Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets

⭐ 4.4/5 (4317 reviews) 💰 $20–30 per person Casual Dining

📍 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, Maryland

Restaurant Information

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5.0 • 4317 reviews
📍 Address
5331 Baltimore Ave
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
📞 Phone
🌐 Website
💰 Price Range
$20–30 per person
🍽️ Category
Casual Dining

⏰ Opening Hours

Open ⋅ Closes 10 pm

ℹ️ About This Restaurant

Stepping into Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, Maryland, you're immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The cozy, trendy space features an eclectic mix of artwork, comfortable seating, and soft lighting, creating a casual and welcoming vibe that's perfect for solo diners, families, and groups alike. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, the lively ambiance and vibrant community feel make Busboys and Poets a standout among the local dining scene.

The menu at Busboys and Poets is a celebration of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with an impressive array of options to satisfy every palate. From hearty comfort foods like the vegan mac and cheese to lighter fare like the quinoa and kale salad, the kitchen showcases its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The signature vegan dishes, such as the tofu scramble and the cauliflower steak, are particular standouts, earning rave reviews from diners. Beyond the main courses, the restaurant also offers an impressive selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and a great wine list to complement your meal.

The service at Busboys and Poets is consistently excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to provide recommendations. The restaurant's commitment to accessibility, with features like wheelchair-friendly seating and a braille menu, also ensures that everyone feels welcome. With a range of dining options, from quick bites to multi-course meals, and a focus on value, Busboys and Poets offers a truly exceptional dining experience that is sure to leave you satisfied and eager to return.

Features & Amenities

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park Has wheelchair-accessible entrance Has wheelchair-accessible seating Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating Has no-contact delivery Offers delivery On-site services available Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service Has great beer selection Serves great cocktails Serves great coffee Serves great dessert Has great tea selection Has great wine list Serves local speciality
Popular for
Popular for breakfast Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol Serves beer Has braille menu Serves cocktails Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves halal food Serves happy-hour drinks Serves happy-hour food Serves healthy options Serves late-night food Serves organic dishes Has private dining room Quick bite Serves small plates Serves spirits Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast Serves brunch Serves lunch Serves dinner Has catering Serves dessert Has seating Has table service
Amenities
Has bar on site Has toilet Has Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Good for groups LGBTQ+ friendly Popular with tourists Transgender safe space Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs available Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Plenty of parking

🏮 Atmosphere & Ambiance

Stepping into Busboys and Poets, you're immediately struck by the eclectic and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a harmonious blend of modern and industrial elements, with exposed brick walls, warm lighting fixtures, and vibrant artwork that adorns the space. The overall vibe is one of casual sophistication, where diners can relax and immerse themselves in the restaurant's rich cultural and artistic influences.

The seating arrangements at Busboys and Poets cater to a variety of dining experiences. Cozy banquettes and tables offer intimate settings for intimate conversations, while the spacious open-concept layout and communal tables invite a more lively and social ambiance. The restaurant's outdoor patio, when weather permits, provides a delightful al fresco dining experience, allowing guests to bask in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood.

🌿 Dietary Accommodations

  • Gluten-Free Options - A selection of gluten-free salads, entrees, and desserts, with careful preparation to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Raw Food Choices - A variety of fresh, uncooked vegan dishes, including salads, wraps, and nutrient-dense smoothies.
  • Nut-Free Alternatives - Nut-free spreads, dressings, and entrees, with clear labeling and staff training to prevent allergic reactions.
  • Keto-Friendly Items - Low-carb, high-fat vegan options such as avocado toast, leafy green salads, and plant-based protein dishes.

⏰ Best Times to Visit

  • Weekday lunch - Enjoy a quick, healthy meal during your break with Busboys and Poets' wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
  • Weekend brunch - Savor a leisurely brunch with family or friends, featuring delectable vegan options and a lively, cozy atmosphere.
  • Happy hour - Unwind with friends over craft cocktails, local beers, and small plates while taking advantage of Busboys and Poets' happy hour specials.

⭐ What Makes Us Special

  • Extensive Vegan and Vegetarian Menu: Busboys and Poets offers an extensive selection of plant-based dishes, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Their menu features innovative vegan interpretations of classic comfort foods and international cuisines.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: The restaurant sources its ingredients from local and organic suppliers, reducing its environmental impact and supporting the regional food economy. They also use compostable and eco-friendly materials in their operations.
  • Community-Focused Atmosphere: Busboys and Poets is more than just a restaurant - it's a hub for community engagement, hosting events, open mic nights, and discussions on social and political issues. This creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for guests.

📍 Local Area & Neighborhood

Busboys and Poets is located in Hyattsville, Maryland, a vibrant and diverse suburb just outside of Washington, D.C. The neighborhood is known for its lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, independent bookstores, and performing arts venues dotting the streets. The proximity to the University of Maryland campus also contributes to the area's youthful, intellectual atmosphere, with students and professors often seen dining and socializing at the many local establishments.

Busboys and Poets attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from young professionals and families to artists and activists. The restaurant's commitment to social justice and community engagement, as well as its extensive menu of vegan and vegetarian options, make it a popular destination for those seeking an inclusive and environmentally conscious dining experience. The restaurant's location, just a short drive from the nation's capital, also draws in visitors from around the country, further contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the Hyattsville community.

💬 Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My wife and I came in for a quick brunch. We had a special request that our server called the manger over to discuss. Th..."

— Customer #1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Simply Amazing! Good vibes and Great food at affordable prices. (Occasionally the music 🎶 was much too loud and the con..."

— Customer #2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We had an incredible experience at Busboys and Poets! We stopped in for both lunch and breakfast and were blown away by ..."

— Customer #3