Hello dear
Welcome To Busboys and Poets - Shirlington
At Busboys and Poets - Shirlington, the spirit of community and creativity thrives through a unique blend of culture and cuisine. This New American eatery offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any gathering, be it brunch with friends or a cozy dinner with family. Guests can savor dishes like crispy firecracker shrimp and flavorful catfish, all while enjoying an extensive selection of vegan and vegetarian options. With outdoor seating, a welcoming vibe, and even an on-site bookstore, it’s a hub for food lovers and conversation seekers alike. Indulge in happy hour specials and let the passion for good food and togetherness inspire your visit.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Prosecco Zardetto BTL
$44.00Riesling Dr. Heyden BTL - To-go
$44.00Cabernet Sauvignon Zuccardi BTL
$44.00
Sauvignon Blanc Wither Hills BTL - To-go
$40.00Chardonnay Bernard Griffin BTL - To-g0
$40.00Pink Moscato Bellafina BTL
$36.00
Chenin Blanc/Viognier Blend Pine Ridge BTL - To-go
$36.00Malbec Tilia BTL
$36.00Cava Mas Fi BTL
$36.00 About
Busboys and Poets - Shirlington
Welcome to Busboys and Poets - Shirlington, a vibrant eatery that beautifully blends the essence of New American cuisine with an inviting atmosphere. Nestled at 4251 S Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA, this restaurant has made its mark as a go-to destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Renowned for its hipster, casual vibe, it is a place where foodies and families alike can gather to enjoy a diverse menu featuring a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
At Busboys and Poets, the culinary experience extends beyond just flavors. The restaurant embraces community spirit with its bookstore corner, allowing guests to browse and purchase books while they savor delicious dishes. The ambiance is lively yet moderate, making it ideal for conversations and social gatherings. Whether you’re relaxing during Happy Hour with friends, enjoying a meal with family, or having a cozy brunch, the atmosphere suits every occasion.
- Diverse Menu: From the crispy firecracker shrimp to delicious chicken sliders, the menu tantalizes the taste buds with flavorful options.
- Inviting for Families: It’s a kid-friendly environment, featuring high chairs and a variety of dishes to appeal to younger patrons.
- Flexible Dining: With options for takeout, delivery, and catering, it's easy to enjoy Busboys and Poets at home or on the go.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and offers outdoor seating, making it a welcoming choice for everyone.
- Innovative Payment Options: Whether you prefer traditional credit cards or the latest digital methods, including cryptocurrency, Busboys and Poets has you covered.
One of the highlights mentioned by patrons is the delightful offerings during Happy Hour, particularly the mini nachos and their famous cauliflower wings, which pack a flavorful punch. Many guests have raved about the breakfast items, with some recalling the satisfying French toast and accompanying savory sides. Those who appreciate good food paired with a dose of culture will find joy sitting in this eclectic setting, enriched with books and art that spark conversation and inspiration.
As we dive into the culinary landscape of Busboys and Poets - Shirlington, it's clear that the establishment not only prioritizes great food but also fosters a sense of community. Come for the meals, stay for the experience, and revel in an environment that welcomes all with open arms.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at (703) 379-9757. Don't forget to check out their cozy ambiance for your next breakfast or dinner outing!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I came to bus boys and poets for a happy hour. I was with a large party and they were very pleasant and friendly. I ordered a few different dishes for the happy hour price. The fire cracker shrimp had a little bit of a kick to it but I didn't mind since they were perfectly crispy. The chicken slider sandwiches were just okay. ”
“ I'd forgotten the last time I had an opportunity to dine at Busboys and Poets. Years later, this dish reminded me of why I enjoyed it so much: flavorful, perfectly fried catfish accompanied by collard greens my maternal grandmother would've given the stamp of approval. Service was fast and the bookstore was a bonus! ”
“ Love their Happy Hour specials. Especially the mini nachos and chicken sliders. Perfect for one person. Nice servers, late afternoon, they are happy to have you hang out for a while and nurse a coffee or tea in a booth or at the bar, which is perfect while I wait for my kiddo's rehearsal to be over at Signature across the street. Wish they had a few more sweet offerings for happy hour. They do have a nice pie selection and the bread pudding with coconut ice cream was delicious. Live browsing the mini-bookshop inside, bought several gifts. Hope to be back for a full meal for breakfast or dinner, the menu looks great! ”
“ This place is pretty solid for breakfast. I had the French toast which was tasty. We ordered a side of eggs, bacon, and ham in the side. This made the meal a little costly but you have to go with what you want to eat. ”
“ The cauliflower wings were delicious however there is a definitely a bit on the spicy side. The ”
“ I was in the area. I came for the open mic/poetry night. Great turn out. I went to the other location the day before. Same vibe. Different crowd. I liked this location better because of the atmosphere. More people and different poets. Oh and I ordered the mahi mahi plate. So delicious. Great ambiance, location and lighting. I enjoyed the whole thing. Thank you for an awesome night. ”
“ We started off by getting a latte and a nachos. I had gotten the nachos several years ago at the DC location, which were super good. However, this time around they were kind of cold and it was not the same. I also got a vegan bowl which had a lot of vegetables and mushrooms, which was super Duper good this was my favorite thing that I got. The fried cauliflower was also super good. The service could've been much better. I felt like it. It was kind of disjointed. I asked for a box at the end for my food, which I normally never really ask for but this one time when I asked for it, they ended up taking away my food without giving me a box. In addition, I felt like the entire interaction has felt a little off with the servers. The place itself was super cute. I really liked how it was kind of a bookstore inside with a bar as well and they had outdoor seating. The complex is always a really nice place to go with different options of places to eat an go to. I most likely will be back, but I probably would come back to meet people probably not go on my own ! ”
