Busboys and Poets - Columbia — Restaurant in Columbia

This was my first and last experience at the Columbia Busboys and Poets. I am beyond disappointed on the service here, especially since I’ve heard such good things prior to tonight, 8/10/2024.

When we arrived we had about a 15 minute wait before getting seated, which was not a problem since they were starting to get busy. We sat upstairs in the outdoor seating area. It was another 10 minutes before our server came and took our drink and food orders. We ordered the cotija cheese rolls as an appetizer, shrimp and grits, egg and cheddar burger, shrimp and chicken chorizo pasta, kids penne pasta and a side of fruit salad. I did ask if the kids food and fruit salad could come out with the appetizer since my 1 1/2 year old was getting a bit hungry.

Our server came back with our drinks shortly after, and refilled my husbands root beer once. After that, we did not see her again or had any site of food for another 55 minutes.

After waiting 50 minutes, my sister went downstairs to talk to the hostess and to let them know we have not seen our server nor received any food or drink refills (& to add to that, it was a hot sunny day). 5 minutes after she spoke to the hostess, another worker came to speak to ask and ask what the problem was. I told him we have not had any food or drink refills and have not been checked up on. Our server then shortly came with the manager and explained to us that there was an error with her device and our order never got sent to the kitchen, the manager was apologetic. At that time, they brought out the shrimp and grits, egg and cheddar burger, kids penne pasta and fruit salad. BTW, the fries that came with the burger were cold. My sister and husband told me the food they had was good.

The worker that came to ask what the problem was came back and asked how the food tasted, I told him I did not know because I am still waiting on my shrimp and chicken chorizo pasta, he said he would go and check on that. Probably another 30 minutes later (I’m losing track of time at this point) and still nothing, everyone at the table has finished eating and my food still was not out. We also then realized our appetizer did not come out either.

We were again, at the point we were looking for our server or just someone to help us. I could see inside the manager was speaking to our server and was telling her to come check on us. When she came I just immediately asked her if I could speak to her manager. Once he came, I told him that our appetizer and my entree still has not come out but at this point I’m just done with it and to just forget about it. I also told him I was a server before and understand errors and issues with devices not working properly, but that’s why it’s important for servers to come and check on tables. He was again very apologetic and told us we didn’t owe anything for the food that did come out.

I wish I could give this place another chance, it seemed to have potential and had a very cool ambiance, but after today I seriously don’t think I’ll come back, at least to the Columbia location. They wasted so much of my time waiting around for nothing today. Looking around, we were not the only table that was having issues with getting service. They seem to neglect their outdoor tables a bit more even though there were quite a few tables...

This location is super new and it’s gorgeous to look at. They have a lot of fun things to catch your eye and to enjoy also outside of dining. They have a lovely book store and they featured a lot of black authors which was dope! They have TV screens not only offering the games but also for trivia which was a nice touch. There is a upstairs dining area and outdoor seating. Upon entering we were asked to show proof of vaccination. This wasn’t a big deal but rather annoying because when we put our name on the list no one told us that so instead of walking back up once our table was ready and able to sit I had to aggressively scroll through my pics to find a pic of my vax card so I could go inside. They should really be telling folks when they make reservations that when you arrive you’ll need proof of vax to get in. Our server was subpar. He seemed like a sweet kid but just wasn’t attentive and didn’t seem like he was trained well. I told him that it was my first time there and he was like “okay I’ll give you a minute to look at the menu.” I’ve seldom been to a restaurant and mentioned it was my first time and they not recommended something, anything. He consistently didn’t check on us and I just like starred at him until he felt my eyes piercing his soul so he would come over. I had to request more water after I had finished literally everything I could possibly drink at the table. He never once asked me for a refill. Our food took literally damn near a hour to come out and when it did come out it wasn’t even hot 😩! I wouldn’t recommend the crab cakes to anyone. The color was weird but that’s not a big deal it just looked coated in brown sugar or cinnamon or something.. it looked ashy. But it didn’t taste great either. I’m not even sure how to explain why but it’s not a quality crab cake experience. The fries were disgusting. I sent them back. Some literally weren’t even cooked fully. The apps we had were really good tho, which were some sort of shrimp ball thing, bang bang shrimp and fried cauliflower. All worth trying. The cauliflower could have had a bit of a better seasoning in the coating but was good for what it was. Overall was an okay experience. Also we sat by a door not by choice that was pretty consistently used and that was TERRIBLE. The draft from the icy outside air had us absolutely freezing. Many people in the establishment had on hats, scarfs or kept their coats on. If I was management I would crank the heat up. You could visually see that a lot of folks are cold. Overall just an okay at best experience for that visit. I would totally try again on a warmer day with different seating, a different server and try something different on the menu. My friend said that the vegan chicken...

It pains me to leave two stars, especially at a new location.

Tried something new. The food and beverages did not disappoint but the service was dismal!

We came down from Towson to visit our friend who was in DC from Tokyo, Japan to see family. This was all of our first time at this location. Super excited to experience something so new with a friend we haven't seen in years with a menu that fills all of us up that are Vegetarian, Vegan, and/or none of the above. Food menu had a load to choose from. Drink menu was great as well. The service was the kicker. Unfortunately it was awful!

We walked in and were immediately seated. Great! Seated, menus set out, waters came out, and server came around for drink orders. Great!

Kicker - we received drinks then 45 minutes later were addressed by our server AFTER they had taken their half hour break without letting us know. They stated when they came back ... "alrighty, how was dinner?" I had to get serious with them, look them in the eyes, and said "Wait... are you serious? Our menus are still on the table and our drinks are completely gone and we have almost walked out...this needs to change immediately. We were seated nearly an hour ago and still haven't had our food order taken." Completely straight faced, they said "I apologize. Another server was supposed to check on you while I went to lunch. What can I get you to eat." It wasn't taken seriously that we had been there for an hour and noone had helped. We had tried to get other servers attentions but were unsuccessful. We watched another couple arrive, get beverages, order their appetizers, and main course. Everything came out and eaten in the hour we were just sitting there.

As a previous server, it is NOT the customer's responsibility to seek out the server. This was beyond frustrating especially since we had a friend visiting from Japan! Not a good first impression.

On a positive note, the food and drinks were phenomenal.

I had the Cobb Salad. There was a great balance of all portions of the salad. I am not an onion or tomato person but the amount and size of everything that came with the Cobb Salad were delicious. Husband had the fried chicken. He said it was one of the best fried chickens he has had in a long time. Friend had the Kale Salad and said it was phenomenal!

Great job on food and beverages. VERY disappointed in the service, especially with it being our first visit here and with someone visiting internationally. We would love to come back but now are worried that this will happen again. Luckily we had plenty to talk about between the three of us during the hour wait...