Busboys and Poets is a unique and vibrant brand that combines the elements of a restaurant, bar, bookstore, and community gathering place. Since its establishment in 2005 by owner Andy Shallal, who is not only an artist and activist but also a restaurateur, Busboys and Poets has become a cherished cultural hub. The flagship location at 14th and V Streets in NW DC quickly gained popularity among the progressive community and activists opposed to the Iraq War.

Today, Busboys and Poets has expanded to nine distinct neighborhoods in the Washington D. C Metropolitan and Baltimore areas. The name Busboys and Poets pays homage to renowned American poet Langston Hughes, who once worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel before achieving fame as a poet.

The brand aims to uplift racial and cultural connections, providing a space for art, culture, and politics to intentionally collide. By creating such an environment, Busboys and Poets believes it can inspire social change and transform communities. Whether you're seeking nourishment for your mind, body, or soul, this is the place to be.

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