Busboys and Poets Book Review: We’re Going to Need More Wine
27 April, 2018
Here is a little disclosure about me, I don’t generally like autobiographies. I find that they can be terribly dull and full of pomp. I know I read The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish, but if you’ll remember, I also said that the writing left much to be desired. But Gabrielle Union’s book
We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and Are True
was a delight to read! It was finished before I was. Read more in a guest post by Dr. Donna Oriowo.
What to read: Celebrating National Poetry Month at Busboys and Poets
20 April, 2018
April in DC – a time to welcome the sun, greet the cherry blossoms and relish the city’s many parks in bloom. April is also National Poetry Month, and being home to a vibrant literary community, DC celebrates every year with a diverse offering of events, readings and books to savor.
Busboys and Poets Book Interview: Mamta Jain Valderrama
13 April, 2018
Busboys and Poets Books is excited to have social justice author, Mamta Jain Valderrama coming to Busboys and Poets 14th & V location in May to discuss her debut novel, A Girl In Traffick, based on true stories of human organ trafficking. In advance of the upcoming event, bookstore supervisor Kenlynn Nelson interviewed Mamta about her writing and thoughts on her first book.
Busboys and Poets Book Review: An American Sickness
9 April, 2018
We’ve all been in that situation, or know someone who has. You find yourself for whatever reason in need of medical attention: a surgery, an exam, etc. And after you leave, you receive the bill. But the bill is far larger than you anticipated and you have no idea why. Elizabeth Rosenthal knows why. Read more in our newest blog post by Anna-Claire McGrath.
Busboys and Poets Book Review: Pansy Boy
2 April, 2018
Captivating, touching, and sincere, “Pansy Boy” tells the story of a thoughtful young boy who is tormented by his classmates because they perceive him as being different. Read more in our newest review by Takoma Bookstore Supervisor, Melanie Kates.
A Girls Guide to Joining the Resistance Book Review
30 March, 2018
Emma Gray’s tiny book of feminist resistance promises to be a guide to doing more and doing good in a world that seems to have turned against women all together. Read more in our newest review by Bookstore Supervisor Laura Lannan, and attend the event on 4/1/18.
15 Influential, Iconic, and Inspiring Women Writers Through History
17 March, 2018
Come into one of our Busboys and Poets bookshops and we can direct you to any number of wonderful books by women. From the high fantasy of N.K. Jemison to the sublime poetry of Joy Harjo to the intense investigations of Monique W. Morris we are proud to offer the work of so many amazing authors. We also want to make sure to acknowledge the incredible women writers of history. We believe that in order to make a brighter future we need to know the past, so let’s look back and demolish the myth that the writing woman is a new literary phenomenon.
Busboys and Poets Books Recommendations: Women’s History Month
9 March, 2018
It’s Women’s History Month and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, women have been around for a while and have been doing awesome things just as long - how can you figure out which awesome book to read next? Well have no fear, Busboys and Poets Books has you covered - just stop by one of our six bookstores for any one of these beautiful books to learn about some of the incredible women of human history.
Busboys and Poets Books Interview: E. Ethelbert Miller
2 March, 2018
February saw the release of If God Invented Baseball, the latest collection of poetry from DC legend and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller. A devoted fan of the Washington Nationals, Ethelbert celebrates in the book the magic of baseball and its lessons for life. In advance of the poet’s upcoming event at Busboys and Poets Takoma, bookstore supervisor Fran McCrae interviewed Ethelbert about his new collection and his literary perspectives on DC and beyond.
Busboys and Poets Books Review: From Headshops to Whole Foods
15 February, 2018
From Head Shops to Whole Foods by Joshua Clark Davis is a scholarly examination of activist entrepreneurs who use business as a tool to enact social and political change. Read more in our newest review by Shirlington Bookseller James Ebersole and join us for an event with the author on March 1!
Valentine’s Day Picks with Busboys and Poets Books
12 February, 2018
Whether you are spending this Valentine’s day with that special someone or curled up with a wine bottle alone on a reading binge, we have a book for you. Here is a quick overview of the best books to get for the 14th, because the best Valentine usually comes in the form of a hardcover that you didn’t “swipe right” to find.
