Busboys And Poets
4251 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA
Crema's Take
“This Arlington gathering place strikes that rare balance between a serious coffee destination and a welcoming community hub, where you're equally likely to see someone nursing a single origin pour-over for hours with their laptop as a family celebrating over an exceptional brunch. The standout service—regulars and first-timers alike rave about attentive staff like Meti—combined with thoughtfully executed dishes like perfectly seared steak with fresh arugula and asparagus elevates it beyond typical cafe fare. Whether you're after a creamy hot chocolate, a leisurely breakfast spread, or just a comfortable spot to settle in for the afternoon, the warm atmosphere and genuine care in both the coffee and food make this feel less like a chain pit stop and more like a neighborhood institution.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Let me start off that METI provided exceptional service to our table. This will bring me back in again. Their hot chocolate was super tasty and the berry with strawberry salad freshly made. Such good vibes in this restaurant. I shall return and hopefully our table can get service from Meti.
I had a fantastic brunch experience at Busboys and Poets. The food was absolutely amazing and beautifully presented. The steak with arugula and asparagus was cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and fresh. Brunch was just as good with a fluffy veggie omelet, fresh fruit, and a smooth, comforting cappuccino that tied everything together. What really made the experience stand out was our waitress, Meti. She was incredibly attentive, sweet, and made us feel well taken care of throughout brunch. Great food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back.
We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience thanks to our server, Meti. From the moment we were seated, she was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly attentive to my family and me. She was patient, knowledgeable about the menu, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of throughout the entire meal. Meti checked in on us at just the right times, made sure our orders were correct, and handled everything with a calm and positive attitude. Her professionalism and genuine kindness really stood out and made our visit feel special. It’s clear that she takes pride in her work, and because of her excellent service, our experience was even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate Meti and hope to be served by her again in the future.
A friend suggested Busboys and Poets for brunch & I intentionally didn't eat beforehand in order to have plenty of room in my tummy to chow down extensively. It was my first time dining here & all I've thought since taking both my first & last bites is "Wow, what in the lamb meatballs & falafel salad took me so long?!!!" The vibe was phenomenal; behind the host station, there was a small bookstore filled with socially-conscious literature, staff was friendly, there was ample seating & most importantly, the food was out of this world. I'm actually mad that I couldn't just get a fork & sample everything in the kitchen...especially because I came prepared wearing baggy pants with an elastic waistband. Get it together before my next visit, people ;) We ordered hummus to share & I thoroughly appreciated the hearty, perfectly seasoned portion with the incredible pita bread! Seriously, I'd like the recipe for both please...OR just an increase in my credit line so I can order an exorbitant amount & fill my freezer. My friend had the Chicken Chorizo Egg Wrap with sweet potato fries & I got the Chicken and Pancakes. As anyone with at least one functioning taste bud knows, pancakes can be a hit or miss...many are often bland rounds of rubbery, refined carbs that end up getting mercilessly drenched in syrup just to make them remotely palatable. These, however, were exceptional & I'm pretty certain they were made with a hint of vanilla. Coupled with just the right amount of sugar, they had the perfect ratio of density to fluffiness. Texture matters, people! And ZOMG (not to be confused with its predecessor "OMG"), I almost forgot about the chicken! Kudos to the person who seasoned & tenderized that bird...it was juicy & crispy beyond belief. And in classic Southern tradition, I drizzled the maple syrup over both the pancakes & the chicken. Heaven CAN be a place on earth. My only complaint is that the mango mimosa wasn't served chilled. I didn't bother reordering because I was enjoying the atmosphere, conversation & meal but it's worth noting that a room temperature mimosa is strange.
I just came back in town from a long flight and my wife and mother in law wanted to treat me out to breakfast. We went here and this place did not disappoint. I sat down and looked around the restaurant, and saw books and different forms of art across the room..and then BAM! I saw a picture of former president Barack Obama shaking hands with an employee and I immediately knew I was going to enjoy the food. Not to mention Rosa Parks was in view as well! I customized my own omelette with the required three toppings. My toppings were spinach, cheddar cheese, and chicken sausage. So good! Loved how all the flavors complimented each other! The omelette came with wheat bread; mines was a bit over cooked. For my side, I ordered the jalapeno grits. Let me tell you...FIRE 🔥🚒. The grits were so delicious 🤤. The service was great too and our waiter was very kind. Oh and the water was so clean and felt like you was drinking a fancy version of water 🌊. Overall we will be back! (Ratings) Wheat bread, 7 out of 10. Customized omelet, 10 out of 10. Jalapeno grits, 10 out of 10.
Crema Reviews
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