Treebeards Restaurant Reviews

We were in Houston for only three days, yet we had lunch at Treebeards twice. When you get something so right, why change? Strolling along Travis in downton Houston, looking for a likely dining spot, we happened to notice most people were walking into an interesting old building facing the Market Square. It had a nice leafy patio at the front, and a big terrace at second-floor level. Both were full, but when we looked inside we realised the building was extremely spacious with lots of tables and plenty of room, on two floors. And all with a great period charm and ambience. The deal at Treebeards is self-service cafeteria style. That suits us just fine. You can see exactly what you're going to get, you can ask the very friendly staff to tell what each dish is, and it appears to keep prices low. We had 2 excellent grilled chicken salads (lots of varied content) 1 beer, 1 soda and a huge chunk of delicious, moist carrot cake to share. And you can help yourself to crusty bread and butter. The price? Just $20 (plus tax). I'll tell you something: if I lived in Houston I would find a reason to be downtown at luchtime as often as possible!

Dessert! You must not leave before trying their butter cake. There are several different Treebeards in the area. This cafeteria-style restaurant is popular spot for businessmen and women in the downtown area. It is often crowded, but service is fast.

Great Southern style food! Fried chicken with gravy is spot on! I am drooling thinking about it while I type this review. My husband had the crawfish ettouffe and raved about it being nice and spicy. He also loved the rice and beans. The restaurant itself is in a church and is cafeteria style. Nice and relaxed atmosphere and plenty of room to spread out once you overeat!

Here is an olddie but goodie restaurant we go to at least once a week. Cafeteria style service but it works well. Cajun dishes from Red Beans to crawfish or shrimp etouffee. Getting a little pricy these days for beans and rice but worth checking out one of their locations. Only open weekdays for lunch.

Treebeards is a downtown Houston classic for home cooking, cajun style. They have all the mainstays and the japaleno cornbread is a meal in itself, but the best dish on the menu is the red beans and rice with sausage. Dont visit downtown without trying it.

Treebeards on the street and in the tunnel are great. We use them as our lunchroom. There can be a line at noon but it is well worth the wait. Take out is convenient and their catering service is second to non. Anyone can find something excellent to eat for lunch. Highly recommend this most wonderful establishemnt!

I like this place in downtown Houston. Great place to dine after walking around downtown Houston. Seating outside is limited.

Treebeard's Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Houston. Treebeard's has a location at St. John's Church downtown. Treebeard's serves Cajun food and fresh food like grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, fresh-cut fruit and desserts. The tables can be shared with others. Treebeard's is a unique restaurant to Houston and is a good place to go for tourists or someone who wants to try a restaurant that isn't available in other places.

Unique partnership with Treebeards cooking and serving out of Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston. Great quick, cafeteria style dine-in or take out. Whether side trio, salads, or full entrees...selections are tasty. Gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans & rice available. Great food and gathering spot!

First of all, this was hard to find. It is nestled in a cathedral courtyard. It is true cafeteria style and the food was awesome. Portions are good size and the prices are very good. I tried a small gumbo and small red beans & rice for $8.50. I recommend this for a quick lunch.

A nice touch of Cajun that is more down-home than Pappadeaux. A good selection of red beans & rice, jambalayas, catfish, cornbreads, and southern desserts.

We had just enjoyed the Children's Museum and wanted to try Cajun food. This restaurant was suggested by co-workers of our daughter-in-law. The staff was extremely friendly and had helpful suggestions. The food was great, plentiful and just the right amount of spice. We had lunch here and it is cafeteria style but do not let that put you off. The seating area is very comfy and you do not feel like you are in a cafeteria. My son and I had the seafood gumbo and got jalapeno cornbread. My husband had the fried chicken smothered in gravy. He remarked that the chicken was very juicy. Our four year old grandson enjoy pieces of the fried chicken with watermelon! The portions are large so at lunch you can go for small sizes with a side.

