Busboys and Poets in Takoma Park remains one of my favorite spots in the area. The atmosphere is always buzzing and creative, but the food and service are what keep us coming back. The Food: If you're coming here, you have to get the Nachos and the Firecracker Shrimp. * Nachos: The portion sizes are massive--perfect for sharing (or not!). They don't skimp on the toppings, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. * Firecracker Shrimp: These are a total standout. The sauce has the perfect amount of kick and the shrimp are always cooked perfectly. The Service: A huge shoutout to Tiana at the bar! She is absolutely fantastic--super attentive, friendly, and makes a mean drink. She really elevated our experience and made us feel right at home. Whether you're looking for a spot to grab a full meal or just some great apps and drinks at the bar, this location delivers. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

We arrived and were informed that food would be running behind because it was burger night, which was understandable. However, after waiting 45 minutes, our food finally arrived cold. We sent everything back and waited another 25 minutes, but the replacement order never came, so our party of four ultimately decided to leave. For reference, our order was fairly simple: four orders of happy hour shrimp, two orders of wings, three orders of brussel sprouts, and one caesar salad--which, surprisingly, the salad never made it to the table at all. Our server was wonderful and very apologetic throughout the evening, so this review is not directed at the waitstaff. My disappointment was mainly with the manager's response. While he did come over to our table, he seemed very nonchalant about the situation. When we asked about the delay, he simply said, "It's busy," and even mentioned, "Yes, I saw all of the plates go back." The restaurant was not at full capacity, and there was very little communication or sense of urgency to make things right. I appreciate that the manager removed the food from the bill, and because I've had better experiences with Busboys and Poets in the past, I will return. However, I felt compelled to leave this review as a caution for anyone visiting the Takoma location. Better communication and a more attentive response from management would have gone a long way. read more

The food and service were solid. I had an omelet, toast and grits and enjoyed. We were there on a Sunday morning but it wasn't terribly crowded so it was a very quiet, relaxing breakfast. I'll probably try something with a little more flavor next time. read more

Busboys and Poets - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am in town visiting friends and have eaten at Busboys @ Poets in Hyattsville on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Berry and Destiny made great recommendations and provided exceptional service. I had the Lavender Latte with each visit because it is just that good! The food and ambiance are excellent. read more

You can never go wrong with Busboys and Poets. This was my first time at this location and they did not disappoint. Ate delicious food with fantastic service. It was a holiday so it did get pretty loud at some point, but that was fine by us. And of course Busboys always has the best playlists and I was happy that this was true for this location as well. read more

See all

Love this restaurant and the atmosphere and food. Is our go to place when we visit Washington

This review is long overdue because I truly love this place! I recently had their tofu bowl, and honestly--it might be the best tofu dish I've ever paid for. Perfectly cooked, super flavorful, and so satisfying. Their food is just consistently great every single time I go, and it's become one of my go-to spots. Highly recommend, whether you're plant-based or just love well-made, delicious food. read more

Busboys and Poets - Chile Tofu Bowl - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food. And books! Atmosphere is pure Takoma Park. Recommend the DC Tap Water cocktail.

I attended the Boozy Book Fair Birthday Bash with some friends. While they have a great selection of books for all ages, the event was in their back room and had a curated selection which were all 10% off categorized in different genres. The event came with a drink ticket and tote bag. They had special drinks for the event and a book raffle. We stayed for dinner and managed to get some sandwiches and salads. I opted for the Cobb Salad which came out fresh and was filling. I hope to come back to try their other menu offerings! read more

See all

I feel bad for the young lady working as a hostess and everything in between last night. It felt like she truly was trying This experience was SO BAD. We arrived around 6:15 on a Monday. Waited in line to be seated outside. It was pretty empty inside at the tables. The bar was crowded. After being seated for perhaps 10 min, the hostess noticed that the server had yet to come by to take food or drink orders. She allowed us to place orders with her directly. We got two burgers. One, we added cheese too. She even confirmed with hesitation that would be an extra 2 dollars. Ok. When the burger arrived it had no cheese. It came back on an extra warmed plate a few min later with cheese. Neither burger had any condiments. They were supposed to come with a special sauce The server was mia so once we realized we needed any condiments- too bad. We were so hungry we just ate our plain burgers as was. I got a side salad and that tasted like it came straight out of a bag. I laughed afterwards that i had expected any sort of a decent cesear salad. This was sadder than a bagged salad. And the portion was so tiny. Which i guess was just less to waste. The lady next to us asked for the server for her check. He never came out. She eventually went inside to pay. We waited 10 more min and reluctantly did the same. Burgers are half price on Mondays and i have no idea what we paid because we just wanted to leave so badly. I would never come back here. I am giving two stars because i feel bad for that girl working. Our server seemed erratic and overwhelmed. Additionally, the patio needs a better awning. The sun started to set and it was blinding. Would never recommend. Oof read more

