Busboys and Poets is a state of the art facility divided into five spaces which together create a unique place in the historic U St neighborhood of Washington, DC.
The information listed below pertains to Busboys and Poets, Washington DC location. For information about an event for our NEW Arlington, VA location, please scroll down to the bottom. Thanks!
The Langston Room
-Performance space with dinner theater seating
-Accommodates approximately 75 guests.
-Perfect for private parties, staff meetings/retreats, stage productions, receptions, fashion shows, fundraisers, spoken word events, concerts and more.
-Features the Peace and Struggle wall, a thought provoking mural.
~Langston Room Technical Capabilities
-A 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 one stage monitor, 3 wired microphones and 1 cordless mic available
-Mackie-dfx-12 Mixer
The Poets Cafe
-Comfortable seating and a large work table
-Convenient outlets for computer use
-Accommodates approximately 15 guests
-Perfect for study groups, book discussions, small meetings and small group receptions
The Busboys Lounge
-The large, chic living room you have always wanted
-1,200 square feet of open high-ceilinged space
-Accommodates approximately up to 150 guests
-Perfect for mixers, fundraisers, receptions and events that are open to the public
-Features plush sofas, easy chairs, occasional and coffee tables
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 Gallery
-High-ceilinged dining room
-500 square feet
-Accommodates approximately 60 guests
-Perfect for intimate receptions and semi-private parties
-Features changing exhibits from local artists
Busboys and Poets Books
Busboys and Poets Books, operated by Teaching for Change, is Washington, DC's newest source for books and films that encourage children and adults to question, challenge and re-think the world beyond the headlines. We carefully select every title to ensure access to high quality progressive politics, poetry & literature. We specialize in Anti-bias children's books, Young adult literature with real world themes, multicultural titles for pre-K thru 12th grade teachers & parents, titles by Independent publishers, people's history - African American, Latino, Asian-American, Arab-American, women and more.
Busboys and Poets Books: Progressive Books to Activate your Mind and Community
A word about Book Events
Busboys and Poets regularly hosts authors for readings and signings in both the Langston Room and in Busboys and Poets books. Depending on subject matter, availability, prospects for sales and distribution of the title, we may invite an author to speak about and sign their books as a service to the community. Additionally, many authors have rented space here to host their own events, such as book release parties or private readings. Unlike most other events at Busboys and Poets, author events are decided on in collaboration with the management staff of Busboys and Poets Books. If you are interested in scheduling a book-related event, please provide an advance copy of your book for the bookstore staff's review. All titles should be sent to: Don Allen, Manager, Busboys and Poets Books, 2021 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
LARGE PARTY RESERVATIONS
Reservations are only accepted for parties of ten or over.
Your reservation is secured with a credit card covering an agreed upon, per guest minimum.
All Large Party Reservations must be cancelled within 4 hours of the reserved arrival time. To cancel the reservation, please call and speak with a member of the management staff, or fax in a written notice of your cancellation to 202 387-6138.
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THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PERTAINS TO ROOM RENTALS IN OUR WASHINGTON DC LOCATION. FOR ROOM RENTALS IN OUR ARLINGTON LOCATION, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM .
Room Rental Rates
Please read entire Room Rental section to understand which charges or discounts might apply.
We do not permit our guests to bring in food or drinks from outside. If we make exceptions (i.e. a specialty wine, birthday cakes) the cork fee is $12/bottle and the cake plate fee is $3/per person. Additionally there is a $150 service charge assessed on all events held in the Langston Room.
Room use fees are as follows:
Langston Room
Day / Time------------Flat Fee----Hourly Fee-----Fee waived w/ min.food & beverage purchase
Fri-Sun-9am to 6pm ---$1000--------$200------------$2500
Fri-Sun-6pm to 2am----$2500-------$400-------------$5000
Mon-Thurs-9am-6pm---$750---------$100-------------$2000
Mon-Thurs-6pm -1am--$1000--------$200-------------$3500
Fri-Sun-6pm to 2am----$2500-------$400-------------$5000
Mon-Thurs-9am-6pm---$750---------$100-------------$2000
Mon-Thurs-6pm -1am--$1000--------$200-------------$3500
The flat fee applies only to rentals of 5 hours or more
There is a $150 service fee for all events held in the Langston Room
Technical Use Fee for Langston Room---$50 per hour / 2 hour minimum.
