Getting to Busboys @ 14th & V


Busboys @ 14th & V.
2021 14th St
NW DC 20009
(202) 387 - POET (7638)

We are located at the corner of 14th and V Street NW - 2 blocks from the Metro Green Line - U Street Cardozo stop

The First Busboys and Poets opened its doors on September 7, 2005, to a neighborhood - and city - eager to welcome a new kind of gathering place. Our flagship location at 14th & V Streets NW is located in the Langston Lofts, a residential building in Washington's historic 'U Street Corridor'.

The U Street Corridor has long been a center of DC's cultural and activist scene with places like the Lincoln Theatre, Howard Theatre, Bens Chili Bowl, Bohemian Caverns and other historic clubs and venues serving as the hub for politics and artistry. Until the 1920's (when it was overtaken by Harlem), the U Street area was home to the largest urban African American community in the United States. In its cultural heyday, the U Street corridor was known as "Black Broadway", a phrase coined by jazz singer Pearl Bailey. In 1968, the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr sparked rioting across many American cities. In Washington DC, the chaos began on the corner of 14th & U streets - as people smashed store windows, set buildings aflame and looted in outrage.

A strong desire to pay homage to U Streets traditional identity led proprietor Andy Shallal to reach out to community leaders, neighborhood groups, churches, schools, and other civic organizations during the development of Busboys. What emerged is a dedication to preserve this historic community and an unwavering commitment to its residents.

Busboys and Poets is proud to honor the tradition of this historic neighborhood by welcoming literary and artistic folks from around the world to share thoughts and ideas with local guests and community activists.



Our Hours

Click here for Bookstore hours.
Sunday 9 AM - 12 Midnight
Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 12 Midnight
Friday 8 AM - 2 AM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 AM

Parking

Parking is available after 5PM at the Reeves Government Center for $10 - the entrance to the parking is on U Street between 14th and 15th. Street parking is also available - best times for street parking is early in the evening on 14th Street or V Street - it is free after 6:30PM and on Weekends all day.



How do I plan an event at 14th & V?

Click here for planning information.


We're always hiring!



Just stop by Monday - Friday between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m. to inquire!


Langston Room

The Langston Room

  • Performance space with dinner theater seating
  • Accommodates approximately 75 guests seated, 100 guests standing / mingling reception
  • Perfect for private parties, staff meetings, retreats, stage productions, receptions, fashion shows, fundraisers, spoken word events, concerts, panel discussions, book signings and more
  • Features the Peace and Struggle wall, a thought-provoking mural


Langston Room Technical Capabilities
  • An 18 x 18 foot stage
  • A retractable 10-foot projection screen
  • DVD, VHS, and computer (internet to screen) capabilities
  • Professional stage lighting
  • High-quality, professional sound with 7 top-of-the-line speakers, including 1 stage monitor, 3 wired microphones and 1 cordless mic available
  • Mackie DFX-12 Mixer
The Gallery

The Gallery

  • High-ceiling dining room
  • 500 square feet
  • Accommodates approximately 60 guests
  • Perfect for intimate receptions and semi-private parties
  • Features temporary exhibits from local artists
The Gallery is not an enclosed space and is subject to sounds carrying from the lounge
The Gallery

The Poets Cafe

    An open space with comfortable seating and a large work table
    • Convenient outlets for computer use
    • Accommodates approximately 18 guests
    • Perfect for study groups, book discussions, small meetings and small group receptions
    • The Poets Café is open to the larger space and cannot be made completely private
The Gallery

The Busboys Lounge

Busboys Lounge is the heart of our space. From certain vantage points in the lounge, you can view Busboys and Poets in its entirety. The Busboys Lounge may only be rented as part of a full restaurant rental.
  • The large, chic living room you have always wanted
  • 1,200 square feet of open high-ceiling space
  • Accommodates approximately 150 guests
  • Perfect for mixers, fundraisers, receptions and public events
  • Features plush sofas, easy chairs, occasional and coffee tables

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