Andrea is amazing and very polite. She is always with a big smile and super friendly!

great place for dinner before a concert! I got a burger and it was delicious, as was my iced coffee. Andrea rocks!

Andrea was amazing with the service, food was great, vibes were immaculate. We will definitely be back

The Service: We came in today at 5pm, our waiter Jonah was very nice! He was friendly, helpful, and he gave us space to eat. I never like the kind of waiters that check in so much that you feel rushed out. He was the perfect balance of giving us space to enjoy our meal in peace and checking in. The Ambience: it's a big space , also has outdoor seating. The ambience is lovely at 5pm on a weekday--- they have comfy cushioned wide seats , they have 3 tvs in different corners. Even better-- they have chill background music, and it's not blasting! You can actually have a conversation :). The Food: Half price burgers at $10 on Mondays. The burger was good, and the Mandarin Tamarin Slushy was yummy! I would recommend this place! read more

If you work near a Busboys and Poets location like I do, you already know it never fails when you need a solid breakfast, lunch, or quick meet-up spot. The vibe is always welcoming, creative, and full of energy. Breakfast is always a win here. The Sweet Potato Pancakes are hands down one of my favorites -- soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. I also highly recommend the French toast, Mekhleme skillet, and their breakfast hash. I'm clearly not the only one obsessed because reviewers across Yelp and TripAdvisor constantly rave about the sweet potato pancakes and brunch menu. Lunch is where they really seal the deal for me. If it's Monday, RUN for the half-off burger special. You get a full burger meal with your choice of fries, and the sweet potato fries with the chipotle mayo are elite. The Old Bay wings are another favorite -- flavorful, crispy, and always hitting the spot. The blackened salmon, fried chicken sandwich, lamb burger, and shrimp & grits are also crowd favorites for a reason. What makes Busboys special is that it's more than just food. It's a bookstore, café, and community space all in one. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, catching up with friends, or getting work done, it always feels like a DC staple worth revisiting. read more

I was probably interested in the books and merchandise here as much as, or maybe more than, the food. That's not to day I had any problems with our meals - I didn't. The service here is a bit leisurely, but at the same time, you sort-of want that at a place that is designed to make socializing and conversation key components of the experience. The focus on awareness and involvement here is impressive and much-needed in today's world. Food and drink here range from reliable standards to interesting takes, and there should be enough on the menu to keep everyone satisfied. I think that goes for the book selection too if you're an avid reader. read more

What a unique place! Food: superb, with many great options. We were a little disappointed to hear that they didn't offer nachos on the weekends, but their food options were still great. Their side salads come with a yozu vinaigrette that is 1000/10, both my friend and I ended up buying a bottle. Ambiance: super cool, hip place. They host a lot of events here with books and history. read more

Busboys and Poets - Chicken Panini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This Busboys and Poets will always have a special place in my heart. It was the very first restaurant I fell in love with when I moved to DC 15 years ago, and today's visit reminded me exactly why. I came in with a serious burger craving and ordered my go-to: the Mediterranean lamb burger. Absolutely perfect--flavorful, satisfying, and done just right. Sitting at the bar is the move if you want to get in and out efficiently while still soaking up the vibe. What I love most about this location is how much it offers beyond the menu. From the amazing specials and live events to the joy of browsing the book selection while waiting for your food, it's a space that feeds both your appetite and your curiosity. I left with a mental list of books to add to my home library. As someone whose first career was in restaurant management, I have a deep love for hospitality and community-centered dining. Experiences like this remind me why I'm so excited to continue supporting local restaurants throughout the DMV--and why it finally feels like the right time to start sharing more of that perspective through my restaurant reviews. Busboys isn't just a neighborhood staple--it's part of DC's soul. So glad I stopped in today. read more

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This was an excellent lunch spot as we were wandering about DC. The great mix of restaurant, bar, and bookstore makes the ambiance different from so many places. Our service was excellent and we couldn't get enough of the side salad - random, right? - but it was so good, we could have had that as a meal. Yes, the sandwich was good too, but the salad was the real deal. We'll be back again... read more

Busboys and Poets - Chicken Panini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a very hip scene. Everything from the decor to the location streams bohemian free spirit. The food was pretty good. Our friend told us this was the best location as he hasn't had anything that wasn't top notch The staff was very friendly and I would come back when I am in the area. read more

