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Busboys & Poets

3.5 star rating
based on 256 reviews

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional), Vegan

Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
2021 14th St NW
(between N U St & N V St)
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-7638
Live Music @ Busboys and Poets!

Hump Day Grooves is our music series, every Wednesday night at 9pm in the Langston Room you can listen to underground and upcoming artists.

 
Nearest Transit:

U St/African-Amer Civil |War Memorial/Cardozo (Green, Yellow)

Hours:

Mon-Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Special Offer Nearby

Chili's Grill & Bar

Category:
American (Traditional)
Location:
Arlington, VA
Chili's Gift Cards

Don't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.

256 reviews for Busboys & Poets

Review Highlights   

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"This is the coolest internet cafe/restaurant/bookstore ever." (in 91 reviews)
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"…to chill and read or use some free wi-fi, but a new favorite brunch place…" (in 9 reviews)
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"BB&P is a themed Langston Hughes Dining/Reading experience." (in 6 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Catherine R.

 

12

32

Catherine R.

Menlo Park, CA

4 star rating
11/25/2009 4 photos

My first time at this new location and it was great.
The decor was fantastic and the staff was friendly.
We found parking right across the street and you can't beat that in a crowded city like DC.

We shared the poached pear salad w/goat cheese and candied walnuts- excellent!
I had the turkey and swiss panini with sweet potato fries. I'm not even a huge fan of sweet potato but I really liked these.
Michael had the mahi mahi sandwich and loved it as well.

The music and atmosphere were welcoming and relaxed.

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Photo of Oliver C.

 

2

149

Oliver C.

Durham, NC

5 star rating
11/22/2009

If you can get past the pretentious name Busboys & Poets is one of the best cafes in the city. I've only ever eaten at the 14th street location but I really enjoy all of the food I've ever had there..especially the vegetarian avocado club sandwich. And their lattes are fantastic!

The environment is interesting. It's split between a tiny bookstore, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. So you have your pick of spaces..but you might not get much of a choice as this place gets pretty busy. The crowd is decidedly liberal and very mixed racially. It's a hub for liberal activism and discussion.

Some people say they've had terrible service here before, but I have never experienced that. However, I will say that the wait staff has a more laid back approach compared to much of the restaurants in DC.

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Photo of Jill H.

Elite '09

44

231

Jill H.

Alexandria, VA

4 star rating
11/19/2009

I really like Busboys & Poets!  I've been many times and it's always enjoyable.  I like how they have this location set up.  You can have drinks at the bar, sip coffee on the couches or dine with friends.

I've had the steak & asparagus salad, vegan quesdillas & neptune for brunch.  Everything is always tasty and fresh.  The cheese on the quesdillas is surprisingly good even though it's dairy-free!  I highly recommend this spot.

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Photo of Matt D.

Elite '09

61

175

Matt D.

Arlington, VA

1 star rating
11/8/2009

I was in the U Street neighborhood one late Saturday afternoon and thought I should check out Busboys and Poets since I've heard so much about it. What a mistake. I was expecting it to be busy, it's just a given for a Saturday afternoon in DC. I was lucky to find a nice chair to sit in right when I walked in near the door. None of the waiters who walked by said anything to me, like "I'll be right with you" or "I'll come back in a few minutes". Phrases a good wait staff would use. I didn't mind that much. I wasn't in a hurry and it gave me a chance to read my book. Well, 5 minutes went by, still nobody came over to take my order.

There was a couple sitting next to me, who I was sharing a coffee table with. A waiter came by to ask if they wanted anything else. The girl ordered some tea. I thought this is my chance to try to get an order in. I barely finish blurting out, "Can I have a cappuccino? when he responded with, "I'll be back in a few minutes". Okay, I'll be patient, it's busy. After another 5 minutes, he comes back and opens up a box of what I think is some kind of dessert to the couple. Now I'm starting to get pissed off. My alleged waiter has time to check on the couple next to me twice and take an order! but can't take two seconds to write down that I want a frigging cup of coffee.

After waiting for a total of about 20 minutes, I just got up and left. I was hoping they would say something to me on the way out so I could rip them a new one, but alas no one did. I understand it's really busy, but if it takes more than 10 minutes (which is being generous) to take a person's order then you need to hire more waitstaff. Maybe I wasn't cool enough to get even a cup of coffee. Maybe next time I'll try to look like a pretentious hipster asshole with my laptop and iPhone. To sum it up, don't bother, EVER.

