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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Lively neighborhood haunt serving as a bookstore, coffee shop & restaurant focused on global fare.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4251 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: (703) 379-9757
Website: http://www.busboysandpoets.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: tripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Busboys and Poets | Inspiring Social Change
Cultural hub where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted. Full-service restaurant, bar, coffee shop, bookstore with events spaces.
Busboys and Poets Shirlington | Arlington VA – Facebook
Busboys and Poets Shirlington, Arlington. 1989 likes · 25 talking about this · 16240 were here. More than just a restaurant.
Busboys & Poets | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service
Poetry slams and book readings are part of the restaurant’s neighborhood flavor. 4251 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206(703) 379-9756.
Reviews
Amanda Taylor
I had a fantastic brunch experience at Busboys and Poets. The food was absolutely amazing and beautifully presented. The steak with arugula and asparagus was cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and fresh. Brunch was just as good with a fluffy veggie omelet, fresh fruit, and a smooth, comforting cappuccino that tied everything together.
What really made the experience stand out was our waitress, Meti. She was incredibly attentive, sweet, and made us feel well taken care of throughout brunch. Great food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back.
… moreWhat really made the experience stand out was our waitress, Meti. She was incredibly attentive, sweet, and made us feel well taken care of throughout brunch. Great food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back.
Moises Parada
We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience thanks to our server, Meti. From the moment we were seated, she was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly attentive to my family and me. She was patient, knowledgeable about the menu, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of throughout the entire meal. Meti checked in on us at just the right times, made sure our orders were correct, and handled everything with a calm and positive attitude. Her professionalism and genuine kindness really stood out and made our visit feel special. It’s clear that she takes pride in her work, and because of her excellent service, our experience was even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate Meti and hope to be served by her again in the future.
… moreD.J. James
I just came back in town from a long flight and my wife and mother in law wanted to treat me out to breakfast. We went here and this place did not disappoint. I sat down and looked around the restaurant, and saw books and different forms of art across the room..and then BAM! I saw a picture of former president Barack Obama shaking hands with an employee and I immediately knew I was going to enjoy the food. Not to mention Rosa Parks was in view as well! I customized my own omelette with the required three toppings. My toppings were spinach, cheddar cheese, and chicken sausage. So good! Loved how all the flavors complimented each other! The omelette came with wheat bread; mines was a bit over cooked. For my side, I ordered the jalapeno grits. Let me tell you…FIRE . The grits were so delicious . The service was great too and our waiter was very kind. Oh and the water was so clean and felt like you was drinking a fancy version of water . Overall we will be back!
(Ratings)
Wheat bread, 7 out of 10.
Customized omelet, 10 out of 10.
Jalapeno grits, 10 out of 10.
… more(Ratings)
Wheat bread, 7 out of 10.
Customized omelet, 10 out of 10.
Jalapeno grits, 10 out of 10.
C. S.
A friend suggested Busboys and Poets for brunch & I intentionally didn’t eat beforehand in order to have plenty of room in my tummy to chow down extensively. It was my first time dining here & all I’ve thought since taking both my first & last bites is “Wow, what in the lamb meatballs & falafel salad took me so long?!!!”
The vibe was phenomenal; behind the host station, there was a small bookstore filled with socially-conscious literature, staff was friendly, there was ample seating & most importantly, the food was out of this world. I’m actually mad that I couldn’t just get a fork & sample everything in the kitchen…especially because I came prepared wearing baggy pants with an elastic waistband. Get it together before my next visit, people 😉
We ordered hummus to share & I thoroughly appreciated the hearty, perfectly seasoned portion with the incredible pita bread! Seriously, I’d like the recipe for both please…OR just an increase in my credit line so I can order an exorbitant amount & fill my freezer.
My friend had the Chicken Chorizo Egg Wrap with sweet potato fries & I got the Chicken and Pancakes. As anyone with at least one functioning taste bud knows, pancakes can be a hit or miss…many are often bland rounds of rubbery, refined carbs that end up getting mercilessly drenched in syrup just to make them remotely palatable. These, however, were exceptional & I’m pretty certain they were made with a hint of vanilla. Coupled with just the right amount of sugar, they had the perfect ratio of density to fluffiness. Texture matters, people!
And ZOMG (not to be confused with its predecessor “OMG”), I almost forgot about the chicken! Kudos to the person who seasoned & tenderized that bird…it was juicy & crispy beyond belief. And in classic Southern tradition, I drizzled the maple syrup over both the pancakes & the chicken. Heaven CAN be a place on earth.