Busboys and Poets Books Review: Love Poems
2 February, 2018
In Love Poems, Nikki Giovanni gives an empowered edge to the topics of sexuality, intimacy and what it means to love. Read more in our newest review by 14th and V Bookstore Supervisor Fran McCrae.
Busboys and Poets Book Review: Solo
26 January, 2018
Written entirely in verse, Newbery Medalist (Crossover) and New York Times Bestselling Author Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess team up to bring us Blade Morrison in the most pivotal time of his life in their newest book Solo. Read more in our newest review by Busboys and Poets Book Sidelines Buyer Taren Stewart.
Busboys and Poets Books Review: My Guantanamo Diary
12 January, 2018
Don’t miss this resolution, review, and invitation from Kenlynn Nelson of Busboys and Poets Shirlington.
Busboys and Poets Books Review: Before the Next Bomb Drops
5 January, 2018
In his second poetry collection, Remi Kanazi takes the reader on a journey of violence and collective ignorance from Palestine to Ferguson to Iraq to Brooklyn. Read more in our newest review from Busboys and Poets Books Supervisor Laura Lannan. And please join us for an evening of hip hop and poetry with Remi Kanzai on January 14th at 5th and K.
Busboys and Poets Books Literary Resolutions for 2018
31 December, 2017
Check out how the staff of Busboys and Poets Books anticipate spending 2018 (hint: it involves a lot of reading).
Busboys and Poets Books Review: Never Stop
15 December, 2017
As an athlete, activist, and entrepreneur, Sana has lived a life ripe for the telling, and he melds these elements of his life into a complete picture with finesse. Read our newest review of Simba Sana’s “Never Stop: A Memoir” by Shirlington Bookseller James Ebersole.
Busboys and Poets Books Holiday Picks for Kids!
11 December, 2017
Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the little one in your life? Check out these three recommendations by Takoma Busboys and Poets Bookseller Melanie Kates.
Busboys and Poets Book Review: The Cooking Gene
8 December, 2017
In “The Cooking Gene,” culinary historian Michael Twitty sends his reader on a tantalizing journey starting at the kitchen table, leading his readers all the way to the cotton fields of Virginia and the plantations of North Carolina. Read more in this review, provided courtesy of Busboys and Poets Bookseller Carlantha Roberts. And be sure to catch Michael Twitty at our upcoming event on December 10th at 5th and K.
Busboys and Poets Book Review: Brunch is Hell
27 November, 2017
Brunch is Hell: How to Save the World by Throwing a Dinner Party (Little, Brown, and Co. $25.00), the newest book from hilarious hosts of The Dinner Party Download Brendan Francis Newman and Rico Gagliano, is certain to put “I will host more dinner parties” at the top of your 2018 New Year’s Resolution list. Read more of our newest review by bookseller Kenlynn Nelson.
Review of “There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce”
11 August, 2017
After all, what is art if it doesn’t bring you to tears and call upon your laughter in equal measure all in the course of a few lines?
August Five Favorites
3 August, 2017
With the recent HBO series and our country’s current administration, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (Anchor Books, $15.95) is more relevant than ever. - Aliza
MPower Love to MPower Change
9 February, 2017
Busboys and Poets will donate a portion of the revenue from the day to MPOWER Change!
Busboys and Poets Online Store
30 January, 2017
The Washington Post: Solange Knowles joins lineup for Peace Ball on inauguration weekend
8 January, 2017
Washington Post: A Washington inaugural ball has (finally!) managed to book some major musical acts — Solange Knowles is joining previously announced Grammy-winning jazz singer Esperanza Spalding at the Jan. 19 Peace Ball.
Call For Volunteers - Peace Ball 2017
21 December, 2016
Volunteer for the Peace Ball!
Thoughts After A Race Conference
16 November, 2016
1. Challenge racism. Family and close friends is a good place to start. Try “calling them in” before “calling them out”. Use the “I” language. Engage, don’t retreat.
