was way too busy on the other side kind of forgetting about us - we were going to order desert but only came back once after we started eating dinner. Other tables around us were also waiting that long. I’d return here though.
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G
Goldenfan
Baltimore
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed everything. Crab cake was first rate. Great service. Will return.
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RG
RegularGuy
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall2food3service3ambience2
Bowlery’s has a promising location: On the water near a cute airport where one can watch small planes land or take off. Less promising was the food and parts of the service. And the ambiance, the photos look great but they were concentrated on the entryway; the dining area was nowhere as elegant. Service. The mustachioed young man didn’t exactly feel thrilled to see us and his handling g of the seating belied this. We were put at a table that was blowing cold air on us. When my companion asked to be moved, he obliged but mumbled the air handler was off. It wasn’t. Subsequently our waitress said she’d handle it; she did. Her service was cheerful and we were happy with it. We were, however, less happy with a wrong order delivered ~ twice! Instead of the entree scallop, I got the appetizer; instead of the “chocolate cake,” we got a chocolate truffle cake that, by the way, was nearly melted, begging to be put out of its misery. That leads to food… Food. The $34 entree Italian scallop with pasta came with one more scallop over the misdelivered appetizer scallop. So, one more scallop than the appetizer for around double the price. That sucks. The taste was good but I’ve soured over the cheapness the restaurant exhibited. My companion’s salmon was good, I guess. She did not rave about it. Dessert. The “chocolate cake” was beautifully photographed. On tne fork it was dried out and “meh.” I won’t remember it, that’s how memorable it was. Coffee. Blah. Probably Maxwell House. So for the artful website and enticing photographs, this place is flatter than a Kansas prairie in mid-winter. 👎🏻
1 person found this helpful
m
marlaz
Baltimore
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We sat in the bar, so it was loud, but that’s to be expected. They have recently switched to a winter menu and the options were great. We got the grilled calamari and it was really good.
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R
Reese
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful environment arrived on time waiter came over to table very very pleasant
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VM
VeronicaM
Baltimore
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
This may have to do with the fact that a new menu was being introduced, but the food was very mediocre, and expensive. My daughter ordered a Cubano sandwich and specifically requested no mustard. The sandwich had mustard on it. We pointed it out to the server. She asked the chef if there was mustard on it, the chef denied it, and it was plain as day that there was mustard on it. The server then said "Oh so the chef lied." Yep, sure did. The right thing would have been to take that item off the tab, but nothing was offered. My daughter's steak was supposed to be medium, and it was closer to medium well. Her potatoes were flavorless, my salmon was meh. Overall very underwhelmed. The outdoor space is absolutely gorgeous, and the inside space is also nice. This would be a great place to come for a happy hour but do not expect any fine dining.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyable Mother’s Day dinner
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday party
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
If you are not white DO NOT go here to eat! First, they wanted to put us outside, then after being seated we had no service no water no drinks for over 20 mins.. food was cold and under cooked.. not to mention the fish and chips was more like 3 fish nuggets! Will never go back here! People who sat down after us got there food before us! And there were no other darker skin folks in the dinning area at all! It felt very racist! Horrible service and experience!!
5 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nick the waiter was wonderful & very attentive, great with food & drink recommendations!! The view was amazing & overall a great dining experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual I had an amazing time, great food, great drinks and a beautiful atmosphere!!! Love it!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent customer service and ambience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I wanted to try the brunch and it really was fantastic! There were a lot of choices - not boring and not weird!! Everything tasted great and we plan on doing brunch once a month now!!
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G
Grkmom
Baltimore
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Dinner at 5 was perfect as we had a window seat in the bar area watching sun setting and the small aircraft flying low in landing approaches to Martin State Airport. We sat at the only table that wasn't bar height and so glad that this table was available. Sometimes sitting on high seats with our legs bent back to the stool foot rest is uncomfortable and leg circulation is restricted. Again we ordered the appetizer fried green tomatoes with crab meat and loved the lightly breaded fresh green tomatoes served on a bed of spring mixed greens and topped with generous lump crab. There was a drizzle of a light and tangy sauce that was perfection with a sprinkle of Old Bay spice. Our meals of salmon and another of filet mignon were delicious. The reason for 4 stars on food was my steak meal was cooled down and so was the salmon dish. However the dessert of warm caramel syrup over cake donut holes in a small cast iron skillet served with vanilla ice cream ended our meal on a 5 star overall review. Again management stopped by to check on us during our meal. This is a well run establishment and we highly recommend it!
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G
Grkmom
Baltimore
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again we were highly satisfied with the food, service, ambiance, and management. We dined with another couple who had not been at this establishment. They were so very impressed with everything even though they had some dietary restrictions. They were able to find dishes to fit their desired diet. The choices of seafood delighted them with plenty of healthy choices. Our waitress Lizbeth was always checking on us and was very pleasant. Even the management made several brief check ups on our satisfaction. We love this place and recommend going there. Thank you to the chef, management, and staff for a perfect dining experience!
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G
Grkmom
Baltimore
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The three of us had a light lunch of fresh mohito drinks and several appetizers shared. We ordered the fried green tomatoes, sesame shrimp, fish tacos, Roasted Brussel sprouts and then apple cider donut holes with ice cream. So surprised at how each appetizer was fresh and full of great flavors. Each one was presented beautifully with lovely light garnishes. The shrimp was butterflied open lightly breaded and fried with hints of black and white sesame seeds in the crispy batter. Our fish tacos were two nice sized soft shell tacos with lightly fried battered cod straps, crispy cabbage, and drizzled over with a sauce that had a slight kick of heat. Fried green tomatoes also breaded lightly and fried to perfection accompanied with fresh salad baby greens and feta with lumps of crabmeat. Brussel sprouts were served in a cast iron skillet with crispy outer leaves, warm steamy interiors and had a syrprizing taste similar to delicious buttered popcorn! 😋 yummy! Finally the beautiful dessert had about six or seven donut holes that were almost cake like in a warm cast iron skillet drizzled with caramel sauce and served with a large scoop of premium creamery ice cream. We left very happy with the service, food, ambiance and a desire to return once again. Our compliments to the management, serving staff, bartenders, and mist of all to the chef who prepared our unforgettable dishes!!!!