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Photo of Esther O.

 

7

57

Esther O.

Germantown, MD

4 star rating
11/13/2009

"I had the time of my life..."

Ok, so I came here after watching Dirty Dancing, and then an evening of dancing with one of my favorite leads, so I was already primed to be in a great mood.  But still - I think Busboys and Poets would've put me in a great mood all on their own.  What a great place, I can't believe it took me this long to finally make it here.  

Walking in it immediately feels homey, even with the huge cathedral ceilings and the sortof industrial feeling.  The couches are so inviting and the atmosphere so relaxed that you can't help but feel at home.  The menu was wonderful.  I'm not sure what else was on it (which was a LOT) because I was blown away by the number of vegan options, carefully marked, in every section of the menu.  I was in heaven.  I ordered the coconut tofu bites appetizer, which was simple and yummy, with a nice plum sauce on the side.  I devoured them in about 5 minutes, which might speak more to how hungry I was then to anything else, but they were great.  

Service was ya know, whatever, but who cares?!  In such a relaxed place, does it matter if it takes 5 minutes long to get your check.  And the hostess was more than willing to accomodate our seating desires, as long as we didn't mind waiting a few minutes, so that was cool.  We wandered into the bookstore, though didn't really get to check it out too much as we got into discussion about pretty much the first book we saw and that was where we stopped.  :)

Anyways... check it out!  You'll be glad you did.  :)

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Photo of Ms. A.

 

0

5

Ms. A.

Bronx, NY

3 star rating
11/23/2009

Food was great. Service was fast and nice. Will definately come back

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Photo of Ani P.

Elite '09

303

374

Ani P.

Washington, DC

2 star rating
10/19/2009

I expected Busboys to be an eclectic coffee bar with good eats, good food, and good people.  I imagined a cozy and creative place that inspires the inner poet to run to the mic and speak words from her heart. I think I went wrong when I started imagining this place having a down to earth Berkley hippie vibe.

I ordered a burger.  It was dry.  However, I was happy to see turkey burger and mixed greens as options.  Maybe the coffee is better than the food??

Everything about Busboys seemed commercial.  It was very loud and very big.  I felt like I was at an Applebee's or Friday's.  I'm not a snob.  There's nothing wrong with Applebee's.  But Applebee's  doesn't try to be something it isn't.  Busyboys is trying very hard to be the cool kid but failing desperately.

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Photo of Kevin P.

 

3

28

Kevin P.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
11/4/2009

I've been here a few times and have always enjoyed it. It is pretty much always busy, which might put off some people, but somehow it works. I think the fact that the food is generally very good and there is a solid beer/drink selection makes this place what it is.

I really like the book store that doubles as the waiting area, because the inevitable wait that you have when you come for a meal isn't nearly as bad if there is entertainment of some kind to occupy you. My one caveat - calling it a liberal restaurant would be an understatement. I consider myself a Liberal, but I was really amazed at just how left-wing the selection was.

People expecting this to be akin to a small, neighborhoody coffee shop will be sorely disappointed. It is big, busy, and at times very cramped. But it is the combination of all it has to offer that makes it a pretty neat place. A bookstore, coffee shop, bar, restaurant and relax-on-the-couch spot (compete with wifi I believe) all in one are a rare combo.  And you can't beat the location - walk out the door and you're only a block or two from Ben's, Saloon, Local 16, Marvin, St. Ex, and plenty of others. U street is awesome. Bus Boys isn't the only thing that makes U Street awesome, but it is one of the components.

PS they have great sweet potato fries. Woo!

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Photo of Vernon D.

 

2

33

Vernon D.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
11/18/2009

A good neighborhood place to come and relax when you are looking for a comfy couch, hot coffee, and Internet access.When coming here i am usually caught off guard but the usually awkward service staff that works here. Not saying that it is bad service, i just don't really enjoy the hipster can't talk to non hipster attitude that is prevalent in this establishment.I am never displeased with the menu entrees here. on my last visit i ordered a fantastic spinach and wheat berry salad, that featured goat cheese, beets, and oranges. Yumm. On previous visits i have had the hamburger (okay), and the grilled brie sandwich (yumm) I really want to love this place but with the awkwardness that i feel, i just can't. It will not ever be my every day spot.

