Busboys and Poets

Everything on the menu is delicious. So psyched there’s a location in our backyard now! Best sit down dinner restaurant in takoma park.

4 stars for food; 4 stars for ambience; 2 for service. The food is a step up above diner’s and the combination of Lefty bookstore and cultural depot vibe is legit in TPark. It’s just so frustrating that food and drink service take as much time as they do.
The staff is friendly and attentive — when they’re serving you. That’s sporadic. I feel like they are chronically understaffed or their service system is hinky. We’ll always come back because they have great Bloodies; fresh orange juice and good food for a decent price. The only thing that keeps us from there is knowing the service time will be hit or miss.

My wife and I had b’fast here during the Blizzard of ’16. The restaurant was relatively empty and fully staffed but the service was incredibly slow and inattentive. My wife ordered the sweet potato hash and enjoyed it. I had two eggs over easy with home fried potatoes, turkey sausage and whole wheat toast. Despite taking forever to get to our table, the eggs and potatoes were cold, the toast was stale, dry and tasteless and the turkey sausage was overcooked and tasteless. This is my second meal there — the first was for dinner a few months ago and the results were similar. We live within walking distance but we won’t go back to Busboys and Poets in Takoma again.

Holy MOLY, the management here is struggling majorly. I have ordered from here through postmates dozens of times. I’ve waited to post this review to be fair and thinking «hey maybe it was a mix up or a one time thing» but NOPE…
7 TIMES now, 7 times IN A ROW where my food has been delivered incorrectly.
Tonight we literally got a chicken salad sandwich instead of chorizo pasta w no shrimp (allergy)… and then we reordered because i don’t like chicken salad– and they delivered pasta with NOTHING just mushrooms no chorizo, no nothing SMH… So that was two orders tonight messed up by busboys and 32 dollars down the drain for NOT what I ordered. TWICE. Just because I’m allergic to shrimp? It’s that hard to just not make something without shrimp? Apparently…
Separate occasions in the past, another time I got fried chicken and it came with crab sauce, another two times i ordered pan roasted chicken and it came with no green beans, another time i ordered breakfast and the wrong thing came, you get the picture: it’s never right.
What a shame because their food is good: they just never get the order right so… That really sucks, and I’m done wasting my money on them and giving them chances to get it right. 7 chances is enough. Ive wasted way too much of my money.

Very familiar with Busboys in DC so was interested to visit this location. I broke my no meat diet and had a bowl of chili. smothered in cheese and sour cream it was delicious. I see people moaning about waiting — please we need more patience, stop hurrying and relax
My friend had a Turkey burger which he said was great.
Love the atmosphere, a grown up eating /​relax space

I really want to love this place, but every time I try to patronize this place, l leave disappointed! Im not going to go on a rant here… so ill just say that between the bad service and the ever changing menu, to the kitchen always being «out» of ingedients for whatever it is thst id like to order!!! Busboy’s can no longer get my money!!!

Stopped by here to have a latte and salad a the bar. The atmosphere was cozy and the bartender was attentive and helpful.

I feel obligated to love this place so I feel a little bit guilty to say that I LIKE it but I definitely do not have enough reasons to love it.
I have been to this Busboys in Takoma Park two times now, and there are a couple of things I noticed both times; 1) You have to wait quite a long time to get your food. 2) The food is good but falls short of being great.
However there are some pretty good things about this place such as the wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. And of course there is the books and coffee, which I think everybody loves.
Would I go back? Probably, but I wouldn’t be excited about it.

I love having this in my neighborhood. It is a perfect spot for any time of the day. You can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and/​or coffee. There is a bookstore and they have events all year round at all the locations — open mic, performances and even things for the kids. I’ve been to a few other locations, but Takoma is much more cozier. And really has a neighborhood kind of feel.
I love their menu. It caters to everyone, carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, those with picky, bland or International palates. They use local and organic ingredients.
They are a little pricey — but you pay for the quality of the food and the ambiance.
Service is always good but when they are super busy (which is often for breakfast) it does take some time. So if you are short time on time, don’t order food — stick to just coffee or drinks.

