I have been a dedicated customer of the best Cajun food ever for 35 years at Treebeards. Sadly Treebeards delivery was slop that had to thrown out today upon delivery. No rice with Shrimp. No cheese or onions with red beans and rice. If there was rice with beans it could not be located. No hot sauce. New inadequate and cheapened menu Please find out if delivery service or new incompetent employees. If you don't destroy your own reputation I will give you another chance but not delivery. read more

I went in September when I was in town due to my Dad's funeral and got stuck after Hurricane Harvey. Downtown Houston was pretty much closed as all the buildings were flooded and being cleaned and repaired. This place is usually packed so it was nice to see it almost empty for once and have it to ourselves. It felt like a casual lunch in New Orleans. The red beans and rice is a craving that haunts me when I live 1,600 miles away. I wish they had locations all over town rather than just downtown but I'll take what I can get. Perhaps I could open one in Vegas. It would make a killing. I got a large red beans and rice with grated cheddar cheese and a sausage link on top and one to go for the kids. It was excellent as always. For this meal alone I'm tempted to move back to Houston and endure hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods and mosquitoes. read more

That chocolate cake...no lie DA BOMB! I mean Edie the sales manager said it was really good, "homemade", she said and I just looked at her like and she was so sure I'd be convinced she gave me a slice that didn't cut well for free...seriously, it was so good. Very moist and chocolates, so so good, no lie! read more

Nicest cafeteria I have ever been to. The food is sit down restaurant quality at a good price. This place has a nice ambiance. I recommend you take your tray upstairs and onto the porch on decent days. You will be overlooking a pleasant downtown park. read more

Nice staple restaurant in downtown Houston. Food is always great! Their cornbread if off the charts...and their cake is also something to try as dessert. Great lunch spot! read more

I like to get the "rookie" it is two entrees on one plate. The gumbo and etouffee are the best. There are several locations downtown, all easy to access by train or bus read more

Treebeards - "The Rookie" Gumbo & Shrimp Etouffee together on one plate. Just delicious - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Houston, Texas

When I worked downtown I would eat here at least once a week. I really enjoy the duck gumbo that they serve on Monday only and of course the other items are well prepared and vary enough to warrant a second visit during the week. Now that I live and work in West Houston, I usually make it a point to visit every other month.... and especially since today is Monday, I'm on my way for some duck gumbo as soon as I finish this quick review. Limited hours, super busy during the peak lunch time hours... no evening hours and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Yep, you've got to be slaying them at lunch to support a business on those type of hours. read more

I was reading an article today in the New York Times which I buy through digital subscription. It was about the different types of gumbos that are now being served in New Orleans due to the fact that the population has changed so much since Hurricane Katrina forced so many people away and so many new ethnic groups have come into NOLA to fill the void. I started reflecting on Gumbo and Jambalaya that I have eaten here at Treebeard's on Travis and the one called the Cloisters at a church near by. It's the gold standard for me personally. There was a French/Creole restaurant in Houston that no longer exists called Maxim's that served a gumbo that was close but for everyday reasonably priced Treebeard's rules.There is a reason that they have been around for such a long time and that is excellence in what they ser. I only get back to my hometown of Houston twice or 3 times a year. But I will be sure to bring Patty here this coming February. BTW If you truly want to stay informed and believe in the Freedom of the Press, read the NY Times or the Los Angeles Times. Either of them are vastly superior to The Houston Chronicle which used to be good but is a fading sharply. Nevertheless This place is great. read more

Very decent Cajun food. Far from high end quality, but a good meal and social atmosphere. I have them at 3 stars because I spilled jambalaya all over my shirt read more