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Photo of Dwayne H.

 

1

12

Dwayne H.

Washington, DC

2 star rating
11/3/2009

Group of four for brunch.  Since it was a Sunday around 1, we didn't think the 40 minute wait for a table was outrageous though there's no where to really hang out while you're waiting.  

It was crowded and the flow through the front door is a tad much.  Our waitress was Pebel and she seemed too busy to take adequate care of the tables--we didn't see her until about 10 minutes after being seated, our water glasses were left dry, and the first round of drinks took about 15 minutes.

The food was decent.  The Mekhleme (billed as Iraqi corned beef hash for which I can find no reference) at $9.95 was okay but basically ground beef, tomatoes, and potatoes with two poached eggs served on top.  The buckwheat pancakes were rather dry but a nice side dish for two at $5.95.  The mimosas and bloody marys at $5.00 a piece seemed a good deal though you get more bloody mary for your money.

There are better places in town to have brunch.

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Photo of April P.

 

8

66

April P.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
10/29/2009 2 photos

My friends took me Busboys and Poets for brunch during my visit in DC. I had high expectations and they were definitely met. There were 3 of us and we didn't wait that long for a table on a Saturday around lunch.

I ordered the french toast w/ seasonal fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon. The french toast was some of the best I've had since I went on a Holland America Line cruise in 2007. However, I've heard that they serve the french toast only on the weekends so that was disappointing. I didn't even finish my bacon or the fruit because I was full from the french toast and eggs. So be sure you have a hearty appetite if you're eyeing that on the menu.

I thought the service was subpar. Could've been better. I've only been here once so I can't really say much about that.

After brunch, my friends and I browsed the bookstore for an hour or so. They have a great selection of children's books with themes of cultural awareness that you typically won't find at your local Barnes and Noble or Borders. Browsing the shelves of the bookstore is a must if you have the time. I ended up walking out of there with 3 books, 2 of them being for my goddaughter.

I'm definitely coming back to this spot the next time I'm in DC. Loved the chill atmosphere.

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Photo of April W.

 

8

12

April W.

Charlotte, NC

5 star rating
10/26/2009

Everytime I'm in DC, Busboys and Poets is one of my (many) stops! Love the food!! Even the vegan options are tasty when you just aren't feeling like a carnivore.

The atmosphere is chill too.  I haven't caught a poetry cipher yet, but that's one of my goals because I've heard local talent kills the mic on a regular basis!!

Gotta check this place out.  They opened a new location in the city too, and it's just as great, but this one is the O.G. and has my heart!

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Photo of Bridget G.

 

8

32

Bridget G.

Washington, DC

5 star rating
11/15/2009

Love it.  The ethics of the business, the comfy couches, and the people watching drew me in, but the grilled brie sandwich won my heart.

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Photo of Tiffane C.

Elite '09

2

58

Tiffane C.

Rockville, MD

4 star rating
10/16/2009

I've always wanted to attend a spoken word / poetry spot and had an enjoyable experience at Busboys & Poets. I loved the U-Street area and can't wait to go back to patronize some of the other businesses.

I attended for the Tuesday night open-mike, so I can't speak too much on the food. For the record, I had the nachos and a chai tea latte (not together, mind you). Both were really yummy.

I enjoyed the poetry portion as well. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Bomani Armah a.k.a. Darel Hancock a.k.a. D'Mite a.k.a. "Notarapper" was the MC. He was very entertaining. Christylez Bacon (a guitarist and human beat box) was the featured artist and he was a delight to watch.

Most of the amateur acts were good, but there were a few I could have done without. I wouldn't recommend going with kids or young teens as the poetry can be rather explicit (sometimes uncomfortably so) but it's to be expected in an open-minded, expressive forum like this one. I'll definitely be back, and who knows? maybe I'll share some day. :)

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Photo of Mark S.

 

0

1

Mark S.

Washington, DC

1 star rating
11/8/2009

I really cannot stand this place. Let me be clear this review has nothing to do with their food, but their service.

I live about a block away and this is the only coffee shop close by with couches and wifi and is big enough to accommodate all the people who just want to get on their laptop.

