Treebeards-Market Square

Dan Tidwell and Jamie Mize are downtown pioneers. In 1978, long before it was cool to locate a restaurant in the heart of Houston, Tidwell and Mize created Treebeards, a paean to classic Louisiana Cajun and soul food. Located in the historic Baker-Travis Building on Market Square, the colorful converted space is as much of an experience as the food itself. Everyone stands in line for lunch cafeteria style. But be wary of striking up a conversation with the person next to you. He or she may be a juror (the courthouse is only a few blocks away and juries seem to love this place). The signature red beans and rice (with or without sausage), accompanied by jalapeno cornbread, is legendary, along with such specialities as jambalaya, etouffee, chicken and sausage gumbo, thick meatloaf and chicken fried chicken with cream gravy. Treebeards can fulfill all your cravings.

Treebeards has downtown covered. In addition to the Market Square flagship, there's a Treebeards at The Cloister at Christ Church Cathedral and a tunnel locations at the 1100 Louisiana building.t