Having a non-government job that has lots of government holidays is pretty sweet. But, it makes for a lot of quizzical looks on friends' faces when I mention that I'll be off for the "holiday". Once informed, they often say "What kind of business do you work for with those kinds of obscure holidays?" I just shrug and accept these days off. [I know, I know, it's a tough life.]* Being off for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I seized the chance to eat at the downtown Treebeards since it is only open on weekdays 11 AM to 3 PM. Rounded up a few friends who had a similar offbeat holiday schedule and we met up for a late lunch. The interior décor is mainly exposed brick and wood floors - but it is all original stuff since the building is actually a bona fide historical one. In keeping with Treebeards' Cajun roots, one is definitely reminded of New Orleans yet blends with a Gulf Coast and Houston vibe, too. Climb the stairs to the second floor with your loaded tray to get a little distance from the food service line. I opted for the trio plate ($5.75) and chose the red beans and rice, sweet potatoes, and macaroni and cheese, which was mentioned often in other reviews. Grabbed a couple of slices of gratis white bread on the table after paying for your selection but I think it was a clever ploy to not-so-subliminally remind you of the butter cake that was available. The red beans and rice were a nice hearty cup on a cold Texas winter day. The sweet potatoes were delectable with their honeyed selves. But, the macaroni and cheese was a disappointment to me - a bit brittle and lacking in cohesive cheesy goodness, I'm willing to chalk it up to the fact that we arrived close to closing. Fresher and tastier batches may have been served earlier. But, the old adage, "Burned once, twice shy", comes to mind. I'll be wary if I do chance it again. The food line staff were friendly and cheerful, the cashiers were eager to process our transactions, and the cleanup staff were quick to reach for our trays after unloading and quick to come after our empty plates. They were definitely on top of their games and a refreshing change from near-comatose service standards. Overall, I'm not completely sold on Treebeards but, with enough time, would try it again. * One of our holidays is "Cinco de Mayo". I kid you not. read more

This week was my first experience with Treebeards. This location is inside the Episcopal Cathedral downtown near the courthouse area. This is cafeteria style dining inside the church (actually the kitchen and fellowship hall area). There are long tables with folding chairs. And there are no waiters or servers. You walk through the kitchen and they scoop up your order out of pre made serving areas. The crowd is mostly office types and legal people, including jury members! Usually Sheriff deputies as well, so it feels safe! The food is good, I've had the gumbo and the red beans and rice. Both were flavorful and tasted like they were made with fresh ingredients. I added treebeards hot sauce to both dishes which added just the right amount of heat and flavor. Prices are reasonable. Had large portion, side salad and drink for under $9. This isn't fine dining for sure, but it's good, filling southern food that is reasonably priced. And it's fun to eat it in a church!!! read more

Treebeards - The hot sauce is excellent. Definitely add to gumbo and red beans and rice!!! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Houston, Texas

It was a lazy Houston winter afternoon as I stood in line behind Agustin S. I sat in quiet mock judgment of his peculiar behavior as he gestured wildly, pointing and demanding to know what everything was behind the counter. Then it was my turn. Something strange happened and I reenacted the same strange behavior as my friend. The Treebeards bug had struck! I think the behavior can be attributed to the "Butter Cake" sign that displays prominently by the cashier, . . . in part at least. The food, however, is just that damn exciting. Agustin's mantra upon entering Treebeard's was Shrimp Etouffe, so I rolled with it. Delicieux! The kind of dish that warms the soul. My only regret was only getting a cup. I also got a cup of Duck Gumbo. It was good, but I wasn't ecstatic about it. It definitely doesn't have that knockout punch the etouffe does. Add a slice of jalapeno cornbread, however, and your more than good! During my primitive gesturing at the counter, I fell in love. Unsuspectingly, moving my brown tray down the line, there it was--the mac and cheese. Far, far removed from that stuff that comes in a box, this bundle of pasta and excessive cheesiness has probably broken many hearts . . . or at least given them a good dose of high cholesterol. Totally worth it though! If you're not sure about the Treebeard's hype--believe it. My love is reborn! read more

Oh how i need red beans and rice! Oh how I need gumbo! Oh how I need Treebeards :) I was able to also get a slice of butter cake or something of that nature, which was to my surprise very good, but when I go to Treebeards I go for what they are famous for. Red beans and gumbo! My only mistake was that I did not get the sausage with the red beans and rice. This place truly is Woohoo! As good as it gets! You will see me here again P.S. I believe it was Ian that made the UYE here, but thank you!!!! read more

Always friendly fast service. They hire great folks, please keep Them. Creature of habit- fried chicken and the pear walnut salad are my favorites oh and butter cake. read more

