Busboys & Poets Opens in Shirlington- A Restaurant With A Voice- Great Food Too!
August 28th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Blue Plate Specials, Shirlington, The Native Tourist
Busboys & Poets had a quiet opening in Shirlington last week. No major press release, no fanfare, and no “opening events.” The moment you walk into the restaurant you’ll understand why. It’s understated, it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen in Shirlington and it’s going to fit right in!
I stopped in for a late lunch today. As soon as you walk in you are warmed by the atmosphere with its little book store near the entrance, it’s comfortable seating of tables and booths, the long bar and it’s back room.
More Than Good Food at Reasonable Prices
This place is about more than serving good food at reasonable prices- which it does well– it’s about the heart & soul of DC–the history of free speech, of our fight for democracy. Ok- that’s a bit much to ask of a small restaurant. But once you listen to these interviews with the owner, Andy Shallal, understand his art, you’ll understand Busboys & Poets.
This little restaurant overwhelms your senses– not just your appetite. Stop in their bookstore and you’ll find the works of Gandhi, the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other books about the struggle of oppressed people all over the world.
As you watch these videos you will learn that the owner embraces his original location because it was the epicenter of the civil right movement in the 1960s. What he may or may not know is that his new location is around the corner from Arlington’s Nauck neighborhood- which was one of the first settlements of free slaves during and after the civil war a hundred years eariler. Sadly was also the segregated portion of Arlington before the civil rights movement of the 1960s. A little tidbit of information you’ll have a hard time finding on the Arlington web site.
If the bookstore isn’t enough for you, the events are something to mark on your calendar. Whether it’s an author, a political discussion, an independent film or even open mic night, Busboys & Poets promises to be a unique addition to the neighborhood and fit right into Arlington County’s vision of Shirlington as being the Arts & Cultural hub of the county.
They are still bringing up all the features of the restaurants. The menu is established for lunch and dinner while breakfast & brunch are being added as soon as this weekend. It is also a coffee house and bar. They are still stocking the bookstore- but there are enough titles for you to find something intriguing. Or try their free-Wifi. The events have started. Check their calendar for all events.
But here is what is planned for this week:
- Wednesday, August 29th: Remember Katrina - 10% of our proceeds today will go directly to the ongoing effort to rebuild New Orleans!
- Thursday. August 30th: Open Mic Night 9PM –11PM
The Local Neighborhood Restaurant
You would expect to find a place like this in DC. In fact, their first location is in DC-14th & U streets, NW. If you haven’t been there, it’s in the same flavor as KramerBooks in Dupont Circle. Devoted staff, good food, eclectic reading, local artists and a unique DC feel. Finally, places like this have come across the river to find that Arlington is not the burbs.
Busboys & Poets have their own fan base on YouTube and flickr albums– so look at some of their past events. They just don’t want to be a restaurant, they want to be part of the community. In talking with the waiter– he told me that’s how they like to operate. They don’t believe in big advertising– but rather they want to grow “organically,” by word-of-mouth attracting the people from the neighborhood. It won’t be long before there are lines waiting for tables.
This is what makes Shirlington a different kind of Urban Village. All but two of its restaurants have their beginnings in the DC area.
Finding Busboys & Poets on The Internet & in Shirlington
Their web site is still focused on their DC location, but Shirlington has a little corner of it. I’m sure more will be added as it becomes more popular. The menu is the same. Don’t hesitate to call with any question or events. Most of the wait staff has come over from DC to help out with the opening– you don’t have to worry about people not knowing the menu. Service is efficient while not pushy, pleasant while not overbearing.
In Shirlington, they are located on the new street across from the lobby of Delancey Apartments, two door down from the Bear Rock Cafe. I’m giving the landmarks because they don’t have a big sign in front– a simple sign taped to their door. And you may not be able to find S. Campbell Street on Mapquest or GoogleMaps yet– it’s only been officially open for a few months.
Busboys & Poets
4251 S. Campbell Street
Arlington, VA 22206
703–379-9756
The next time you’re in Shirlington, make a point to stop by Busboys & Poets to welcome them to the neighborhood. Let me know what you think.
Mary - it’s always fun to learn about the special places that only Arlington County locals know about. thanks, Cyndee Haydon
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