If you work downtown, Treebeards is a solid lunch option, especially on Thursdays and Fridays when they run the catfish special. The special comes with one or two catfish filet(s) and two sides. Idk if they switched to only one which is my latest experience but a couple weeks ago, my coworker received two. The fish is pretty good, fried hard, and it's real catfish. Keep that swai mess away from me most days. The sides are okay, nothing I'd go out of my way for. I've gotten the mac & cheese and collard greens. They used to have mustard back in the day. I'm also a fan of their red beans and rice with sausage, add the cheese and onions! It's a good meal and has a nice little kick to it. Don't forget the jalapeño cornbread. I do think it's a little pricey for what it is, but it's still worth adding. Service is overall good. Since they're connected to the tunnel system, they get a lot of lunch traffic, so don't be surprised if there's a wait during peak hours. It kind of comes with the territory. One thing I really appreciate is the hydration station at the pickup area. They keep cups of ice ready so you can fill up with water right there. It's a small touch, but a thoughtful one. Overall, it's a dependable downtown lunch spot that I keep in the rotation. read more

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Amazing consistent great tasting food! Price is fair too. Service is excellent. Everything is very clean.

This Treebeards location is located in the underground of Houston's downtown/midtown area. It's in a relatively convenient spot for those that work in the area. Luckily, my team/client is less than a 5 minute walk from Treebeards, so we frequent it quite offen. There's usually a long line but it goes by quickly. Treebeards is cafeteria style with specials (entrees/sides) that aren't the same everyday. However, they do a have a set menu that they do serve everyday. As mentioned above, my team frequents this location often, so my first month, we were eating Treebeards on a weekly basis. Needless to say, I got tired of it and then our team went on a one-month hiatus from Treebeards. However, not having it for so long made me take the food for granted. It's not the best meal in the Underground, but it's definitely not the worse. The food is a solid 3.5 stars and gets the job done. I usually get the grilled chicken breast with a side of dirty rice/mixed vegetables. The chicken is a 4/5 but highly inconsistent being dry at times. The dirty rice is a solid side and I usually like to be healthy and get the vegetables to balance out my meal. Overall, Treebeards is a very solid lunch option for those working in the area for a quick bite. Expect to see me back here with my team. read more

The absolute worst food I have ever had. The chicken and sausage gumbo is a joke! Barely any chicken and sausage! They should call it green pepper gumbo! Very bland taste! A $6 serving was tiny. Would not recommend eating here at all! read more

Treebeards - Chicken and sausage gumbo. Might as well call it green pepper gumbo! Do you see any chicken or sausage?! - Southern Near Me - Houston, Texas

The sides here are quite yummy with its Mac and cheese, red beans and rice. I like that they have decent vegan/vegetarian options as well. Unfortunately, they took off from the menu the "chicken fried" cauliflower with mushroom gravy and this was my favorite! Ever since then, the food has been a bit more inconsistent for me... also, the food can take a bit during lunch break. read more

Clean, great service and above all, deliciously consistent food. Working downtown, this is my comfort food place. You can't go wrong with trying new things on the menu because everything is delicious. read more

Treebeards - Shrimp etouffee - Southern Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great food at reasonable prices! I was born and raised in New Orleans and I approve of the southern food here. It's nice to have a satisfying meal downtown for a cost of less than $10. As long as I avoid the peak times, I can get my food very quickly. read more

Treebeards - Rookie plate: red beans and rice and seafood gumbo - Southern Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is my favorite secret non-secret lunch spot in downtown Houston. It's very convenient for folks working in downtown. It's a cafeteria style and the line does tend to get long but surprisingly runs very quickly. They could give Chick-fil-A a run for their money on efficiency. I have a few favorites from the regular menu. I highly suggest you try some of the following: Shrimp etouffe ( this is my absolute favorite here ) Red beans and rice Chicken fried chicken Corn bread Carrot cake (just get it, you know you really want it). Pricing is also very affordable at about 10 to 15 a person. They've got table set up in the hall.... Cafeteria style. Each table will seat eight people. So you are good to come here if you've got a group of people. While it feels like it's packed when you first walk in there's always a couple tables open to be seated at. read more

Convenient location for those working downtown, delicious food at a great price, and a staff that is friendly and efficient are a few of the reasons I come here often for lunch! I took away one star for the condescending way the current manager talks to his employees. Mistakes will be made; it's how they're handled that makes all the difference between a happy work environment and a stressfuk one. Customers are much more understanding than he thinks! read more

It all comes down to what you prefer. I tried something different while I was at work I didn't go into it with the mindset that it will taste like the food back home. I orders a combination of étouffée and red beans and rice. Overall the food was okay; it probably just needed to be cooked a little longer and needed just a little more flavor. read more

