Busboys and Poets
American restaurant · U Street
2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Highlights
Busboys and Poets is a vibrant hub where delicious global fare meets a cozy bookstore vibe, perfect for lingering over coffee and culture.
Busboys and Poets is a vibrant hub where delicious global fare meets a cozy bookstore vibe, perfect for lingering over coffee and culture.
"Busboys and Poets is a participating restaurant in D.C.'s overdose prevention program, receiving naloxone kits and educational materials to handle emergency situations related to opioid overdoses." - Tierney Plumb
"It’s hard not to be taken with Busboys and Poets, particularly if you have an affinity for cozying up with a compelling book and a steaming cup of coffee. Part restaurant, bookstore, and hub for driving social change, the establishment is eclectic and comfortable, outfitted with murals and art depicting activists and progressive movements. The crowd varies, based on time of day, event lineup, and what’s going on in the world when you visit. Weekend mornings can be lively, with folks tucking into a DC favorite brunch." - Adele Chapin
"A Restaurant with a Social Conscience Busboys and Poets is an iconic D.C. fixture, a hybrid bookstore, event venue, and restaurant. If you show up hungry, find a table and take your pick among the extensive Mediterranean-influenced menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and small plates. Several nights a week, Busboys and Poets plays host to a vast array of socially conscious artists who perform before an engaged audience that typically represents the diverse population that is D.C. While there is the occasional musical performance, most of the artists are professional spoken word performers. Busboys and Poets also holds open mic nights to give amateurs an opportunity to showcase their talents. No matter who the performer, it’s always a thought-provoking event. No other place in D.C. offers this entertainment. So come to Busboys and Poets for the coffeehouse vibe in the morning and then return in the evening for a meal and a performance that will have you talking about it long after it’s over."
"All-day patio service is live at D.C. locations of the homegrown chains that has plenty of veggie-friendly options in its progressive restaurant/cafe/bookstores." - Tierney Plumb
"D.C. coffeehouse Busboys and Poets has also shown strong interest in 700 Penn." - Tierney Plumb
