What should I order at Busboys and Poets - Columbia?
Busboys and Poets - Columbia
Firecracker Shrimp
Recommended multiple times for being crispy, sweet-heat, spicy, and delicious, especially as a great happy hour appetizer.
Brussels Sprouts
Praised several times for being delicious, crispy, and flavorful, with one review specifically highlighting the peanut chili sauce.
Carrot Cake
Called one of the best carrot cakes a reviewer had ever had, making it a standout dessert recommendation.
Shrimp And Grits
Described as really good, with strong positive feedback from a brunch review.
Blackened Salmon
Recommended for being excellent and well-seasoned, including one review that paired it with wild rice and asparagus and another that praised it in a Caesar salad.
Lamb Meatballs
Mentioned positively for being excellent, moist, and well-complemented by pita bread and marinara or tomato and feta.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Loved in brunch, especially when shared with the vegetarian Benedict, and noted as enough food for two.
Eggs Benedict
The eggs benedict were said to come out perfect, making them a reliable brunch choice.
BBQ Brisket Sandwich
Described as perfect, with one reviewer calling it a standout sandwich.
Cuban Sandwich
Also described as perfect, showing strong approval from a diner who enjoyed the sandwich.
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 - Columbia
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 cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- 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
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Busboys and Poets - Columbia known for?
It is especially known for shrimp and grits, catfish, and happy hour dishes like firecracker shrimp and mini nachos. Reviewers also call out the bookstore inside, the outdoor seating, and the large space overlooking Colorburst Park and Merriweather Post Pavilion.
What dishes are most recommended at Busboys and Poets - Columbia?
Reviewers most often highlight shrimp and grits, catfish, firecracker shrimp, brussel sprouts, eggs benedict, and carrot cake. Happy hour items like the firecracker shrimp and mini nachos are repeatedly mentioned as strong value picks, while the carrot cake is singled out as one of the best desserts some guests have had.
What is the atmosphere like at Busboys and Poets - Columbia?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and lively, with a bookstore on the main level, two levels of dining, outdoor seating, and some private rooms. It suits groups, families, and solo diners, and reviewers mention it as a comfortable place to relax, hang out, or catch live music.
Is Busboys and Poets - Columbia good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to $30, and reviewers say the value is especially good during happy hour. Specific mentions like $6 firecracker shrimp and $6 mini nachos, plus filling portions and good service, make it feel worthwhile even when full entrées such as salmon salad are priced higher.
When is the best time to visit Busboys and Poets - Columbia?
Happy hour is a popular time because reviewers say the cocktails and small plates are a strong deal. Brunch and Sunday lunch can get busy, so guests mention that wait times are usually decent but the restaurant can fill up quickly.
Is parking available at Busboys and Poets - Columbia?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Busboys and Poets - Columbia have vegetarian options?
Yes, Busboys and Poets - Columbia offers vegan options.
Is the food at Busboys and Poets - Columbia halal?
Yes, Busboys and Poets - Columbia serves halal food.
Is Busboys and Poets - Columbia kid-friendly?
Yes, Busboys and Poets - Columbia is good for kids.
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