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Busboys and Poets is a DC staple. I haven't been here in years; however, I recently ventured in because I was in the mood for tofu scramble and remembered that there are vegan options on the menu. The restaurant was not as busy as I remembered on a Saturday, which was to my benefit since I was seated right away. I ordered the vegan scramble (tofu scramble, mushroom, onion, tomato, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, vegan sausage) and the jazz and smoke cocktail (Banhez mescal, mango, aperol, lime, orange bitters, tajin-coated orange). My entree arrived before my drink even though I ordered them at the same time. The vegan scramble was delicious. The jazz and smoke was the perfect combination of sweet and smoky with a nice balance of mezcal. I've had the salmon with rice, turkey burger, Brussels sprouts, and lamb meatballs on previous visits over the years and they were all tasty. This restaurant is good for when you're feeling for some familiar and comforting food in a laid-back and no-frills setting. I'm glad this restaurant is still around. It has a book shop and events too (check their calendar) to round out the offerings. There are eight Busboys and Poets locations in the DMV area and this location is the original. read more

Busboys and Poets - Vegan scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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One of my favorite places to enjoy brunch, dinner, and happy hour. I favor 3 of their locations and this is one of them. Chicken omelette-delicious and perfect for anyone desiring a healthy option with lots of protein. Single pancake (sweet potato) there is no way that you visit this place and not take advantage of their delicious sweet potato pancakes. My friend was visiting and he fell in love with them after the first bite! I told him that this might have been one of the reasons that I stayed in DC lol but it's just that good. Fruits- sweet and excellent side. Service- quick and friendly, although I did have to wait a long time to get a second cup of coffee. But the coffee was brewed right. Ambiance- visit their bookstore. I promise you that you'll find some amazing poetry and short stories for all ages. Overall, I truly love this place and I've been visit their locations for years now. read more

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I've been to the Hyattsville and Columbia locations. So I decided to check the 14th Street location out since I'd parked nearby. My crab cake sandwich, and white chocolate banana bread pudding with coconut ice cream were delicious. The crab cake was substantial with mostly crabmeat. The lavender lemonade had an aftertaste. It wasn't as refreshing as I wanted it to be. It took 40 minutes for my order to be taken from the time I was seated. When my food was served, I placed my dessert order. Then I never saw my server again. It took another 30 minutes to get ahold of someone to pay, and even longer to get a printout of my receipt. The service was disappointing, but it was a beautiful day, so I didn't let it bother me. Another waiter came over to personally apologize for the long wait for everything. There is a small bookstore by the entrance that I didn't get a chance to browse. I'd planned to after dining. But the visit made me not want to linger around for much longer. TIP: There were "20" balloon decorations. I overheard it is to celebrate their 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 7, 2025. They will be giving 20% discounts. read more

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Usually love busboy and poets but was a bit disappointing today (Sunday early afternoon brunch @2p) Our group came here famished after a soccer game (except I didn't play soccer hahah), and we got the Cobb salad and vegan hash and a vegan chicken burger, and a matcha latte and busboy burger with sweet potato fries. However, we didn't get the burger until the everyone else finished their food, at which point we just sent it back. We asked if matcha had added sugar but we were told that there was no added sugar (except it was laddened with sugar!!) But we really enjoyed the Cobb salad, loved that we could switch out the dressing. The vegan hash looked amazing. The fries looked great! We still love the busboy vibe and enjoyed our time, it was too bad that one of us left a bit hungry (he's very considerate of others and didn't want everyone else to wait). read more

Busboys and Poets - Cobb Salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Saving grace. So 2 STARS. The young man wait staff was great. They made several mistakes with my food order. 3 or 4. I order the egg & cheese wrap with a side of white toast. They made a sandwich instead, not a side of white toast or a tortilla, then brought back the real order of the egg & cheese wrap but forgot the side of white toast. It took a total of 45 minutes to get my actual order right. I talked to the female manager & gave out compliments first like we are taught, and then mentioned of few areas of possible coaching. She wanted nothing to do with my conversation and wouldn't even offer to comp my food order. I eat here probably twice a week or once a week. The only person who showed empathy and concern and compassion was the male server I had. He needs to be promoted. He truly is gifted. read more

