Busboys and Poets

4.4 ( 2326 reviews )
Checking... 09:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$20–30
235 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012, United States
+1 202-726-0856

Busboys and Poets is a vibrant American restaurant nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, known for its unique blend of delicious food, community engagement, and artistic ambiance. Customer reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality, with standout dishes like juicy burgers and delightful sweet potato fries. On Mondays, the half-price burgers are particularly popular, drawing in both locals and visitors alike.

One of the charms of dining at Busboys and Poets is its inviting atmosphere, which features a rich collection of books and artwork available for purchase. Patrons love to browse while enjoying their meals, making it a cultural haven as well as a culinary destination. The friendly staff adds to the overall experience, offering welcoming service that keeps guests coming back.

Despite occasional crowds on weekends, diners feel that the food and experience are worth the wait. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings. Whether you’re sharing hearty vegetarian nachos or indulging in a comforting shrimp and grits dish, you’ll discover a place that feels like home — all while celebrating the love of food and literature. Busboys and Poets is more than a restaurant; it's a community gathering spot that nourishes both body and soul.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • No-contact delivery
    • Delivery
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Great beer selection
    • Great cocktails
    • Great coffee
    • Great dessert
    • Great tea selection
    • Great wine list
    • Live music
  • Popular for
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Food
    • Halal food
    • Happy-hour drinks
    • Happy-hour food
    • Healthy options
    • Late-night food
    • Organic dishes
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
    • Spirits
    • Vegan options
    • Vegetarian options
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Bar on site
    • Gender-neutral toilets
    • Toilet
    • Wi-Fi
    • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Tourists
    • Transgender safe space
    • University students
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Paid street parking
    • Parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Busboys and Poets

L
Jul 1,2025
My burger & salad were exactly as ordered and very good! Wonderful customer service. I recommend dining here. There are also many great books and artwork displayed available for purchase . The ceiling painting is beautiful . Clean restrooms as well!
Debdeep Bhattacharya
Jun 24,2025
This place serves delicious food and drinks with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. On weekends it can get a bit too crowded but it is worth the wait. The staff are welcoming and friendly. You can browse through a great selection of books while waiting. The sweet potato fries are that come with the meals are one of my favorites. Great decor with rich history.
Cindy Chang (CINART)
May 21,2025
I love coming to Busboys and Poets. The food is good especially on Monday when it’s 1/2 price burgers. Get the sweet potato fries and ask for a side of cinnamon; you won’t regret sprinkling it.
M B
Apr 26,2025
We’ve gotten food here—I’d say more than 10 times over the years since they first opened. Everything is usually pretty good. Burgers, fish platters, steak salad, shrimp & grits, nachos appetizer, pastas...all reliably tasty food. The only thing I remember being disappointed in was the seasonal coffee with cheese foam that wasn’t cheese foam—but that really is a tiny matter.
Joel Smith
Mar 27,2025
A casual restaurant located in a bookstore! I got the vegetarian nachos and I'm pretty sure it could've comfortably fed 2 people (I didn't eat for like a day after this)! Great value food and friendly wait staff. Service was a bit slow but it was a busy night!
Lauren Lipps
Mar 26,2025
We came in with a group of 8 (that grew to 10) and they were very polite and accommodating. Even with a big group, the waiter took the time to break down the menu because it was our first visit Our food came pretty quickly and everything was delicious.
BernaDette Session
Mar 15,2025
Excellent food in a very cool space, laid back atmosphere, books & media all around. Multiple vegan dishes, clearly marked. Regularly scheduled live music/performances. Convenient location
Lakeesha Thomas
Mar 7,2025
I’m glad I looked this place up and went. Amazing atmosphere, delicious food, and great service. All four of us enjoyed our food and we ordered completely different entrees. Darrell was an amazing waiter and the hostess with dreads and glasses was super friendly.

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