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    Busboys and Poets

    4.0 (937 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Live Current wait: under 5 minutes

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    BUSBOYS AND POETS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Cauliflower Bites
    Lawanda F.

    Wow the flavor just burst with the first bite of fried cauliflower. I got the vegan tuna again. ‍ It's so good and it's90+ degrees out here. I had a half sandwich, a few sweet potato fries and 2 cauliflower bits and I'm full. FYI, I'm usually greedy but not to over stuff, I can save some for later.

    BLT Sandwich
    Tara A.

    Came here for lunch after visiting the church near by. Got the BLT. It was very good. They forgot my side of sauce but it's okay, I didn't want to bother them. Good spot to come to if you're visiting the church or university near by.

    Hannah H.

    Our group came to this location of Busboys and Poets for a HH get-together, and we had a sectioned off room that made it more private. We ordered: +Chicken Wings - these were meaty and had good flavor; the bleu cheese was chunky and creamy +Brussels Sprouts - these were just okay; seemed a bit overbaked +Vegan BBQ 'Chicken' Bites - soy protein cubes dressed in a spicy 'Korean' BBQ sauce and topped with scallions and sesame seeds +the Busboys House Salat - with mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, and roasted corn +and, mini turkey sandwiches & mini ham sandwiches Service was friendly, but the staff had a difficult time in getting drink orders in, providing refills/utensils, and getting the check. The place does get busy, so making reservations is suggested. Garage and limited metered street parking can be found in the area. +wings +lack of service +garage and metered parking available

    Catfish Fingers

    The catfish fingers?!?! DELICIOUS! Sunshine, our waitress, described them as hard fried on the outside but soft and yummy on the inside and it was accurate!! As a southerner, I couldn't have been more impressed. The peach bellinis, bacon and cheddar burger, and chicken and pancakes were all great as well. Our service has been truly impressive and we're looking forward to returning just to see Sunshine!

    Nachos, Bean and Rice Bowl, Tropical Breeze
    Ina S.

    It's a good chill out spot for me always. I have been to the Columbia and Hyattsville, Md locations but first time to this location. Food was decent and service was quick. I love they that the menu is massive and they have something for everyone.

    When you first walk-in pretty dope scene
    Meghan P.

    Still love it here. Service is always great. I have no complaints. Busboys is definitely a spot for a meeting if the minds. So it often loud because of the networking etc. But the food is always worth it. Fresh and hot. No complaints

    Happy hour menu as of 3/2026
    Nisha B.

    I should have checked my last review before coming here and ordering the same thing. Looked liked they split 1 egg to be shared ontop of 2 muffins lol. Bland. Muffin was really soft, which made it difficult to cut thru the ham and egg, all together. I had been fasting so I was hungry but I was still hungry when I left. Waiter was absent for a minute. I was greeted by a "hello and peace and blessings" or something when I walked in, that was nice. Next, time remind me to order something completely different lol

    Bourbon bread pudding
    Kee J.

    EATONVILLE SUNDAY SUPPER SERIES (RSVP/Monthly event) let me start off by saying everything was a 10/10. you had to make reservation, submit your food options in advance. (fried chicken, catfish, pork bbq ribs and vegan pasta were the options) Everything came out in a decent time; appetizers, entree and dessert were amazing. Food was hot. I tried both beverage options; lavender lemonade and sweetened iced tea (forgot to take pic). They were delicious but I did add some water to my lemonade. The ambiance was cozy & cute. Nice playlist and you could still hear your conversation. The stick candle on the table added a nice touch. The staff were very pleasant and attentive. I would def book again and just to try different dish maybe the graham pasta bc that looked delicious as well. The experience was reasonable priced $58.40 per person; includes cornbread, appetizer, entree and dessert; I chose breading pudding instead of cheesecake) tips aren't included so maybe bring cash.

    Haviland F.

    Food was delicious. We had the Smoked Brisket Hash, a single Sweet Potato Pancake, and the Burger. The hash was good, but the other two items blew it out of the water! That pancake. So delicious. So perfect. Best pancake I've had so far in DC. And a single one is great for splitting between two people. Also, the Burger was the perfect balance of juicy, thick, and with a great sauce. One of those burgers where you're like "why can't I make them this good at home"? Also, shout out to Ledeya for her wonderful service! Will definitely be coming back. Note: ambiance is def vibes with ornate black ceiling, fun art to look at while chatting, and outdoor patio, and view of the university and the nice architecture.

