Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets was such a vibe! I came in for brunch and had the catfish and grits with a couple of mimosas. 100% hit the spot. The catfish was perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender ... Read more

Busboys and Poets was such a vibe! I came in for brunch and had the catfish and grits with a couple of mimosas. 100% hit the spot. The catfish was perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender inside, and the grits were creamy and comforting. The food alone would have been enough to win me over, but the atmosphere took it to another level. The space has this warm, creative energy, and I loved that the restaurant connects directly to a bookstore. It’s the kind of place you want to linger after your meal. Staff was super friendly and welcoming without being overbearing. Can’t wait to come back and try more from the menu and maybe grab a book or two next time! Read less

Review: Fried Chicken & Burger at Busboys and Poets – A Cozy Comfort Food Hit I visited Busboys and Poets recently—half craving comfort food, half just needing a relaxed space to unwind. As usual... Read more

Review: Fried Chicken & Burger at Busboys and Poets – A Cozy Comfort Food Hit I visited Busboys and Poets recently—half craving comfort food, half just needing a relaxed space to unwind. As usual, the place had its artsy, welcoming vibe, but this time I was there for the food. I ordered two of their most talked-about dishes: the Fried Chicken and the Busboys Burger. Here’s how it went: ⸻ 🍗 Fried Chicken This dish came with two crispy pieces of halal, cage-free chicken breast, coated in a golden buttermilk and cornmeal crust. It looked amazing—and honestly, it tasted pretty great too. The crust was super crunchy with a nice peppery flavor. The chicken was slightly on the dry side (especially the inner part of the breast), but what saved it was the herb-mushroom cream sauce drizzled over the top—earthy, rich, and totally comforting. On the side, instead of traditional Southern-style pairings, they served fries, which were hot, crispy, and well-seasoned—no complaints there. Not the typical pairing you’d expect with fried chicken, but it worked. Would I order it again? Probably, but I might ask if they can go lighter on the cook time to keep the chicken juicier. That sauce though? Totally lick-the-plate-worthy. ⸻ 🍔 Busboys Burger (Beef Burger) Next up was the Busboys Burger, made with a brisket beef patty and served on a soft brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. The burger had a clean, bold beef flavor—lean, no heavy grease, and clearly made with quality meat. But here’s the catch: brisket is naturally lean, so if it’s cooked beyond medium, it can dry out quickly. Mine was closer to medium-well, and I definitely felt like it needed a bit more moisture. That said, the side salad it came with was fresh and lightly dressed—simple but balanced—and actually made for a nice contrast to the heaviness of the burger. If you’re planning to try the burger, I’d recommend customizing it—go medium-rare and add cheddar, bacon, or even the egg version if you like a richer, juicier bite. The base is solid; it just needs a little help to reach its full potential. ⸻ 📝 Final Take Both dishes were solid choices, especially if you’re in the mood for no-fuss comfort food in a creative, inclusive setting. The fried chicken was flavorful and filling—made even better by the sauce and crispy fries. The burger was clean and lean, though I’d definitely doctor it up next time with extra toppings and a more tender cook. Would I come back? Absolutely. I already have my eye on their Egg & Cheddar Burger and maybe one of those vegan cakes I spotted on the way out. ⸻ Rating: • Fried Chicken: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – crispy, saucy, satisfying • Busboys Burger: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5) – solid base, needs toppings & correct doneness to shine Read less

A very sweet place in D.C. that offers vegan and „classic“ breakfast. We came for a relaxed breakfast and had a great time. Kiki, the super sweet and caring waitress was such a sweetheart and was taki... Read more

A very sweet place in D.C. that offers vegan and „classic“ breakfast. We came for a relaxed breakfast and had a great time. Kiki, the super sweet and caring waitress was such a sweetheart and was taking care of us perfectly. I ordered the vegan Hash Dish and it was delicious. The interior is great and the music is just the best. I will definitly come back to this place 😊 Thank you 😁 Read less

The atmosphere/ambiance of the place is wonderful . The staff is also really kind! I loved that there was a bookstore inside the place. The food is really good and the price is reasonable. Also, for m... Read more

The atmosphere/ambiance of the place is wonderful . The staff is also really kind! I loved that there was a bookstore inside the place. The food is really good and the price is reasonable. Also, for my muslim brother and sister out there, they serve halal chicken and meat as stated in the menu, which is really nice! There were also vegaterian options and gluten free options. Love it! Read less

How can you not love a place that features art, has great music playing at a perfect volume (not so loud that it drowns out the ability to hear someone who's talking to you), books, good food, an... Read more

How can you not love a place that features art, has great music playing at a perfect volume (not so loud that it drowns out the ability to hear someone who's talking to you), books, good food, and an environment that welcomes EVERYONE?! I loved it! Was visiting DC for a couple of days and did breakfast there twice. I was pleased with my breakfast both times that I went. My only criticism is that I wasn't a fan of the grits. I like them creamier and they were TOO thick. It was just a small side item, so it didn't ruin my breakfast. I will be back every time I go back to DC! Read less