It's an experience to go there. Treebeards is one of a few restaurants in town that I bring out of town guests. The atmosphere is good and they have great food (love the gumbo--and good gumbo is hard to find in Houston). I also know that they do a lot for the community, which is a major plus in my book.

Great alternative to mainstream restaurants Located in church staff very friendly. Menu samples from Cajun and Creole my favorite was shrimp etouffee!

Fast service great food. What's not to like! I wish it was open on weekends. Market Square would be so much better with other restaurant nt choices.

Cafeteria style restaurant with small organic market included. A wide selection of chalk board changed items for lunch, choose put on your cafeteria tray and pay. Outside seating and a beer selection in a cooler box.

I ate here 4 days a week when I was working within walking distance. Retired 7 years ago; and now I meet friends there four times a year. Quality and prices have maintained good value. I particularly like the greens and the bread pudding. This is New Orleans style, good Cajun food.

Across the street from the Magnolia Hotel, we stumbled upon this restaurant in the Cloister. What a great lunch and obviously a favorite among those working downtown. The Treebeards-prepared food was as delicious as one would expect and the cafeteria format allowed you to personally pick your food. The gumbo and all the other food we tried was perfectly prepared. Bins of excellent bread was available for the taking. After you eat, go next door to the bookstore. Wonderful, thoughtful selection of inspirational books, both new and used. The food was very affordable and an extraordinary value for the money. Worth the walk or the drive.

My husband has been here many times as he frequently goes to Houston for business. We recent'y went to Houston for a holiday and he took me there. Now I get it, he always raves about this place and deservedly so. Didn't know what to make of it, as you are walking into a church, and it is set up cafeteria style, but OMG, was it ever good. I had the gumbo and a portion of Shrimp Etouffee was absolutely delicious, lick the bowl kinda good. Such authentic flavors, was truly our best Creole/Cajun meal on our week long trip though Texas. Get there early!!

Treebeards is only open for lunch which makes it easily accessible to meet downtown in of all places the Episcopal Church Cathedral of Texas. Close by to many business located in the downtown area for a quick crowded yet quiet place for conversation.

Been gone from Houston since 2007 and something I miss more than the diversity is the food! OMG --seafood. This place never disappoints. Food is always deliclous, hot and so good.

This is not among my favorite cuisines, but I can understand why people love Treebeards. I had the chicken fried chicken with dirty rice, and it was excellent. The cornbread was some of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot of it. The layout of the cafeteria line is very easy for first-timers to understand, and I love that they have ice tea and water refills (complete with a cooler of crushed ice) on the upper level. We sat outside there and it was glorious.

I try and hit this place whenever I'm in town. A great selection of Cajun classics, everyone will find something to their liking (even full salads). My favourite is the rookie plate.... Red beans and rice with sausage and shrimp étouffée. Wonderful! This place is always rather busy at lunch, but the cafeteria style service is quick and friendly.

Good gumbo and red beans and rice. Sure wish they were open on weekends!!! Family or business bring it on!

I love this place. My only complaint is that I can never decide what to get. There are so many things on the menu that I like. The chili, the shrimp creole and the chicken fried chicken are all "must try's". The Market Square location is perfect for our group lunches because it has plenty of seating, and we do not have to worry about head count. My six year old always wants to go work with me so that he can get a fruit salad and chili for lunch at Treebeards.

This is a great place to go for southern classics like fried chicken, and red beans. The dirty rice went well with my tasty fried chicken breast. It's canteen style service with excellent food. Just grab a tray and load up. Staff are friendly and this place was very full for lunch.

I really enjoy their quick and tasty lunch menu. The seafood gumbo is tasty and probably my favorite.

Any location of this iconic small chain of Houston restaurants will be a revelation if you like this cuisine. Plain and simple but oh, so good! Not to be missed!