If you can't make it to the Treebeard's in Market Square, then try the take-away on Rusk for people on the go. The Jalapeno Cornbread is to die for. And they make my beloved Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Who could ask for more. Well, Treebeard's offers a daily special too - your Southtern Entree with your choice of sides. Like I said, don't miss your chance to get the Jalapeno Cornbread with this. The mashed potatoes are extra good. Plus, they serve up some darn good red beans and rice. If you still feel like you have some room left for dessert, order the buttercake. It is just as delicious as it sounds. Mmmmm...buttercake. Comfort food to go. Treebeard's serves it up Southern style all week long. read more

Treebeards - Southern Near Me - Houston, Texas

Chicken and dumplings, jambalaya, gumbo, chicken fried chicken -this is southern comfort, ya'll, with a touch of Cajun. There are also salads right up front on an ice trough, which additionally houses a giant clam shell. For reals. The menus slightly differ at each location. Here they have a special every day with alternating gumbo's and jambalaya's. For instance, Mon-Wed. you're looking at sausage and chicken gumbo while on Thurs. and Fri. it's seafood gumbo. My dad loves the gumbo, but he says it's not spicy enough. He usually adds a bit of Tabasco. The first time I had the chicken fried chicken it was spectacular. The second time I happened to take a later lunch and it tasted like it sat out a while and was not as good. I doubt this is a problem for anyone during the lunch rush because it gets really busy here and hot, fresh food is constantly replacing the empty tins. Today's jambalaya was good and I like their red potato mashed potatoes. They have creamy gravy, albeit not quite enough pepper for my taste. This is set up cafeteria style and even if the end of the line is outside of the restaurant, you're really not going to wait as long as you might think. Pay attention to the menu board before grabbing a tray and drink, because you might feel rushed and panic while trying to decide when you get to the food. This exact scenario happened to me my first visit and I got mad. But that's me -short tempered and don't like being rushed. There are two cashiers, which means two stations to get a bread basket and dessert if you like. The bread's free. Seating is a pain. The only pain here, but a pain in my ass nonetheless. Although I waited tables for about a year in my younger days it kind of terrifies me to walk around with my tray hunting for an open table. One time my dad and I slowly walked around the restaurant twice before we could sit. I will give the bussers some major kudos, though. Those guys are on top of it as soon as a table clears. read more

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I like cajun food, but I think I'm the only person who thinks this place is just okay. Since I work nearby, this place is always a favorite amongst my team members. It's definitely not a sit-and-wait-to-be served restaurant but instead more like a cafeteria (like Luby's). They have a regular set menu with options like gumbo, etoufee, jambalaya as well as daily specials. People here seem to rave about the chicken fried chicken and the beans and rice. I personally haven't ordered them since they look extremely unhealthy so I usually settle for the grilled chicken, broccoli + carrots, and on occasion, and the shrimp and sausage jambalaya. Make sure to come early because there will be a line if you come during prime time and you also have to find yourself a table. The servers are pretty quick at clearing tables, but it can be annoying trying to find a table if you're here with a big party. Since 99% of the world seems to like this place, you probably will too but it's definitely not my first choice when it comes to having lunch in the tunnels. read more

Life's short. When you make a mistake and leave something out not big deal. But when you have an attitude about it and do not verbalize an apology it's time to move on. This was the second and last time for me to visit this location. Lots of other restaurants in the tunnel. read more

Treebeards has consistently excellent fresh good food. The problem is - their best offerings are fattening and if I go, I will be tempted so I tend to save going there for a special occasion. Also, FYI, this is a lunch-only spot. I love just about everything but having worked and eaten my way through downtown for the past 10 years (god - I sound like a glutton!), here is my Treebeards "Hall of Fame" : - Their Meatloaf is a massively thick, juicy portion of meatloaf that comes topped with a spicy tomato sauce - The Chicken Fried Chicken is nirvana. The light brown crust sits lightly atop a large moist chicken breast and is served with thick cream gravy flecked with bits of pepper which is HIGHLY addictive. - The mashed potatoes are real mashed potatoes with small potato hunks and a few potato skins (hey- a girl's gotta have some fiber!) - Treebeard's Squash Casserole is what you wish you could find on your Thanksgiving table. Cheesy, oniony, squash goodness with a chewy cheese browned crust. I am also a huge fan of their Broccoli with Shallots and don't get me started on their Fresh Corn. To die for. - If you are trying to be on a diet, try their Gazpacho Soup which is a cold spicy tomato soup with a variety of diced vegetables. It is quite good if you have a cup of warm mashed potatoes alongside so you don't feel quite so deprived! Now for their mouth-watering desserts. After careful selection and much testing , here are my top 3 favorites: - Buttercake: Tooth-achingly sweet but incredibly delicious - Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing: This hunk of moist layer vanilla cake is thickly spread with a delectable homemade chocolate frosting that is superb. I have been known to have just this for lunch and have been very happy afterwards. - Chocolate Chip Cookie: Amazingly good. You can taste that it is made with real butter and chocolate. Treebeards gets my very highest rating - do yourself a favor and go! read more