Casual food well-cooked and consistent. This is t a fancy place. But you can easily spend more in a coffee cafe. And there are lots of options, including many vegan foods. I particularly like the turkey burger - yum! read more

Busboys and Poets - Turkey burger and house salad - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Remember when the food at B&P was good? Water glasses always filled, and the service was excellent? Plenty of restaurants in TK to choose from, I suggest finding one where it doesn't take an 1 hr and 30 minutes to get a burger. It became a running joke at my table when everyone received their food and I sat there waiting for my dinner. I was told 3 x times by 3 different people that I did not order a burger. Strange how our table remembered but not the restaurant-- I think that is what I found most annoying-- continually getting up and asking someone where my meal was only to have them say I didn't order a burger. Seriously? To the manager to the busboys, this place lacks the energy to make a positive lasting memory amongst its customers. read more

It's always nice to stop by Busboys on a random weekday and find Kat behind the bar ensuring that I'm well taken care of. Kat is seriously the best. Even during busy happy hours she always takes great care of me and makes the best drinks. Super courteous, great conversation, and just an all-around amazing bartender/server. Love seeing her behind the bar! It's also pretty cool that she remembers regulars orders as soon as the sit down ! read more

Busboys and Poets - Walk of Fame - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I would usually rate this restaurant higher. I have been to a different location before and had good service as well as they have gluten free options. This time after moving apartments I did a pick up order. I was excited for the lamb burger with the gluten free bread. My boyfriend got a burger and roommate got a Cuban panini. I would say the food was okay a 3.5 but my issue is how my boyfriend was treated when getting into the restaurant. I sent my boyfriend in because I was driving. Told him to pick up the order with my name on it. He texts me asking for confirmation. That's okay because a guy is picking up a girls order. He comes to the car and says the guy "looked him up and down and told he needs to show proof". I understand the asking for proof but it's the tone. It's the way you ask for things, the attitude you have. My boyfriend is North African/Arabic and it's GIVING RACIAL PROFILING. So imagine being emotionally exhausted from moving in the DC humidity and heat and then someone makes you feel like that at the end of your day. All to have a sub par burger. read more

My partner and I had a morning meeting in the area and passed by this place. Decided to come for lunch, which we did. I was hesitant, figuring the food at a book store/restaurant combo likely wouldn't be good. Well, I was wrong. We started with a bowl of two bean Harira soup (with two spoons). Nice sized bowl, plenty for us both to enjoy. Very flavorful. For entrees, I got the falafel salad and a side scoop of vegan "tuna" ($5 for the side). My partner got the Mediterranean Lamb Burger with sweet potato fries. The falafel salad was delicious. The falafels were cooked well - not too hard on the outside, good texture inside (heavy, but not too much) and a nice herb/spice. The salad dressing was very good and it was a good amount of dressing. I got the side of vegan "tuna" out of curiosity. It tasted good, but I didn't get any sense of tuna flavor - it was like a very decent potato salad. I'm impressed they made this with vegan ingredients. I'd get again, but not for tuna flavor. It's just a good vegan side. My partner really enjoyed the lamb burger. And I stole a few sweet potato fries and will say that they were very flavorful. Sometimes sweet potato fries have "meh" flavor. These were quite good. Good portion sizes. We boxed up half of our entrees for dinner. The service was excellent. Server filled water glasses a few times and asked how our meal was. I see other reviews here about bad service / that was not our experience. Overall, really good meal. The menu has other interesting things I'd like to try sometime. The vibe inside is kind of cool, but not overdone. read more

Busboys and Poets - Bowl of Harira Soup - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Great space conveniently located near the Takoma metro. They have a large space that is perfect for hosting and often host a number of talks. Their large back room has a projection screen and is perfect for fundraisers or corporate events. As typical of busboys, they have a great selection of books through their partnership with Politics and Prose, service was good, and you have a great selection of food. read more

