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[The] 10-year anniversary party for Busboys and Poets brought hundreds of well-wishers to the restaurant and bookstore chain’s Brookland location in Northeast Washington.”

It was an evening of great music, delicious food and old-style rabble-rousing from such legendary figures as Alice Walker and Angela Davis. “

The Washington Post (October 3, 2015)

Thank you for being a part of this experiment!” – Andy Shallal, founder Busboys and Poets

Reflections From DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Bowser Recap Busboys X

BUSBOYS AND POETS IS A SACRED PLACE by Alice Walker

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Feb 1, 2024

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

Palestine Week 2024

Jan 12, 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

Pajama Brunch 2014

Dec 23, 2013

We’re hosting our annual pajama brunch at all locations. Roll out of bed and show up in your finest jammies!

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The Nepal Chronicles #5

Mar 4, 2021

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

Rising Artist Frank Ocean did something important

Jul 14, 2012

“We can thank Frank Ocean, not only for making a public statement that sweeps aside shadows and offers young fans another powerfully vulnerable star to admire and emulate, but for reminding us that while proudly declaring an identity can be a politically crucial gesture, often the human heart is not so sure-footed. The process of becoming and unbecoming, loving and losing, is what often makes for the most meaningful art.” – Ann Powers, NPR

Everest Base Camp #12

Mar 8, 2021

“Hey Dude” I finish my communing with the majesty of this wild, magnificent slice of earth and head to the other side of this narrow metal wonder of a bridge. My legs are still noodles but a bit more steady. My face is flush. My body is intact. My mind is calm. And I am … Continued

Art Quote of the Day

Event Recap : Busboys X Anniversary Party