Two words people, Shrimp Etouffe. That's right, the shrimp etouffe is delicious. When I mentioned to the wife I was going to Treebeards she was so jealous and she said, be sure that I get the Shrimp Etouffe. When the wife speaks of food that passionately I need to listen. She might say that is the only time as a husband I listen to her is when she talks about food. What Treebeards does is great southern comfort food served fast. It's simple, you walk through the line pick up your drink, tray, utensils and move the line on over to the right, to the steam tables. Oh, there is a salad section you pass up, but it's for armatures. The steam table is filled with Duck Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffe, Chili, Red Beans and Rice, macaroni, sweet potato, okra, and much more. I discovered you could get cups of some of the main plates so I decided to create my own sampler plate. I went with Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp Etouffe, and Duck Gumbo. It was all so good, but if you made me pick my favorite, it would have to be the Shrimp Etouffe. On this day they were out of bread pudding, which was unfortunate. I want my bread pudding. They had Butter Cake, but my trio sampler had put me over the top. I was very disappointed with my effort. Good food, great company made for an outstanding lunch. I can't wait to go back for the etouffe and the bread pudding I missed out on with this visit. read more

As many of you know, I never wait in line. EVER. I will be the first one out the door if there is a line, or I will bribe someone to jump me to the head of a line. But I will wait in line here. Why? Red beans and rice - and loads of it with plenty of cheese and onions. Gotta have all that, I want my breath to be oniony goodness so when I kiss someone French style it will be a test of how much they love me. If there is something that Treebeard's does poorly, I swear so help me God I do not know what it is. Jamabalaya is great and the etouffe has been elevated to something between artform and heavenly. The owner (and family) is a very spiritual one, with their Episcopal roots running deep in the city (which is why they run a lunch Treebeard's out of the downtown Episcopal Church downtown Mon-Fri with proceeds going to the church) and the level of love they pour into everything from their bread to their beans equals their love of Houston. Cafeteria-style? Yes. Great eats? Hell yes. And the kind of place that regardless if you visit the one on Travis, the one at the church, or the one in the tunnel at 1100 Louisiana, they always seem to remember your order once you are a regular - to the point where you have to stop them if you opt to change your mind. Now THAT'S impressive given the mass of people that come through line. Perfect downtown for lunch, though if you have my impatient bones, do show early or late. However, regardless of the line, it is worth the wait. And whatever source they get their iced tea from, it works and is a perfect compliment to a lunch well eaten - just pray that after you gorge yourself on their delicious array of veggie and meat eats that you packed your porta-hammock in your cubicle. read more

After 40 plus years at The Market Square location, Treebeards anchor location is closing due to the landlord raising the lease rate to an unreasonable rate. Last day will be 06/26/20. The hurricanes couldn't close it, but the greed of an individual did. read more

Run, don't walk, to Treebeard's. Because you're not going to be able to move after. It's cafeteria style, but during lunch rush you'll get time to look at the big board. It looks daunting sure, but you're really down to two major options (that's if you don't get a salad. please, don't order a salad here). There's either a bowl of...something, or a plate of...something. The bowl is your standard cajun fare, and the ingredients rotate depending on the day. There's etouffee, jambalaya (a personal favorite), red beans and rice, or chili. For the ingredients, some days will be chicken and shrimp, or chicken and sausage, etc. You can top the filling on rice, or sans rice. The plate will be the special of the day, ranging from chicken fried chicken to fried catfish. The board will reveal all. That can be paired up with two sides. One should most definitely be the red beans and rice (the only "bowl" you can also get as a "side"). Their mashed potatoes are also delicious. At the end, feel free to pick up a piece of cornbread, but it's extra cost, and there's free french bread waiting after you pay. They've also got an amazing yellow cake if you've got a sweet tooth and extra room. But buyer beware, the portions are huge, and will leave you stuffed. It'll cost more than your combo meal from Burger King, but it's worth the extra change. read more

