Busboys and Poets

12 recent ratings
$$$ • Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Fried Chicken, Fries, Pizza
Safety Rating
11 ratings

As rated by the community

1025 5th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Collections
In 2 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


The food was good (though the portions were a little small for the price). GF is labeled on the menu but there are TONS of options that you can get and substitute the bread for GF bread. They’re knowledgeable, labeled my food as an allergy without me even having to ask, and have the ingredients of the food on their handheld notepad in case you have questions or want to do subs.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 weeks ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Got dinner, Salmon with rice and the house salad were delicious. However they was a lot of miscommunication between staff on what was truly safe or not.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 5 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


There is little I could eat here- because of having Celiac's. However the wait staff is very knowledgeable and helped me pick out a salad.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

Updated 5 months ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Fried Chicken
  • Fries
  • Gluten-Free Menu
  • Pizza

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Dinner
  • Healthy
  • Kid Friendly
  • Late Night
  • Lunch
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Gluten-Free at Busboys and Poets
We substituted the mashed potatoes for SWEET POTATO FRIES. They were THE BEST SWEET POTATO FRIES WE EVER HAD.
Vegan, GF nachos 🙌
Fried chicken
GF nachos
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I didn’t get sick however ordered omelette and they still brought regular toast even though I specifically said no toast and “serious gluten allergy - celiac” … also thru said cheese grits were not gf but they couldn’t say why. Didn’t inspire confidence

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


II was recently diagnosed as having Celiac so I am new to gluten free. Based on how my order arrived at the table, this is not a dedicated GF facility. I ordered the Oaxaca Omelette with home fries (not deep fried). I did ask the waitress to make sure it was a gluten free item and she assured me it was. There was no toast listed on the menu, but when the plate showed up there was toast. I took the toast off immediately and the servers went to the kitchen to see if it was gluten free - it wasn't. The omelette and potatoes was very good and I had no issues after eating the meal.

The service was very good as was the food.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great spot for brunch + books! Omelet and breakfast potatoes were delicious, and so were the mimosas. They had GF pancakes on the menu as well!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


large number of items are marked gluten free and when I asked the waiter about the fried chicken (because I was a little doubtful), she said that sometimes things with gluten go into the fryer (which didn’t make it clear if there was supposed to be a dedicated fryer or if it was just a shared). Had the beef chili soup which was good along with the nachos (I didn’t feel sick so those may have been safe, I was just really hungry and powered through those).

Based on the different knowledge levels of waiters from these reviews, I’d just go with your gut on what is naturally gluten free or what could potentially have cross contamination on how it’s made. A shame that they’re not better with their cooking because it is a very good looking menu.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Items are marked gluten-free, but done in a shared fryer. We ordered the brussels sprouts told they were gluten-free and later that they were in fact done in a shared fryer. I would not recommend if you are celiac.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Food was amazing I took every last crumb home they had gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian marked on the items that applied on the menu. the only issue was that the service was not so great, they seemed distracted and unorganized.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Not a good choice for ones with Celiac. Yes they have gluten free choices on menu, however fryer is shared and my “gluten free” salad came with two strips of crispy bread on it. Wait staff did not seem to be knowledgeable about celiac

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


No dedicated fryer for the fried chicken. I called to confirm that they have a dedicated fryer and was told that they do not. The fryer is shared with food with gluten. They told me the fried chicken was not safe for people with celiac.

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Clearly marked menu and the server knew what she was talking about. I was able to have FRIED CHICKEN for the first time in years. They have a lot of breakfast options too but they stopl serving at 3 and I missed it. Very good, cute place, worth it.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Had the nachos and they were delicious. Would recommend.

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was a little worried because the waitress did not know if the fryer was dedicated, and didn’t return with a for sure answer. But I had tacos and fries and they were excellent and I did not get sick.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Gluten free fried chicken! Fun atmosphere

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This is my second visit! I ordered the gluten free fried chicken the other night and it was amazing!! I'm ordering the nachos tonight, and confirmed GF so I think results will be good. Nice place with wonderful people. Feels good here! I'm Celiac and it's been good!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This location has moved across the street to 450 K St., NW. Tasty food, lots of options. I have eaten here safely many times.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The gluten-free fried chicken and french fries were delicious. And I had no negative reactions. They use a dedicated fryer.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


We were so excited to try this place out and were disappointed that at the hostess station a sign was posted saying that foods are in a cross-contaminated kitchen. We left.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Babe you were the other night. Their food was delicious and I didn’t have any digestive issues. Thumbs up for me

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I got sick from the food - The manager then told me that they cook the gluten free french toast, etc. on the same surface as items containing gluten.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


GF fried chicken (!!) and hazelnut chocolate cake. Both were lovely, neither gave me trouble. Space was a bit loud, but staff took the time to understand my needs through the noise.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


So happy to be able to eat gluten free French toast! They do warn you that it may not be completely free of cross contamination but they try their best. I am super sensitive and did not have a reaction. My mom is also very sensitive and she didn’t have a reaction either.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had a severe reaction here from the burger and sweet potato fries. Potentially cross contamination but those who are sensitive I would avoid.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