--Includes stage lights, microphones, CD player, DVD player, VHS, Cable TV, Computer slideshow or Internet projection
Poets Cafe
There is no charge for use of the Poets Cafe. However, reservations are only accepted for parties over 10. Dates are held with a credit card covering an agreed upon, per guest minimum (currently $15 per person)
Gallery
The Gallery dining room may be rented for $2,500 for a 2-hour block only on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Full Facility
The entire space may be rented only on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 1am only for a total price of $18,750. Fee includes mix of high-end buffet and passed food, soft drinks and open bar.
The above prices do not include TAX (10%) or GRATUITY (18%)
ROOM RENTAL RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
-ALL DATES ARE HELD AFTER A $50 NON REFUNDABLE DEPOST IS PROVIDED.
-DATES ARE NOT CONSIDERED CONFIRMED IF A CREDIT CARD OR OTHER DEPOSIT IS NOT PROVIDED.
CANCELLATIONS
If you reserve space for an event and must cancel your booking, a cancellation fee may be assessed. Cancellation of your event anytime after booking will result in a fee of 10% of the total planned charge or forfeiture of the initial $50 deposit - whichever is greater. There is a fee of 25% of the total planned charge if the cancellation takes place within 14 -21 days of the scheduled event. If the cancellation takes place within 7 days of the scheduled event, Busboys will charge 50% of the planned fee.
We must receive the cancellation in writing. The cancellation notice can be faxed to us at 202 387-6138 (DC) or 703 379-9758 (Shirlington) or emailed to busboysdc@gmail.com (DC) / busboysarlington@gmail.com (Shirlington)
REHEARSALS/SOUND-CHECKS AND SET-UP
If you require time for rehearsing, or need time for set-up or
equipment checks please take this into consideration when
scheduling your event. Busboys and Poets will allow
approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your
event for set-up. Sound checks and other equipment
checks will be scheduled by appointment at least 24 hours
before the start of your event. Rehearsals should be scheduled
in advance and will require the normal room use fees.
If you require time for rehearsing, or need time for set-up or
equipment checks please take this into consideration when
scheduling your event. Busboys and Poets will allow
approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your
event for set-up. Sound checks and other equipment
checks will be scheduled by appointment at least 24 hours
before the start of your event. Rehearsals should be scheduled
in advance and will require the normal room use fees.
DELIVERIES AND STORAGE
Busboys and Poets is not equipped with sufficient storage space for outside events. All deliveries should be made the day of the event and any equipment, props or other materials removed immediately after the event.
FEE/TICKET CHARGES
If a for-profit organization will have an entrance charge or ticket price for the event, Busboys and Poets will take an additional 40% of any funds collected at the door.
If the whole amount of the entrance charge or ticket price will be donated to a charitable, non-profit and/or not-for-profit organization, Busboys will take 20% of any funds collected at the door.
If there is a suggested donation, meaning there is no firm admittance charge, and no one can be denied entry to the event for non-payment, and no collection of cash at the door upon entry OR if tickets for charitable events are purchased in advance so that there is no cash exchanged at any reception, welcome or literature table, and no money changes hands for admittance to an event at Busboys and Poets, then Busboys will not take any part of the door.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL DISCOUNT
If your organization is a non-profit/not-for-profit/charitable
organization, Busboys and Poets offers a substantial discount on the
room use and technical use fees for events held Sunday - Wednesday.
Please contact events manager, Pamela Pinnock,
at Pamela@busboysandpoets.com for possible reductions in rates.
_________________________________________
EVENT PLANNING PROPOSAL FORM
Todays Date_________
Information Taken By/Submitted By_________________________________
Deposit amount ________________
Credit Card: Amex MC Visa other Exp. Date: _______
Number __________________________________
Please provide your Tax ID# if your organization is Tax Exempt: ______________________________
Todays Date_________
Information Taken By/Submitted By_________________________________
Deposit amount ________________
Credit Card: Amex MC Visa other Exp. Date: _______
Number __________________________________
Please provide your Tax ID# if your organization is Tax Exempt: ______________________________
Event/ Organization Name
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Date Requested _____________________
Time Requested _____________________
Number of Attendees ________________
Contact Person _____________________________________
Address 1 ________________________________________
City / State / Zip ___________________________________
Phone __________________________________
Fax ____________________________________
Email __________________________________
Website ___________________________________________
Description of Event (to be posted on www.busboysandpoets.com)
Event Requirements (choose all that apply)
EQUIPMENT __Microphone(s) _1_2_ 3 _Wireless __DVD__VHS __Computer __CD
EQUIPMENT __Microphone(s) _1_2_ 3 _Wireless __DVD__VHS __Computer __CD
__ 18 x 18 Stage __ 7x10 Projection Screen
SPACE __Langston Room __Hughes Stage __Gallery__Poets Cafe __Full Restaurant
SPACE __Langston Room __Hughes Stage __Gallery__Poets Cafe __Full Restaurant
__ Retail Sales __Bar Service __Food Service __Special Needs
__OTHER:
__OTHER:
How will you advertise this event?