Today's meal was crazy awful. I ordered eggs and toast. That seems easy enough to get right. The eggs were cold and overcooked into small bits the resembled rubble. It almost looked like the kitchen had taken eggs from plates and just put them on mine. I got one piece of toast. It was also cold. For that plate I paid $11. It was an insult. I was hosting a friend whom I hadn't seen for several years, So I didn't want to send my food back and make her uncomfortable. But really. my meal was inedible. read more

Spring is here! BB&P Takoma Park (Wash DC) is outstanding‼. Excellent afternoon ambience, service. Highly recommend anything. I had the vegan burger with sweet potato fries . My waitress was superb friendly and the food was served fast AND less than 10 minutes. Please take a break have a midafternoon treat. You won't regret it‼ read more

Busy and energetic Saturday lunch time and were seated without waiting although the dining room was full. I ordered catfish w greens and grits for the first time here. It was just fine. For $24 one piece of catfish is skimpy and not worth the cost. The grits were room temp, the greens were tasty. I added hot sauce. Overall unremarkable. My dining companion ordered buttermilk pancakes and fried chicken which they enjoyed and finished quickly. Cat/Kat the wait person was responsive. I love the local art on the walls and for sale. The book store and shop are full of many books I want to read and is adorable. Restrooms are non-gendered. read more

See all

Good spot for excellent, friendly service and great food. Generous portions. Have enjoyed the tempeh sandwich (so good) and my meat-eating family members really liked the Iraqi breakfast hash, chorizo bowl, eggs benedict and burgers. Had stayed away after a few bad experiences early on when this BB&P location first opened. Happy to report they have worked out all the kinks. Wait staff was exceptionally proactive. read more

Tiyana is hands down one of the top-tier bartenders in the DMV. Attentive, creative, detail-oriented, and unfailingly pleasant. Don't miss any opportunity to join her at Busboys. read more

Busboys and Poets - The menu is excellent but I ordered a jalapeño margarita off-the-menu. Light work for Tiyana. - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is so fun! It was like walking in your school's book fair with fun books, trinkets and gifts. But it's a restaurant with amazing vegan (and traditional) food! We had the vegan chicken sandwich, tempeh sandwich and cauliflower appetizer. All a little spicy but perfect! Service was friendly and the place is really cute and clean. read more

See all

Tiyana gave us amazing service. She should win the contest. She was attentive, but made sure to not grab our plates too quick.

Tiyana was approachable and engaging which is hard to come by with bartenders. Appreciate her efforts to make us feel welcome!

Tiyana made my night. Felt like home. I came in off the street and I felt like I had nowhere to go. And then I felt like I never wanted to leave read more

Busboys and poets is a solid place to go with good food and ambience. above and beyond is the Takoma branch which has two fantastic bartenders, Kat and Tiyana. They are at the top of their game with their drinks, professionalism, and efficiency. They're also both great people read more

My first time ordering from this location. I ordered the western omelette and my food was sitting in a pool of grease. I've ordered this dish many times but never had my food served just sitting in grease read more

Busboys and Poets - My food sitting in grease. - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service was excellent! Tiyana was very attentive and personable. The food was excellent. Compliments to the chef. read more

One of the best experiences I have had at Busboys! Tiyana was the best, she made sure the drinks stayed flowing and enhanced my overall experience. Also had an extensive knowledge of what she could offer at the bar. Thank you so much for the great ambiance, service, and conversation!!! read more

My second time here. First time lovely beet salad for me and kid's alfredo for the girl (14). Today this aging mommy went to brunch ALL BY HERSELF! I don't know if I've ever been out to brunch by myself! An uncommon pleasure. I had all the bevs (water, bloody mary ($6 at brunch!), cappuccino, and a $6 mimosa)! I ordered a side of crab grits, side of poached eggs, side of hollandaise, and bacon. When the food arrived, it looked plain and so sad! Then here came my lovely waiter with my hollandaise side. YES! It was SO good. I was literally groaning by the end. There were A LOT of kids there, which didn't bother me, aside from the kid whose parents forgot earbuds for his LOUD tablet! Overall I really enjoyed, solo brunch for the win! read more

