Held in great esteem as one of the Washington Metropolitan area’s community-friendly locations, Busboys and Poets usually gains the approval of all those that have the privilege of visiting.
Tucked away in one of D.C.’s art deco districts on 14 and V Streets, this restaurant, bookstore, stage and fair trade market is the perfect location for good food, outstanding talent and inspiring discussions. Their mission statement — which can be found on the back of their menus — credits the restaurant for “creating an environment where shared conversations over food and drink allow the progressive, artistic, and literary communities to dialogue, educate and interact.”
The restaurant was first opened in 2005 by owner Anas “Andy” Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist and activist, according to Busboys and Poets website. However, its praise and acceptance soon allowed for other locations in two distinctive neighborhoods in the Washington area on 5th and K Streets and in Arlington, Va.
Known throughout the city and seen on numerous tourist “top things to do while in D.C.” lists, the name Busboys and Poets echoes in the ears of all those that visit the capital. When Shallal initially opened his establishment, however, his ideas for names ranged from Writer’s Block Café to the White Rabbit Café. But it was the current title that won the heart of the restaurateur, who was inspired by the American poet Langston Hughes, who worked during his youth in the 1930s as a busboy at the Wardman Park hotel.
Through the years, Busboys and Poets has worked endlessly to improve the community and lend a helpful, friendly hand to all those in need. The establishment sponsored trips to West Africa to celebrate the inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States, hosted writers such as Alice Walker, publishes its own press with the work of known and unrecognized poets and sponsored the D.C. Slam Poetry Team. Additionally, owner Andy Shallal has set up monthly open mic events, among numerous other events, where community talent can display their abilities.
While Busboys and Poets has established its commitment to the arts and education, it most definitely has not abandoned its ability to create mouth-watering dishes at an affordable price. From pizzas and sandwiches to appetizers, entrées and desserts, Busboys and Poets has an array of options. In recent years, the restaurant has demonstrated its participation in the green initiative by joining the Grayson Farm efforts by using free-range, all natural, hormone-free beef and by remodeling their locations so as to use 100 percent wind energy, according to their website.
It is no surprise that upon visiting Busboys and Poets, you immediately find yourself enchanted by its homey feeling. This small city gem has grown into a community-loved and supported effort. Whether you are on the search for some new talent or you want to visit a hip restaurant that offers both comfort food and fine cuisine, just ride the Metro down to U Street. Once you are there, walk down the decorated streets, move to the beat of the different songs oozing through the cracks of the sidewalk, and stop at Busboys and Poets.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