Peace Ball 2017
12 November, 2016
Tickets include open bar, open food, live music, dancing, and speeches by distinguished guests. ALL exhibits will be open to guests: http://busboysandpoets.com/events/info/2017-inaugural-peace-ball
The Morning After
9 November, 2016
Its time for us to be the change we want to see in the world.
Halloween 2016 at Busboys and Poets
22 October, 2016
Scary Movies! Costume Contest! Pumpkin Painting!
Busboys And Poets Breaks Ground In Anacostia
7 October, 2016
This will be our 7th Busboys and Poets location.
Vote Busboys and Poets as the Best Spot for Vegetarians in Express!
29 August, 2016
Nominate us to win best vegetarian in the Washington Post Express!
Conscious Cuisine: Premium Chicken
18 August, 2016
Our chicken comes from Coleman Natural Foods raised on family farms with an exclusive all-vegetarian diet.
#BusboysGood: AJ Head
11 August, 2016
Busboys and Poets Events Manager AJ Head talks to us about tranisitioning and his creative life.
#BusboysGood: Pages Matam
10 August, 2016
#BusboysGood is a blog/Instagram series that profiles all the good folks who frequent Busboys and Poets. They are what make our tribe one.
Washington Post: ‘Can you hear us now?’ Muslim women raise their voices in response to Trump
4 August, 2016
The event, called “Strong Communities, Strong Voices,” was held at the Busboys and Poets restaurant on 14th Street NW.
Bell Canto, by Derrick Weston Brown
8 July, 2016
For Sean Bell and Family. Wisdom Teeth, PM Press / Busboys and Poets Press 2011
Busboys and Poets Healthy Vegan Stir Fry on WUSA
4 May, 2016
VP Laela Shallal and Executive Chef Pablo Portillo go on WUSA9 on Earth Day to talk about Busboys’ green initiative and new vegan offerings
President Obama meets with former inmates in the Langston Room
31 March, 2016
President Obama met at Busboys and Poets 14th & V to have lunch with a group of former inmates. He was joined by senior advisor Valerie Jarrett. The Obama administration chose to have their meeting with us since we banned the box in 2009.
Accessibility For All
22 December, 2015
Busboys is a community space that strives to be welcoming, uplifting and accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.
Wanted: Mixologist for New Restaurant By Busboys and Poets
11 December, 2015
The founders of Busboys and Poets are seeking a creative mixologist/bartender to develop a beverage program for a new modern Southern restaurant in the heart of the 14th Street corridor
Carla Hall and Andy Shallal Team Up for a Modern-Southern Restaurant: Mule Bone
9 December, 2015
Washingtonian: ‘Carla Hall and Andy Shallal Team Up for a Modern-Southern Restaurant: Mule Bone.’ The restaurant will take over the current Eatonville space on 14th Street.
Sidewalk Poetry Series: Thank You for Busboys by Karen Kenworthy
9 December, 2015
Sidewalk Poetry consists of poems sent to feedback@busboysandpoets.com selected to be published on the Busboys blog for our literary community to enjoy and share.
Changing Communities, One Bookstore/Performance Space/Restaurant at a Time / Small Business Forum
8 December, 2015
Kojo In Your Community: A Conversation About “Black Lives Matter”
20 November, 2015
Listen to Kojo Show live recording at Busboys and Poets @ Hyattsville on race, justice and economic opportunity in our region
Best Date Spot in ‘Best of Gay DC’
29 October, 2015
Busboys gets named Best Date Spot by the Washington Blade in its Best of Gay DC issue
The Presidential Debate Series at Busboys and Poets!
13 October, 2015
As always, Busboys and Poets is your community go-to place for politics! This election season, Busboys and Poets will show all Presidential debates at every location.
Event Recap : Busboys X Anniversary Party
8 October, 2015
[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.”
Alice Walker’s poem to Busboys: “BUSBOYS AND POETS IS A SACRED PLACE”
8 October, 2015
The incomparable Alice Walker writes us a poem. Our lives are complete.
In the Washington Post: Busboys & Poets celebrates 10 years of food, books and rabble-rousing
8 October, 2015
Ron Charles of The Washington Post recaps our 10 year anniversary party
10 Year Anniversary Party
10 September, 2015
Early reception sold out but general admission tickets still available!
