Bowmanville Facts

Location: Approximately 5 miles north the Loop
Bordering Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Ravenswood, Edgewater, Budlong Woods
Boundaries: Western Avenue and Bowmanville Avenue to the west, Bryn Mawr Avenue to the north, Ravenswood Avenue to the east and Foster Avenue to the south
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

Jesse Bowman, a local innkeeper, was a man who was passionate about getting things done fast -- and not necessarily by the books. In the early 1850s he unofficially made the cart paths and forest near present-day Foster and Ravenswood avenues his own, and laid claim to many of the plots in the area without actually owning any of the property. He then sold the land -- that wasn't his -- to unwitting buyers, and skipped town. That's basically how Bowmanville go its start. But the growing communities surrounding Bowman's questionable real estate dealings had a great impact on the success of the small, budding district.

At this point, the area that had once primarily been known for its truck farming and the production of flowers, pickles and celery, was becoming increasingly attractive for its residential potential. Rosehill Cemetery, the northern boundary of Bowmanville neighborhood, opened in 1859 with a majestic front gate and vast wooded lawns that welcomed not only mourners, but families of picnickers and folks just out for a Sunday stroll. In the 1860s, the region south of the cemetery grounds, known as the Ravenswood neighborhood, which was originally a large suburb, was becoming a popular place to live for commuters with downtown jobs due to the number of train stations in the vicinity. As more stops were added at different points in the neighborhood -- culminating with the completion of the Ravenswood elevated tracks in 1907 -- the population continued to increase.

The rising number of residents caught the attention of real estate speculators and investors who saw the potential for even more growth in the area. In Bowmanville and nearby Ravenswood, where once there had been farms and forest, brick bungalows, two-flats and small apartment buildings began to sprout up. Although this northern region of Chicago was traditionally settled by people of German and Swedish heritage, by the 1920s there was an influx of Italians and Russian Jewish immigrants that changed the neighborhood's cultural make-up. Over the next 20 years, as Bowmanville adjusted to the new mix of residents, the population continued to swell and light industry also started to appear on some of the vacant land.

In the 1960s many Greeks relocated to the close by Lincoln Square and Bowmanville areas after being displaced by construction of the University of Illinois-Chicago and the Eisenhower Expressway west of the Loop. In the ensuing years Bowmanville saw its populace continue to increase and diversify, although there was a period in the 1970s when the population dipped somewhat. Since then, Bownmanville has rebounded and an increasing number of families have discovered this hidden neighborhood -- close to so much, yet just far enough away to provide quieter streets and ample parking.
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Real Estate

Large maple trees shade the side streets in Bowmanville, composed of two-flats, townhouses, frame cottages and bungalows. All of the single-family homes in the area have nice-sized lots with front and back yards, and some of the traditional bungalows have been restored to their original beauty. Additionally, the neighborhood offers homebuyers a few vintage multi-unit residential buildings and mid-rise red brick condominiums for folks who don't need, or want, as much space and upkeep as an entire house presents.

The property values in Bowmanville are quite reasonable and affordable for the amount of space you get and considering the neighborhood's proximity to coveted highlights like the lakefront (which is about a four minute drive) and the exciting dining, shopping and entertainment of next door Andersonvillle. The average sales price for a three-bedroom detached home in this north side Chicago neighborhood is around $512,000. Four-bedrooms go for around $645,000 on average, and some of the larger, mansion-like homes are valued at close to -- or upwards of -- a million dollars. As for the smaller living spaces: a one-bedroom condo unit averages around $234,000, for a two-bedroom the average price goes up to $286,000, and a for a place with three bedrooms, you're looking at $397,000.
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Lincoln Square Residential Real Estate Info (Includes Bowmanville Neighborhood)

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois

What's on the Menu?

Bowmanville may not have quite as many restaurants as nearby Lincoln Square and Andersonville but there are several standouts that shouldn't be missed.

One of our favorite places to hang when the weather turns warm is the outdoor patio at Leadway Bar & Grill (5233 N Damen Ave, 773-728-2663). Is it a bar, a cafe or an artist's gallery? We'll let you decide. This neighborhood gem is a casual place to dig into reasonably priced salads, burgers and fries. But the best part? You get free paper, paint and markers to let your inner doodler churn out a masterpiece as you wait for your meal. The fun-loving staff is eager for you to have a good time, and sometimes local artists offer free art lessons.

If you like creating food as art, you'll have a great time at San Soo Gap San (5247 N Western Ave, 773-334-1589). This is a Korean barbecue restaurant specializing in bulgogi (marinated beef cooked over charcoal), panchon (Korean appetizers) and sushi. If you want to chase your meal down with some Korean firewater, try soju (rice whisky) while shouting out a hearty duep-shida, which means "cheers" in Korean. Over at Yes Thai (5211 N Damen Ave, 773-878-3487) is another popular outdoor patio, which makes up for the smallish dining room in this Bowmanville neighborhood favorite. But any time of year, this is an excellent place to grab takeout on the way home, or call in an order and have them deliver.

