Busboys and Poets – American
This bustling cultural crossroads pulses with creative energy, where floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vibrant murals provide a soulful backdrop for community and conversation. The kitchen serves up an inclusive array of spirited comfort food, from zesty firecracker shrimp and tender lamb meatballs to golden, crispy cauliflower bites that celebrate bold, communal flavors. Whether sharing a plate of loaded vegan nachos or savoring delicate shrimp and crab fritters, guests find themselves immersed in an atmosphere that nourishes both the palate and the spirit.
235, Carroll Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20012 +12027260856 https://busboysandpoets.com0Cuisine: 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, atkins, 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 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Falafel Salad, Firecracker Shrimp and Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites. 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 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Firecracker Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets in Washington has 19 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Catfish Fingers, Salad Nicoise and Falafel Salad. 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 4 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fried Catfish, Shrimp & Grits and Busboys Sangria. 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 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including 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 13 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Falafel Salad, Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites and Vegan Lover's Pasta. 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 Falafel Salad, Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites 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 Vegan Burger. 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 |
| Steak & Asparagus Salad | 96.3 g | 70.7 g |
| Shrimp & Chicken Chorizo Pasta | 115.1 g | 67.4 g |
| Vegan Lover's Pasta | 97.9 g | 64 g |
| Salad Nicoise | 133.5 g | 46.8 g |
| Cubano Panini | 60.9 g | 39.8 g |
| Shrimp & Grits | 22.1 g | 32.9 g |
| Quinoa Kale Salad | 80.8 g | 32.8 g |
| Vegan Nachos | 83.2 g | 31.7 g |
| Cobb Salad | 43.9 g | 28.2 g |
| Busboys Burger | 31.6 g | 26.9 g |
| Roasted Beet Salad | 15.9 g | 25.2 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
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
Appetizers
- 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
Salads
- Cobb Salad - $18: grilled chicken, chopped romaine, boiled egg, red onion, tomato, gorgonzola cheese, bacon, roasted corn, avocado, ranch dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- Falafel Salad - $14: falafel, mixed field greens, tomato, cucumber, dates, pumpkin seeds, dijon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $10: chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Busboys House Salad - $8: mixed greens, tomato, carrot, roasted corn, yuzu vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quinoa Kale Salad - $15: Smith apple, red onion, goat cheese, fennel, toasted almond, dried cranberries, white balsamic vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Greek Salad - $15: romaine lettuce, onions, kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, mixed bell peppers, feta cheese, pickled banana peppers, lemon feta vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak & Asparagus Salad - $22: sirloin steak, asparagus, baby kale, fingerling potato, tomato, caramelized onion, cucumbers, gorgonzola cheese, yuzu vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salad Nicoise - $22: Pan-seared Sesame Tuna, Mixed Field Greens, Boiled Eggs, Fingerling Potatoes, Tomatoes French Green Beans, Kalamata Olives, Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Beet Salad - $16: mixed greens, beets, onion, mango, goat cheese, candy pecan, yuzu vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, 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
- Beans & Wild Rice - $13: black beans, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, 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
Burgers & Sandwiches
- Busboys Burger - $15: brisket ground beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, brioche bun Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Burger - $15: black bean, chickpeas, corn, mixed peppers, rice, oats, arugula, avocado, tomato, vegan chipotle mayo, brioche bun Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Sandwich - $16: cage-free, veg-fed halal chicken, buttermilk, shredded lettuce, tomato, dill pickles aioli, brioche bun Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cubano Panini - $16: pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, dijonnaise, ciabatta bread Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- DC Tapwater Cocktail - $11.75: Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Blue Curaçao, Black Razz, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix, Starry Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, 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
- 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 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Falafel Salad, Firecracker Shrimp and Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites.
- What can I eat at Busboys and Poets on a dairy-free diet?
- Falafel Salad, Firecracker Shrimp and Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites carry the dairy-free tag, out of 10 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Busboys and Poets have vegan options?
- Yes. 13 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Falafel Salad and Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Bites.
- Is Busboys and Poets gluten-free?
- 1 dish is 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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