Busboys and Poets Tribal Statement

Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted...a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul...a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide...we believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.

About Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets is a community gathering place. First established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was created by owner Anas "Andy" Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur. After opening the flagship location at 14th and V Streets, NW (Washington, DC), the neighboring residents and the progressive community embraced Busboys, especially activists opposed to the Iraq War. Busboys and Poets is now located in four distinctive neighborhoods in the Washington Metropolitan area and is a community resource for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers.

langston-hughes

Why the name?

The name Busboys and Poets refers to American poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1920s, prior to gaining recognition as a poet.

Slow Food DC Snail of Approval ”

The Snail of Approval program recognizes the local eateries and artisans that provide us with quality, authentic, and sustainable food and drink. Awarded by Slow Food D.C.

Member of “THINK LOCAL FIRST”

We support local and independent businesses in the Washington D.C. metro area.
Check out their website !

Member of “CLEAN CURRENTS”

We use clean power from renewable energy sources (wind!)

American Sustainable Business Council

The mission of American Sustainable Business Council is to advance public policies that foster a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy. Busboys and Poets is a proud member.

Member of “ROC UNITED and Restaurant Advancing Industry Standards in Employment (R.A.I.S.E.) ”

We are proud to be pushing legislators to increase the minimum wage for restaurant employees, including tipped employees. The minimum wage for our employees is $10.25/hour.

Certified Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL) for being a healthful and sustainable restaurant

5th & K | 14th & V | Shirlington | Hyattsville

Our Locations

14th & V

ADDRESS:
2021 14th St, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
PHONE:
202-387-7638 (POET)
FAX:
202-387-6138
HOURS:

Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight
Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 12:00 Midnight
Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Click here for Bookstore Hours

5th & K

ADDRESS:
1025 5th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
PHONE:
202-789-2227
FAX:
202-789-0306
HOURS:

Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - Midnight
Friday 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Click here for Global Exchange Fair Trade store hours

SHIRLINGTON

ADDRESS:
4251 South Campbell Avenue
Arlington, VA 22206
PHONE:
703-379-9756
FAX:
703-379-9758
HOURS:

Sunday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – Midnight
Friday & Saturday 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM

HYATTSVILLE

ADDRESS:
5331 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781
PHONE:
301-779-2787 (ARTS)
FAX:
301-779-7902
HOURS:

Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Sunday 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Busboys books at Hyattsville: Open 7 days a week! Monday - Saturday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM