Oh my gosh, Treebeard's is awesome. I went there about once a week when I worked for the Chronicle in the late 80s and early 90s. It's the best red beans and rice (with sausage). It took me a couple of tries before I could eat a whole order. The cornbread is awesome too. I just wish they were open on weekends (somebody let me know if they are now!) so I could go there, as I don't live in Houston anymore. Seriously, lots of great food for cheap! read more

Seriously good homestyle cooking. If you need a "hug" mid work day go here. The lunch specials are always good with generous helpings.

Age old staple of Downtown. I'm loving the Saturday hours so I can actually get to have lunch here. For those of us who have ever worked downtown and then not, we miss this place so it's working out great. I can rarely visit without getting the Grilled Chicken with Basil Vinaigrette. It's hard to pass up the Chicken Fried Chicken, but the grilled is my first love. Add in some Blackeyed Peas & Ham (when did you stop calling it Hoppin' John?) and I'm covered for my meal. Naturally, you have to have a piece of buttercake or brownie to go for later. I'd you haven't been, head in to downtown now. read more

Favorite downtown lunch spot. Cafeteria style cajun food. Really really good and great atmosphere.

Great Cajun/Down South Cafeteria Restaurant. Open lunch hours during the work week. Each day they have 3 different specials. Main dish with 2 sides for about 10 bucks. The dishes i usually get are: Chicken Friend Chicken with mashed potatoes and white gravy (4/5 rating) - A great chicken fried chicken. i like the white gravy and request for it over both my chicken and the mashed potatoes. I get a fruit cup as my 2nd side Baked Catfish over dirty rice covered in ettouffe topping (5/5 rating) - My favorite dish at this place. Ettouffe topping is the wildcard. Adds great flavors Blackened Catfish over dirty rice covered in ettouffe topping (5/5 rating) -Just as good as the baked catfish but get a little more Cajun flavors with this one being blackened. A little salty though. For this one, you will have to request for the ettouffe topping if you want it and pay a little extra. With the baked catfish it comes with it and you don't have to pay extra. They other sides as well in addition to the mashed potatoes, dirty rice, and fruit cup that i usually get. They include: red beans and rice, mustard greens, jalapeño corn bread, vegetable soup, A few others i can't think of right now. Great desserts too. I've had the chocolate layer cake and the yellow cake with chocolate cream. Both were excellent. read more

I have been trying to get to Treebeards for years, literally! But as they are not open on the weekends or for dinner, it makes it difficult for us non-downtown workers to get some of this delicious cajun food! I picked my friend up from work (I had the day off) and we made a beeline for Treebeards. We found street parking around Market Square. When we walked in we were a little confused, but it is a line service type of place. We grabbed some lemonade and jumped in line. There was no signs as to what they were serving so I asked what was available and I decided on the shrimp etouffee as did my friend who has dined as one of their other locations in downtown. I also grabbed a jalapeno corn bread, I even got to pick if I wanted a side, middle or corner piece. While checking out I got serenaded by the employee, love it! If you can't find a seat downstairs there is more tables upstairs. I wish it had been a cooler day, then we could have sat outside. It also looks like the upstairs could be rented out for a party. It was a very nice place for a office party or something. It even has a bar. There is tons of room for groups to eat. I am so jealous of everyone that can walk to Treebeards for lunch. read more

Soooo yea, I have heard great things about this place, and it was tasty but one of my huge pet pevs is luke warm food.....i got the red beans and rice and you know your food is not hot enough when the cheese on top of it does not come close to melting. That was disappointing. But the chicken fried chicken that I stole a bite of was delicious read more

Wow the food at this restaurant is great! I've been passing by this place for awhile now and said that I was going to check it out one day. That was a long time ago, and I regret that I didn't try it out sooner. First off, they were super fast. It's cafeteria type regarding picking your items but definitely not cafeteria food. the red beans and rice and the shrimp etouffe were spicy and great. Authentic Louisiana type of food. I really enjoyed it and I will be bacl! read more

I had to give this place one more try. The first visit was disappointing. This time around I had the shrimp etouffee and bread pudding. The etouffee had more than its fair share of huge pieces of shrimp and it was happily loaded with mouthwatering flavor. Just like the first visit the bread pudding was absolutely spectacular. I just wish it was warm. My girlfriend had meatloaf and I stole a bite and it was delicious. I'll have to make another trip to this place. read more

I honestly don't see why people rave about this place. I work downtown and I have been to this place several times with coworkers and colleagues. I have had good cajun food and this simply is not it. First of all, the atmosphere is uninspired. I understand that this is a busy and popular place for professionals to frequent, but the general ambiance could use an update. However, I suspect that because of how busy they are, it isn't realistic to except that any time soon. The real issue I have is with the food. I don't mind the cafeteria style presentation. I just find the food not at all that interesting. I think the food is over-hyped amongst downtown professionals, which is a shame because of all the other interesting and fun options available to them. I think the food is just too bland to qualify as good cajun cooking. I have a lot of family in Louisiana and I grew up eating lots of good cajun food, so perhaps I am just picky when it comes to cajun cuisine, but the food really needs some help. I have tried the gumbo, the fried chicken, and various other dishes. Nothing I have had is all that good. I ate it because generally some attorney took me there for lunch and I wanted to be polite, but it is not all worth the money spent on it. If you are downtown and looking for some good food, there are plenty of good options that are reasonably affordable. Treebeards is not one of those places. read more

Red beans and rice baby... and many other Cajun dishes like gumbo and etouffee! It's a great place for lunch and it's cafeteria style. You go through a line and say "I want some of that and some of that, and that too!" It's good home cooking comfort food. And of course, the dessert pies are right before the checkout! Hit me when I'm weak. Can't say no. Treebeards has several locations in downtown Houston (in the tunnels I believe), but this is the only location I've ever been too. You gotta try this place out. read more

Cafeteria style service: stand in line, grab your drink, tray, napkin, silverware and then your meal before you pay. So bummed my phone died before I could take a photo of my first ever gumbo and jambalaya. I can tell you though this place will not disappoint! My husband and I came hungry and left satisfied. We both got the chicken fried chicken with mash potatoes and gravy (the best!) and 2 sides (lots of sides to choose from) If its a nice sunny day like it was today and you have time you should definitely eat on the second floor outside on the patio, the view is beautiful!! Enjoy the simple things like watching people walk by, the blue skies and when we were there lots of construction was happening, I thought that was cool. We paid 3.50 (1hr) for street parking. read more

See all

You can't go wrong with Treebeards!! Tuesday's are my favorite as they serve THE best Jerk Chicken and Fried Fish and I'm not even a huge seafood fan . Also, the corn pudding, roasted veggies , and fruit are delicious! However, let me tell you what takes the cake (besides the moist butter cake and bread pudding with whiskey sauce) ... the customer service is amazing!! Today my mom and I stopped in for lunch and were a little indecisive but Jaz was super patient and extra friendly plus she made sure we left satisfied with our meal and happy. I teach so it's rare that I get the opportunity to stop in because of their hours but experiences like today will always keep me coming back when I have a little free time. I'll be back soon! read more

What a great place for lunch. Excellent food that you don't have to wait for. Granted it's cafeteria-style, but that doesn't detract from how good the food is. I had the chicken fried chicken last time around, but from reading the reviews here, I need to try the gumbo and the red beans and rice next time I'm there. read more

Great food to stop by. I was a little taken aback since I was going to the church to eat my lunch during my lunch break. But once you get over that fact, it's great. I work downtown and the church is a nice walk when it's a nice day out. I always get the chicken and sausage gumbo which they only serve mon-wed. The seafood gumbo is served thurs-fri which is not as good as the chicken and sausage in my opinion, but is still terrific. Their desserts are on a whole new level. The Italian cream cake is not overly sweet like most cakes and the frosting isn't just pure sugar. The bread pudding with whiskey sauce is also one of my favorites, especially when they're still warm. You can also help yourself to some bread and butter to the right (after you exit and pay). Great food, great price. They also have people bussing the tables, so no need to walk around looking where to put dirty dishes like I did. read more

This is my favorite place in Houston,hence I have a hard time describing all of it's glory in words. Years ago a buddy owned a place that had the same items so the stuff here is like home. There is alot to choose from, yet you cant go wrong, ever. It's next to a church and you eat in that, how much holier can it get? Food: Chicken fried Chicken CFC with gravy- The best chicken ever, not like any other chicken I've ever had. The gravy, that deserves it's own paragraph. Quoting Tron: "It's heaven". A++ Must Try The Gravy created in this kitchen is blended thick like honey, it's smooth yet packed full with pockets of gritty meati bytes. This could be sold as a smoothie, going by the name of Fat-ass's pork delight. Uma Thurman Could gain enough weight on this to go toe to toe with Rosie in a heavy weight bout. And if you dare waste any, it's time to face the firing squad type of addictiveness. A++ And there are other items, but you will have to try your self. Because normally I could write for days, but this place is sacred like the church next door. It's the time to cherish everything on your plate, and revere in all it's glory one bite at a time. read more

Treebeards at the cloister! For people on this side of downtown, treebeards at the church is a staple. It is quick and convenient, but it's pretty overrated frankly. But it does have a couple of good dishes. Red beans and rice are very good. Chili is good too, but needs a little pepper and hot sauce. Chicken fried chicken is very good. Avoid the terrible, terrible gumbo. Bland to the point of tastelessness. Almost inedible. The kind of 'gumbo' your wife from NY might cook after your doctor said no spices, salt or pepper. Godawful. An insult to our Louisiana neighbors. I'm serious people the gumbo is to be avoided at all costs. Like something they'd serve in an old folks home. Oliver Twist would try it and say "jesus! this sucks, no more please". read more

Good place if you are looking for laid back Cajun food and find yourself downtown. They have different specials every day of the week so if you have your heart set on something you might want to check first and see if they have it that day. No wait service, you get your food cafeteria style. read more

I came here right after jury duty on a Wednesday lunch. It was busy, but the line moves quickly. As other reviewers have stated, it is set up like a cafeteria line. Get your tray, drinks, silverware and pick your food; then pay. There's seating on the second floor, too. I tried a cup of their chicken and sausage gumbo and a shrimp etoufee. Both were very good and fairly inexpensive, and the portions were large. The employees were very friendly also. I highly recommend this place if you're craving cajun food while in downtown. read more

I started working a couple of blocks from this place and I wonder why I have never heard of this place! It is pretty crowded during lunch. This place has a really great variety for lunch! I've tried their jambalaya and chicken fried chicken so far. Both were pretty good for lunch. Their fried green tomatoes with ranch are delicious! Heard their salads are pretty good as well. I haven't tried yet but that will be the next thing I try. read more

I think this place deserves a 4 stars. However based off of Yelp's descriptions for the stars, I am not fan. The food is good, but nothing spectacular. The food is very clean and not heavy on the stomach at all. Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy -- not greasy, tastes very healthy as well, crispy as well Red Beans and rice -- The best red beans and rice I have ever had. I would come here just to have the red beans and rice again. Meatloaf -- Mediocre, lacks flavors, but very healthy. Mashed Potatoes -- mediocre, creamy, very healthy Glazed Carrots -- perfectly cooked, tastes amazing, healthy as well read more

Great food and a friendly staff. They need to extend their hours (they are only open during the week for lunch). On rare occasions, they are open late on a weeknight or on Saturday. read more

Everyone loves Treebeards and it's great that they have so many options. I'm a fan of their red beans and rice with sausage plus cheese and green onion. Shrimp ettoufe was pretty good too! I tried their bread pudding and it was not overly rich or sweet (in my opinion anyway). Free french bread and butter. I tried the seafood gumbo as well. It was a bit fishy for my taste but others may like it. This is my favorite place to get some old creole favorites. This location is inside a church cafeteria so don't be shy and go straight in. The line is pretty fast and there is plenty of seating. read more

This location is a lot better than their express locations for two reasons: bigger portions and unlimited bread! For once, I was actually full with one of their meals. I ordered the stuffed pork chop this particular visit and it was very good. It wasn't very crowded at all and was very easy to find seating during noon lunch. They also have balcony seating for those who like eating outside with elevator access. read more