Busboys and Poets - Poached eggs, crab grits, bacon, hollandaise. ALL THE BEVERAGES! - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been wanting to go to a Busboys and Poets for a while after hearing such good things, so tonight I finally went to the Takoma location for a comedy show. As soon as I stepped in, I was greeted and offered assistance. The doors for the show opened earlier than published, which I appreciated (though I don't know if that was the doing of the show's producer or Busboys). When I walked into the event area, my server came over very quickly to greet me. I think she was the only server for the whole event, and I only saw one other food runner. Yet she was on top of orders and food/drinks still came out pretty quickly. Both she and the food runner were *hustling* the whole time. All of the staff that I encountered while there seemed friendly and helpful, truthfully. For food and drinks, I ordered a pomegranate margarita, the mini nachos, and the brussel sprouts (all on happy hour special). The pomegranate margarita was pretty good. Tasted a bit orange-y to me, but was tasty overall. The brussel sprouts were simple but delicious, and the nachos were good and were the perfect size (and had more toppings than one might expect for $6). The happy hour prices were better than many. The event venue itself was also nice. Intimate, so there really weren't many "bad" seats. I will say that the size of the space did make it hard for me to hear/focus sometimes because the server/food runner didn't have much option but to walk in front of people constantly, but that's expected for smaller spaces. After the show, I wound up taking a quick look at their books. While I only purchased one, I saw a lot of great options in my short perusal. Though I didn't spend time in other areas (the main dining areas and bar), the place in general had a very inviting and cozy vibe. Overall, I had a really positive first experience here, and I look forward to coming back! read more

See all

Tiyana was absolutely amazing! She was helpful, atttenive, and funny! I'm so glad we had her as a server! Please give her a raise!

Busboys and Poets is such a great space that truly allows you to be yourself. The atmosphere is welcoming, inclusive, and full of good energy--exactly what you want when you're out enjoying food, drinks, and conversation. Shoutout to Tiyanna, the bartender, who was AMAZING. She was warm, welcoming, and provided excellent service from start to finish. You can tell when someone genuinely enjoys what they do, and it really elevates the whole experience. Great service, great vibes, and a place that makes you feel comfortable and seen. I'll definitely be back! read more

Several ingredients were lacking from the original description on the menu. There was very little vegan sausage, and the dish was watery. The manager on duty had the dish remade; however, the second time around, the presentation of the dish was subpar. The pasta was filled up to the brim of the container. The lid wasn't secure, which can cause cross contamination and when I got home, the dish had spilled into the bag provided. Over all, I was unhappy with my dinning experience. While dinning at your Takoma location, I witnessed a homeless man, fighting with staff members, using profanity, and disrupting the vibe of the restaurant. It took awhile for the police to come and escort the man out. read more

Busboys and Poets - Vegan Lovers Pasta - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Busboys and Poets is really a fan favorite, you can never go wrong with their menu options. It's also good to find a restaurant that offers vegan and vegetarian options as well! The service is always great and the restaurant is large and has dining room seating, bar and a little couch area as well. They lap have a bookstore with cool items as well. Vegan "Egg" Wrap: Tofu, onion, mushroom, tomato, spinach, cauliflower, vegan sausage, vegan cheese, pico de gallo, spinach tortilla Busboys and Poets Takoma Park, MD read more

Busboys and Poets - Vegan "Egg" Wrap - Vegan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Wonderful service - Tiyana went above and beyond! Very attentive and friendly and helpful.

Tiyana was super helpful and friendly, I could tell she has a great passion for cocktails. I can't wait to see what recipes she comes up with. Great attitude and service, will definitely be back to visit her! read more

Busboys is my go-to restaurant when I want a quick, tasty, affordable meal. The dishes are consistently well done and the half-price burgers on Mondays is a real bargain. There are several to choose from but my favorite is the bacon cheddar burger. It comes with a choice of a side. I usually have fries but the options of having fruit is appreciated. Another favorite meal is the fried catfish dinner. I don't think there is a bad meal at Busboys plus the chain is progress with an amazing bookstore and curated art on display at each location. read more

Tiyana was attentive to my food and drink orders. She was also a delight to chat with at the bar.

Terrible service. The waiters are not trained. The food is half ok. You can tell they just throw it on the plate without any care. The ONLY reason why they have customers at this location is because there is no where else to go in this area. Awful place. read more