_________________________________________
Additional Information
DIRECTIONS TO BUSBOYS AND POETS, WASHINGTON DC:
From the North:
Take MD/295South
Merge onto New York Ave NE/ US-50W toward Washington
Turn right onto Florida Ave NE
Florida Ave NE becomes U St NW
Turn right onto 14th Street NW
From the South:
Start out going north on S Washington Street toward King
Street
S Washington Street becomes George Washington Memorial
Pkwy
N/GW Pkwy
Merge onto US-1 N toward Washington
Stay straight to go onto 14th Street
From the West:
Take Military Road E
Turn Right onto Connecticut Ave NW
Turn Left onto T Street NE
Turn Slight left onto Florida Ave NW
Turn slight Right onto U Street NW
Turn left onto 14th Street NW
BY METRO:
Take the green line to the U Street/African American Civil
War Memorial/Cardozo Station.
Bus routes 52, 54 and 90. For Metro trip planning info, visit
http://www.metroopensdoors.com/ or call 202.637.7000
PARKING
There's street parking near Busboys and Poets. Paid parking at he Reeves Center Garage at 2000 14th Street NW is available to the general public after 5:30 PM
ACCESSIBILITY
There is a wheelchair entrance on the 14th Street side of
the building. Restrooms are handicapped accessible
WI-FI
All you need is your laptop.
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EVENT PLANNING MENUS
Breakfast
Assorted Muffins, Bagels and Danish 2.50 per person
Coffee/Tea 2.50 per person
Assorted Juices 3.00 per person
Grits or Home Fries 4.00 per person
Continental Breakfast
7.00 per person
Assorted Breads
Assorted Juices
Coffee/Tea
American Breakfast
14.00 per person
Scrambled Eggs
Turkey Sausage, Bacon or Ham
Toast and Home Fries
Assorted Juices
Coffee/Tea
OR
14.00 per person
Omelet with Vegetables and Cheese OR Western Omelet
Toast and Home Fries
Assorted Juices
Coffee/Tea
OR
16.00 per person
Tofu Scramble with Vegan Sausage or Tempeh
Toast and Home Fries
Assorted Juices
Coffee/Tea
European Breakfast
10.00 per person
Soy Yogurt with Granola and Fruit
Assorted Juices
Coffee/Tea
Reception
Hummus and Toasted Pita 2.50 per person
Vegetable Crudites and Dipping Sauce 3.00 per person
Grilled Vegetables 4.00 per person
Fruit and Cheese Platter 3.00 per person
Kettle Chips with dip 2.50 per person
Nacho Chips with Salsa 2.50 per person
Bruschetta 3.00 per person
Mango Bruschetta 3.50 per person
Assorted Gourmet Cheeses and Seasonal Fruit w/Crackers 5.00 pp
Smoked Gouda and Sun Dried tomato on Toast 3.00 per person
Asparagus and Mushroom Stuffed Puff Pastries 4.00 per person
Falafel Ball with Tahini Sauce 3.00 per person
Skewered Mozzarella and Tomato with Fresh Basil &Olive Oil 4.00 per person
Prosciutto Wrapped Steamed Asparagus 5.00 per person
Skewered Chicken w/ Peanut Dipping Sauce 5.00 per person
Skewered Shrimp with dipping sauce 6.00 per person
Sesame Coated Skewered Salmon Bites w/ Teriyaki Sauce 5.00 per person
Mini Crab Cakes 4.00 per person
Shrimp Cocktail 4.00 per person
Skewered Beef Satay with dipping sauce 5.00 per person
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing 5.00 per person
Assorted Pizza Wedges 4.00 per person
Cookies 2.50 per person
Brownies 2.50 per person
Mini Fruit Tarts 3.50 per person
Beverages
Soft drinks $2.00 per person (fountain drinks)
Domestic Beer $5.00 per person (per drink)
Imported Beer $5.50 per person (per drink)
Wine (red and white) $6.00 per person (per drink)
Open Bar (Beer, Wine and non-premium liquors only) $20.00 per person/per 2 hour event
Open Bar (premium liquors) $30.00 per person/per 2 hour event
Cash Bar - Guests pay servers directly
Dinner or Lunch Options
All entrees are served with House Salad
Choice of Entrees:
Catfish with Collards and Corn Cakes $25.00
Meat Loaf w/Sautéed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy $22.00
Baked Lemon Chicken Breast w/Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables $25.00
Veggie Lasagna with a Pesto Cream Sauce and Garlic Bread $22.00
