Here are a few of my favorite things: coffee, conversation, books, art and fabulous vegan food. One place that serves all this and more is Busboys and Poets. The first location opened in 2005 in the historic U Street Corridor on the corner of 14th and V, just two blocks from the green line U Street metro station. Busboys was created as a "community gathering place" by owner Anas "Andy" Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur. The second location opened in 2007 in Shirlington, Virginia and the latest location was added a year later in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood at 5th and K.
At the original U Street location, the space is divided into five distinct areas. The independent bookstore; the “gallery”, a dining room showcasing works from local artists; the “poets café” with a large table, comfy couches and outlets to accommodate work groups and computer use; the “busboys lounge” with tables and chairs surrounded by mix-match funky furniture and coffee tables; and the “Langston Room” a performance space with dinner theater seating used for private parties, spoken word, concerts and other events.
The hip lounge, artsy vibe is reason enough to visit, but even better is the vegan, eco-friendly filled menu. Whether for brunch, drinks, or dinner veg-friendly choices abound. The coconut tofu bites with a sweet plum sauce is amazing, with a crunchy coconut shell surrounding a warm, silky soft tofu center. The sweet potato fries are a must and the best around town, even when cold. Another delicious pick is the hummus with warm pita; however, they are a bit stingy on the bread. The homemade vegetarian burger, also tasty, is served with sprouts and sliced avocado. The pan-seared basil tofu was good, with a perfectly crisp coating, but could use a spice kick or more than a few decorative drops of the flavorful tomato vinaigrette. This entrée is served over a bed of seared sesame kale and roasted red pepper which could easily convert vegetable haters to include greens in their diet.
In addition, the menu includes various vegan and vegetarian pizzas, appetizers, sandwiches, hot paninis, desserts and breakfast dishes (the vegan egg scramble: yum). Also available are soups, salads, and soy milk for organic, fair trade coffee drinks. There’s a fine selection of organic beers and fun mixed drinks like DC Tap Water and U Street Mule. Service at times can be slow, especially during packed weekend evenings, but nine times out of ten the wait staff is friendly and engaging. This last visit, however, the only time our waiter smiled and paid us any attention was right before handing the bill to pad the tip. But every establishment will have a bad moment and hopefully most won’t have to experience it.
Regardless the reason for your visit – dinner, Wi-Fi, happy hour, or open mic – strut, don’t walk, to feast on the delicious vegan and vegetarian fare at Busboys and Poets.
Note: The menu clearly indicates whether the dish is vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free.
Fun fact: The restaurant name, Busboys and Poets, refers to American poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1920's, prior to gaining recognition as a poet. Rejected names include Writers Block Cafe, Broken Bread Cafe and White Rabbit Café.
http://www.busboysandpoets.com
Busboys @ 14th and V
2021 14th St
NW DC 20009
(202) 387-7638 (POET)
Busboys @ Shirlington
4251 South Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 379-9757
Busboys @ 5th and K
1025 5th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 789-2227
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