Busboys and Poets — Restaurant in Washington

Review: Fried Chicken & Burger at Busboys and Poets – A Cozy Comfort Food Hit

I visited Busboys and Poets recently—half craving comfort food, half just needing a relaxed space to unwind. As usual, the place had its artsy, welcoming vibe, but this time I was there for the food. I ordered two of their most talked-about dishes: the Fried Chicken and the Busboys Burger. Here’s how it went:

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🍗 Fried Chicken

This dish came with two crispy pieces of halal, cage-free chicken breast, coated in a golden buttermilk and cornmeal crust. It looked amazing—and honestly, it tasted pretty great too. The crust was super crunchy with a nice peppery flavor.

The chicken was slightly on the dry side (especially the inner part of the breast), but what saved it was the herb-mushroom cream sauce drizzled over the top—earthy, rich, and totally comforting.

On the side, instead of traditional Southern-style pairings, they served fries, which were hot, crispy, and well-seasoned—no complaints there. Not the typical pairing you’d expect with fried chicken, but it worked.

Would I order it again? Probably, but I might ask if they can go lighter on the cook time to keep the chicken juicier. That sauce though? Totally lick-the-plate-worthy.

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🍔 Busboys Burger (Beef Burger)

Next up was the Busboys Burger, made with a brisket beef patty and served on a soft brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. The burger had a clean, bold beef flavor—lean, no heavy grease, and clearly made with quality meat.

But here’s the catch: brisket is naturally lean, so if it’s cooked beyond medium, it can dry out quickly. Mine was closer to medium-well, and I definitely felt like it needed a bit more moisture. That said, the side salad it came with was fresh and lightly dressed—simple but balanced—and actually made for a nice contrast to the heaviness of the burger.

If you’re planning to try the burger, I’d recommend customizing it—go medium-rare and add cheddar, bacon, or even the egg version if you like a richer, juicier bite. The base is solid; it just needs a little help to reach its full potential.

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📝 Final Take

Both dishes were solid choices, especially if you’re in the mood for no-fuss comfort food in a creative, inclusive setting. The fried chicken was flavorful and filling—made even better by the sauce and crispy fries. The burger was clean and lean, though I’d definitely doctor it up next time with extra toppings and a more tender cook.

Would I come back? Absolutely. I already have my eye on their Egg & Cheddar Burger and maybe one of those vegan cakes I spotted on the way out.

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Rating: • Fried Chicken: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – crispy, saucy, satisfying • Busboys Burger: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5) – solid base, needs toppings & correct...

Let's start with the French toast. Busboys and Poets takes this classic breakfast dish to new heights with their unique twist. The thick slices of bread are perfectly soaked in a decadent custard, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness. The result is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures, with a crisp exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The French toast is served with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, adding the perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a delightful symphony of indulgence and nostalgia, making it a breakfast option that should not be missed.

Now, onto their Matcha latte. Busboys and Poets takes pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients, and their Matcha latte is no exception. The vibrant green color of the matcha powder hints at the fresh and earthy flavor that awaits. The latte is skillfully crafted, with a velvety smooth texture and a well-balanced blend of matcha and steamed milk. The taste is wonderfully subtle and refreshing, with a hint of natural sweetness. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast or a newcomer to this vibrant green elixir, Busboys and Poets' Matcha latte is sure to leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Beyond the culinary delights, Busboys and Poets offers an inspiring and inclusive atmosphere. The walls are adorned with thought-provoking artwork, and the shelves are filled with books that promote diversity, social justice, and intellectual discourse. The space serves as a platform for local artists, poets, and musicians, fostering a sense of community and creative expression.

The service at Busboys and Poets is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The staff members are passionate about their work and the ethos of the establishment. They are always ready to offer recommendations, engage in conversations about the menu, and create a welcoming...

I'd heard of the legendary Bus Boys and Poets from folks who lived in DC and folks who'd simply visited. Overwhelmingly good reviews and on a family trip, decided to make the pilgrimage. There's multiple locations and Yelp said that reservations were made through the app so I secured that and we headed over to "450K" anticipating greatness. We walked in and I told the hostess of the reservation...she said, oh we don't do app reservations. There was a loud silence for 3 seconds or so and she said, "but we can seat your ought now." Oh. Ok. I appreciated the ambiance...my daughter perused books for a brief time and we were seated not far from the hostess stand. There are multiple dining areas so I can imagine the kerfuffle when this spot is crowded. Onward. Waitress came and was friendly, hooked up the orders and did the job. Now, a couple of things... I had a whiskey and it came pretty slowly. The 2nd one I ordered, she finally explained that there was a large party that was taking up some time at the bar. I mean, ok, but I could see the bar and the bartender was not too efficient and may have been new. I had the catfish and right before I'm about to put fork to plate, a man comes out and says, oh wait that's not the right one, it doesn't have sauce. He quickly brings another one that had the sauce and capers. I'm not a capers fan but I didn't know the original order was missing anything. It was fine...food was still good but the sauce and capers could have stayed gone.

Family enjoyed their meals, kids pasta, shrimp and grits, fried chicken. All were flavorful....