    Salad & Halal Turkey Sandwich
    Sharonda M.

    This is a partial review only because the visit was only for a work organized meeting with catered options. So unfortunately i didn't experience the full menu, but the service was excellent and the staff were friendly! I did get to taste the salad, & sandwich that were catered to the group, in addition to ordering the firecracker shrimp from the restaurant menu for myself. Flavors were good food was fresh! I'll return for a full experience soon

    Cauliflower Bites

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    1 month ago

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    2 days ago

    all I gotta say is miles was great! excellent customer service. He was very polite, patient and fast.

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    6 months ago

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    21 days ago

    The best food; I've had in a long time! I typically get a Po-Boy. The one in Baltimore does not compare.

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Fah was amazing! she was very patient and attentive! She gave great recommendations for food. drinks and how to customize orders.

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    17 days ago

    Ibrahim was fantastic with us having 5 generations of family at the table! Food was great and the ambiance allowed us to all talk!

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    23 days ago

    Great fajita and black beans with rice. Thats my go to and of course the Tres leaches cake.

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    3 months ago

    Owner is rude and racist, food was bad, drinks are watered down and overpriced. I won't be going back.

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    1 month ago

    Service was great. Food was wonderful. Our server was very attentive. We were immediately seated and food came quickly.

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    1 month ago

    Great food but most of all I had an exceptional service from Fah. Very sweet girl very attentive and she communicate well.

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    3 months ago

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    Page 1 of 24

    Busboys and Poets Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Busboys and Poets

    Simple Vegan - Banana Tahini Nice Cream

    Simple Vegan

    5.0(2 reviews)
    8.5 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

    Pow Pow - Yoga Dragon

    Pow Pow

    3.9(137 reviews)
    2.7 miDowntown
    $$

    I was excited to try Pow Pow and ordered the giant egg roll and the sticky sesame chicken salad…read more Everything was really tasty and well seasoned, and the portions were very filling. The egg roll really is giant--crispy, delicious, and flavorful. My only complaint is that both the chicken on the salad and the egg roll were greasy. I actually had to blot the egg roll with paper towels. That said, the flavors were great, and I'd definitely recommend giving Pow Pow a try.

    Pow Pow is a 100% vegan, fast casual, pan-Asian restaurant in DC! There were so many things I…read morewanted to try, but ended up getting the: - Fried cashew mozzarella (Taiwanese fried cashew buffalo mozzarella croquettes drizzled with Korean spicy ketchup): The cashew "cheese" was interesting: while it wasn't reminiscent of mozzarella, it was still tasty. Super crispy! The spicy ketchup was the perfect condiment. - Generals Chick'n (Taiwanese fried plant-based Chick'n, tomato, seared broccoli & scallions with generals sauce): Overall, I liked this dish- the chick'n was perfectly crunchy and tender, the sauce was flavorful, and the signature rice was well-cooked (in fact, I regretted getting half salad/half rice instead of full rice). However, the sauce was a bit too gloopy and sweet for my taste, and the broccoli didn't seem super fresh. The ambiance is good: lots of seating, nice view of the city. Service is fast and friendly: you order on an iPad and pick up at the counter. Located within a quick walk to the Metro so very accessible. 8/10 would recommend!

    Photos
    Pow Pow - Interior

    Interior

    Pow Pow - Side of fried rice, bowl of thai pumpkin soup, and Natalie's Tangerine Juice

    Side of fried rice, bowl of thai pumpkin soup, and Natalie's Tangerine Juice

    Pow Pow - Disco Stick Giant Egg Roll

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    Disco Stick Giant Egg Roll