Stopped in to check out this location walking distance from my house for the first time. It’s doing well, one block from the Takoma Park Metro station.
Precious: Lots of art, books from Politics and Prose, and a long reclaimed-​wood bar. Has a separate dining room, and comfy seats at tables in the bar area.
For some reason, I’ve been on a chili jag lately. I’m a bit of a connoisseur and this chili is great! It even has black beans and black bean tortillas, although I wanted to take off some of the sour cream.
Friendly, diverse crowd. — at Busboys and Poets Takoma.

I’ve been frequenting Busboys since the first location opened in 2005. But the new (ish) one in Takoma Park is my favorite.
Rejoice vegetarians, vegans, and celiac sufferers! TKPK Busboys has more options for you than any other location I’ve seen. Maybe more than any other restaurant I’ve seen.
And the food is good. The harira soup, quinoa and tofu, and nachos — SO YUM. In fact, the only things I’ve had in months of dining there that were a miss were the falafel sandwich and veggie burger. The coffee is hit or miss but with La Mano across the street, I just go there now.
The large, open space and chill vibe are plusses.
The only downside is the slow service. After a few dozen visits, I’ve learned it’s really hard to get out of there in less than an hour and a half. NBD at dinner time but not great on your lunch break.

Smaller than the other locations, but oddly not as intimate. Went here on a first date and snagged a nice little corner, but the back of my chair was too far to lean back on lest I slide completely out of my seat. It was also hot as hades inside the restaurant on this particular day, despite the weather being pretty chilly outside. The food was great, and the server made a great suggestion of getting a side cup of soup with my grilled cheese instead of ordering them as two separate huge items. The side cup was more than enough and was delicious. Server was really friendly and helpful, a LITTLE obtrusive for an obvious date, but nobody is perfect. So glad two busboys have popped up closer to the northeastern suburbs instead of having to haul my tuckus out to downtown Hyattsville or downtown DC.

I loved the Pom-​lemon drink with lime slices for additional ZING. The friendly waitress recommended chicken salad on flatbread (delicious) and I enjoyed the tabbouleh side. The coffee was also really good with cream, brown sugar in a big dispenser (as in Puerto Rico) and a free refill (as unheard of in Puerto Rico.)
I’m so glad this DC-​area institution has found a roomy home in this new construction adjacent to the People’s Republic of Takoma Park. Obviously B&P always belonged here!

I waited for all the kinks to be worked out, based on the early reviews posted here. I am glad I did. I came specifically to hear a local author promote her latest book. (This event was a joint effort with Politics & Prose.)
I had their Portobello Panini ($ 10). Great choice! Just look at the photo! Ten bucks seems like a lot for a Sammie, but I only ate half, and so it was really two meals. And, the sweet potato fries were delicious. I did wait a bit long for my meal, and even longer to pay my bill. I will probably be back. Not for breakfast though. I think it’s way overpriced for ordinary bacon and eggs.
Street parking was difficult the night I came. The nearby street I normally park on (Maple Ave.) is under construction, and if there is underground parking, I am unaware of it.

I met a friend there for Sunday Brunch and enjoyed the whole experience. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately. As we walked to our table, I noticed all of the books and décor which was nice. The space is a really decent size.
I ordered a chicken panini, and my friend ordered the cobb salad. For a side, I had the tabouleh which was pretty tasty. We were both satisfied with our food.
It was a little early for alcohol in my opinion, so the next time I go, I will try a cocktail or two.
4 Stars!

