Hello dear
Welcome to Treebeards
Treebeards is a beloved Cajun and Creole dining experience nestled in Houston’s downtown. With a cafeteria-style service, patrons quickly navigate through a bustling line to savor hearty dishes that evoke a sense of homemade soul food. Highlights include their famous Shrimp Etouffee, flavorful Jambalaya, and delicious Red Beans & Rice, all served in generous portions. The vibrant atmosphere buzzes with workers enjoying lunch, while the outdoor seating invites families and dog owners alike. Treebeards balances convenience and comfort, offering vegan and vegetarian options alongside classic Southern fare, making it a go-to spot for groups craving flavorful, uncomplicated meals.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Chicken Salad
Pear, Walnut & Bleu Cheese Salad
Green Salad
Trio Plate
About
Treebeards
Welcome to Treebeards, a gem of Cajun and Creole cuisine nestled in the heart of downtown Houston. Located on the courtyard level of the Cloister at 1117 Texas St, Treebeards embodies the essence of comfort food served in a casual, inviting atmosphere. With its cafeteria style dining, patrons appreciate not only the flavorful dishes but also the quick service that accommodates the bustling lunchtime crowd.
Why Choose Treebeards? Here, you won’t just find a meal; you’ll experience dishes that evoke the soul of Louisiana cooking. The menu boasts a variety of options, ensuring there’s something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian selections. Popular dishes include the shrimp étouffée with rice, red beans and rice, and the highly praised chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Each plate reflects the culinary traditions of the South, offering a hearty and satisfying experience.
- Quick and Convenient: The cafeteria line moves rapidly, ensuring that you receive your order promptly—often within five minutes.
- Comforting Atmosphere: The spacious dining area is perfect for groups, featuring a communal feel where sharing tables is a common practice.
- Affordable Prices: With meals typically ranging from $10 to $20, you can enjoy generous portions without breaking the bank.
Treebeards is not just about food; it's about an experience that feels like home. With friendly staff who are passionate about providing quality service, you can enjoy a meal while mingling with a diverse crowd—both blue and white-collar workers alike. It's a place where the cheerful noise of conversation meshes beautifully with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes.
In addition to the daily specials, don’t overlook their delightful sides, such as jalapeño cornbread, steamed veggies, and decadent desserts like bread pudding with whiskey sauce and Italian cream cake. Just like the reviews suggest, the culinary offerings may not be the most gourmet in Houston, but they promise warmth, simplicity, and a dash of homemade soul.
Final Thoughts: Whether you’re grabbing lunch on-the-go or gathering a group for a laid-back meal, Treebeards stands out as a staple for those craving authentic Cajun dishes in a friendly environment. With outdoor seating, catering options, and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, it's the perfect spot to savor comfort food at its finest.
So, next time you’re in downtown Houston, treat yourself to a culinary trip to Louisiana at Treebeards. You won't be disappointed!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This is the OG Treebeards in downtown Houston. A cafeteria style (literally) establishment, you walk through the courtyard, go in the cafeteria line, get your food, pay, and then find a table to go eat. Pretty simple and convenient. The inside feels like a church / cafeteria hall and is actually quite spacious with tons of tables and seating room. Lots of white collar and blue collar workers during a weekday lunch hour. Prices are between $10-20 depending on what you get, portions are standard. I got the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, a side of gumbo, and a side of jalapeño cornbread. Is it super gourmet and the best Creole in town? Nope, but it is an interesting dining experience and will fill you up for a reasonable price (compared to other options in downtown). I have no idea how the food is at their other locations in the tunnels but this is definitely the legit location to give them a try. ”
“ A touch of homemade soul food. Amazing. Quick turn around. Receive your order within 5 min of placing order. Great lunch stop. Thank you. ”
“ Great cafeteria in the heart of downtown Houston. The line moves quickly and the staff are a pleasure. My favorites here are the following, although some may not be available every day of the week: 1. Shrimp etouffee with rice 2. Red beans and rice 3. Chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy They've also got some great sides: 1. Steamed broccoli and carrots 2. Squash 3. Bread and butter (next to the water machines behind the cahiers) The chicken fried chicken is available on Tuesdays. The other two are available every day from what I have noticed. Great place for groups most tables will seat 8 and if you are a smaller group, you may end up sharing ends of a table with another small group. It's a sit where you like situation so don't wait to be seated after making your way through the line. ”
“ All around great Cajun cafeteria style food. Try the sausage red beans and rice, and gumbos. ”
“ Always consistent with the quality of the food- been going for many years and love their daily specials. The sides are my favorite, including the salads and desserts! Sad that their Travis location closed, but glad the Christ Church location on Texas is still open. ”
“ Oh, Treebeard's how I've missed thee. 20+ years ago, when I worked in downtown Houston, we often visited this place for lunch. It is located in the church cafeteria. The food is delicious. The staple here is red beans and rice with sausage. If you are a fan of red beans and rice with sausage, this place will not disappoint. However, today, I decided to try the baked fish topped with étouffée along with a side of black-eyed peas and a slice of jalapeño cornbread. Over the years of coming here, I have never been disappointed. Apparently, now they take all major credit cards. Bottom line - If you are in the area for lunch or possibly staying across the street at the Magnolia Hotel, I recommend giving them a try. They have limited hours and are only open for lunch. The Southern style food, and/or creole food is worth trying. I think you will be happy that you did. Bon appétit, y'all. ”
“ I had such a great first experience at Treebeards that I have already been back for lunch since then. The location I was at is located inside a church downtown with a buffet-style set up for the food and plenty of seating. I ordered the red beans & rice with sausage both times, and both times it was delicious - some of the best red beans & rice I've had. The jalapeño cornbread was also great, but the meal already comes with white bread which might be enough depending on how hungry you are. Also, you can't forget the butter cake! It's like a blondie cake batter hybrid - not sure exactly how to describe it, but if you are a fan of sweet desserts then this is a must try. ”
