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    Busboys and Poets

    4.0 (2.1k reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Waitlist - Busboys and Poets

    Live Current wait: under 5 minutes

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    BUSBOYS AND POETS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Busboys and Poets

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    Robert M.

    I met up with a college friend for Happy Hour on a Monday night. I was fortunate to find an empty parking space across the street. Once inside, I was taken aback by the bookstore and also the size of the restaurant. It was packed, and after initially only being offered bar seating, I pointed out a couple of empty tables I noticed. After a brief wait, we were seated at a booth I didn't even notice was open. Happy Hour is from 3-7, which is an ideal time in my opinion. Unlike a lot of other places I've been to, the prices truly reflect a discount from normal times. I ordered the sangria, and my friend ordered the DC Tapwater. The sangria was delicious and a little on the strong side, due to the cab, chardonnay, bourbon, and rum. She said the DC Tapwater was like a juice that may or may not sneak up on you later. I enjoyed the firecracker shrimp for the spice and crispness. The heat from the fried chicken sliders caught my friend off guard, but she liked them. The braised short ribs dinner was only 1 rib, but it was a thick piece and very tender and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were filling, and the carrots and broccoli were cooked very well.

    What was left of my chicken and pancakes.
    Crystal S.

    A friend suggested Busboys and Poets for brunch & I intentionally didn't eat beforehand in order to have plenty of room in my tummy to chow down. It was my first time dining here & all I've thought since taking both my first & last bites is "Wow, what in the lamb meatballs & falafel salad took me so long?!!!" The vibe was phenomenal; behind the host station, there was a small bookstore filled with socially-conscious literature, staff was friendly, there was ample seating & most importantly, the food was out of this world. I'm actually mad that I couldn't just get a fork & sample everything in the kitchen...especially because I came prepared wearing baggy pants with an elastic waistband. Get it together before my next visit, people ;) We ordered hummus to share & I thoroughly appreciated the hearty, perfectly seasoned portion with the incredible pita bread! Seriously, I'd like the recipe for both please...OR just an increase in my credit line so I can order an exorbitant amount & fill my freezer. My friend had the Chicken Chorizo Egg Wrap with sweet potato fries & I got the Chicken and Pancakes. As anyone with at least one functioning taste bud knows, pancakes can be a hit or miss...many are often bland rounds of rubbery, refined carbs that end up getting mercilessly drenched in syrup just to make them remotely palatable. These, however, were exceptional & I'm pretty certain they were made with a hint of vanilla. Coupled with just the right amount of sugar, they had the perfect ratio of density to fluffiness. Texture matters! And ZOMG (not to be confused with its predecessor "OMG"), I almost forgot about the chicken! Kudos to the person who seasoned & tenderized that bird...it was juicy & crispy beyond belief. And in classic Southern tradition, I drizzled the maple syrup over both the pancakes & the chicken. Heaven CAN be a place on earth, cluck cluck. My only complaint is that the mango mimosa wasn't served chilled. I didn't bother reordering because I was enjoying the atmosphere, conversation & meal but it's worth noting that a room temperature mimosa is strange.

    Cyndi A.

    Let me start off that METI provided exceptional service to our table. This will bring me back in again. Their hot chocolate was super tasty and the berry with strawberry salad freshly made. Such good vibes in this restaurant. I shall return and hopefully our table can get service from Meti.

    Mini pecan pie with vanilla ice cream
    Caroline T.

    Craving a late night burger, Busboys and Poets was still open and seemed to fit the bill. And they offered sweet potato fries with their burger? Sold. I placed the order through DoorDash, and even with a 15min drive the food was still very warm and the ice cream for the mini pecan pie hadn't melted. Unfortunately the drink I ordered wasn't included, even though it was on the receipt. Since it was towards the end of the night, I'll give them benefit of the doubt and hope it was a one time miss. The burger was perfectly grilled, and the bacon was the right balance of crispy but not burnt. The sauce that comes with the burger had a nice kick to it too. The sweet potato fries were plentiful and delicious. The side asparagus was cooked well, but the amount you get for the cost will have me side stepping it in the future. The mini pecan pie was adorable and tasty. Don't let the size fool you, it's got quite the sugary kick to it and the ice cream does help to balance it. I recommend heating it for a 30 seconds - 1 min, and then let that ice cream melt on top of it. Will definitely reorder the burger!

    Firearms
    Whitley D.

    Place of welcoming and good food....this is a spot to put on the radar. Busboys and Poets' mission is to be a community gathering place that fosters dialogue on social and political issues while celebrating art, culture, and cuisine. It aims to be a space where people can connect, be inspired, and create social change. The name itself pays homage to poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy. I have been to this location several times and I have nothing but positive things to say. The service is attentive and pleasant. The food is excellent and exactly what I order. The drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are on point. The book store is a nice addition as the normally have it. Make sure to look at the event nights as well so you can enjoy some of the events they host that are all inclusive. All in all this is a great location that offers amazing options and is in the center of plenty to do.

    Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
    Rowland S.

    Brought my family here for a late breakfast. It strikes me as a very eclectic place with solid food offings. My omelette was well made and the breakfast potatoes were on point. Our server was very personable and was great with my kids. Don't miss the fresh squeezed orange juice.

    Chicken Panini and Side Sweet Potato Fries

    I had a yummy grilled chicken panin with sweet potatoes fries. The food was nice and fresh; it was delivered to our table in record time. The food and delivery was outstanding. The waiter was very attentive and professional. My dining pattern said her cubano sandwich was delicious. I will dine at this Arlington location again definitely.

    Sweet potato Pancakes and western omelette. Jalapeño cheesy grits.
    Joe M.

    Every time we're in Arlington,VA! Located in the Shirlington shopping strip off of Campbell Avenue. Service is always acceptable. Depends on what time of the day you go. Can be extremely busy during lunch and on weekends. Different take on a diner look, books, small stage in the back area, poetry is recited on special occasions. We usually go for breakfast, sweet potato pancakes a must, western omelet with a side of jalapeño cheesy grits 24/7/365 and twice on Sunday! Highly recommend if in the area.

    Vegan Lovers Pasta
    Cassandra T.

    Great service, sat right away. Once at table server greeted us with a smile and quickly got our drinks. Relaxed vibe with a book theme. Main dining area has a stage for live music/open mic poetry/author discussions. I will come back for one! Located along the main strip in Shirlington across from Harris Tetter (easy parking there) Food was tasty and came out hot and fast! Tons of vegan and vegetarian options.

    Earl Grey (Black)
    June J.

    This is my second time visiting BBP, and my first time at this location. I knew it was going to be good (hence my return visit). We arrived for brunch at a perfect time....no wait! I did take a few moments to enjoy the bookstore selections and beautiful artwork throughout the restaurant. Once seated, I had a cup of hot Earl Gray tea (delicious brand selection)? For brunch, I had Chicken and Buttermilk Pancakes. It was so good! No room for dessert. Other table dishes: Chicken wand Sweet Potato Pancakes Smoked Salmon Benedict Chicken Chorizo Hash 5 STARS! There's no doubt this establishment will stay on my short list for brunch!

    Sheryl T.

    The food is delicious! Try the sweet potato hash or build your own omelet. Don't sleep on the lattes...especially the violet one! The location in Shirlington is a neighborhood favorite!

    Bagel and Lox*

    Good variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Really enjoyed the omelette I had - usually I find omelettes dry and overcooked, but this wasn't- and the beans and avocado were very tasty. Would definitely get again! My wife had the lox and liked her food, too.

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    4 months ago

    great customer service and attentiveness! Great show and good energy. Good food and good drinks.

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    Page 1 of 54

    Busboys and Poets Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Busboys and Poets

    How do I get on the waitlist for tonight?

    I believe they do call ahead seating so you can call them when you are on the way and they'll put you on the call ahead list. But I would give them a call and see if things are still the same

    Closest handicapped parking?

    Not sure it there's any in front or around the corner three doors south. There are handicapped parking spots in the garage across the street in front of Harris Teeters. There may be handicapped spots in the parking lot three blocks away across… Read more

    How do I make reservations, no one is answering the phone?

    They don't actually take reservations (so no need to call) but they do allow you to get on the waitlist through Yelp to be seated more quickly

    Do they allow dogs on their outdoor patio?

    They do. Usually on the other patio against the fence .

    Is the meat at busboys and poets Kosher/Halal?

    Yes there chicken is halal!

    Any delivery service?

    No.

    Do they do reservations? Couldn't find it online.

    They don't do reservations on the phone. You must show up and get in line. They will take your phone number and text you when they have a table.

    View All 9 Questions

    Kelley Farm Kitchen - Shoyu Ramen Bowl with Fresh Veggies

    Kelley Farm Kitchen

    4.8(289 reviews)
    48.7 mi
    $$

    I don't usually write reviews because.. honestly I'm lazy and prefer to spend my time eating. Ben…read moreand his (work) family are the best kind of humans out there though, and their food is amazing! I rarely visit a place twice (because there's so many good food places out there) but I ended up eating here twice in one day on our trip because of all the glowing reviews. I had not and still have not heard one negative thing about their food, including the reviews and the friendly faces eating around us; seems like the only way to go wrong is if you don't eat here! At 12:20pm we got: - Raw Roots & Greens Wrap - BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich w/ side of Baked Mac 'n Cheese - Side of Colorado Green Chili At 5:50pm we got: - Dark Horse Burger (with Ben's recommendation) w/ side of Side Salad with Fresh Blackberries - Cheezy Buffalo Cauliflower Dip & Chips Every time my boyfriend ate one of the items he would go "Mmm" and just keep nodding his head in approval which was hilarious to me because on the way up he seemed to There's a portapotty in the back, and Ben said he keeps a tight ship!

