Best Gluten-Free Menu!

We thank all of those who voted Busboys and Poets: Best Gluten-Free Menu in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC 2015 poll. 

We’ve made it our mission to be an inclusive dining space, and the place to bring your friends and family for a great meal regardless of their dietary restrictions.  Accommodating gluten-free folks has been an utmost priority since the rise in celiac disease has been so rapid.  Word is still out on what is to blame for the growing per cent of the population that has to stay alert around food.  We know that eating out can be an anxious experience for many celiacs, and it’s encouraging to hear that City Paper readers trust us for a safe experience. 

What’s gluten free on our menu?

– Beef Chili
– Shrimp & Grits
– Nachos
– Gluten-Free Pizza
– Catfish
– Blackened Salmon
– Fried Chicken
– Beans & Wild Rice
– Cream of Tomato Soup
– Harira Soup
– All salads with the exception of Falafel and Spinach & Wheatberry

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

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4. Cuba – The Hotel Nacional

Follow along for the Busboys and Poets Travel Tribe’s Cultural Exchange trip to Cuba (July 6-13, 2022) Wednesday, July 6, 2022 By Andy Shallal (@andyshallal CEO/Founder, Busboys and Poets) On the way to the hotel we make a pit stop for lunch. A sprawling thatch covered restaurant. Completely open to the elements on all sides. Linen … Continued

Busboys and Poets Books Literary Resolutions for 2018

Busboys and Poets Books Literary Resolutions for 2018

Check out how the staff of Busboys and Poets Books anticipate spending 2018 (hint: it involves a lot of reading). Kris, Book Events Manager: “Last year my literary resolution was to read one book a week, for 52 books. I met that goal earlier this month (ending the year with 58!) so for 2018, I’m … Continued

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The Nepal Chronicles #5

Thursday, March 5, 2021… I have some time to kill before dinner tonight. So I venture into the narrow uneven streets of Thamel. The area is known for its shops carrying trinkets for budding Buddhists as well as trekking gear for hopeful trekkers. You can find a dream catcher or a meditation bowl or Tibetan … Continued

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The Nepal Chronicles #3

March 3, 2021 (in transit)… My layover in Doha was the shortest in history. 45 minutes to get from one end of the airport to the other. Luckily no customs or security checks. Just run! The onboard safety videos are interesting. In one there is a men’s soccer team acting like passengers and the coach … Continued