Treebeard's is one of those places I don't go to often and it isn't because of the food, it is because all of their locations are downtown and my tendency to get confused trying to navigate all of those one way streets. (Personally, I like having a choice of turning left or right). So when Ian coordinated the first-ever CBD lunch bunch I quickly said yes and hit Mapquest where I found the place stupidly easy to get to. Being torn between the gumbo and the red beans & rice, I got a cup of each along with some cornbread. The gumbo and rbr were mild so I added some hot sauce to give it the kick I like. The gumbo had plenty of seafood that included scallops making Treebeard's my future go to place for my gumbo fix. The rbr was also delicious, the beans cooked al dente. The sausage was a bit hard to cut with the dull knife provided but once cut to an edible chunk proved tasty and blended well with the rbr. The cornbread was a bit overcooked so I ate the middle. It was ok but all cornbread is, compared to the mean batch my mom makes. Being ever so nice, I got take out seafood gumbo for the bf and added bread pudding to the order (which he was nice enough to share later and it was crazy delicious). read more

I just thought it was a little expensive for my little day of jury duty. Got the Wednesday meat special (Chicken Fried Chicken with two sides for $10.95). It looked like it was gonna be super good and crispy. A little sweet for my tastes and not as crunchy as I was hoping for. Sides were mashed potatoes with cream gravy and dirty rice. Mashed were OK. Dirty rice, I didn't care for. Also got, a la carte, some shrimp etouffee ($3.95), as they don't have seafood gumbo (according to today's posted menu) until Thu-Fri. Tasty enough to make me me wish it was tomorrow, as I much prefer gumbo normally to etouffee. They did have chicken and sausage gumbo but I'm not a fan of that normally -- it's the distant, ugly cousin to shrimp/seafood gumbo. That etouffee had a hint of spice that I liked. And late in the going, I added some Treebeards Hot Sauce, which is a good Tobasco-type topping. Total bill was $18.24 for my food and a $1.95 Saint Arnold's Root Beer. Meh. I should've gone to Roma's and gotten $6 lunch special (two pieces of pizza and a drink). This wasn't worth the $. But I love seafood/Cajun and wanted to try it. Can scratch it off the list. read more

Treebeards - Wed special (Chick Fried Chick) w/dirty rice and mashed; $10.95. A la carte order of shrimp etouffee; $3.95. $18.24 w/$1.95 root beer. Meh. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Houston, Texas

Get ready to check your sins at the door or risk going to hell... this amazingly awesome cafeteria style restaurant is located right inside.... drum roll please... inside a church! There is a menu drawn on a chalk board so you can select your options before you go into select your food. It's not a sit down and order, it's a stand in a long line during lunch hour and select your food from a cafeteria styled line. Don't let this fool you though, the food is spectacular. The items are ALWAYS fresh. The red beans and rice is to die for, and their chicken fried chicken is moist and not dry with a crispy coating outside. I love the Trio plate which you can pick 3 sides, usually squash casserole is always one of the three for me. They do give you bread and butter, but your drink is paid separately. Unlike you're elementary school lunch, these lunches don't cost a $1.50. There are no all -inclusive meals here. When you sit, there are cafeteria style tables. You'll usually be staring at people with suits, presumably lawyers. You'll also have to sit within close proximity to people since tables are shared. There could be 1-3 chairs separating you from the next clique, but hey! You're there for the food not to socialize, right? Actually, once you start eating, you probably won't even want to talk. Be sure to get there early because the downtown crowd can reek havoc. Also, you have to park on the street at a meter somewhere, but I recommend trying this place out. read more

First off, I hate cafeteria style restaurants. The thought of going through a line holding a tray and ordering food just makes me sick. To make it worse, you have to pick your try up, then set your tray back down to pay, before picking it back up and moving on to sit down in the cafeteria. When did I return to high school? Beyond my already obvious bias, I will briefly comment on the food. I don't get it??? Whats so special about it? I was thinking of Luby's before I wrote this review and sure enough someone else mentioned Luby's in their review. Maybe not enough salt? Seasoning? Why does it taste as boring as it looks? I mean this place is just what it is which is a cafeteria. Yes the portions are large but it wasnt worth a to-go box for me. Hopefully will never find myself here again. read more

