New restaurant, bar and express service now open in Concourse D
ARLINGTON, VA – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is undergoing an exciting transformation with the introduction of new local dining options. The latest addition is Busboys and Poets, a popular D.C. gathering spot that blends food, culture, and community. It makes its debut in Concourse D with a full-service restaurant, bar, and express service. Guests can enjoy a vibrant café atmosphere while savoring a diverse menu of globally inspired cuisine.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Master ConcessionAir, LLC (MCA), and our Fraport Washington Partnership team, travelers can enjoy one of the city’s cherished gathering spots. Busboys and Poets is designed to encourage connections over delicious food, drinks, and engaging conversations. This new location reflects the culture of Washington, D.C., and is a wonderful addition to our program at DCA,” said Sabine Trenk, CEO of Fraport USA Inc.
“We welcome Busboys and Poets as a new destination restaurant, which is a key milestone of the ongoing transformation inside Terminal 2 at Reagan National,” said Jaimini Erskine, vice president for marketing and concessions at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “This restaurant provides our travelers with a sense of place, a taste of home and a connection to our region’s identity.”
The original Busboys and Poets, located at 14th and V Streets NW in the historic U Street Corridor, was founded in 2005 by local artist-restaurateur Andy Shallal. The name is inspired by the renowned poet Langston Hughes, who once worked as a busboy in Washington, D.C. Today, eight locations across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia offer food, books, culture, and art, hosting open mic nights, poetry readings, author talks, and community events.
“Opening Busboys and Poets at DCA is a tremendous milestone, which reflects the power of strong partnerships and a shared vision, and we are deeply grateful for the collaboration and support of MWAA, Fraport USA, and the exceptional team at Busboys and Poets,” said William Alberni, COO of Master ConcessionAir, LLC, which operates this and several concepts at DCA. “Together, we are bringing one of the region’s most iconic and community-driven brands to travelers at a world-class airport, creating a welcoming space that celebrates culture, conversation, and exceptional hospitality.”
Guests can enjoy an all-day menu that features vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant and bar, which spans 1,200 square feet, offers a welcoming ambiance for dining. For those seeking a quick bite, the 844-square-foot express counter offers convenient carry-out. The menu includes breakfast dishes, small plates, entrées, salads, sandwiches, burgers, paninis, desserts, and cocktails. Located near Gate D37, Busboys and Poets restaurant and bar and Busboys and Poets Express are open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Founder Andy Shallal stated, “Busboys and Poets is a place where great food is served in an environment that celebrates art, culture, and community. We look forward to sharing the spirit and values of Busboys and Poets with visitors from around the world.”
The new restaurant is part of an expanding selection of local offerings in the reimagined concessions program at DCA. Other recent arrivals include Colada Shop, Atlas Brew Works, Zeke’s Coffee, and Lucky Buns. Soon, Wiseguy Pizza will serve D.C.’s favorite slices in Concourse C.