It never fails that every time I come here I get atrocious service. It's not just bad service but atrocious. Usually i walk in and find a spot to sit and get on my laptop. But then 5mins goes by, 10mins, 15mins, and still no waiter. No one comes by. Finally I usually have to go ask the hostess to send the waiter over. (btw this isnt a one time occurence this is just how they work) Finally when i do have my coffee or food or whatever i order, myabe 30mins later i need a refill on coffee or some more water. I look around for the waiter, dont see him, so i figure he'll be by soon. I see him walking around the room and just figure he'll be over here in a second. THen probably another 20 minutes passes by and he still hasnt come by and checked up on anyone where im sitting.

Even the host staff is rude. Usually if youre going to get on your laptop you just walk in and find a spot. I walked in today and started looking for an open spot. I find one at the big table by the window and start walking over there when the hostess grabs my arm and says flippantly "where are you goin"? I told her i was going to go sit down and then she looks at me and says "no youre not". I thought she was kidding and gave a little chuckle and kept walking and she stopped me again. Then she said sir, why dont we look for you a spot. I said what's wrong with that one. She said, "well let me go see. We get a lot of your kind come here on Sundays and i need to make sure there's room?" (There was plenty of room)

The only reason i come here is b/c its the only place with wifi and a large enough space. They really need to put there wait staff thru some kind of customer service training though. Everybody acts all haughty and smug and are really just downright rude.

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Photo of Wilson D.

 

2

4

Wilson D.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
10/9/2009

Useful and increasingly important cultural and political station of the cross for Washington's proudly liberal community.

If Busboys and Poets needs one thing...it needs a double shot of "get over yourself already."

Yes, being progressive and culturally aware is admirable....better yet is being able to organize and sustain a business built around those shared values.

But this is not a unique achievement....it's done as well or better at many places, some in this region.

So, Busboys and Poets, dedicate yourself to raising the bar.

Not to be snarky, because I do like B&P...but....I have to confess that frequently I think that the waitstaff and other restaurant workers are putting forward significantly more effort and with more success than the poets.

So...if I would have a suggestion for the restaurant management, it would be to refresh the menu a little more frequently, and to make it longer.

For example....if B&P really wants to serve the people.....it could do better than have a rotating, discreet "backpacker's special" menu item, code for cheap eats, that would accommodate lower-income patrons.

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Photo of Amy G.

 

0

3

Amy G.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
11/8/2009

I love Busboys and Poets. The food is awesome and the atmosphere is fantastic! I love the social justice mission of the restaurant, and I enjoy browsing the books at the bookstore. The reason I couldn't give them 5 stars is because they are NOT kid friendly at all. They don't even have high chairs. We have complained a couple of times, and hopefully they'll come into 21st century D.C. and realize that there are families in this neighborhood! Since our son moved from an infant carrier to sitting in a high chair, we've been unable to go. So, I really miss the food! Come on Busboys - a couple of high chairs can't be too expensive!!

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Photo of Cat B.

Elite '09

21

88

Cat B.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
9/8/2009

This is the "real" Busboys location and epitomizes the U Street area's atmosphere.  When we first moved to the area, my roommate went searching for a place to set up her laptop and job hunt.  I suggested Busboys, but when she checked it out, she felt "intimidated by all the hipness" and went to Starbucks.  So funny.

Despite my easily-intimidated roommate's perception, it welcomes all kinds except for conservatives, perhaps.  It is a combination bar/bookstore/coffee shop/restaurant/entertainment venue that is a homage to Langston Hughes.  Ask your server about the relationship between Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston (the inspiration for Eatonville across V Street).

There are tons of events like open mic poetry, documentary viewings and comedy on the stage in the back room.  The restaurant is pretty spacious, which is great because it is almost always busy!

The Oaxaca omelette, the Brie Sandwich and the Steak and Asparagus salad are my go-to orders, but I haven't heard any complaints about anything else on the menu.  If you want to experience a DC institution, or recommend one to out of town guests, this is your spot.

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Photo of gloria l.

Elite '09

101

208

gloria l.

Silver Spring, MD

3 star rating
8/11/2009

Met up with an old friend here for drinks.  Love the location, love the decor.  Love that you can hang out on lounge chairs and couches rather than tables while you eat, nibble, drink coffee or booze it up.  The service however, was dismal.  Our waitress literally disappeared.  Not for five minutes, not for ten minutes, but for half a f-(*&(^() hour.  Like really?  Does this still happen?  