I office down the street from this restaurant and eat here regularly. It has a set menu that is served cafeteria style, but the food quality is always top notch and prepared for consistent taste. I've tried everything on the menu at least a couple times, and it's all good....the gumbo is probably the best. The place is always busy at lunch and sometimes the line can appear very long, but don't stress, it moves extremely fast and there are plenty of tables and chairs, we've never had an issue finding a seat even on the busiest of days.

I really really want to like Treebeards. I do, but the sad fact is that I can't. Nor can I say that, to me, they represent cajun cooking. They're close, but honestly, they don't deliver. I think their red beans and rice are ok, but they generally are over spiced with one or two spices and really kind of one note flavor because of it. Whaaa! That's really my all time favorite cajun dish. Their other options are just as meh. I've had the gumbo, meh. I've had the creole, meh. I've had the chicken fried chicken/steak and that was actually AOK. But, over all, meh. This location also manages to make some of the most bitter iced tea I have ever drank. Meh. The prices here are also a little more than I would expect to pay for this type of food at this caliber. Maybe you pay for the convenience of traipsing to the Houston Center shops and snagging grub. Meh. Especially for take out only, meh. I guess the lines have died down, because I have not recently seen the line out the door. Maybe everyone thinks they're kind of meh too.

Good Cajun food but the desserts are the best. I had both the Italian cream cake and the bread pudding. It is only open for lunch.

I used to work downtown, Treebeards was a regular lunch destination. At least once a week. The food is mostly Cajun style, but they have a good enough mix to usually make anyone happy. Worth a stop if you are in the downtown area. I always loved the Red Beans & Rice with a Link. Made for a VERY filling lunch at a very reasonable price.

Great gumbo, which rotates daily from duck to chicken to seafood, as well as excellent red beans and rice, Only open for lunch Monday thru Friday, but it's worth the trip to downtown Houston. Plenty of dining room upstairs and down with a nice balcony overlooking Market Square Park in good weather. Sides and desserts are also very good.

For the casual downtown Houston visitor (and of course if you do work downtown) this place is a gem. Had not been here before. This locale appears it was a church at some point. today, more like a communal busy eatery, it is fast but nowhere near fast food. dishes are brought in from the main locale a few blocks away. This is where you would find your blue collar with your white collar, with local police, attorneys, judges and the diversity you expect in Houston. Great value, a nutritious meal and you never know who would your table companion would be if you are on your own. Highly recommended for the tourist and out of towner

It is my favorite place for Red Beans and Rice with Sausage. I found this restaurant years ago when I worked downtown and still have to go whenever I return to town. We no longer live in Houston but must get our "fix" when in town.

Treebeards has 2 locations, the one located in Texas inside the old Episcopalian church (The Cloister) & the Market Square location on Travis. The food at either is excellent but my favorite location is the Market Square location on Travis. Picture a building straight out of the French Quarter & you have this setting. The restaurant is found in one of the oldest building in downtown Houston, an old warehouse with thick brick walls & wide wood floors. The building is 2 story with dining areas on both floors & a very romantic & quaint wrought iron balcony on the 2nd floor that overlooks Market Square. Service is buffet style with a very courteous & friendly staff. And the food- Southern & Cajun! And how delicious it is! I've been eating at Treebeards for near a couple of decades & I never grow tired of the red beans & rice, gumbo, the jambalaya, chicken fried chicken, etc. but I save my absolute best for last- the stuffed pork chops! Sold only on Wednesday lunch, the stuff pork chops are a gastronomical delight! Marinated overnight & stuffed with a savory cornbread stuffing, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Unfortunately Treebeards is only open for the lunch crowd, with the occasional dinner hours if there is a night function in Market Square. My kudos to Dan & Jamie for consistently providing us with consistently delicious & fresh meals & look forward to many more to come!

Beware of long lines for lunch. They do have generous servings for their prices. The cornbread is absolutely delish!