NY Strip Steak with New Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables $32.00
Choice of Dessert:
Chocolate Cake
Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Fruit Bowl
Vegan Fruit Parfait
Sandwiches
All Sandwiches served with your choice of potato chips or house salad
Steak and Cheese Sandwich $11.00
Avocado and Havarti with Roasted Pepper $8.00
Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce $8.00
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich with Honey $7.00
Turkey and Ham Sandwich with Cheese and Pickles $9.00
Vegan Sandwich Option $10.00
Platters-Carry Out Only
Vegetable Crudités and Dipping Sauce $45.00
Fruit and Cheese Platter $65.00
Kettle Chips with dip $20.00
Nacho Chips with Salsa $20.00
Bruschetta $35.00
Assorted Gourmet Cheeses and Seasonal Fruit with Crackers $65.00
Smoked Gouda and Sun Dried tomato on Toast $35.00
Skewered Fruit and Cheese $75.00
Asparagus and Mushroom Stuffed Puff Pastries $45.00
Hummus Stuffed Endive w/Roasted Red Pepper $45.00
Falafel Ball with Tahini Sauce $50.00
Mozzarella and Tomato with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil $50.00
Prosciutto Wrapped Steamed Asparagus $50.00
Skewered Grilled Vegetables with yogurt Cucumber Sauce $45.00
Skewered Chicken w/ Peanut Dipping Sauce $75.00
Skewered Shrimp with dipping sauce $95.00
Sesame Coated Skewered Salmon Bites w/ Teriyaki Sauce $75.00
Skewered Beef Satay with dipping sauce $75.00
Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing $75.00
Assorted Pizza Wedges $50.00
Assorted Sandwich Platter $75.00
Cookies $50.00
Brownies $50.00
Host your staff retreat, board meeting, or presentation at Busboys and Poets!
Your meeting package would include :
9:00 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST of Hot Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Assorted Juices, Water, and Assorted breads
12:00 PM
LUNCH
(All sandwiches served with your choice of chips or house salad and soft drink)
Steak and Cheese Sandwich
Avocado and Havarti with Roasted Pepper
Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich with Honey
Turkey or Ham Sandwich with Cheese and Pickles
Vegan Sandwich Option
2:30 PM
MID AFTERNOON SNACK to include an assortment of cookies, brownies, hot tea, iced tea, and hot coffee
This package is $24.00 per person plus tax (DC 10%) and grat (18%).
There is no room use fee with a minimum food and drink order of $2000 (Mon-Thurs) or $2500 (Fri). If this minimum is not met, room use fees will be assessed at the rate of $100 per hour (Mon-Thurs) and $200 per hour (Fri) Additionally, there is a tech use fee of $50 per hour (minimum of two hours) for use of the stage, microphone, projector, screen etc.. Times stated are typical intervals and may be adjusted to suit your meeting needs.
THE INFORMATION BELOW PERTAINS TO EVENTS IN OUR NEW ARLINGTON, VA LOCATION.
Busboys and Poets is located in the Shirlington neighborhood in Arlington county, minutes from Washington, DC. Our private events room is called the Robeson Room, named after actor, singer, activist, Paul Robeson. The space can comfortably seat 50 people for a sit down dinner or workshop, or up to 70 people for a meet and mingle, social event.
The room comes equipped with:
-- 6x6 portable stage
-- two microphones (one wireless)
-- separate, high quality sound system
-- 9 ft. screen projector that displays: DVDs, VHS, Cable TV
-- Projector is also laptop and internet ready
The Robeson room is perfect for a dinner party, campaign fundraiser, wedding shower, workshop, company meetings and parties. We can easily adjust the room to meet your needs.
Please contact Dawn Abate to learn more about booking an event at Busboys and Poets Shirlington. busboysarlington@gmail.com
Thank you for considering Busboys and Poets for your event!
2021 14th St NW ~ Wash., DC 20009 Ph 202-387-7638 Fax 202-387-6138
4251 So. Campbell Ave ~ Arlington, VA 22206 Ph 703-379-9757
Fax 703-379-9758
www.busboysandpoets.com