What should I order at Busboys and Poets?
Busboys and Poets
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Mentioned multiple times as incredibly flavorful, gluten-free friendly, and a new favorite for several diners. It is praised for its seasoning and quality.
Catfish and Grits
Highly recommended for its perfect seasoning, crispy exterior, and tender inside of the catfish paired with creamy, comforting grits. This dish is a frequent favorite.
Sweet Potato Fries
Repeatedly noted as a standout side item worth coming just for, described as crispy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Mekhleme
A traditional Iraqi dish that reviewers found very good and tasty, served hot in a skillet, making it a unique and flavorful choice.
Western Omelette with Toast
Commended for being very good, with a satisfying breakfast option that is well-liked by patrons.
Cauliflower Bites
Described as delicious and recommended by staff, making it a popular appetizer or snack choice.
Vegan Hash Dish
Praised as delicious and a good vegan option, appreciated for its taste and meeting dietary preferences.
Chicken and Pancakes
Highly recommended for the well-seasoned fried chicken breast paired with sweet potato pancakes, which guests fell in love with.
Club Ciabatta Bread Sandwich
Noted for being stacked with fresh ingredients and paired well with sweet potato fries, offering a flavorful sandwich option.
Black Bean Burger
Recommended as a tasty vegetarian option, especially when paired with the much-loved sweet potato fries.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM to 10 PM |
About Busboys and Poets
Lively neighborhood haunt serving as a bookstore, coffee shop & restaurant focused on global fare.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Busboys and Poets known for?
Busboys and Poets is especially known for its sweet potato fries, panini, and vegan options, with reviewers often calling out the tempeh panini and the variety of plant-based dishes. People also mention the bookstore-and-cafe setting and the creative atmosphere as part of what makes it stand out in Washington, DC.
What dishes are most recommended at Busboys and Poets?
Frequently recommended items include the tempeh panini, sweet potato fries, catfish and grits, fried chicken sandwich, and the vegan hash dish. Reviewers also mention the mekhleme, vegetable quinoa bowl, cauliflower bites, and fried catfish with greens and jalapeño grits as strong choices.
What is the atmosphere like at Busboys and Poets?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and trendy, with an art cafe feel that includes a bookstore, music, and poetry. Reviewers describe it as warm and creative, and it fits groups, solo diners, and people who want to linger over brunch or coffee.
Is Busboys and Poets good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is about $20 to $30, and reviewers often say the food is reasonably priced for DC. Several note that drinks are fairly cheap for the city, and the portions and variety, including gluten-free and vegan choices, make the value feel strong.
What should I know about wait times and the best time to visit Busboys and Poets?
The restaurant is often busy and is listed as usually having a wait, so reservations can help. One reviewer noted that a Saturday morning breakfast visit was not busy and the space felt open, which suggests earlier hours may be easier than peak brunch times.
Is parking available at Busboys and Poets?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Busboys and Poets have vegetarian options?
Yes, Busboys and Poets offers vegan options.
Is Busboys and Poets kid-friendly?
Yes, Busboys and Poets is good for kids.
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