When I work downtown, this is my go to lunch spot. And it is for a lot of other people. Go early or go late, but if you show up @ 12:00 on the dot, there are 30 people who got there @ 11:57 Parking/getting there by car - fuhgeddaboutit. It's not that convenient for cars, but if you have to there's street parking. Cajun/Creole cafeteria. Don't got expecting po-boys, but if you like your Louisiana food more on the slow and simmered side this place is for you. (Although I think they do fry some catfish) What I recommend - the chicken fried chicken with gravy - bread pudding - might have some rum or bourbon in it, don't quote me though Staff -super friendly Pricing - reasonable for downtown. You could probably shave a few dollars if you were to drive out of downtown, but not much to justify it. read more

'Twas a week before Christmas; when, all through the house, not a creature was stirring.... Skipping forward to mama and papa settling down for a long winter's nap - this reminds me of my lethargic state after my last visit to Treebeards. Food coma is an understatement.... I'll be coming home for Christmas, and I look forward to dining out at least one afternoon at Treebeards. The last time I came home, my SO was with me and I treated him to a nice lunch out on the town. We were actually both pretty starved and exhibiting primal behaviors by the time we left the airport, so the setup at this cafe was perfect. You have to keep it moving when you get in. Decision making is my weakness, especially when it comes to great food. I will not hold up a line during "lunch hour" for the downtown workers, though. I had to explain to my SO that we had to move quickly, if we didn't want to get trampled or stared down by people with large appetites and limited time. Once we got into the swing of things, it was smooth sailing. Our trays were filled with jambalaya, red beans & rice, blackened catfish, a casserole, some sort of brisket with sweet potatoes, and a melee of vegetables that would make a grown man's eyes water - seriously, I witnessed that while eating there. The price is reasonable, but after grabbing a quick slice of cornbread and wobbling with our trays to the register - can we say "overkill"? Hey, I insisted that he try as much as he could, and when that bill rang up, I didn't bat an eye. The weather was pretty nice that day, so the patio outside was full. We just headed upstairs to eat, and, boy, did we eat! I remember sampling everything, and insisting that we not leave a morsel of meat on the table. He loved his gumbo - which, I've had before at another location. It's okay, but my mama's is better (wink). He did not like the cornbread, which I found a bit insulting. I love cornbread made with jalapenos (and my aunt puts corn kernels in hers, too), but I just shrugged. There was entirely too much food on the table to quibble over something like that. I love the catfish!!!! I dream of the catfish... I am deprived of it, being up here in DC where people turn up their noses or refer to them as pets - sigh..... Treebeards, I wish I knew how to quit you! read more

I love the location inside a Church. The staff is friendly & very efficient. I guess everyone comes here while serving on Jury Duty because they had the system down pat. Nice cross section of people here, very diverse crowd. If I worked downtown I would enjoy coming here. Saw lots of things I would love to try on future visits. Great quantity of food for the price, I had leftovers for a whole other meal & was quite full. read more

Treebeards - Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy, Dirty Rice & Red Beans - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've never decided to go here on my own, but I've been dragged here by my co-workers multiple times. In fact, I know of about 4 people that would give this restaurant 5 stars if they were on yelp. But for me, the food is OK, the portions are big, and you get your food fast. The price is about what you'd expect and borders on being a good deal with how much food you get. Not the tastiest food I've ever had, but I won't ever put up a struggle about eating here. read more

So there are about a million Treebeards hidden all over the Houston underground tunnels, BUT this was my first time going to this location (and it's above ground. hooray!) What can I say? I LOVE the food here. 1. Chicken and sausage gumbo (they only have available on T & TH) 2. Chicken and sausage jambalaya I also love their corn bread and brownies. Fresh squeezed lemonade is delicious. Price: ~$8-$10/person without a drink There's a parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, and you will definitely not miss the new mural that's being painted as I'm writing this review. Oh Houston, how far you've come! Perfect lunch spot for the whole team :) read more

Anyone who works downtown pretty much knows about Treebeards. Fast, delicious, and well-priced Cajun food. Cafeteria-line style so you can grab whatever your heart desires. I love the shrimp etouffee, squash casserole, and the baked catfish. Fruit is seasonal and fresh. An entree with two sides is around $8 and definitely enough food to fill you up. Great, casual place to eat! Only open on weekdays for lunch (Cloisters location). read more

