Classic Houston Restaurant Opens New Memorial Location
Back in May, Jolie and Charles Stinneford, owners of 40-year-old Treebeards, closed its longest-running location at 315 Travis after a “massive rent increase.” However, they also revealed that the news wasn’t all bad. They were, at that time, building a new, larger location in the Memorial area. The new restaurant, located at 9655 Katy Freeway in the Moody National building, quietly opened for lunch earlier this month. On October 15, it is officially adding dinner.
The new Treebeards, designed by Kendall/Heaton to have an airy and open feel, is approximately 6,000 square feet and can seat 140 people in the dining room, 36 at the bar and 40 on the patio. The new interior features a mural by famous Houston graffiti artist Gonzo 247 and art and furniture from the recently closed location.
Of course long-running, customer favorites are served — red beans and rice, jambalaya, étouffée and the buttercake — but the new location also has several brand-new dishes. Treebeards hired chef Matt Marcus of Eatsie Boys and 8th Wonder Brewery to consult on the menu. Now, diners who don’t want to indulge in the hearty Cajun fare have lighter options to choose from, including kale salad and baked chicken with vegetables. Plus, Marcus has contributed new dishes such as a stuffed pork chop and Roasted Salmon with Mustard Sauce. He also created small plates to serve at the new bar: pimento cheese dip, Crab and Shrimp Queso and classic deviled eggs.
The full bar offers cocktails created by consultant Linda Salinas, who’s also worked with Jonathan’s The Rub, Hotel Alessandra and, more recently, at Xin Chao, a new restaurant from MasterChef winner Christine Ha and Saigon House owner Tony Nguyen. Salinas’ creations include Sangria Mojito, Blackberry Ginger Margarita and Jolie’s French 75. There is also a rotating selection of two wines on tap, non-alcoholic “mocktails” and Katz’s Coffee nitro cold brew on tap. A happy hour is planned for the future, as is catering service.
Currently, Treebeards Bunker Hill is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. When dinner is added on October 15, the restaurant will be open all day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other locations are at 711 Louisiana and 1100 Louisiana in the downtown tunnels, in the Park Shops at 1200 McKinney, at the Cloister of the Christ Church Cathedral at 1117 Texas, and at NRG Stadium on both the Club Level and in private suites.
Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.
LOVE Treebeards…this location is FANTASTIC!! 💖💖💖