    Stopped by after Harper Ferry hike (friends made it to summit, I enjoyed the bus tour…read more Friends enjoyed the filling ramen and juicy burger - all vegan of course. My Rueben was skimpy on the meat with too much sauerkraut (more a sour baloney sandwich). Love the vibe, Would come back but not for the Rueben.

    Photos
    Kelley Farm Kitchen
    Kelley Farm Kitchen - Vanilla oat milk soft serve + crushed Oreos

    Vanilla oat milk soft serve + crushed Oreos

    Kelley Farm Kitchen - Happy Halloween!

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    Happy Halloween!

    Simple Vegan - Banana Tahini Nice Cream

    Simple Vegan

    5.0(2 reviews)
    15.6 mi

    Simple Vegan catered a residential retreat I was attending and here's how I feel about it…read more I. Was. Blown. Away! Look, I enjoy my animal proteins quite a lot thankyouverymuch, but I have earnestly been transitioning to a more plant-forward diet due to a number reasons (hey, probably the same as yours!). Mosty I admire how the best plant-based chefs can make their recipes flavorful and filling...because it's literally more difficult from a scientific point of view (glutamates, etc.)! Over the course of two lunches and dinner offered by Simply Vegan, I can say that Nikevia really topped the charts in terms of wonderful vegan chefs. The multi-course menus were hearty, fresh, FLAVORFUL and delicious without feeling heavy at all. She had a wonderful touch with flavored waters (yes, she even flavors them better than anyone I've known!) and personal service. I very much hope that I find the occasion to have her cater an event that I organize! Or, at the very least, that others will take this review as a serious endorsement of her cooking chops. Please consider this wonderful chef and her company for your next event. Thank you, Nikevia!!

    Good, clean, flavorful food. I ordered the Valentine's Day Special and shared it with my dear…read moreboyfriend, who is a very harsh food critic. Long story short, he ate the majority of the meal and raved about it the entire time. As for myself, I especially enjoyed the dessert which wasn't too sweet and had the most gorgeous mouth feel throughout. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed, trust!

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    Simple Vegan - BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

    BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

    Simple Vegan - Festivus Salad

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    Festivus Salad

    Sushi But Like Vegan - Carry out only

    Sushi But Like Vegan

    4.7(3 reviews)
    7.8 miBrookland

    wow wow wow ! So yummy & definitely worth the price ! This will probably be my new go-to sushi spot…read more:) (also i love the rice crackers they give you w. your order to eat after your sushi , a delicate little treat:)

    Sushi But Like Vegan has no storefront, and it doesn't even have a sign. You cannot order the food…read moreat a counter. There is no person to help you. You just have to know about it! In fact, I had called when I arrived and couldn't get in touch with anyone. I looked around and couldn't figure it out immediately - when you walk into the door, you'll see 1 business. Turn left, and you'll see 2 other businesses showcased. Then, there's a door at the base of the stairs, and you'll see a bunch of stickers for places that have operations at Tastemaker Hall. Then, on the counter right by the door, if you've ordered, you'll see your food sitting there with your name, and that's how you get your food. That being said, if you're reading this, then you know about it, and you are one step ahead of me when I arrived. Thankfully, I had been drooling over the menu for sometime and then ordered before arriving. The menu has about half a dozen maki rolls to choose from if you order a 2 or 3 roll combo box. There are also some other combo boxes of sushi that include California rolls, avocado crunch hand rolls, jalapeño popper rolls, futomaki sushi and inari sushi to name a few. There are also bento boxes with a protein, japchae noodles, dumplings and pickled radishes. They have banh mi and tacos, salads and grain bowls, and they even have bao buns. I am always a fan of simple sushi like avocado and cucumber - and they did not disappoint. The rice was perfectly rolled up maki style with a perfectly ripened avocado filling and julienned/ matchstick cucumber filling that were delightful alone, bu spiced up nicely with the wasabi and pickled ginger that amply arrived with the sushi. It was a nice surprise that the rolls were so large - the pictures don't do it justice. When you pick up the box that has your food, if you're like me, you know how much rice weighs and when you have a heavy box with a dozen sushi rolls, you know there is going to be a lot of food! Most sushi from everywhere else I've ever had is to half the size, easily! It's rare for me to be happy with just sushi for a meal, but I think they've made an exception to my rule! One issue some might have is that there was no additional soy sauce or tamari with the sushi, which was fine for me but might not be fine for others. Of course, I had to try the superfood salad bowl complete with choy sum that was the simplest and most delightful preparation keeping it bright free, crisp, gently garlic and vinegar flavored while still tasting fresh. I could order a side of just that! The tofu was a little salty, but the amount was generous in the salad. There was also a generous amount of guacamole - I'm not sure if I like guacamole in my bowl with tofu, but it was still tasty. There was a generous garnish of green onions, as well. I would've like more kale, but romaine was okay. Fresh cucumbers were a lovely touch with the red cabbage, and complemented by the brightly colored edamame. Overall, the meal was delicious, and I would go back in a heartbeat. I cannot wait to try some more sushi and entrees here! Yum! Top quality and super fresh!