Treebeards - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Houston, Texas

I'm not sure how Treebeard's stacks up against other Cajun places in Houston, but I'm from the West Coast, so this place was a treat. Folks are right: the red beans and rice were terrific, especially with the sausage. My two minor quibbles: the seafood gumbo lacked in seafood (could've just been a bad scoop), and the French bread was on the stale side. Otherwise, it was a terrific lunch for cheap, and I loved the balcony upstairs. read more

So good and homemade. This place is packed for lunch but worth the wait. Since it cafeteria style, you don't have to wait too long because the line moves quickly. read more

I have to be honest and say that I ordered a small red beans/rice, and gumbo. I can't say that it was even three star worthy. The gumbo lacked flavor but it did have a nice mix of fish, shrimp, and chicken. Plus side was the bread pudding it was so good and normally I don't order bread pudding, but because of the reviews I gave it a try, and glad I did! Even though what I ordered was not something I would go back for I would go back and try something else. Three stars because of the bread pudding! read more

Delicious! Lovin the Southern food and feel to this place! I would definitely recommend it. Beware: They're only open for lunch and it gets crazy busy. read more

Not great food, but interesting flavors - the Texas version of New Orleans fare. Great place to catch lunch - very fast and easy to get in and out. Cute interior and nice tables outside. read more

A Houston classic. Just wish the hours were longer. I'm at work when they are open. Living 2 blocks away I long for the yummy food. 6 hallo Halley puppies with Paws up. read more

I must admit: for cafeteria-style Cajun food, it was good. I had the gumbo, and a shrimp salad. The gumbo was spicy, with that burned butter flavor to it. One of the best gumbos I've had in a while. The shrimp salad was tasty as well. For the price, and in a relaxed cafeteria setting, you can't really go wrong. I will definitely go back. read more

I hadn't been in the DT area in a while so since I was there I had to have lunch at Treebeards. This was my first time visiting this particular location. I was not disappointed at all. It smelled great when I walked through the entrance. I ordered the half shrimp etouffee and half red beans with rice. Too delicious!!!! I always have a difficult time deciding because everything on the menu is delicious. read more

I can't give anything but a 5 star. All because of their bread pudding with whiskey sauce. I think that they have the BEST bread pudding in all of Houston. I have not found a better bread pudding anywhere else but England. They are only open during the weekdays during lunch, so my boyfriend gets me bread pudding to-go. At home, I heat it up for 20 seconds in the microwave, and it is to die for. So, my only wish is that they would keep their bread pudding warm at the restaurant. The main dishes are good. I would give their savory dishes a 3.5 star. The Jambalaya is not that great. It gets bumped down to a 3 star. The Etouffee gets a 4 star. Get to Treebeards early for lunch. The line is out the door by the end of lunch. read more

Chicken Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Red Beans and Rice. Nuff said. Also finish that off with some cake and you will instantly be in a food coma! read more

I love this place.. I always get the rookie.. service is excellent. Great atmopshere

I have been eating a Treebeards since I was in diapers and I can say this is THE PLACE to go for lunch in downtown Houston. The Market Square location is the original. There are also locations in The Park Shops, The Cloister and the Downtown Tunnels. The 'Rookie Plate' features half red beans and rice with sausage and half shrimp étouffée. Absolutely amazing, especially when you top the RBandR with cheese and green onions. Chicken Fried Chicken is also great and so is the baked chicken or baked fish. Do not forget dessert, either. The brownies and their bread pudding are all top-notch. It is cafeteria style and lines are long between 11 and 1, but it always moves fast! read more

Great food. Line may be long but moves quickly. Cafeteria style homemade food. Chicken fried chicken is amazing.

The beef and bean chili is superb. Just enough spice to be hot without being bitter. Ample portions and great prices.

The food has very little seasoning, but the location is convenient. The cake here is the best thing on the menu!

Good food, fast and clean. Beans a little spicy today but good anyway. The blackened catfish is delicious.