GF Fried Chicken was AMAZING! I made my husband order the sweet potato fries too so I could try them and they were incredible! So thankful we tried out this place!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This place is amazing! So many clearly marked GF menu options. I had the falafel as a starter which was amazing and a good portion for two to share. I ordered the vegetarian curry which was on point. According to the kitchen stuff they have four separate deep fryers in order to separate gluten as well as separate the meat from the non-meat dishes. I had some of my spouses meal and which was the catfish and corn cake which was so so so good. Zero problems with cross-contamination.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Yummy. It’s hard to find gf fried chicken but they nailed it. I will be dreaming of their sweet potato fries until I visit D.C again next

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


We went for brunch, there are clearly marked GF options and everything was delicious. Definitely will be a restaurant we go to every time we are in DC!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I have had both the pizza and the chicken without any problems. I have visited maybe 3-5 times without issues and staff is very knowledgeable about gluten!!! I will continue to go back!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Hashimoto's

Overall Rating

Review


This place is my DC favorite. GF options are clearly marked and staff are very pleasant. The fried chicken is a definite win AND they have gf dessert options

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Asymptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Highly recommend! Over 50% of the menu is GF! Chicken is cage free. Most food and product is organic and VERY fresh! Every GF item we ate was DELICIOUS! We enjoyed the fried chicken, GF bread used with the grilled bacon and cheese sandwich, and delicious hazelnut chocolate cake. Yum! Everything was super fresh. Super yummy. We will definitely go back again!

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


We really enjoyed dinner. The gluten free folks dined on French fries, fruit, mashed potatoes, the BEST nachos ever, poached pear salad and beans and wild rice. Seriously delicious. The only things fried in the fryer are GF. When our server didn't know the answers to my gluten free and allergy questions the manager came over. Very nice and very knowledgeable

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I appreciated the fact that I had more than one gf choice for dinner. I get irritated when there is only one thing...and it is something I don't like. I had the shrimp and grits. They were very good. I did taste my husband's fried chicken, also gf. Everything was good. I had the gf hazlenut cake. It was a little dry...but I'm not complaining. As a side note, my bil is df and had the regular pizza with the df cheese--and loved it. He ate the whole thing, which is very unlike him.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Numerous GF options, quality food and huge portions.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Was excited to get fried gluten free foods, but asked before ordering if they use a dedicated gf fryer and the manager said no. They have 2 fryers... One for vegetarian food and one for non-vegetarian foods. Ended up going somewhere else since I have celiac and can't have foods cross-contaminated.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent fried chicken. There is a good selection of gluten free items and service was great. They have a good knowledge of gluten allergies and take every precaution to assure the customer it is safe to eat.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing food and diligently gluten free! Plus I met Angela Davis here 😍

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great food, GF options, terrific service.

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


So thankful for places like this where a Celiac can eat fried food safely. I had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes under delicious white gravy. Southern cooking without gluten, and it was only about $15. First time I'd had fried chicken at a restaurant since diagnosis. The gravy made it even better. As an appetizer, we had nachos. The toppings were great, though the chips left a bit to be desired.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Very reliably delicious. Went for brunch and got Mekhleme, an Iraqi dish with eggs, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Delicious. This local chain clearly marks regular menu with GF symbol, though not brunch menu. They were happy to check with chef on dishes for me the first time I came, so I ordered the same thing this time around. Most brunch items come with toast, and as a non-celiac I didn't bother alerting them not to include it this time - I simply didn't eat it. It wasn't a problem on my first visit asking them to leave it out, and I'm pretty sure they let me sub for fruit. they're very knowledgeable and cater to special diets (vegan, etc.)

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The waiter let me know that vegan and gluten were their specialty, so they would make sure I was taken care of. I ordered an omelette, and asked for mixed greens instead of their other side options. It was great, I'd definitely go back!

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was looking at their menu to see what their gluten free options were. I noticed the Chicken Barley Soup was listed as one of their gluten free options!!!! I called the restaurant and was told there was not wheat in the soup and was therefore gluten free. I educated the manager and he said he would contact their department/person who handled the menu to have them change it. Based on this error, I did not feel comfortable going to this restaurant and I was not sure what other mistakes have been made in their labeling.

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious! Loved the fried chicken. I would definitely return.

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Honestly the best gluten free pizza I have had. I get it every time I'm on town and have never had a problem with cross contamination. Their menu is very clearly marked and the staff generally knowledge, with the widest variety of options I've found in the city so far. I never feel like I have to worry when I eat there.

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Reviews of this Chain

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My non celiac husband enjoyed the food. Mine was delicious also but I got sick as it’s Gluten Free Friendly but not safe for celiacs. I didn’t order anything fried and still got sick.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My friends and I ate at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets yesterday and it was a very good experience. I am celiac and had read the reviews of the GF fried chicken. It was delicious! I haven’t eaten fried chicken for years! And our server Josh was there when we needed him. In the past I have had very spotty experience with Busboys and Poets, both in service and also in their understanding of what GF means, (once, after ordering a GF dish, it came with regular bread toast points). When I questioned the server he told me just to not eat the toast points. Anyway, glad I came back

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Is a good spot if you are only gluten intolerant but not great for celiacs. Not a lot of the menu is truly gluten free with no risk of cross contamination and your dining experience is dependent on your server and whether they understand your needs and can clearly communicate with the kitchen. I’ve had ok experiences eating here but always worry about my meal and whether I can trust the staff to do a good job.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


They don’t have a separate fryer, so everything fried that says GFF, is not celiac safe.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Quality food but not safe for celiacs

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

More Info