Gluten-Free at Busboys and Poets

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.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Good

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.

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

— 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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

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

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

— 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

— 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?

— Excellent

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.

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

— 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/None

Quality food but not safe for celiacs

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

— 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

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

— Good

Disappointing. Their menu has lots of “gluten friendly foods” but the majority is not gluten free as it’s in a shared fryer. Booo. Also the nachos are def not GF.

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

— 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/None

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

— Below Average

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

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

— 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?

— Below Average

The Baltimore location does not offer gluten free pancakes as generally advertised for all locations.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

Went here for a work gathering and asked the manager about their kitchen policies to ensure food is gluten free and minimize risk of cross-contact. Was told that no such policies exist. Shared fryer, shared stovetops, shared utensils. Ended up not ordering anything.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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.

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

— 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?

— Excellent

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!

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

— 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

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

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.

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

— 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?

— Most/All

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

— Good

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.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• 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?

— Most/All

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 dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies

Great gluten free fried chicken! The sides, mashed potatoes and collard greens, were delicious as well. It’s been years since I’ve had a southern meal that included fried anything. They have other gluten free options, clearly marked, on their menu. The decor is very nice as well, especially given its in the middle of the John Hopkins campus.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Being Celiac a rare treat that I missed was fried chicken. Then we went to Busboys and Poets… I was amazed by the fried chicken dinner, mashed potatoes with gravy and collard greens!! So delicious! The wait staff and ambiance is absolutely a delight. Great food !

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

— 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

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

— 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?

— 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

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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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/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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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

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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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.