If you work in Downtown Houston, don't be the only one who's never eaten at Treebeards! It's located in the church, I believe inside the Parish Hall so don't be surprised if you get that Sunday Church Bell feeling.. If you're a fan of cafeteria food as I am, Treebeards is the place to be! I love this place.. it's a cross between good ole' southern Paula Dean cooking and a high school cafeteria. I miss school (NOT hospital) cafeteria food and i love Paula Dean recipes (minus the 4 sticks of butter she uses for everything)! I've tried the crawfish etouffee, a few casseroles and the chicken fried chicken w/ corn & mashed potatoes.. *DROOL* There's usually a couple of cajun dishes for the day.. to me, that's a plus. They have all the desserts located right before you pay.. I've never tried any but they look good enough to get a hold on one of them one day.. Depending on the day, some times the church choir comes out to sing a little soul while you eat :) Luby's, Piccadilly & Wyatt's ain't got nothin' on Treebeards! I haven't worked downtown for about 2yrs so I miss this place and hope to be back soon. Hopefully no changes were made. read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat lunch during my work day. I can get a small red beans & rice (with cheese), a soda and a cookie for under $6...which in my opinion is amazing considering how high-quality the food is. It's always so fresh and delicious, no ifs, ands or buts. Their yellow cake with chocolate icing is the best in the city...and the serving is HUGE...not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. Ok, it's good. They basically serve great southern home-cookin' style food, but it's never greasy or too buttery or anything. I almost feel healthy when I eat there, although it might not be. Who knows. They always have a lovely assortment of veggies to choose from as well if you don't want red beans & rice or a chicken or anything. Often times I get the vegitarian red beans & rice. Mmmmm. I also recommend their corn puddin' and their mashed potaters. It's always insanely immaculate in there so I can only assume their kitchen is the same. The managers (and/or owners) seem to run a tight ship and it shows on every level. Everyone from the servers to the cashiers are always super nice. There's a great space upstairs for sitting if downstairs gets too full...I actuall prefer it up there. It's really open and airy. And they even have a balcony you can sit on that looks out over Market Square. The pigeons are very polite up there and will keep you company while you eat. Parking can be tricky if you're not just walking over from your office, but it's downtown Houston, so what do you expect. If I had to pick one negative thing about Treebeards it would be that their not open for dinner or on weekends. Otherwise, it's perfection...pigeons included. read more

I have a different way of rating things in the tunnels. Any tunnel restaurant would get minus one star above ground. For example, Treebeards is a three star restaurant above ground but a four star tunnel restaurant. Treebeards is one of the better places in the tunnels. The food is fast food Cajun. When i am there, I typically get the red beans and rice with sausage and cheese. This is enough food for two people. I haven't really had a chance to try too many other options, though I do like the gumbo. If you do see a long line, don't fret. The line moves fast and they are pretty efficient. Don't forget the pepper sauce. read more

The food is great home-cooked meals, and for $6.95 you can get the daily lunch special which includes an entree and 2 sides! yippeee~ The quality and freshness is above what other places around there offer. To-go only. No tables. Very Fast service. read more

This location is my lunch go to spot, it's cheap, fast, fulfilling and healthy. Their cashers are super nice and on the spot. Normally, it takes me less than ten minutes from waiting in line to get the food. My favorite healthy lunch combo is meatloaf + broccoli and carrots + chicken soup, it has low calorie, high protein and high fiber. You can make it pure paleo by ditch the bread but the bread taste so good... One star off as I tried their baked chicken breast once but it taste old and sour, it is either over cooked or the meat is not fresh. I never order that dish again. Everything else taste just great. read more

The food here is great and the location is perfect if you live close by. Unfortunately, you can only eat here if you work downtown. Can you please help Me understand why America's 4th largest city has restaurants downtown that are not open on weekends/past 2pm?!? Folks, not everyone in Houston lives in Conroe!? Yall are seriously missing out on thousands in sales every weekend by remaining closed. I'm boycotting until Treebeards has normal hours read more

This place in INCREDIBLE. Back before they moved to lunch only service we used to come here all the time for dinner. Then they realized that they were doing such great lunch business that they didn't have to be open for dinner. I have been there once or twice since, but only because i am never in downtown around lunch time. If they were still open for dinner i would be there all the time. The cafeteria style cajun food concept just works. Red beans and rice are out of this world. Machoux (sp?) is fantastic. The buttercake for dessert is also great. As someone who has cajun/east Texas roots, this place just makes me feel like home. read more

