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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Split This Rock Poem of the Week: Doritt Carroll

intermittent apnea of unknown causation   I. the first time it happened i thought i was being strangled four fingers compressing each side of my throat no air II. have you ever eaten crabs? first you flip the breast tab up then you fold the crab back like the binding of a new book then … Continued

beyza ozer

Split This Rock Poem of the Week: beyza ozer

When I Kiss You, A Casket Opens  — after june 12, 2016 this is not terrorism this is toxic masculinity  made in the USA when my mother hears  about orlando she doesn’t look at me the next day is three years  to the night we first kissed  & it actually meant something  to both of us … Continued

AndyShallal PeaceandStruggle

Everest Base Camp #10

Gourmet ketchup anyone? The Sunrise Tea House serves the best French fries I’ve had. Real potatoes fried and sprinkled with Himalayan salt and gourmet ketchup. The thick dark kind made of real tomatoes with a hint of plums (I am making up the plums, but it sure tasted delicious). I ask for Wifi. The owner … Continued