    MITA - Cherry blossom dessert

    MITA

    4.2(73 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Here's how I see it:…read more MITA delivered a dining experience that felt thoughtful from the first course to the final spoonful. As someone who does not typically gravitate toward vegetarian/vegan menus, the meal felt especially fresh and quietly innovative--proof that vegetable-forward cuisine, when handled with this level of intent, can be just as compelling, layered, and satisfying as any traditional tasting menu. Opting for the Camino Corto menu proved to be a well-judged choice. Paired with the supplemental arepas, it offered a generous and satisfying progression without ever feeling heavy. The arepas--served with guasacaca, cashew sour cream, and chontaduro butter--were an excellent addition, setting a warm, flavorful tone and easily standing as a highlight on their own. From there, the menu unfolded with precision and clarity. The picaron with persimmon, lúcuma, and huacatay was playful yet composed. The arracacha with fava beans, plantain, and mushroom dashi brought depth and umami-driven warmth, while the watermelon ceviche with white soy, cilantro, and quinoa delivered brightness and balance. The malanga course offered satisfyingly to-the-perfect point chewy texture, and the arroz con gandules--pigeon peas, sofrito, and sea beans--managed to feel both comforting and refined, a balance not easily achieved. Dessert, a modern bienmesabe with coconut sponge, coconut praline, and pineapple sorbet, closed the meal with elegance and lift. What stood out most was how seamlessly the kitchen elevated vegetables beyond expectation--never as substitutes, but as the main event. Each dish felt intentional, expressive, and complete. Service mirrored the cuisine in its composure and warmth: attentive without intrusion, polished without stiffness. There is a quiet confidence throughout MITA that allows guests to settle in and fully engage with the experience. This is the kind of restaurant that shifts perspective--where even a dedicated omnivore leaves not missing anything, but instead discovering something new. Respect to the chefs and the entire team for a meal that was both elegant and deeply satisfying.

    I visited MITA for Winter Restaurant Week, and while the atmosphere is lovely, the experience was a…read morebit of a mixed bag. Because it was a set prix-fixe that wasn't posted publicly beforehand, it felt like a bit of a gamble, and unfortunately, it didn't pay off for my group. There was very little room for accommodating dietary preferences, which was surprising for a vegetable-forward concept. It would have helped if they had made the menu public so we knew what to expect before sitting down. The Malanga Gnocchi was a letdown. As a main course, it felt uninspired and lacked the "wow" factor I expected from a place with this reputation. Overall, I felt the dishes could have been much more inventive. For a Michelin-level spot, the flavors felt a bit safe and didn't showcase the full potential of plant-based Latin cuisine. The service remains attentive and the space is beautiful, but for the price point, I wanted more.

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    MITA
    MITA
    MITA

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    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant - D6. Fantasy Roll

    Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant

    4.2(565 reviews)
    15.2 mi
    $$

    Updated Review (previously 5 stars) due to poor management response:…read more Management has changed since my last visit, and boy, this place is not what it used to be, and that makes me sad. About four years ago, I happily gave this restaurant 5 stars and recommended it to others. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was the complete opposite. During my meal, I discovered ANTS actively crawling around my food. (See video) It was disturbing to watch them around the sauce next to my meal, and I immediately stopped eating because I no longer felt comfortable consuming the rest of it. What disappointed me even more was how management handled the situation afterward. It was extremely difficult to get in touch with the manager despite multiple attempts. When I finally spoke with him, he refused to provide a refund because more than 30 days had passed since my visit. Given the nature of the complaint and the difficulty I had reaching management, I found that response completely unreasonable. I also raised concerns about being asked questions during my visit that made me feel racially stereotyped. Those concerns were never acknowledged or addressed by management, which only added to my disappointment. Because I believed this was a legitimate food safety issue, I filed a complaint with the Fairfax County Health Department. After investigating, the inspector informed me that they visited the restaurant, discussed my concerns with the manager, and that the manager confirmed my reported ant sightings. The Health Department also required additional pest control measures. Beyond the service issues, I also noticed a significant decline in the food. The wonton soup was bland and lacked the rich flavor I remembered, and the General Tso's Surprise tasted off and was missing the depth and spice that used to make it one of my favorite dishes. This restaurant used to be one of my favorite vegetarian spots, which is why writing this review is so disappointing. Based on my recent experience, the difficulty in getting in touch with management, and their total lack of customer service or care for loyal customers, I can't recommend dining here. They do not care about their customers based on how I was treated.

    Came here for my bday dinner and was not impressed. They don't have AC so it was extremely hot…read moreinside the restaurant. Bright lights - almost cafeteria like. I asked our server if I could have tofu in the sushi roll instead of the fake shrimp and he just simply said no. No explanation. Later I asked if I could have gluten free noodles in the lo mein and he also just said "no". My dad asked if they could lower the lights a bit and also - no. Zero accommodation. The food was not good, simply put. Waiter didn't bring out any birthday candle for me either. I was excited to try this place out and unfortunately it was not for me. I would look past the heat and the lack of accommodations if the food actually tasted good. Sorry :/

    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)

    Busboys and Poets - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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