From the outside, Dorado (2301 W. Foster Ave., 773-561-3780) may not look like much, but it is a big step up from your typical taqueria. The small but colorful dining room is decorated with Latin artifacts and artwork, and the tables overlook the open kitchen. The upscale, Mexican-inspired menu is sprinkled with great twists on popular items, like their nachos, which are corn tortilla chips layered with smoked duck, black beans, guacamole and lime cream sauce. Entrees offer guests something a little extra with blackened Tilapia and mango salsa or beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, plus, they find continually interesting ways of serving seasonal vegetables -- and, although we've never had stomach space to sample it ourselves, we hear Dorado's desserts are something to save room for.

Speaking of dessert, a great spot for a quick pastry and a fine cup of cappuccino is Isabella Panaderia Guatemalteca (1659 W Foster, 773-275-5237). We go for the strawberry empanadas baked fresh early in the morning, and the amazing chocolate eclairs at any time of day.
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Best Shopping Stops

If the cappuccino puts you in a mind of Vespas and warm nights on the piazza, pay a visit to Scooter Works USA (5410 N Damen Ave., 773-271-4242). This full-service scooter sales shop has impressive reconditioned classic Vespa scooters and new models from Kymco and eGo. You'll be zipping down the road in no time shouting Arrivederci to bemused passersby.

When winter rolls into town and those chilly winds start blowing off the lake, it might be time for a trip to Keim Furs (1820 W. Foster Ave., 773-561-8680). This legendary furrier hasn't been here since foxes and wolves roamed Foster Avenue, but at 78 years and counting, they are easily one of the longest-standing businesses in Bowmanville. Still owned and operated by the Kiem family, this namesake fur shop prides themselves on quality skins and workmanship that provides their patrons with the best in luxury outwear at discounted prices.

In the Bowmanville neighborhood, there's only one place to go for high-end accessories -- step over to G V Jewelry (1926 W. Foster Ave., 773-275-6577) and consult with one of their certified gemologists on exactly the kind of stone you are looking for. They sell necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings in dozens of styles and cuts.
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Night on the Town

Bowmanville is a great area for traditional pubs and little out-of-the-way bars that are just as rewarding as the popular watering holes in more congested areas of Chicago.

It's true that Bowmanville doesn't have a Wrigley Field or an Arlington Park Race Track, but it does have a unique sporting event found nowhere else in the city. Big Joe's 2 and 6 Pub (1818 W Foster Ave., 773-784-8755) hosts turtle races every Friday night. You heard us right, this unpretentious pub is filled with locals who enjoy a good laugh over a fine selection of on tap and bottled brews as they root for their reptilian pick for the night. The tavern's pool tables are covered over with wood panels to create a mini racing track for the little hard-shell crawlers. Everyone gets a numbered ticket with drink purchase, and when the bar announces your digits, it's time to cheer on your designated slow-moving racer. Whether your turtle comes in first or dead last (six compete at a time), you still win because the champions receive a super cool turtle T-shirt and the turtle who brings up the rear earns their devoted supporter a free drink. Is it wrong that we always want our turtle to loose?

If you like darts and the feel of a traditional Irish pub, step into Claddagh Ring Pub (2306 W Foster Ave., 773-271-5551). The steel-tip darts are polished up and ready in the back room, and a fresh pint of Guinness awaits you over at the bar. This is a popular place with the gang from the firehouse a few doors down the street, and if you get hungry this Bowmanville neighborhood haunt has a small menu of pub grub to satisfy your empty stomach.

A great place to have a brew and watch a Cubs or Sox game, or any other sporting event for that matter, is K's Dugout (1930 W Foster Ave., 773-561-2227). NASCAR fans will feel right at home in this well-worn tavern, which caters to steadfast locals and is popular with off-duty Chicago police officers. Another fun neighborhood hangout that indulges a love of all things sporting is the Ravenswood Pub (5455 N. Ravenswood Ave., 773-769-6667) that sits on the border street between Bowmanville and Andersonville. The pub not only supports all the major Chicago teams but is also a huge sponsor of adult recreational leagues, everything from billiards to kickball. Inside you'll find a full-range of sporting events on multiple plasma television screens, a digital jukebox and an array of video games. The bar offers 10 beers on tap, over 30 bottle selections, and a huge "Wall of Tequila" highlights the large assortment of liquor. This happening nightspot has become one of the most popular hangouts in the neighborhood, visited by a mixed crowd of regulars and first-timers, young and old, gay and straight.
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Mark Your Calendar

When the usual neighborhood entertainment venues, shopping and hotspots are growing a bit old, Bowmanville residents can look to annual events to spark some fresh excitement and activities into the normal routine.

