Busboys and Poets – American
This vibrant cultural crossroads pulses with creative energy, blending the cozy intimacy of a bookstore with the lively hum of a soulful community gathering space. The kitchen crafts an inclusive tapestry of global comfort food, where plates of zesty firecracker shrimp and savory lamb meatballs sit alongside charred Brussels sprouts and inventive vegan BBQ bites, inviting guests to nourish both the body and the spirit.
450, K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20001 +12027892227 https://www.busboysandpoets.com/locations/?location=450k&venue=5th-k0Cuisine: American
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at Busboys and Poets
Dairy-Free at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Firecracker Shrimp, Hummus and Vegan Lover's Pasta. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Firecracker Shrimp and Chicken Chorizo Hash. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 18 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Busboys and Poets French Toast, Firecracker Shrimp and Catfish Fingers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 7 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Western Omelette, Shrimp & Grits and Chicken and Pancakes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Western Omelette and Wings Inferno. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 11 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Hummus, Vegan Lover's Pasta and Vegan Nachos. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 14 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Busboys and Poets French Toast, Hummus and Vegan Lover's Pasta. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 7 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Crispy Cauliflower Bites, Firecracker Shrimp and Crab Cakes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Busboys and Poets
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp & Crab Fritters | 52.8 g | 77.8 g |
| Mekhleme (Iraqi corned beef hash) | 0 g | 69.9 g |
| Shrimp & Chicken Chorizo Pasta | 115.1 g | 67.4 g |
| Vegan Lover's Pasta | 97.9 g | 64 g |
| Classic Benedict | 5.3 g | 33.9 g |
| Shrimp & Grits | 22.1 g | 32.9 g |
| Vegan Nachos | 83.2 g | 31.7 g |
| Western Omelette | 8.5 g | 27.9 g |
| Vegan Hash | 38.4 g | 21 g |
| Poet's Mojito | 93.2 g | 20.8 g |
| Hummus | 30.9 g | 20.5 g |
| Nachos | 76.6 g | 20.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Menu
Starters
- Hummus - $9: housemade hummus, kalamata olives, paprika with pita Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp & Crab Fritters - $16: shrimp, crab, onion, bell peppers, corn, eggs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, dill pickle aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Firecracker Shrimp - $15: chile sauce, fennel, onion, cabbage slaw Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Cauliflower Bites - $12: cauliflower, garlic harissa, cilantro-lemon aioli Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts - $10: Brussels Sprouts, Peanuts, Chili Sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites - $11: soy protein, scallions, spicy Korean BBQ sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Catfish Fingers - $14: fried catfish strips, dill pickle aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Meatballs - $14: halal lamb, feta cheese, tomato sauce, served with pita bread Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos - $15: Yellow corn chips with guacamole, cheese, jalapeños, corn, black beans, sour cream, pico de gallo Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Nachos - $15: yellow corn chips, guacamole, vegan cheese, pico de gallo, vegan sour cream, black beans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wings Inferno - $13: 6 hot wings with blue cheese Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
Breakfast & Brunch
- Smoked Salmon Benedict - $19: 2 poached eggs, avocado, hollandaise on a butter croissant bun Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Classic Benedict - $18: 2 poached organic eggs, shoulder bacon, hollandaise, paprika, on butter croissant bun Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Buttermilk Pancakes - $14: Fresh berries, butter, powder sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Sweet Potato Pancakes - $14: butter, powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Busboys and Poets French Toast - $13: butter, powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chicken and Pancakes - $18: Fried chicken breast, mixed berries, powdered sugar, organic/local maple syrup, butter with choice of sweet potato, buttermilk or gluten-free friendly pancakes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chicken Chorizo Hash - $16: mixed peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and two sunny side up eggs Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Mekhleme (Iraqi corned beef hash) - $18: ground beef, onions, home fries, tomato, cumin, paprika, cilantro, organic free-range sunny side up eggs Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Vegan Hash - $16: tofu scramble, mushroom, onion, tomato, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, vegan sausage Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Alkaline Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Western Omelette - $16: 3 organic, free-range eggs, mixed peppers, mushrooms, onion, cheddar cheese, ham Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Bagel w/ Lox - $18: bagel with lox, cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, fried capers Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
Main Courses
- Blackened Mahi Mahi - $24: mahi mahi, jasmine rice, french beans, grilled pineapple salsa, lemon butter sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Catfish - $23: collard greens, herb grits, capers, and tomato couli sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Blackened Salmon - $26: wild rice, asparagus, roasted corn salsa, tomato, shallots, lemon butter sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp & Grits - $27: 5 tailed shrimp, tomato, roasted corn, asparagus, Cajun cream sauce, crab grits Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken - $23: 2 pieces of cage-free and halal chicken breast, buttermilk, herb mushroom cream sauce, mashed potatoes, collard greens Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crab Cakes: Super lump crab cake, eggs, bread crumbs, green beans, remoulade sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta
- Vegan Lover's Pasta - $19: penne pasta, vegan Italian “sausage,” asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, shallots, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, vegan “bolognese” sauce, tomato sauce, garlic bread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp & Chicken Chorizo Pasta - $25: penne pasta, spicy chicken chorizo sausage, shrimp, mushrooms, shallots, cajun cream sauce, parmesan, garlic bread Dietary tags: High-Fiber, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- DC Tapwater - $11.75: Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Blue Curaçao, Black Razz, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix, Starry Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free
- Poet's Mojito - $11.75: Silver Rum, Agave, Club Soda, Mint, Muddled Orange, Lime Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Busboys Sangria - $11.75: Red and White Wine, Passionfruit Rum, Bourbon, Mixed Juices, Club Soda Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Desert Bloom - $14: Corazon Tequila | Magdala | Citrus | Caramelized Fig | Orange Blossom | Tajin
- Poetic Pils - $8: Pilsner | Locally brewed | ABV: 5% Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Busboys and Poets House Coffee - $4.25: iced or hot Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Spiced Chai Latte - $5.5: organic chai and steamed milk
Frequently Asked Questions about Busboys and Poets
- Is Busboys and Poets dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Busboys and Poets has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Firecracker Shrimp, Hummus and Vegan Lover's Pasta.
- What can I eat at Busboys and Poets on a dairy-free diet?
- Firecracker Shrimp, Hummus and Vegan Lover's Pasta carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Busboys and Poets have vegan options?
- Yes. 11 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Hummus and Vegan Lover's Pasta.
- Is Busboys and Poets gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Busboys and Poets?
- Shrimp & Crab Fritters, at roughly 77.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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