This is a pretty good downtown food spot. If you work near Market Square, you've probably already been here. Their gumbo is pretty good as is their shrimp etouffee. To me however, the best is their shrimp and sausage jambalaya. It's perfect for cold, windy, rainy days. I haven't tried any of their fried chicken or chicken fried steak or any fried dishes because I am not a fan, but I hear they are pretty good. This isn't the best gumbo I've had, but it is definitely pretty good. They have fresh french bread, which goes so well with everything they have. Also, the upstairs is really comfortable, spacious, and kind of cute. There is a little balcony and a front outside seating area, but I prefer to eat inside because as much as I enjoy people watching, I enjoy the ability to have a conversation with my lunch date without having to scream. Also, their cornbread is tasty, and I have heard good things about their yellow cake with chocolate! read more

So glad I finally got to try this place. Most of my reviews are pretty disdainful of Houston's version of some of the simplest cajun items, like red beans and rice. So the beans and rice were definitely what I was hoping for - mostly. The main thing is the thickness or consistency of the beans as well as the flavor and they definitely nail the consistency here. I will say the red beans were a bit spicy here, but it didn't mask the flavor of the beans. And while I love cheese and have been known to give bad reviews for the use of processed cheese at some establishments, it shouldn't be on red beans and rice. I also got a small gumbo. I have to admit that it was good, but just a bit too heavy. I'm sure many people like their gumbo with a ton of meat and veggies in it, but it is essentially a soup and should look like one. Making it this heavy also means you run the risk of not even being able to taste the roux over the meat etc, so a good head of "broth" is important. I would come back maybe, but since I don't work downtown and this place is only open during the work week? It will be probably be a while. Who knows though - downtown Houston is really changing and new apartments and condos are going up right now. Maybe Treebeards will change their hours, at least at this location, to reflect this. read more

Love this place! The servings are huge! The servers are so kind. Was recommended the rookie plate since I'm new. Got a bed of rice with red beans and sausage one aside and etouffee on the other! Tables outside to enjoy the view of Market Square. read more

The name alone was exciting (to all LOTR fans) but the actual food was so disappointing. I'm already not a fan of A La Carte reminds me of High school too much, but since it was so packed we figured the food must be darn good for it to be sooo busy....boy was I wrong. We had to pay for parking as well so that just made it all the "better". I ordered the infamous chicken fried chicken that everyone on here was raving about. Wow. Maybe it was an off day? But the chicken was super dry and tasted so bland! A least the gravy was ok...I was just sooooo disappointed! Service (the cashiers were super nice) so that was probably the ONLY UP side if i HAD to find one. We were sooo hungry so you think our food would have tasted at least a bit better...nope not even. I basically spent about 15 bucks for meal (entree + parking) that 1 was not good 2 didn't even LOOOK good. Hey if you don't taste good at least have good presentation. Neither. Ambiance and decor was no big deal. Nothing left much of an impression. I was just so shocked sitting there eating my not so great lunch and watching ALL these customers come in ths place and consume their food...Like I said....MAYBE it was an off day. But MAAAN was it off! I will never go there again. Even if someone is paying for my lunch...i will pass. And i must point out I went to this place bc Yelp had such high reviews for this place. So i did go in having some expectations of the food being decent. So this is warning for those going to try it for the first time. Don't expect too much...and maybe don't go during the lunch hour rush (could be another reason why the food was bad..bc it was so busy?? No idea...) read more

Place is good, but not GREAT. Cafeteria style Cajun food. Real interesting! The environment could use an update. This place kind of reminds me of Luby's. There's everything from beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya. You grab a tray, drink, silverware and head on down the line to pick your meal. Comes in two sizes: Small and Large. Weird because what if I wanted a medium?! I got a small jambalaya for about $4. This was the size of a cup of soup. Ordered a jalapeño cornbread to go with it because it just seemed like the right thing to do. My friend said to not skip on the buttermilk bar- so of course we grabbed two. Once you're done you pay at the register and there's a side table with condiments and baskets of French bread. Pick a table and seat yourself! Overall: Food was good. Jambalaya - ok; added more spice since it wasn't as flavorful as I thought. Jalapeño cornbread - good! Texture was there and a hint of that jalapeño rounded up the flavor well. Buttermilk bar - AMAZING! If you don't go here for anything else at least do your co workers a favor and bring some to the office! :) Service was great - super friendly. Environment - so so read more