Busboys and Poets - Was supposed to be my egg & cheese flour tortilla wrap - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I really enjoy dining here, and they have several locations in and around the DC area. I just wish they had a spot on the West Coast--Los Angeles, specifically. Until then, we'll gladly keep making the trip. The shrimp and chicken chorizo pasta is excellent, the service is always on point, and the food is consistently delicious. This has become one of our must-visit spots whenever we travel to DC. The bookstore-style environment, bar seating, and its reputation for open mic and poetry sessions add to the unique atmosphere and make the experience even more memorable. read more

Busboys is one of the most authentic restaurants in DC. Its vibes are immaculately sourced from local communities and the rich knowledge tucked into its bookstore. It's like if a restaurant were a talented musician--playing sweet jazz while feeding you southern comfort food. Except it's new-age American, yet somehow still deeply rooted in authenticity. It's the perfect stop for grub if you're visiting DC--where culture, flavor, and soul come together in one unforgettable experience. read more

Busboys and Poets - Vegan BBQ "BEEF" Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food was absolutely delish and great servings. We all enjoyed our food considerably! Our server was super busy, but he was doing his best during peak-brunch time. Unfortunately, they got one of my drinks wrong, which they corrected. Our table lacked one set of silverware, so we all waited until they had their silverware before we all ate. We had to waive someone down for water and the check. I like Busboys and Poets. Has a lot of energy and a lot going on. Food is amazing. They also offer a lot of events throughout the week from poetry nights, comedy nights, community/political discussions. Great place. read more

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This was my 2nd time attending but my first time at this location and for dinner. Our party of 6 was seated fairly quickly at about 8/830pm. The music was bumping, drinks delish, and food delectable. Kevin was our server and he took excellent car of us! read more

Busboys and Poets - BBQ Chopped Brisket Sandwich New Summer Item! Very good and the Side House Salad is Great - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Its always a yes for me here. I hope they never take away the gluten free fried chicken, lemon butter, greens or the mashed cause that is my go to! Service can sometimes be slow but they are always busy so that is reasonable. Drinks are always flowing. Spoken word nights --- a whole time read more

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I love half price burger nights - great burgers and extra special service from Jonah! Ask for Jonah!

Food was awesome. Service was timely, great! Ambiance very relaxing; enjoyable, different positive vibe. For my first visit, I'll be back read more

Busboys and Poets - Old Bay wings and catfish nuggets - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious food, especially when accommodating dairy allergy. Jonah was an awesome server. Lots of great art in the restaurant that sparked conversation. read more

As a vegan, Busboys and Poets has my heart. I love this chain and am always excited to bring my fam and friends visiting from out of town. SO much to choose from no matter your diet. Our server was so sweet and attentive! Not to sound like a total cornball, but it was really refreshing to see such consideration and kindness from someone, really bummed I don't remember her name :( ! Overall, great experience :) ! read more

Busboys and Poets - drink menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We loved this fun and enjoyable restaurant with the iconic murals and varied menu. The food is all comfort and the vibe and energy are everything here. Choose between burgers, vegetarian and numerous fish, chicken and barbecue options. We sampled several and loved everything. Food is full of flavor and the prices and drinks are reasonable. The portions are hearty too so order with sharing in mind. Want to browse for a book before heading home? B&P has you covered. 14th Street in DC has many fun options. We wholeheartedly recommend B&P. Enjoy! read more

This was my first time at this location-- super convenient for a pre-Lincoln theater dinner. The ambiance is relaxed, comforting, and welcoming. Our waiter, Eric, was very personable. The service was also very speedy. The food was definitely solid and well-priced. I enjoyed the nachos, with they accommodated with extra jalapeños, and the cheese very ooey-gooey. The portion size was also extremely filling for all three people sharing them. The happy hour wings had a nice kick and a good deal of 4 wings for $6 (honestly all the happy hour deals were really amazing). I enjoyed the beet salad, which had an acidic dressing, but I wished it had more beets. I did enjoy the additional toppings of pecans, mango, and goat cheese-- all the flavors blended together well. read more