Online Ordering + Devliery Has Arrived!
10 September, 2015
Order your favorites online for pick-up or have them delivered to your home or office
Grilled Chicken Panini Delivered to You in 10 Minutes
31 August, 2015
UberEATS will deliver our Grilled Chicken Panini with house-made kettle chips to D.C. on Wednesday, September 2nd
Conscious Cuisine
17 July, 2015
This is why we feel good about what we serve
Amber & Obi’s Engagement Pictures at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington
14 July, 2015
From the bride: “Obi proposed during a double dinner date at Busboys & Poets – Shirlington the day before my birthday, also the location of our third date.”
Entrepreneur: Busboys and Poets #1 best coffee shop to work in across the U.S.
8 July, 2015
Entrepreneur Magazine named us the #1 best coffee shop to work in across the U.S.
TASTE TEST: BUSBOYS AND POETS NEW SUMMER DISHES
30 June, 2015
Brightest Young Things reviews our new summer dishes
Who needs ambassadors when we have poets?
8 June, 2015
Article in the Washington Post by David Montgomery on Cuban poet Nancy Morejón
Washington, D.C. Launch Party Recap
11 May, 2015
The Washington, D.C. Green Festival Expo Launch Party took place at Busboys and Poets on Thursday, May 6, 2015.
Best Gluten-Free Menu!
13 April, 2015
Sending BIG LOVE to all of our beautiful guests, friends and family who voted for us in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC 2015 poll
Busboys and Poets and Teaching for Change welcome Politics & Prose at 14th & V
19 March, 2015
P&P will continue to carry on the celebrated tradition of the 14th & V location in featuring multicultural and social justice literature
Busboys in En Route Traveler
27 January, 2015
“Part of the reason why I founded this place was that I wanted a space that feels like home away from home, a space that represents the multi-cultural, multi ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-age aspects of the city, a space that represents the city that I live in – Washington, DC.” - Andy Shallal
Remix of the Nerds New Years Eve Party
4 December, 2014
Busboys and Poets is throwing the quirkiest new year’s bash in DC - all to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank and DC Youth Slam Team
Local Author Todd Kasdhan Discusses “Upside of Your Dark Side”
25 November, 2014
Todd Kashdan will discuss his recently launched book, The Upside of your Darkside: Why Being Your Whole Self–Not Just Your “Good” Self–Drives Success and Fulfillment at Busboys - Shirlington on December 2nd at 6:30 pm.
New Happy Hour Specials
9 November, 2014
Now enjoy happy hour specials, like 1/2 off Small Plates from 4-7pm at all locations
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW JOINT UNDERTAKING BY POLITICS AND PROSE AND BUSBOYS AND POETS
6 November, 2014
In a teaming of two great Washington community institutions, we’re pleased to announce that Politics and Prose will soon begin operating bookstores at Busboys and Poets restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Organic eggs and milk
30 October, 2014
Our milk and eggs are organic and local
Partnership with Union Kitchen results in a delicious sandwich creation
27 October, 2014
In partnership with Union Kitchen, we are offering a sandwich created by local food truck Dirty South Deli at all Busboys and Poets locations
Presentation of Busboys and Poets Award in Poetry to Martín Espada
2 October, 2014
On Saturday, September 13, 2014, Martín Espada was presented with the 2014 Busboys and Poets Award by Sarah Browning. The following is the text of the speech.
“Takoma Park Busboys and Poets will house a coworking space”
1 October, 2014
The Takoma Park Busboys and Poets will have a space dedicated to coworking when it opens at the end of the year, owner Andy Shallal says.
2014 Fall for The Book Busboys and Poets Award
9 September, 2014
This year we will be honoring Martin Espanda with the Busboys and Poets Award at Fall for the Book
Conceived, born, raised and living black
19 August, 2014
I was conceived, born, raised and now have lived as a human being cast in black for almost seventy years. I’mo die black, too.
Rush Limbaugh Calls Teaching for Change Racist for Promoting Diverse Children’s Books
17 June, 2014
Rush Limbaugh found out that Teaching for Change is trying to challenge this disparity and he is hopping mad
Green Festival D.C. Launch Party Recap
7 May, 2014
Green Festival D.C. Launch Party Recap
Read the full article here.
