Busboys & Poets

5th & K - the newest addition to the Busboys and Poets family

The third addition to the Busboys and Poets family, (1025 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC) opened its doors in September of 2008. Busboys at 5th & K is located in the historic Mount Vernon Triangle where it has established itself as a local neighborhood hangout. The restaurant/bar is a beautiful and open space with 30-ft high ceilings and a grand central staircase that leads to a mezzanine level (the "Loft") overlooking the bustling restaurant below.

Busboys and Poets at 5th & K features the Cullen Room, a private events and performance space, named in honor of Countee Cullen, the poet and playwright who was one of the preeminent figures of the Harlem Renaissance. We host a number of in-house events in the Cullen Room, including open mic poetry, film screenings and live music. The space is also available for rent and is ideal for both private and public events, including receptions, panel discussions, author talks, and fundraisers.

We are thrilled that the corner of 5th & K Streets, NW was chosen by the DC Commission on Arts & Humanities as the site for two important works of public art:

• "Lift Off" a monumental pavilion-like sculpture by artist David Black who describes the piece as a reflection of the "spirit and vibrancy of the new neighborhood."
• An urban and contemporary sculpture by artist Ethan Kerber made of five steel panels is installed on the 5th Street side of the building.

Owner of Busboys and Poets, Andy Shallal sees public art as, "a way to connect those living in a neighborhood with each other's humanity."

Inside Busboys and Poets, 5th & K you will find Global Exchange, a fair trade marketplace committed to promoting an alternative economics of quality centered on protecting international human rights to ensure that the cost of globalization does not come at the expense of us all.

As with all Busboys and Poets locations, we open our doors to the literary and artistic community from the surrounding neighborhood and around the world to share thoughts and ideas about issues of peace and social justice.

"My poetry, I think, has become the way of my giving out what music is within me." - Countee Cullen

Our Hours

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

Parking

Street and metered parking is available.There is also a public underground parking garage right below us, however we do not offer validation. The Marc Parc lot directly across from us is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM. Parking there is $10 during the day and $5 after 5 PM.

How do I plan an event at 5th & K?

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!