I finally was able to come here when I was in Houston for a couple of weeks. The parking was horrible since it was in downtown and it was also pouring that day, but it was so worth it. The restaurant is cafeteria style. You basically go down the line, pick out your food, pay, then get you cutlery and bread. I ordered to go since I was running errands and decided to get some lunch for my family. I got the duck gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and read beans and rice with andouille sausage. The staff was super friendly and the food came out quickly. The food was delicious. The duck gumbo was full of duck meat and was super flavorful. I ordered the red beans and rice with cheese and onions. Super flavorful. Most places just have regular rice and some red beans with sausage, but not here. My favorite was the crawfish etouffee. It was hands down the best I've had in Houston. Tons of crawfish and flavor. This is now my go to place for Cajun food when I'm in the downtown area. Definitely going to come back here again. read more

I've been going to the Treebeards downtown once a week for the last 15 years or so. Love their red beans and rice. Went in this week and the price had gone up 26% from last week. I realize we've got an inflation problem but 26 percent? Wow! Sadly, I won't be dining there any more. read more

My favorite restaurant downtown. I go here every time I go downtown to pay my rent, or for any other reason. Delicious gumbo, red beans and rice, salads, desserts, all in a comfortable, two-level historic old building across from Market Square Park. A must-do destination for visitors, and residents. read more

The blackened cat fish is amazing! Some green beans are amazing! love it so much! Try it on Fridays!

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It is simply amazing. I'm just sad it is only open during the week for lunch. They don't need any more business though, they have plenty of it. I'm going to admit right off the bat, I mainly eat only one entree here: red beans and rice. It is simply too good for me to eat anything else. Maybe I should, but I don't get there often enough. My friends have gotten several of their daily specials (meatloaf and chicken fried steak) and have liked them, and having stolen bites of them I can vouch that they are pretty good. Their other side dishes and cornbread are good as well. The portions are fairly large and I usually end up taking half of it home to eat later. If you have room left I suggest trying some of their desert. They are all very good, but my favorite has to be their regular yellow cake with chocolate icing. I have to give a warning though, I swear they use a pound of butter per slice. The cake is very rich, but very good. If you happen to be downtown during the week for lunch, check Treebeards out. read more

After hearing so much about this place, I finally went there for lunch today. The regulars could probably tell I was a rookie...I wasn't sure which door to walk in, where to go, how to order, lol. One would quickly figure out to get in the line that starts on the left, pick out the dishes you want, pay, and then pick wherever you want to sit. The duck gumbo on the menu caught my eye and how lucky was I that the one day a week they served it, I came in. It was destiny :). They topped it off with shredded cheese and green onions. It was the perfect lunch on a chilly winter day. I tried some of Mitchell P.'s side dish - bacon mac & cheese. Man, that was some serious stuff too! Bits of crunchy bacon, grilled onion, and cheesy goodness. If I wasn't so occupied with licking my gumbo plate clean, I would've sneaked in a few more bites of his mac & cheese. I loved sitting outside on the upstairs patio that overlooks the new park just built. Treebeards has ample seating, a friendly staff, and delicious home-cooked tasting food. read more

This restaurant was lovely. Their wine list is so long/extensive you can easily spend twenty minutes pouring (no pun intended) through the options and they are offered at all price points. We sat in the patio area, in an enclosed tent area with heating elements, adjacent to their beautiful fountain. Super romantic set up outside a beautiful old home. Definitely will need to bring my dude here when I finally get him to come to Houston with me. I had the shrimp and grits with a side of creamy spinach. The grits were cheesy and shrimp was perfect. My colleagues had the seafood risotto and lamb chop special. I tried just a smidgeon of the risotto and it was wonderful. Great fresh seafood flavor. read more