My only complaint is that the mango mimosa wasn’t served chilled. I didn’t bother reordering because I was enjoying the atmosphere, conversation & meal but it’s worth noting that a room temperature mimosa is strange.
… moreThe vibe was phenomenal; behind the host station, there was a small bookstore filled with socially-conscious literature, staff was friendly, there was ample seating & most importantly, the food was out of this world. I’m actually mad that I couldn’t just get a fork & sample everything in the kitchen…especially because I came prepared wearing baggy pants with an elastic waistband. Get it together before my next visit, people 😉
We ordered hummus to share & I thoroughly appreciated the hearty, perfectly seasoned portion with the incredible pita bread! Seriously, I’d like the recipe for both please…OR just an increase in my credit line so I can order an exorbitant amount & fill my freezer.
My friend had the Chicken Chorizo Egg Wrap with sweet potato fries & I got the Chicken and Pancakes. As anyone with at least one functioning taste bud knows, pancakes can be a hit or miss…many are often bland rounds of rubbery, refined carbs that end up getting mercilessly drenched in syrup just to make them remotely palatable. These, however, were exceptional & I’m pretty certain they were made with a hint of vanilla. Coupled with just the right amount of sugar, they had the perfect ratio of density to fluffiness. Texture matters, people!
And ZOMG (not to be confused with its predecessor “OMG”), I almost forgot about the chicken! Kudos to the person who seasoned & tenderized that bird…it was juicy & crispy beyond belief. And in classic Southern tradition, I drizzled the maple syrup over both the pancakes & the chicken. Heaven CAN be a place on earth.
My only complaint is that the mango mimosa wasn’t served chilled. I didn’t bother reordering because I was enjoying the atmosphere, conversation & meal but it’s worth noting that a room temperature mimosa is strange.
Cynthia Brunson
Let me start off that METI provided exceptional service to our table. This will bring me back in again. Their hot chocolate was super tasty and the berry with strawberry salad freshly made. Such good vibes in this restaurant. I shall return and hopefully our table can get service from Meti.
… moreLara Stack
Excellent food and service! Pumpkin spice latte with oatmilk was so delicious and probably the best oatmilk latte I’ve ever had. The western omelet was good. The home fries were amazing. The smoked brisket hash was also delicious.
… moreWard Dougherty
A nice restaurant in the Shirlington area.
This was recommended to us by a family member as it was close to a hotel that we were staying at. It was founded by artist-activist Andy Shallal. The first site opened September 2005 and was named in honor of Langston Hughes (who once worked as a busboy). It has a very interesting atmosphere owing to the fact that it is a small bookstore as well as a fair sized restaurant. We were greeted as we entered and seated immediately. There are mixes of booths, tables and at least 2 separate rooms for seating inside and a small area right outside the front door for additional seating. The walls and art provide plenty to look at while you are there. The restaurant was clean and well-appointed. The breakfast menu (when we visited) has everything from omelettes to bagels, french toast to bacon. The restaurant was clean and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the scrambled eggs with toast. The prices were reasonable with my eggs coming in at $11. The food came out quickly and was different than I am used to but still good. Overall, this is definitely a place worth trying if you are in the area and want to try a neat place with good food.
… moreThis was recommended to us by a family member as it was close to a hotel that we were staying at. It was founded by artist-activist Andy Shallal. The first site opened September 2005 and was named in honor of Langston Hughes (who once worked as a busboy). It has a very interesting atmosphere owing to the fact that it is a small bookstore as well as a fair sized restaurant. We were greeted as we entered and seated immediately. There are mixes of booths, tables and at least 2 separate rooms for seating inside and a small area right outside the front door for additional seating. The walls and art provide plenty to look at while you are there. The restaurant was clean and well-appointed. The breakfast menu (when we visited) has everything from omelettes to bagels, french toast to bacon. The restaurant was clean and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the scrambled eggs with toast. The prices were reasonable with my eggs coming in at $11. The food came out quickly and was different than I am used to but still good. Overall, this is definitely a place worth trying if you are in the area and want to try a neat place with good food.
Lila Crooker
I loved this place! Food was amazing and service was excellent. I have lived in Lakeview Chicago so it gave me nostalgia with the atmosphere, it was decorated like a place on Broadway in Lakeview Chicago. One hundred percent recommend!
… moreJohn Smith III
If you’re looking for a great meal and books, please look no farther. Whatever you’re looking for they got you covered. And the menu is off the charts good! Next time you want a good meal, reasonably priced, with a side of books! Please consider your local Busboys and Poets, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
… moreZena Valencia
Pancakes were good. Sweet potato hash was good and filling. My man never adds salt to food, and he added it and pepper this time. So that tells me the potatoes weren’t seasoned this time.
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