Rumor Mill

Busboys & Poets, a D.C.-Based Progressive-Leaning Restaurant/Bookstore, Seeks Mission Location

Busboys & Poets, which describes itself as “a restaurant, bookstore, fair trade market and gathering place where people can discuss issues of social justice and peace” — and is therefore a perfect fit for S.F. — looks to be expanding outside the D.C. area where it already has three locations. Via a tipster, Grub Street learns that the politically minded concern has been working with local real estate agents to find a location in the Mission. The Busboys & Poets flagship at 14th and V Streets in D.C. was opened in 2005 by owner Anas “Andy” Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur, and the name is a reference to Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy before gaining fame as a poet.

The menu, summed up as “Comfort food at its best,” ranges from pizzas and paninis to more hearty entrées like scallop risotto, pan-fried chicken, and meatloaf. Also expect open mic nights, book readings, etc. The only question we have is, given that Mission progressives are arguably *more* progressive than those in and around D.C., will they ever go for a progressive gathering place that’s both a) not vegan, and b) a chain? We’ll update you if we learn of any locations they have their eye on. And keep sending us tips! [Grub Street]

Busboys & Poets, a D.C.-Based Progressive-Leaning Restaurant/Bookstore, Seeks