Take the Buzzfeed quiz: “Are You Actually A Hipster?”
24 April, 2014
Buzzfeed quiz mentions Busboys and Poets as a national hipster destination. Wait, what!?
Changing the Marijuana Laws
17 April, 2014
Changing the Marijuana Laws With Colorado and Washington state legalizing marijuana, 2014 has been an important year for the reform of marijuana laws in the United States.
Busboys and Poets presents ‘The Admission’
15 April, 2014
Washington Post theater critic Peter Marks reviews ‘The Admission’
US VEG WEEK at Busboys and Poets
3 April, 2014
Join us for #USVEGWEEK April 21-27, 2014
“Places of Purpose”
8 January, 2014
“Busboys is a stellar example of a business invested in building it’s surrounding community…”
Books We Recommend
1 January, 2014
If your New Years resolution is to read more, you may want to add these two to your list!
Pajama Brunch 2014
23 December, 2013
We’re hosting our annual pajama brunch at all locations. Roll out of bed and show up in your finest jammies!
Bookstore Holiday Sale
17 December, 2013
Busboys and Poets Books is having a holiday sale from December 21st-December 28th!
“Here’s to resisting the dominant narrative”
9 October, 2013
Poet, playwright, activist Staceyann Chin performed two sold out shows in DC; one at 5th & K and one at Hyattsville
Jerusalem Chefs Prepare a Peace Meal at 14th & V
17 September, 2013
The State Department and Busboys and Poets sponsored four chefs from Jerusalem to come to the United States to prepare a peace meal at 14th & V 
Vote for Busboys and Poets!
12 September, 2013
Vote for Busboys and Poets in the Express Best Of DC for BEST VEGETARIAN and BEST SALAD
Spike Lee and wife Tonya Lee Stop by for Lunch
11 September, 2013
A pleasure to have Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee join us for lunch at 5th & K!
Busboys and Poets Book Club in Shirlington
22 July, 2013
Busboys and Poets Book Club in Shirlington welcomes new members
This Independence Day, Thank a Protester
4 July, 2013
Grass-roots justice movements are the hope, the beacon, the force that will save this country.
Reflections on a Historic Week
3 July, 2013
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a landmark decision the Facebook generation has quickly likened to the collapse of de jure segregation.
Car-Free Diet Shop Talk with Owner Andy Shallal
21 May, 2013
Andy Shallal speaks to our Car-Free Diet partner about Busboys and Poets’ mission and our commitment to sustainability.
Busboys and Poets Books Grand Opening
20 May, 2013
Busboys and Poets Books opens at 5th & K and Shirlington locations on Friday, May 24th, 2013
Proud to sponsor the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Split This Rock
19 May, 2013
Split This Rock’s 5th Anniversary Celebration with Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco sponsored by Busboys and Poets
Staceyann Chin launches our first gender and sexuality series
14 May, 2013
Busboys and Poets’s new gender and sexuality series Zami kicks-off to an incredible start with poet, activist, author Staceyann Chin
Women of Busboys
21 March, 2013
Meet the fabulous women of Busboys and Poets #womenshistorymonth
The People’s Poetry
16 March, 2013
You send us your poetry and we publish them on our blog! Send your poem to events@busboysandpoets.com and it may show up!
Busboys Book Club
19 February, 2013
Join the book club at Busboys and Poets!
“Behind the Kitchen Door”
8 February, 2013
“Paid sick leave is a human rights issue” - owner Andy Shallal
Speeches from our 2013 Inaugural Peace Ball
21 January, 2013
Angela Davis, Sonia Sanchez, Ben Jealous, Julian Bond, voice their support for President Obama but remind us that there is much work to be done
DC SCORES Poetry Slam!
15 January, 2013
A compilation of some of the top poetry from DC Scores youth
Peace Ball Speaker Spotlight on Angela Davis!
3 January, 2013
Thrilled to hear Angela Davis speak at The Peace Ball on Jan. 20, 2013!