I’m in love with Busboys and Poets. I’ve been to the one on U street and the one in College Park several times. At any three of these locations I’ve experienced excellent service, delicious food, and great reading material.
The new restaurant in Takoma Park did not disappoint when it finally opened! They have attentive waiters who know their menus inside and out and are used to catering to the needs of vegans and vegetarians — actually, there are sections of their menus entirely dedicated to plant based diets. My mom is a vegan and loves coming here to have brunch with me when she’s in town.
Not unlike the other Busboys and Poets locations, the noise level is fairly high during brunch hours. However sometimes I come in the later evening to enjoy some coffee and dessert while studying, and it’s a very nice and calming atmosphere.
I can recall one bad experience with a few of my friends. We waited about 30 minutes for our dessert to come out because the waitress forgot to tell us that they ran out of apple pie. But my friend got dessert for free as a result!
Things I eat/​drink:
The raspberry lemonade is fresh and tart. Prepare to make a fish face! :)
I usually come for brunch and I always get the florentine eggs benedict! They prepare it well and the ingredients are fresh. Nothing like a warm fresh hollandaise sauce drizzled on your poached eggs. I also encourage ordering some sliced avocado on the side and some vegan sausage. Just a note though, the vegan sausage isn’t house made, it’s Morning Star Farms.
They have mouth-​watering burgers and paninis. Ordering a side of sweet potato fries is almost a requirement!
I don’t care if you’re a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or a freaking insectivore, you must try their vegan desserts! My personal favorite is the vegan fruit parfait.
Things to Read:
They have a great little bookstore as soon as you walk in. Feminists, LGBTQ’s, and social justice warriors will definitely find something to read!
My friends and I always love coming here. Highly recommend, especially vegans and vegetarians!

I’ve been to other BB&P’s and had a good experience. Went there last evening for happy hour and give it mixed reviews.
had baba ganoush app and a few draft beers which were excellent. Katie our server was awesome. But… I have to say that when I arrived there to a mostly empty restaurant, there were 4 employees at the hostess stand. Tried to seat myself at the bar area but all of the table were a mess and not «bussed». (strange given the name of the joint!). the hostess insisted that I wait until the tables were clean so she could seat me and she went off to find a busboy. took almost 10 minutes until some dude finally came out but the 4 at the hostess stand were in no hurry and were busy chatting amongst themselves while they insisted I wait.
I would give it 4 stars if not for this and I would probably give it 4 stars if their name was not «busboys»!

I am happy they have moved in, we need a space like this in Takoma. Its like CCC but much larger and it has books. The food is ok, kinda pricey but decent. The beer selection is pretty good and I haven’t had any issues with the service.
There is little to no communal seating which is very different from their other locations.
I like the outdoor patio (if it would ever stop snowing).
A welcome addition to the ever changing and expanding downtown Takoma Park.

Underwhelmed.
Maybe its because they just opened. Or Maybe its because we went in on Brunch Sunday. Maybe its because the cow jumped over the moon… who cares! But for whatever reason the service was madd mediocre.
First of all it took 30 minutes for the waitress to greet us and take out drink orders actually no she didnt greet us – I got my black ass up and flagged her down. Not even her, but one of her co workers
Then another 15 minutes for a lemonade and a mimosa –_​_​–
Then our food comes out pretty quickly (which lets me know its a waitress lag not a kitchen or general restaurant lag) I used to be a server, by some kind of hospitality law or otherwise food cant sit in the window for more than some magical number which i forgot cause im not a server anymore (thank the Lord!)
Anyway. Its time to pay — I ALREADY KNOW with my party of Five (minus the TV melodrama) servers cant split checks worth shit! So I hand over cash.
20 minutes later… I wait. I flag her down. And I say to myself, I shouldnt have to get up. Everytime I have to get up and track her, shes losing a dollar from her $ 10 tip. Strike One. Track her down to pay 15 minutes later… Strike two. Track her down for my change… Strike Thre – nah I wont be that cruel. Needless to say $ 8/​$ 10 aint bad… but the service is

I’m so happy there’s a Busboys in my neighborhood now!
I stopped by their new digs tonight to grab dinner with a friend. I had the cab-​shiraz blend (red wine) and lamb sliders (lamb, onions, tomatoes, goat cheese, and with sweet potato chips) as an appetizer. I highly recommend the lamb sliders. I had the orzo pasta with sweet potato, asparagus, shallots, shiitake, red pepper and kale, tossed in a tomato olive oil sauce as my entrée. All the food was delicious!
NOTE: There is a parking lot across the street, but it’s small. You’ll have to find parking on the street, so wear your walking shoes. Also, because the restaurant is new (and popular), be prepared to wait for a table. But even with the wait, you won’t be sorry. Take a walk around their bookstore or grab a drink at the bar in the meantime.