If the garage starts feeling a little cluttered and the closet is about to implode, seek some relief at the Bowmanville community-wide Annual Street Sale (866-837-1006) held every June. Individuals who apply are welcome to open their garages and yards to sell everything from old bicycles to that shabby chic jacket that just doesn't fit anymore. This neighborhood rummage sale has been the source of some of our favorite fashion finds -- other people's worn in stuff is surprisingly comfy -- and it provides an ideal occasion to meet the new neighbors or catch up with homeowners who have been here forever.

In July another event that brings Bowmanville residents together is the Annual Garden Walk (866-837-1006). Neighborhood landscape and gardening enthusiasts open their gardens to locals and visitors who can explore the diverse array of botanicals that green-thumbed folks have planted at their Bowmanville homesteads. If gardening is really your thing, you can volunteer to help weed, water, transplant, and mulch Bowmanville's award-winning Community Garden at the intersection of Leavitt Street and Balmoral and Bowmanville avenues. On the fourth Saturday of the month between June and October residents suit up in garden gloves and knee-pads for a day of outdoor maintenance and beautification.
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Getting Around

Bowmanville is easy to get to and unlike many neighborhoods in Chicago it is not difficult to park when you get there. Curbside parking is plentiful on the side streets, and there are metered spots on Foster and Damen avenues, Bowmanville's busier thoroughfares. And for those of us with bicycles, the bike lanes are clearly marked in the northbound and southbound lanes of Damen Avenue to make riding a little less harried.

Although the neighborhood is not directly near any of the city's major highways, they are still easily accessible. Folks with their own cars can get onto I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) by heading south first and then using the Montrose Avenue exit/entrance. From I-94 (Edens Expressway) you can reach Bowmanville by taking the Cicero (to Foster) exit and heading east, and from Lake Shore Drive, exit at Foster Avenue, then go west about a mile. From the neighborhood, we usually choose to take Lake Shore to get downtown -- it's a scenic drive and unless there's rush hour traffic, the travel time is no more than 25 minutes into the Loop.

If you want to leave the car at home, the Ravenswood Metra station (located at the intersection of Lawrence and Ravenswood avenues) offers a quick trip downtown or to the northern suburbs. In addition to the commuter train, several bus lines serve Bowmanville, making it easy to get around the neighborhood and to destinations within the city and outlying suburbs. For traveling eastbound or westbound on Foster Avenue, hop on bus #92. Take this bus east and get off at Berwyn Avenue to catch the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line train downtown. Or take the #50 southbound on Damen Avenue and get off between Leland and Wilson avenues for a connection to the CTA Brown Line Damen stop.
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School's in Session

In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Bowmanville and Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Pedia Learning Center 2300 W Foster Ave - (773) 689-7400
Rogers Park Montessori School - 1800 W Balmoral Ave - (773) 271-1700
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Basic Needs

We've compiled a sampling of some of the places in Bowmanville where residents can pick up those everyday necessities.

Dining

Asian Cuisine
San Soo Gap San - 5247 N Western Ave - (773) 334-1589
Yes Thai - 5211 N Damen Ave - (773) 878-3487

Bars/Restaurants
Big Joe's 2 and 6 Pub 1818 W Foster Ave - (773) 784-8755
Bobbie's Runaway Inc 5305 N Damen Ave - (773) 271-6488
Claddagh Ring Pub 2306 W Foster Ave - (773) 271-5551
K's Dugout 1930 W Foster Ave - (773) 561-2227
Leadway Bar & Grill 5233 N Damen Ave - (773) 728-2663
Ravenswood Pub 5455 N. Ravenswood Ave - (773) 769-6667

Coffee shops/Bakeries
Isabella Panaderia Guatemalteca 1659 W Foster Ave - (773) 275-5237

Mexican Cuisine
Dorado 2301 W Foster Ave - (773) 561-3780
Bowmanville Community Organization 866-837-1006

Events

Annual Street Sale - (866) 837-1006
Annual Garden Walk - (866) 837-1006
Halloween Party - N Bell Ave and N Bowmanville Ave - (866) 837-1006

Grocery Stores

Foster Food & Liquor, Inc - 1900 W Foster Ave - (773) 506-1918

Shopping

Edward Hines Lumber - 5401 N Wolcott Ave - (773) 989-9410
G V Jewelry - 1926 W. Foster Ave. - (773) 275-6577
Keim Furs - 1820 W Foster Ave - (773) 561-8680
Scooter Works USA - 5410 N Damen Ave - (773) 271-4242

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282
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As one of the many diverse Chicago neighborhoods, Bowmanville offers homeowners a wide range of residential properties. Bowmanville homes include lofts, condos and townhomes, to name a few. In addition to Chicago real estate, you can get detailed neighborhood information from our comprehensive online Chicago neighborhoods guide. With features like dining, shopping, entertainment, and resources, we've done all the leg work already to make your home search that much easier. Now, when a listing in Bowmanville Chicago catches your eye, you can read all about the surrounding area and what it has to offer, all without setting foot in the neighborhood. Like a Yellow Pages, Metromix and MLS database all rolled into one, this site is your ultimate Chicago neighborhoods visitors' guidebook.
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