I'm trying not to take away too many stars, giving them the benefit of the doubt, trying not to generalize, but I was pissed off like a mother.  No, we didn't buy any food, but we were DRINKING, $10 dollar drinks, on the high roller couch.  

Anywayz, this is a good place to meet menz.  From in-your-face hipsters to closet, 3 piece suit hipsters, white ear budz and laptops connected to every human, but they were here. I'm coming back (they always do), but because of my previous experience, they will have to prove themselves to me once again, bitchiness will ensue.

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Photo of Judy Y.

Elite '09

13

82

Judy Y.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
10/4/2009

From the perspective of a student who is continuously in search of friendly study spaces, B&P delivers. Plenty of room, outlets, wi-fi. How great is being waited on while doing some homework?

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Photo of Alex G.

 

1

11

Alex G.

Lafayette, CA

4 star rating
9/19/2009

I liked this place! I'm on a quest for the perfect coffeehouse in DC and this is upper echelon. A little too loud/hustle and bustle to study, but a great place to read, chill, and talk over coffee.

The food (hamburger) was very good, and the coffee was excellent (free refills). I was very surprised how affordable the place was. Very crowded, some loud ass people come in there, so good luck concentrating.

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Photo of Gina L.

 

3

11

Gina L.

North Brunswick, NJ

5 star rating
10/12/2009 2 photos

BB&P is a themed Langston Hughes Dining/Reading experience. It is a casual, lounge and trendy meet up/ tweet up Internet Cafe...you name it. You will see regulars with laptop in tow having discourse on healthcare reform while sippin cocktails.  BB&P hosts many book signings and poetry readings. BB&P  is my favorite place for reading those hard to find multicultural/political reads and serves my favorite dish (see pic). I also jus go there to simply relax . Keep in mind, it's very very casual so don't worry abt your attire. Take a peek at the pics I posted, especially the Salmon dish.... Check it out let me know what you think!!

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Photo of Karen L.

 

0

29

Karen L.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
9/5/2009

Andy Shallal, you have a social obligation to start a 12-step program for your sweet potato fries.  Damn you.

Everything I've eaten here has been solidly good.  The vibe is great, the service good, and the sweet potato fries are incredible.  You won't lose your paycheck, either.

You can't go wrong with B&P as a go-to place for lunch or to bring friends visiting DC.

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Photo of Alex M.

 

2

7

Alex M.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
9/5/2009

Busboys & Poets is decidedly inexpensive and pleasant. Service is hit or miss, but that's the case with most establishments so there's no point in knocking B&P on that. Brunch is good too; excluding tip, I paid under $10 for food and drink.

As far as a "third place" between work and home, I prefer Tryst, though they are different experiences in their own right.

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Photo of Kevin L.

Elite '09

1142

623

Kevin L.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
Updated - 6/17/2009

I was full about two thirds of the way through my cobb salad.  A salad.  Right??

Definitely one of the better deconstructed salads I've had in quite some time.  Particularly at the ~$10 price point.  Chock full of good bits of everything.  Half a creamy avocado, two cherry tomatoes, a hard-boiled egg (with perfectly yellow yolk, none of the discolored gray stuff on it), two strips of real bacon, a giant tender well-seasoned sliced up chicken breast, and a few hunks of blue cheese over a bed of lightly dressed greens.  Whew!  Oh, and two surprisingly bland pieces of flatbread.  And by "surprisingly" I mean "visually herb-covered, yet mysteriously nearly flavorless."

It continues to impress me that it's perpetually crowded in here past 1000 hours.  Seemingly every day.  Even during the week.  Are there -that- many people in DC that don't work in traditional offices?  Or is it a function of the economy that everyone's surfing job sites from their laptops here while sucking on unemployment?  Regardless, I appreciate the system with a greeter/host who helped me locate a seat on a comfy armchair near a powerstrip such that I could nosh and nerd out on my laptop at the same time.

I would never suggest that this is the most effective work space around town.  It's not the most peaceful, quiet environment.  It's not the most comfortable.  The food isn't the most outstanding.

But, Busboys brings together a confluence of good-enough in all of these extremely disparate elements that it offers a nearly unique, and unparalleled venue for grub -and- getting work done.

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    1/26/2009

    So... the wikipedia entry for Irish Coffee reads "a cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish… Read more »

Photo of veggie k.

