In Utopia, Texas, you can have an unforgettable dining experience in a treehouse built on a 450-year-old oak tree. However, the restaurant is only open on Saturdays and does not accept email reservations; everything is done by phone, with plenty of advance notice required.
The venue
The Laurel Tree restaurant in Utopia, Texas, can fulfill your dream of dining in a treehouse. It's located just off FM 187, a stone's throw from the pristine Sabinal River, and only an hour and a half's drive from San Antonio, making it the perfect destination for lunch or a romantic evening stopover during your travels in the area. The Laurel Tree features a charming country-style dining room perched atop a 450-year-old oak tree, offering a splendid view of the surrounding farmland and creating a cozy atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. Meals range from three to five courses, with a fixed price starting at $44 for lunch and $69 for dinner.
All ingredients are fresh and sourced from The Laurel Tree's own farm, located on the property. The menus, of course, change regularly to incorporate seasonal ingredients. The restaurant requires reservations since seating inside the treehouse is limited, accommodating a maximum of 6 people at a time. It's possible (and highly recommended) to secure a table up to six months in advance of your visit date, and you can choose to dine directly on the treehouse balcony.
The only rules are to call the establishment (email requests are not accepted) and refrain from bringing children under 6 years old. Upon arrival, you'll find freshly picked flowers adorning the dining room and fresh vegetables always on the table. The restaurant is open only on Saturdays, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and then again from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for dinner service. Additionally, although there are no alcoholic beverages on the menu, the owners encourage customers to bring their own drinks to accompany the meal - so be sure to grab a bottle of wine on your way if you desire a drink during dinner.
The Laurel Tree was born from the vision of Laurel Waters, who grew up in Houston, and whose family has owned the property since 1972. Waters studied culinary arts in France in the '90s and early 2000s, bringing her concept of French cuisine to Texas in October 2004. She is currently the owner and also the Executive Chef, changing the menu every week based on what's available in the surrounding area. She grows over 30 herbs in a garden located behind the restaurant. Furthermore, once you've booked a table, it's reserved for the entire evening. This means you can get up to stroll around the estate between courses or simply enjoy the experience in the mansion. "It's more of a European dining style that we aim for, where people leisurely enjoy their food and company without any rush," Waters said.
In addition to the chef, the project was launched by Pete Nelson, the host of the successful show "Treehouse Masters," who visited the Laurel Tree about six years ago with his TV crew while filming various treehouses in the Hill Country. The culinary experience at the Laurel Tree is filled with special moments, and Waters has no plans to change the restaurant's hours or days of operation. It's a unique place that attracts customers from all around the world, and that's where its charm lies.
Photos from restaurant's webiste