Way back when I worked at the Houston Chronicle (about 1989-92) this was a once-a-week lunch destination. I just love love their red beans and rice (with sausage) and their cornbread is legendary. Back then, there was always a huge line, but it always moved fast. Often I'd take my awesome box to the Pennzoil Tower (not sure what it's called now) lobby to eat, because the place was always full. There's also a Treebeard's in the tunnel (most Houstonians don't even know about the tunnel, or how awesome it is on a hot day). Anyway, haven't been there in years (it's not open on weekends) but it's great to see they are still getting great reviews. read more

I would go here ALL THE TIME if I lived in Houston. Their food is INCREDIBLE. As an amazing choice for lunch in downtown the line is always long but goes super quick. This joint has their cornbread, literally, together. I had the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and salad which came with bread. My husband had the fried chicken, beans & rice and cornbread. Breakdown: - We both agreed the fried chicken was excellent. - I'm a huge connoisseur of mashed potatoes and I thought they were top-tier. - My husband said they were the best beans & rice he ever had (though admittedly he hasn't ate a whole lot in his life). - We both thought the cornbread was outstanding. - I was so full I didn't eat the salad but it looked great. Not sure if the husband ever ate it. I WISH they would expand to my city! read more

Can I just tell you, I STILL have my Treebeards fan from 1994 while on business for the Southern Pacific Railroad??? (Did I just date myself--OMG!) Shrimp and Crawdad Etoufee. Hot buttery cornbread. Steamingly lovely greens. Yams to make you yell... I miss y'all! I'll be back in March!!!! read more

Yum yum yum! Went with five people and even though they were busy the place is bug enough and we could all sit down together. Everyone raved about their food. I cheated on my no seafood rule and got the boiled shrimp salad and it was perfect and light for lunch! And more than enough food! U hear the red beans and rice and gumbo are good too. Don't forget to get a slice of jalapeno cornbread! read more

Decent Cajun food. If you don't know what true new Orleans Cajun food taste like then you'll enjoy it. Otherwise you'll leave wanting spicy and less button and veggies chopped smaller. The seafood gumbo is but only served on Thursday and Friday's. read more

Got food from their SL pop up today. The ordering process was smooth and very friendly. Loved that they are coming out to the suburbs. The family absolutely loved their chicken fried chicken with sides and French bread. The desserts (esp the butter cake) were delicious. Vegan red beans were great. I had to take one star off for the disgusting baked fish. Unfortunately was a waste of money and went in the trash. Too lemony and a weird fishy smell. They also forgot the rice that was ordered. read more

Consistent and quality food and convenient for the downtown lunch folks. For Their products are always fresh. Some of my favorites are their chicken and sausage gumbo, beef chili, chicken fried chicken with their creamy mashed potatoes, creole vegetables, squash casserole and pear and walnut salad. The staff is super friendly and efficient. You'll see a long line but it moves at a steady pace. I go once a week. read more

If McDonalds made Cajun food this would be it. Actually good food but everything taste the same. The funky fresh corn with garlic salt. Why? Eat here if you want - at least it is cheap. read more

Treebeards catered a meeting I attended a while back and I was glad they did! Maybe I can get my friends to get their wedding catered by Treebeards? read more

The Treebeards downtown was tasty and very affordably priced, and the location at Market Square is great, but why can't they extend their hours so some of us people who don't work downtown can eat there more than once in a lifetime? It's very rare that I'm downtown on a weekday before 9-5 but I would go there at 6 to eat dinner if they were open. read more

Went here on a whim for lunch while at work in downtown Houston. Decided to try to be healthy and get the special of baked chicken with broccoli & carrots and mustard greens as my sides. It was AMAZING! The portion was perfect, the boneless skinless chick breast was super flavorful and has a hint of lemon. I was most impressed with the FRESH veggies. Carrots were obviously freshly peeled and cut and the broccoli was also fresh. The meal was light, had great flavor and absolutely perfect! I can't wait to go back and try more!!! read more

Will never understand the hype behind this place. Ordered the red beans and rice as that is usually my favorite Creole dish. Was pretty gross, they put cheese on it which was really unsettling. And it was lacking flavor. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. If you like real Creole food this is probably not the place to go. read more

Delicious, good value. I've had the gumbo, ettouffee, corn bread, and bread pudding. I wish they were open more!

God this stuff was yummy whe I worked for the opera!!!

Food was ok. Having lived in New Orleans I've been spoiled with home cooked cajun. We ordered the gumbo and the etouffee. It's definitely not want I'm used to. read more

Amazing shrimp ettouffe, the best in Texas. the gumbo shop in Louisiana has the best one in the world. This places is super busy, and they are open for lunch only. Worth the drive and the wait. read more

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo and Shrimp Etouffee are all great. Love coming here when in downtown Houston.

Love watching busy Houston from the Louisiana style balcony. Great service.