 

17

31

veggie k.

Anaheim, CA

5 star rating
9/1/2009

Haven't been in a few years, but this was one of my very favorite places in D.C. Atmosphere was great, dimly lit and very chill. A great place to hang out all night with friends.

The bookstore was by far the best part! Great selection of books and magazines.

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Photo of Zachary H.

 

3

29

Zachary H.

Silver Spring, MD

2 star rating
8/15/2009

Just got back from brunch at Busboys, which is consistently decent - never anything special or out of the ordinary, but always decent. Prices are good (most entries less than $10) and the atmosphere is interesting, given the attached bookstore, but the restaurant is decidedly lacking that special something that gets people excited about a dining establishment.

Our trip this morning consisted of an order of Eggs Benedict and a Western Omelet. The Eggs Benedict was a bit uninspired, but the eggs were cooked perfectly. The Western Omelet was very good; not too dry and a good size.

I will probably go back to Busboys and Poets because of the good quality of the food and the good price, but I'm not particularly excited about the prospect.

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Photo of Jackie Turner T.

Elite '09

3

146

Jackie Turner T.

Arlington, VA

3 star rating
8/2/2009

Finally checked this place out for brunch and was quickly seated. The wait for our food took awhile, but that gave us some time to take in the scene. When we were served, our fruit was fresh and our food was delicious. The portions were on the small side, but the prices are great for DC.

For brunch I prefer Creme, a few blocks away.

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Photo of Samantha R.

 

15

14

Samantha R.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
8/18/2009

The food is consistently solid but their catfish with the capery buerre-blanc and braised greens does bring a tear to this southern girls eye. More than the food is the idea that busboys can, by ambiance alone, make it reasonable to imagine yourself a writer, poet, musician for no other reason then that you nod along to the house band or clap appreciatively during the open-mic. The service is definitely not hurried but that is part of the charm, sit on a chaise lounge plug in your iPod and spend sometime daydreaming, read a book, spend Sunday brunch catching up with friends over satisfyingly spicy bloody mary's and perfectly poached eggs. Really in need of speedy service sit at the bar, but otherwise appreciate the lounging indicative of couches, love seats and lay-z-boys and dare yourself to stop looking at your watch.

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Elite '09

25

161

Dee M.

Oceanside, CA

5 star rating
9/20/2009

This place is the bomb!  Love to come here and chill with the girls for a late night cap.  I can never leave without having some of that delicious catfish!  I hear you Samanta, it brought tears to this sista's eyes as well. LOL.  I just love the laid back ambiance and the over stuffed chairs, the dim lights and cool vibe of this place.  The service is not always fast, but who cares when you are having such a great time.  Definitely prefer this original location over K st or Arlington, Va.

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Photo of jules k.

 

0

19

jules k.

Washington, DC

2 star rating
6/19/2009

My friends always gush about Busboys and will often recommend it for a group dinner.  The thing is, I think they like it so much because its such a good place to go in a group.  The tables are big and the space is open with super high ceilings.  Kind of a nice ambiance.

The food is just mediocre.  There is absolutely no other way to describe it.  Its reasonably priced, for sure, but it inspires no kind of excitement.   On top of that the service is excruciatingly slow.  Don't go here if you're on a tight schedule.

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Comment from Alisha B. of Busboys & Poets 6/30/2009   
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3

12

Jay A.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
9/24/2009

This was my second experience with B & P.  My first was at B & P in Arlington, the catfish was great.  The second was at this location for Sunday brunch with friends.  I was starving so I deviated from the typical brunch selections and went for the turkey burger and fries.  The turkey burger tasted very fresh and the fries were great.  Two friends had the bagel and lox and one had the french toast with eggs and meat. Everyone seemed to enjoy their respective meals, but I didn't have a taste, so I can't vouch for their meals.  I was busy devouring my turkey burger.  However, I did taste the grits, which were pretty good.

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7

121

J C.

Redwood City, CA

4 star rating
9/20/2009

One word: grits. Heck yes!

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Elite '09

137

389

Nicole L.

Rockville, MD

1 star rating
8/14/2009

What's the hype with this place? It's always super crowded. I can hardly find a place to stand let alone get a table. B&P has become one of those places I come to leave. Oh well, maybe I should try to go there on a weekday afternoon when there's actually a place to sit or a host who would care enough to pay attention for once.

