Gluten-Free at Busboys and Poets

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

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

— Not at all

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

Fun outdoor seating! Falafel wrap was delicious!

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

— Somewhat

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

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.

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?

— Average

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.

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

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.

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

— Very

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

Didn’t end up eating here because they said they do not recommend anything for celiacs, told me that everything labeled GF is “gluten free friendly” meaning no gluten ingredients but is all prepared on the same surfaces and no measures are taken to prevent CC.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— None

They have gluten free options but it’s not very good. Staff is knowledgeable but the level of precaution is questionable.. I used to eat here but I stopped because I just don’t like the food and had doubts about cross contamination.

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

— Somewhat

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

Gr8 good. Nice staff. Good entertainment.

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

— Somewhat

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

Food is good but not many GF options

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

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

— Very

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Had the nachos and they were delicious. Would recommend.

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

Went for brunch. I ended up ordering the beef tacos because there were so few decent labeled GF options for brunch. It was good, but nothing amazing.

Added ourselves to the “10 minute” waitlist on the way over but arrived to find it was actually at least 30-45. Ordered takeout instead, which took 20 minutes longer than estimated to come out and only after multiple inquiries on status.

Will try again for dinner because it’s one of the closest GF accommodating places near me, but this was not encouraging.

Not sure about celiac safety. I was able to mark “gluten allergy” on my takeout item, and there were “gluten friendly” items labeled. I’m not used to asking the right questions regarding CC yet, was with hangry family members, and am not sure I’d notice being glutened yet, as I just stopped eating gluten.

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

— Somewhat

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

No dedicated frier. “Gluten free friendly” mediocre options. They know their stuff just not the best options

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

— Not very

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

Gluten free fried chicken! Yum.

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

— Somewhat

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

All of the busboys and poets locations take food allergies seriously, and have many different offerings. When you open the menu (it is electronic now) there is a separate GF menu tab with many delicious options. Servers know enough to mark food allergies, and the kitchen knows what to do from there. Been to multiple locations and not been sick. Keep in mind that service is slow at all Busboys and Poets. This was true even before covid, and didn't matter if you're celiac or not. The food is prepared fresh; however, it can sometimes take a long time for even a server to come to your table when you sit down. This is especially true at this location, less so at the Takoma location.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Many clearly marked gluten free items on the menu- including pancakes and fries chicken (which was excellent!). Dedicated fryer, knowledgeable staff

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

Great food. They do not fry anything with gluten! Tons of vegan options. This place is a local (chain) gem!

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

— Very

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

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.

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

— Somewhat

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

Very good service and tasty food. I had an omelet with home fries and GF toast. Large servings!

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

Gluten free fried chicken! Fun atmosphere

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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

I was glutened here. I love the mission and service of this restaurant, but not all of their dishes marked gluten free are safe from contamination (the GF brussel sprouts are cooked on a surface that also cooks gluten items). The wait staff was patient and checked on a few items for me, but even though they assured me that the fried chicken (which was marked GF) was safe, I ended up with a stomach ache. I’ve had their sweet potato dish without a problem, but I now hesitate to try any other item on their menu. Sadly, I don’t think Busboys and Poets is safe for someone with celiac.

Celiac friendly?

No

Staff is pretty knowledgeable about gluten allergies, they've always been helpful and let us know what could possibly have cross-contamination. I've had breakfast (eggs and fruit) and lunch (Cobb salad with grilled chicken) here with no issues. Only 4 stars bc food is good but not amazing

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

After reading several good reviews my experience at the Hyattsville location was not good. After discussing gluten free options with the server he brought out French toast that was definitely not gluten free. I asked about the bread when it came out so luckily did not eat it. He did apologize and offered to remake gluten free but I was already uneasy after they’d completely messed up the order. They never brought the correct food order out. Everyone else at the table finished and ready to leave and I still didn’t have a replacement. The manager did take my order off our check and gave 10% off our other items but I left without getting anything besides water. One of the worst experiences I’ve had and I’ve been gluten free for many years. I think being very clear with the server would help because ours didn’t seem to have a clue about gluten free and was likely the one that brought the wrong food due to entering the order wrong.

Celiac friendly?

No

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

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

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

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food. Staff was knowledgeable. Menu indicates gf. My husband loved his fried chicken.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend to anyone.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ive been here before I had gluten intolerance and am familiar with the menu and service. I asked if specific dishes I was interested in were gluten-free. The waitress said yes. I told her I couldn’t have any gluten so I need to be sure. I then ordered an entree without the bread or cheese. The entree was delivered to me wrapped in flatbread. While I was with a group, all others already had their food when I arrived to meet them. It was also my birthday so my party (who clearly don’t all understand gluten issues) ordered me an apple fritter and ice cream desert as a surprise, from the same waitress. I was sadly unable to eat either one. Not a reliable place for gluten intolerances, clearly.

Super great place to eat. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Gluten-free menu items are clearly marked, and the staff is always willing to help you explore more options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My husband and I have been eating here regularly when we are in town. First of all, the customer service is excellent. As for the food, the gluten free options are plenty and they even have GF fried chicken! Yes indeed!

Every staff member that we have encountered is knowledgeable about their gluten free items. That says a lot for how they are trained. Also, if a menu item (mainly the sandwiches) are not marked GF, often it’s just swapping out the break for GF bread, which they have... and it’s good GF bread. All y’all out there that know what I’m talking about understand this. It matters. I’m not sure why they don’t state it on their menu. They really should.

I have not been disappointed once eating at any of the Busboys and Poets. Love the coffee drinks too 😁.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I could barely hear the server when they spoke to me after a long wait for him to come to the table. The portions were very small for the price. Everything tasted ok but it still was a bit of a letdown.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I love this place. And the toasted GF bread is awesome. I appreciate that this is something available to me.

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

Gluten free French toast! The staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. Items are marked on the menu “gluten free friendly”, they also have gf bread to substitute.

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

Awesome place, tons of GF options! The menu does periodically change but I always find a new favorite. Currently, it's the blackened salmon!

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

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.

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.

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

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

Absolutely incredible. Aside from gluten-free fried chicken and MANY other options, the drinks, service and environment are stellar.

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

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

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

Oaxaca omelet was amazing. can't wait to come back for the fried chicken.

update: went back for the French toast and it was perfect!Served with real maple syrup.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The tri-colored quinoa with chicken was outstanding. So was their creamy tomato soup & GF bread.