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    Sushi But Like Vegan - Superfood salad

    Superfood salad

    Sushi But Like Vegan - Avocado maki

    Avocado maki

    Sushi But Like Vegan - Cucumber maki

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    Cucumber maki

    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant - D6. Fantasy Roll

    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant

    4.2(563 reviews)
    10.6 mi
    $$

    I recently went to Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant for a late dinner and had a great experience. We…read morewere able to get a table immediately, got great service, and shared some delicious dishes: Wonton soup: warm, hearty, delicious wontons Steamed dumplings: perfectly cooked, full of flavorful vegetables Hong Kong tofu: a solid tofu dish Eggplant-good eggplant dish

    My boyfriend and I have been going to events in Northern Virginia, and after a long absence, we…read morestopped at Sunflower to get a meal. (Really, when I checked in on Swarm, it had been 13 years since my last visit. Now we're going every month or so.) While I noticed some updating--there's more wood paneling, and the menu is sleeker, for lack of a better word--the restaurant still has a warm, friendly vibe with sunflower imagery throughout. The menu is a twist on Asian food, with plenty of analogues, chunks of soy and/or wheat protein, and some vegetables. It's not all vegan--a few dishes have dairy and/or honey, and I suspect one of the noodle dishes uses egg noodles--but those items are clearly marked. We were last there on Thanksgiving and tried a few new things. The veggie kabob reminded me a bit of the kabob at the late, lamented Harmony Cafe in Georgetown. Sure, I'll get that again. I'm not so sure about the mushroom dish. I do love mushrooms, but perhaps this isn't the way to go about it. On prior visits, we've gone with old familiars. The fried "chicken" appetizer (chunks of soy protein and mushrooms fried and served with a spicy ketchup) are a classic. I am still trying to find my go-to entree. Maybe the Crispy Happiness (chunks of soy protein and shredded vegetables cooked mild)? It's a bit far from DC, but it is worth the trip.

    Photos
    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant
    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant - Wonton noodle bowl

    Wonton noodle bowl

    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant - Black Dragon (Maki)

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    Black Dragon (Maki)

    St. Veg - Cauliflower bites- $10.5  Crispy Cauliflower Bites

    St. Veg

    4.5(371 reviews)
    18.5 mi
    $$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Locally sourced ingredients

    My partner and I came for lunch today. Each had a bowl…read more VegLoaf Bowl ($14.25) plus $1.50 for half brown rice/half greens. I enjoyed it. The veggie meat was very flavorful and moist. The carrot/cabbage and greens were fresh and tasty. I probably wouldn't get the rice again. It was fine, but served mostly to fill me up rather than add flavor. Japanese Katsu Curry Bowl ($15.00) plus $1.00 for greens and $0.50 for extra curry sauce. My partner enjoyed this dish, but thought the curry flavor could have been stronger. Also, they probably wouldn't get the extra sauce again. Overall, good bowls. We'll be back. One disappointment is that there is no way to "build your own bowl." I asked the server, and she said you can ask to substitute an item on one of their main bowls, but there's no "create your own" option. Since you order from a kiosk, it seems that could be straightforward, with the price adjusted based on what you add in, but I guess not here. That will limit the number of times I come here, because I prefer the option for variety. Ordering vis kiosk also doesn't allow you to order the sauce "on the side," which is another unnecessary (IMHO) limitation.

    I've been coming to St. Veg since they opened, and its my go-to for vegan food in the area…read more Even though the ownership has changed, the menu is still the same as before. I've tried a lot of things on the menu, and bottom line is I still think their Medley Loaf Combo Bowl is the best entree. I wish there was more loaf! It's so good and has a salty deep umami flavor which goes perfectly well with the shredded medley and other goodies in the bowl. However, there was a bit too much rice and carrot in my opinion this time. Still thought it was pretty good. I also ordered the Japanese Katsu Curry Bowl. I've gotten this one before too and thought it was really good, but today I found the curry a little bland, and again, the rice-to-protein ratio was way off (too much rice). Probably won't get this again and stick to the Medley Loaf Combo.

    Photos
    St. Veg
    St. Veg - Medley Loaf Combo Bowl- my favorite!! $14

    Medley Loaf Combo Bowl- my favorite!! $14

    St. Veg - Saint Chai Iced Tea

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    Saint Chai Iced Tea

    Busboys and Poets - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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