I teach English, and even if I didn’t, I challenge anyone to attempt to read Langston Hughes’ Harlem without it bringing about provocative questions. When an opportunity presents itself to combine food and poetry, I will not say “no”. It just ain’t gonna happen. Add cool art and undeniable energy, and you’ve got Busboys and Poets. 



Wait. It gets better. This is a restaurant with heart. They care. They ethically source ingredients. They carefully choose eggs, coffee, packaging, cleaning products… Wait… There’s also a bookstore!!! (Forgive the squirrel moment.)



This place has oodles of ambiance. It should be in movies. There’s something interesting to see in every direction. They’ve also got free wifi and plenty of places to charge up or work. It would be a regular hangout for me for sure if I lived in DC. 

Did I mention there’s cool art?



And then, more cool art?



And then, there’s this incredible menu with different tastes and treats. It’s American fare but done so well. They have soups and salads and pizzas and paninis and burgers and sandwiches and coffees and desserts. 



When I glanced at this grab-my-attention-and-shake-me-with-all-the-delicious-options menu, I was particularly intrigued by something called a Mediterranean Burger. 

For the majority of my life, I’ve avoided lamb. Once upon a time, in a childhood far, far away, I had some stout tasting lamb and decided I wasn’t a lamb person. But this past summer, I was shown the error of my ways. I am a lamb person, and since I haven’t tried to properly cook it myself, I have lamb when out at every chance I get. 

Have you had a gyro? Think of the moistest, Greek ideal seasoned, undeniably lamb with finely diced onions, herbs, and seasonings in the patty, with a yummy tomato, cucumber, and feta salad on top of the proportional patty, all nestled in a hug of fluffy pita. Now, imagine all that savory goodness melding together in some sort of Greek harmony counterpointed with a slightly sour, touch of dairy bitter yogurt. That’s the Mediterranean Burger. And it is sensational!!!



And look, a joint so aptly named has got me writing!!! That’s when you know it’s not good but GREAT food!