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Food: Their half off burgers every Monday continue to be great. You must get the garden salad because the dressing they use is so good. The burger is perfectly cooked and has the right protein to topping ratio. It is enough that it could serve as two meals, but how often are you really leaving half of your food behind? Service: Great staff! Super kind and friendly. They make sure you have what you need and never rush you. Ambiance: Your local third place to read, watch, TV, be alone, or with others. You can pick from bar seating, tables, booths, couches if you want something more relaxing, and outside tables during the few good times of the year. read more

Andrea was great- we haven't seen each other in years, and we were goofy and loud. Andrea took it all in stride, and made our meal ev more enjoyable read more

Great place to take a family for brunch. Tons of families with children all around the restaurant. Great service at the bar. The food is good but they overcook their poached eggs. I initially thought the hash came with over hard poached eggs but the Benedict was the same. A little disappointing if you enjoy a runny yoke like I do! Will go back for the brunch drink prices but staying away from their egg dishes. read more

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This place is phenomenal! This is my first time visiting this location. As an out of towner this food was incredible! The waiter, Jonah super attentive, knowledgeable, patient! Just an all around great server!! read more

Busboys and Poets - Shrimp & Grits* - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I tried the brisket sandwich and I wasn't a fan. Both the taste and texture weren't that of brisket, in my opinion. I sent it back and tried the turkey sandwich and it was decent. The turkey appeared to be fresh. I had it with a side of fruit which was delicious, very sweet. The service, however, was great. Very nice atmosphere, very comfortable. read more

Met a friend for a quick Saturday lunch. Place was not crowded at 130. Walk in spot only. I had the Langston cooler which was refreshing Also got the egg / ham Benedict with grits. Grits were amazing !!! Benefits were just okay honestly Black coffee was okay. Friend had breakfast tea and it came out in a cute little kettle read more

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Love half price hamburger night!! And Jonah, our server, was super nice and helpful!

So thankful that I was able to find you all on Doordash brunch was definitely delicious in a short amount of time. The delivery time was great as we waited for our check out. The grapes were amazing and so delicious that the first thing my seasoned roommate said was.. These must be made with milk and definitely butter.. they were seasoned well.. no need for S&P!! The pancake fluffy.. the chicken omelet perfect!! So upset I forgot to take a full pic upon delivery. The food was packaged well, but I did get the after!! Lol.. man I smashed it!! read more

The staff was polite and professional while we were there. I believe the food menu was new because our waiter couldn't really give us a rundown on what was popular to eat. My first order was returned because they brought out only the protein with no sides. But the manager handled everything in a timely manner. I look forward to coming back and bringing my friends to grab a drink and to eat because everything was delicious. read more

Food 4.0/5.0 Service 4.0/5.0 Value 3.5/5.0 Decor 4.5/5.0 Overall 4.0/5.0 Good food, very polite service. Flagging the bookshop section as the reason I'm marking the decor up. The book selection is actually pretty decent, if extremely socially oriented. read more

Came to this restaurant and was blown away by how beautiful it was! The aesthetic was all decked out for the holidays and it created such a comfy cozy atmosphere. Got a tempeh sandwich which was pretty good. The tempeh was cooked nicely and I was glad to see a place that had a tempeh option. I also got the dragon shrimp appetizer but it was a little soggy, but had a good flavor. Their happy hour deals are great though! $7 for cocktails and bites. read more

Busboys and Poets - Tempeh Panini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

No matter the location, Busboys and Poets is always a pleasant experience for food, events & vibes. I had dinner here on a busy Monday evening. Service was friendly and on top of everything. The food was delicious-- I tried chicken sliders and sweet potato fries. Both perfectly cooked. read more

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Came here tonight for the "Black A** Comedy" show and had a really good time! It's always nice to come back to my old neighborhood. Boy do I miss it. I tried the DC tapwater drink and let's just say it really hits the spot. I was going to order the Langston Cooler but they were out of the ingredients so the server recommended I try that instead. I ordered the catfish which came with collard greens and cheddar/jalapeño grits (didn't taste much of it in the grits but good nonetheless). You can never go wrong with this meal choice. So good! Awesome service (on point considering it was a large crowd too), ambience and food. read more

Busboys is always a treat! The vibes are on point. Today we came in for dessert and we had carrot cake and a pecan pie and ice cream. Both were incredible! We got espresso martinis and they were delicious. Jonah was a great server. Super laid back but also attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. 10/10 read more