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D
Dennis
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pleasantly surprised at the food quality for the price. My wife and I both got the filet mignon which was perfectly cooked. Very good serviceand nice atmosphere. I'll be back.
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B
Baypuffin
Baltimore
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very relaxed great dinner/lunch. Place was very empty due to early hour and snowy weather we really enjoyed the meal. Plan to return soon.
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NS
NikkiS
Baltimore
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Meal and service was outstanding! I can't rave enough about Bowley's on the Bay.
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P
Phishmonger
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Third time here recently. Food and service great. Introducing friends to the venue. Hope to be back in the near future.
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CJ
CindyJo
Baltimore
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Party of 4, and everyone enjoyed their food which included the roasted beet salad and short rib poutine specials, the blackened Mahi Mahi, fish and chips, fish tacos, fried green tomatoes, creme brulee, cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake. The food and drink specials were priced exceptionally well, and they have an extensive wine selection. We thoroughly enjoyed our newly engaged waitress (can't recall her name, but she was great)! The outside tent was down so we were able to enjoy the beautiful view at a high top bar side table. Can't wait to return in warmer weather to enjoy outside dining!
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G
Grkmom
Baltimore
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Dinner for us began at 5 p.m. as the only couple in the restaurant but by the time we finished our desserts the entire place was packed with people with every seat taken including the bar area. Yet we didn't realize it was so busy because the noise level was relatively low until we got up to leave, looked at the bar area as we walked out and also noticed the parking lot was full of vehicles at the doorway entrance. The food was very good but not spectacular. We had crab cake and gnocchi meals. The crab cake was a nice size but not huge. The gnocchi had crab, spinach, red peppers in a light cream sauce which I enjoyed but couldn't finish. Both of us shared an appetizer of fish tacos. They were the highlight of our meal and the best fish tacos we ever had; two nicely battered fried cod pieces each in a light soft taco round surrounded by crunchy shredded cabbage and drizzled with a zesty dressing that had a bit of a hot kick to it. We agreed to order two taco appetizers next time along with a soup and that would be our meals. Dessert was our favorite donut holes with ice cream and a flourless chocolate cake. They were presented beautifully, warm cinnamon sugared donut balls in a small cast iron skillet drizzled with caramel sauce and served with vanilla ice cream. The chocolate cake was more like a dense chocolate pie with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate lace decoration form standing on top and drizzled with raspberry syrup and a few fresh raspberries! We liked our meals and will return to try other things on the menu. However, the favorite meal from the summer, seared scallops over pasta, was no longer on the menu. Hope they bring that winning meal back!
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G
Grkmom
Baltimore
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a couple of great meals of salmon and the other was pork chop. We ordered sides of slaw, spinach, mashed potatoes, and mushrooms. The salmon came with roasted cauliflower and spinach which was moist and tasty. The pork chop was tender and moist as well. I loved the coleslaw because it was crunchy, cut julienne style and had a light dressing. Then came dessert of cheesecake and spiced donut balls with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!!! Overall the meals were great.
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SQ
StevieQ
Orlando
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was nothing short of a 10/10. Unique food options + traditional options. Cooked to perfection, great presentation. Not cheap, but what's the old saying - you get what you pay for? Our server couldn't have been any more friendly, accommodating, and generally helpful and attentive. This was my first time here, and I can say without question I'll be returning.
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k
keithc
Baltimore
107 reviews
vip
2.0
107 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2021
overall2food2service1ambience3
This is a one and done restaurant, go for the atmosphere and not the food. The food is hit or miss with maryland crab soup that has almost no crab and charged a bowl for a cup portion, bland unseasoned steaks, vegetables and dry bread pudding after waiting 15-20 minutes to receive.
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MB
MelissaB
New York Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great service. Good food.
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S
Shadia
Baltimore
45 reviews
vip
3.0
45 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall3food3service2ambience4
Mother’s Day Weekend. Wait staff seemed overwhelmed which was odd as there were many empty tables but I guess the large parties were stressful. We were a party of 2. Didn’t receive a drink menu, had to request things from other waiters...overall it wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t great. The steamed shrimp and Brussel sprouts were good. Bowley’s burger was a bit underwhelming. I’d return solely for the Brussel sprouts though.
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c
cindic
Baltimore
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall3food5service3ambience5
A little disappointed this time. Waited 15 minutes for a waitress to come to our table. Was charged $24.00 for a crabcake sandwich which was the same price as the entree. I believe I was charged the wrong price. Crabcake was delicious.
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m
mnelsona
Baltimore
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took our mom's there for Mother's Day and it was an excellent time. Both the food and the service were spectacular. Coffee steak and pasta, turkey club, Pirate burger, cheesesteak, crabcake were all excellent. Would definitely go again!
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FAQs

Bowley's on the Bay offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (410) 335-8613.

Bowley's on the Bay is rated 4.5 stars by 86 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

800 Chester Rd, Middle River, MD 21220-4322

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Bowleys Quarters
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://bowleysonthebay.com/
Phone number
(410) 335-8613

Bowley's on the Bay

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 86 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Bowley's on the Bay offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bowley's on the Bay restaurant rated?

Is Bowley's on the Bay currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information