Treebeard’s has two locations in downtown Houston. My favorite is in a large hall of the Christ Church Cathedral which the restaurant leases from the Episcopal Diocese for noon meals Monday-Friday. The serving line has a tasty selection of salads and Cajun type food items including Red Beans & Rice and gumbos. All the fare is good, reasonably priced, and the dining experience is fun as everyone eats at long, family styled tables.

This is one of the best places to eat in Houston! It's a must visit if you are looking for some good down home southern/creole cooking. My favorite thing to get is the red beans & rice with sausage(it's spicy) which they top with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions. They have several other items including vegetables, etouffee, gumbo, cornbread and the list just goes on and on. Notes about going: Unfortunately, they are only open during the week for lunch. It gets very packed around 12, so go early. Food is served cafeteria style and then you seat yourself. There is bread and crackers available after the checkout line. Meter parking is available on the surrounding streets and there are some lots as well. The staff is super friendly too! Love this place!

Welcoming and kind staff, delicious food, peaceful place: this Treebeards has it all going on! Take the tour of the sanctuary after the noon service to see the beautiful stained glass windows (one by Tiffany) and learn a bit of history.

Treebeards is an odd establishment, it's like going to the staff or school canteen, you queue up and get served food with a ladle by dinner ladies then go sit on long tables with other folk. I can't say I loved that arrangement but it was quirky at least. I had the jambalaya which was average on terms of taste but hearty and wholesome. My fiancé had the gumbo and that was really nice, just as hearty as the jambalaya but with a lot more flavour. Odd set-up, nice food and worth a visit for lunch.

Had lunch here with my church group on weekday. The shrimp etouffee I had was really good. This is cafeteria style, casual but very clean and has plenty of seating (upstairs), even has balcony seating. Price was very reasonable.

The food is so good you can close your eyes and let your finger land anywhere on the menu. Seriously! Make time in your schedule to dine at Treebeard’s.

Amazing food! The whole experience from start to finish is great waitress is always so friendly and kind. I stopped here because it was convenient and I didn't have much time.

A cafeteria in a church? not what I expected. We ate elsewhere. I think this cafeteria should fescribe itself honestly.

...home style cooked restaurant, but with a better atmosphere...was very good. Upstairs and downstairs seating.

Every trip to Houston includes a stop for lunch at Treebeard's. They offer delicious quick serve Southern food via a cafeteria line (but sure doesn't taste like it). Butbe sure to know what you want, because that line moves fast!! I love the brisket and the chicken and for sides I always get their mac and cheese and beans. Everything is delicious. They even have daily specials.

I've always enjoyed the red beans & rice and the jambalaya. Today I tried the chicken-fried steak. It was dry, tough, and very salty. No amount of gravy could overcome it. I know they can do better.

Chicken Fried chicken was great with the gravy. Co-worker swears by the rice and beans with sausage. Great place to have a team lunch.

recently visited Teabeards. Looked them up on Trip Advisor was guided to restaurant "if you want to call it that?" In the tunnels downtown Houston. Food was served out of paper&plastisc containers. Very disappointed with flavors. When I read reviews I was interested.that changed quickly after I was directed to a mini satellite version. That was a take out place at best. This location and food was unsatisfactory. Do not recommend.

The food was excellent whit a good variety and plenty to eat at a very resonable cost. everything that tried was delicious.

It has been years since I traveled to downtown Houston for a down home cajun food experience. Why did I wait so long! Treebeards has always been one of my favorites to gather with friends for lunch. Seafood gumbo is amazing, but everything on their menu is great. i will find my way back here very soon--life is too short not to enjoy this yummy place.

Treebeards is a great choice for basic comfort food at reasonable prices. Red beans and rice, jambalaya, corn bread, great desserts. It is located in a church so you have to look for it, but it is worth the effort.

I had lunch at the Christ Church Cloister location, across from Magnolia Hotel. Can't beat the value......small and large portions served cafeteria style. Had red beans and rice, gazpacho, and carrot cake. All were fresh and tasty. Is it fancy? Nope. But it was a fun lunch.