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Elite '09

30

158

Topher B.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/1/2009

Nifty shtick.
Lofty theme.
Mediocre execution.

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Elite '09

161

391

Debby L.

Santa Ana, CA

5 star rating
3/19/2009

This is the coolest internet cafe/restaurant/bookstore ever! This location is the first Busboys and Poets, created by an Iraqi guy as a venue for political debate, a cafe to read a book in, or just to hang out with friends.

The attached bookstore is separate from the cafe restaurant and is totally non-profit, making it one of the unique things about this place.

The restaurant ambiance is really nice. i love the cafe atmosphere, and this is a place i would spend hours and hours in. The food is also good. We had the corn hash reuben sandwich with fries and the Mediterranean pizza. Both were good, but I thought the pizza was better.

Service was also on point for us, and I noticed that it was close to midnight, and a group came in asking if they could still get some food and coffee. The hostess was so accommodating, and immediately let them in, and told them that they can take all the time they needed. I thought that was great customer service.

I wish there is Busboys and Poets in CA. They have something here, and it's good.

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Elite '09

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102

Harry T.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
10/18/2009

The prices are good for the size of the dishes.  It's great value and you won't break the bank.  This time I had the meatloaf, chili and I also had some of their catfish.  The meatloaf was average in texture and flavor.  It was just what a normal meatloaf should taste like.  It had some spinach, mashed potatoes and mushrooms all in a sauce.  The chili was average.  The dominating flavors were the ground beef and beans and that's pretty much it.  I doused mine with plenty of black pepper and hot sauce for more flavor and some kick.  The catfish was pan fried and had a nice crust on top.  It was spiced with southern flavors and had some collard greens underneath it and underneath that was a cornbread pancake component.  All together you have a soul food dish, but I wasn't impressed with the flavors.   I must note the ambiance is great with the bookstore, couches, barista/bartenders and the great music in the background.  A great place to people watch.  If you are a tourist this place is a good way of seeing what a great mix of people DC has.

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5

31

Danna K.

Washington, DC

1 star rating
3/18/2009

Bookstore? Try Palestinian propaganda shop. (I would be less bothered by this if I found some books representing the other side...but Dershowitz's Case for Israel was nowhere to be found).

For those who prefer to brunch without patronizing a questionable political agenda, try Tryst in admo or Domku in petworth.

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7

9

Rebecca G.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
3/31/2009

If you are a late-night study person as I am, you should be aware of Busboys. I've roamed the city many nights searching for somewhere to have coffee and internet access that doesn't close at 10pm, and the options are limited. Busboys is one of the best available.

They are open late enough for someone who doesn't crack a book until 10pm to get in a decent night of work. They have unlimited internet access, decent coffee, decent food and decent service. Their outlet situation is much better than Epicurian and, unlike Politics and Prose, they won't kick you out of your seat for three-piece bands or poetry readings. The study atmosphere and coffee are both way better than Tryst, which often has very loud live music late-nite (and also no internet access on weekends - really?)

The only caveat is that is does get crowded here. In my experience, it has almost always been easier to find a spot here than Tryst, but if you are looking solely for a study spot during prime dinner hours, I would suggest going to the quieter Epicurian. Save Busboys for 9pm or later.

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Elite '09

65

196

Marc H.

Rockville, MD

4 star rating
3/14/2009

I've been to the other B&P location but never the original off of 14th... Until now. Went here for brunch today and had a solid meal. As I noted in it other B&P review, the blood marys here kick ass. I went with an egg white chicken omelet and it was actually better than I expected. The lady friend had the Oaxaca omelet (black beans, guac, red onions, chees, pico de gallo) and it too was very good, and I liked the fact that it was a bit different than usual.

Service was super friendly and very efficient. The big drawback was the seating situation... It was as if they were trying too hard to be like tryst. I dunno. It wasn't very comfortable, but I guess it depends on where you're seated. Overall, a nice place for brunch.

Oh, by the way, I may catch flack for this, but the bookstore was unimpressive. If you're looking for a Che Guevara book or some Noam Chomsky drivel, this is right up your alley. If you're looking for some hard to find out of print books (Meyer's In Defense of Freedom, Canetti's Crowds and Power, Mises' Human Action, etc) you're gonna be SOL. Just sayin...

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