Busboys and Poets in Downtown Columbia, Maryland, is a two-story 7,000 sq. ft. restaurant and bookstore that opened in 2021. The nearly 400-seat location is Founder and CEO Andy Shallal’s eighth and largest location so far. The shell building, also designed by JP2 Architects, provides a second-floor terrace that will be activated with outdoor seating that overlooks Color Burst Park at Merriweather District, a park that provides year-round activities for the community. In addition, the restaurant is adjacent to Merriweather Post Pavilion, offering patrons a space to mingle and relax before and after shows at the outdoor concert venue.
The restaurant’s interior was designed to embrace the eclectic and unique atmosphere that Busboys and Poets is known for. Creating a space where community could be cultivated was imperative, and the JP2 Architects team worked closely with Shallal to achieve this. The interior spaces include a bookstore, several dining areas, two bars, one at each floor, a private dining room, and room for private events, reading, open mic nights, and other programing.
JP2 Architects, LLC