A comfortable place that is easy to eat by myself. You go thru a cafeteria line and can pick out what you want. Bread is available in the dining area. I ate out on the balcony and was entertained by everyday activity in the park across the street.

We read some great reviews about this restaurant which was walking distance from the aquarium. Tasty , hot and affordable Cajun food served with patience and a smile. The gumbo and etoufee were seasoned perfectly. Huge shrimp and large slices of sausage. Also help yourself to soft, fresh bread and butter. Wish we had room for the huge slice of Italian Cream cake for only $3.95. We will go back soon!

Had the special of the day "chicken fried chicken", heavenly & delicious. Usually go for beans & rice but decided to try something different. Italian cream cake was way beyond sinful, but delightful.

My friend just had her wedding/reception here. Food was OUTSTANDING and the venue couldn't have been more perfect.

Was downtown for a quick errand and wanted a place that was nice looking and easy to access. It was definitely a nice lunch spot frequented by local business employees, etc. This is a cafeteria style restaurant and upon entering, maybe slight confusing to order. The individuals before me and including myself asked the cashier to the left how to order which she was very pleasant and informative. I had the red beans and rice w/ sausage. Very generous proportions and extremely good! After you check out w/ the cashier (to the right) there is a stand you can walk to for get your silverware, hot sauce, bread, napkins, etc. Overall the experience here was great! I sat outside and found the up keep pleasant outside just as it was inside. Great visit along with great food. I will be back! again.

Had lunch there with my church group yesterday. The chicken and sausage gumbo was outstanding. The jalapeño cornbread was the absolutely the best I ever tasted. Highly recommended .

After going to Treebeards for two decades, you would think that it may get old eating there again but I look forward to it each time. Treebeards has a menu that changes each day, but all the food is fresh and tastes excellent. There is a variety of healthy items and Cajun choices. The servers are friendly even as they move the cafeteria line along. The costs are reasonable and by bringing your own food to the table, you save the costs of tipping.

I was there this week for a business lunch. I found the place friendly and uncomplicated, with plenty of healthy options, old-fashioned recipes honed to perfection, and great value. Be aware that this place only opens on weekdays, and is at its best at lunchtime. It caters cafeteria-style (trays, walking counters, check-out) to downtown professionals on a budget and does it without pretension, with tried-tested-and-true recipes. I had a blue cheese and pear salad wrapped under cling-wrap probably prepared on that very morning, and I picked a small cup of yellow dressing to go with. The lettuce was crispy, the pear sweet, the blue cheese copious. I also had a small cup of fresh fruits. All this set me back $12, which is great value for such healthy option in the heart of downtown. It is rough, functional, definitely family-friendly (noisy and easy-going), definitely not a romantic first date, but a great introduction to southern comfort food if you happen to be architecture-spotting downtown.

We eat at various downtown locations all year, but reserve Market Square for the holidays. We like the atmosphere, private tables and consistent quality of the food. I've purchased the cookbook and also use it often. My favorite is the red beans, rice and sausage and hubby loves the etoufee. Treebeards is a Houston favorite.

got a canteen feel on the weekend with a buffet type spread but wholesome and hearty even if choices are not too varied

This is a nice restaurant located in downtown setting serving office staff. It serves authentic New Orleans style food in a buffet type setting where one picks from 3 or 4 entre's along with 2 sides and has one of the best cakes for desert. Food was tasty and plentiful for lunch and serving staff were friendly. It appeared to be located in historical setting giving a good feeling of being in the past.

I worked in Houston 17 years ago and used to visit Treebeards on Travis and other locations in the tunnel system. I was on a business trip on Feb 17and had an opportunity to get away alone for lunch. I decided to visit Treebeards --- as usual, the food was excellent and service exceptional. I had the seafood gumbo and red beans & rice with sausage --- delicious!!! If you're looking for a casual, comfortable, enjoyable lunch then you must do Treebeards. The price is right and the cuisine never fails to deliver the 'comfort food' you crave!

First, if you want a unique setting, try the location inside the Episcopalian church on Texas Avenue - nicknamed "The Cloister." Great place to take an out-of-town guest. But regardless which location you choose to dine, the food is excellent. They have the best chicken/sausage gumbo anywhere - including Louisiana! I've tried the Chicken Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Fish, Jambalaya - all terrific, but I can't NOT order the gumbo! And their desserts are to die for - especially the butter cake. Enjoy!

Treebeards is our favorite restaurant with family, friends and groups because the food is fresh, tastes great and comes quickly. The food is easy to order because you order at the counter which makes it easier to have individual checks. Treebeards has friendly service and is reasonably priced. You can get baked chicken and two sides for less than $15. We eat at Treebeards as often as possible. I highly recommend Treebeards.

The food is really good my only complaints are the size of the celery, bell peppers and onions they put in your dish are waaay to big for my preference but the food does taste really good

It is a wonderful choice for lunch. I don't think every single dish is a perfect cajun execution but it gets close enough for me to return time and again. Also they easily beat out many other choices in the area or lunch.

Excellent selection of good quality comfort foods. I had a cold shrimp salad followed by Italian cream cake that was light and tasty. Really worth the extra calories!

After receiving a recommendation from the hotel concierge, we had lunch at the Treebeards location in the Cloisters. The place was hoppin with all sorts of business types. The seafood gumbo and red beans-n-rice were amazingly tasty. Be forewarned-- the portions are Texan-sized! If you have room for a sweet, you must try the Butter Bar. Yum!

We stopped by here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. They had all kinds of jambalaya, gumbo, red beans, rice, etc. They also has a great selection of desserts. We are glad we stopped by.

The food is average but it is not the real louisiana dish...it is average and good for lunch. The sauces are not original but still edible.

best value in Houston - my favorite for 30 years. Most dishes below $8, three locations, mostly lunch.

This place is only open for lunch on weekdays... so it's a good spot if you just got out of jury duty :) or if you work downtown! Hopefully you'll be there on a day when they have macaroni and cheese. Try not to eat too much :)

This downtown eatery has a great location and terrific food at reasonable prices. The specials are delicious and go when they have the fried chicken! It is delicious. Also have vegetarian dishes.

The food here is very good. The shrimp etouffee was great. Long tables seat many so get food fast. Mostly people who want cafeteria style food and service.

Food was hot, there was lots of it and it was excellent value for money. Plus the staff were really friendly!

If you visit only one Houston lunch-spot this has to be it. Catch a little of the history and flavor of Houston in this historic church fellowship hall. Gigantic, spacious, and bright room. Outstanding food with an environment to match.

I've been going here for almost 30 years and have always had great food. Only open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 till 2. It is cafeteria style service with their menu changing daily. It is one of Treebeards several locations that has a Cajun offering. All of their food is really good and they have awesome jalapeño cornbread. If you are downtown during lunch, stop and give it a try.

Treebeards is a great lunch spot; they have really good blackened fish, gumbo, and too many southern dishes to mention. Price is reasonable and it is quick cafeteria style so you can get in and out. But the food is cafeteria style...so it can sometimes feel like it was made for the masses. All in all a good place if you're downtown to grab a bite.

During the pandemic of 2020 most restaurants figured out a way to stay open besides eating in and Treebeards instituted pop ups. Our neighborhood was one that they delivered to. So after cooking so much it was a pleasure to order from this Houston institution. The seafood gumbo has to be the best I have ever eaten. It was spicy and filled with various seafood. The roux was perfect too. We also enjoyed their chicken and sausage gumbo which was not as spicy but still great. Also delicious was their bread pudding and carrot cake. I can't wait until two weeks from now so that they will be delivering again.