Made in Houston

A new wave of hyperlocal makers is sweeping the city—meet them, and learn where to shop for their stuff. Plus: Ghost bikes shine a light on Houston cycling deaths; the past, present, and future of Third Ward; the city's burlesque renaissance; and more

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

City Guide

Challenge Yourself to Do These 12 Houston Things in 2024

Explore the city with this monthly calendar of traditions, events, and must-visit places.

12/27/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

The Art of the Tease

Houston’s Burlesque Scene Is Not Only Back—It’s Better

After nearly going extinct during the pandemic, local burlesque shows are now in their glow-up era.

11/14/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Healing Houston

Aris Kian Is Rewriting the Rules as Houston Poet Laureate

The native Houstonian is building a bridge between poetry and activism.

08/28/2023 By Geneva Diaz

No Small Roles

Houston's Indie Theater Scene Proudly Has Its Freak Flag Flying

Outside the Theater District, smaller companies offer audiences something completely different, but equally—if not more—thought-provoking.

08/14/2023 By Holly Beretto

Eat & Drink

Steaming Bowls

These Noodle Soups Are Houston’s Comfort-Food Favorites

Where to get the best phở, bún bò Huế, ramen, and sopa de fideo.

12/11/2023 By Emma Balter

Quarantreats

These Pandemic ‘Pivot’ Foods Are Still Being Made Today

Once a lifeline during COVID-19 restaurant shutdowns, these packaged goods became so popular that Houston chefs continued selling them.

11/29/2023 By Emma Balter

Drink Culture

Asian Ingredients Star in Some of Houston’s Best Cocktails

Local restaurants are giving their bar menus Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean flair.

11/16/2023 By Lauren McDowell

Reina de las Tamales

How Momma’s Tamales Handles the Holiday Crunch

Inspired by her mother’s recipes, Ana Soria turned the Bellaire tamale shop into a beloved business that grinds nonstop around Christmas.

11/10/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Home & Real Estate

Raise the Coop

The Backyard Chicken Lifestyle Has Houstonians Flying High

While there are many types of flock owners, the one thing they all have in common is a love for all things chicken.

08/25/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

News & City Life

Green Revival

These Houston Parks Have Big Changes Coming in 2024

From the East End to the bayous, green spaces are getting a glow-up next year.

12/06/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

In Memoriam

Ghost Bikes Are Painful Reminders of Houston’s Cyclist Death Problem

More than 100 of these memorials dot the city, raising awareness for bikers killed by drivers every year.

12/04/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

We Ranked Typical Houston Things We Love or Hate

From the 610 Loop to José Altuve’s batting arm.

11/21/2023 By Emma Balter

Concrete Desert

The Houston Rodeo Parking Lot Is a Window into the City’s Land Use

Used only a few weeks out of the year, the 610 lot explains a ton about how land is used in the city.

11/16/2023 By Allyn West

Rising

In the Face of Change, Third Ward Is Holding onto Its Rich History

The Houston neighborhood is experiencing a revival that, despite challenges, has not forgotten its roots.

11/13/2023 By Brooke A. Lewis

Style & Shopping

Made in Houston

A New Wave of Local Makers Has Arrived in Houston

There’s never been a better time to support local.

12/01/2023 Edited by Emma Balter

Plates to Pottery

Lori Muñoz Turned Her Lockdown into a Thriving Ceramics Brand

The colorful, nostalgic Houston brand Lorita Makes was born after Muñoz's restaurant job slowed during the pandemic.

12/01/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Sticking Power

Houston’s Resin Artists Are Preserving Beautiful Memories

These locally made goods showcase everything from flowers to Taylor Swift concert tickets.

11/30/2023 By Emma Balter

Time Out

These Houston Makers' Goods Are All about Self-Care

From scented candles to cosmetics, we love these locally crafted products.

11/30/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

Performance Grade

How Houston’s Rubén Isaza Became a Fashion Designer to the Stars

Just a few years ago, he was a dishwasher at a restaurant. Now he dresses celebrities like Lizzo.

11/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Greetings from Houston

Write Your Holiday Cards on a Houston-Made Creation This Season

Spread the love, one locally designed card at a time.

11/28/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Slow Fashion

This Houston Fashion Designer Wants Your Clothes to Actually Last

Bobbie Johnson’s Béyu brand is all about sustainability.

11/28/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

A Solid Impression

Making Art from Concrete Is a Family Tradition for This Houstonian

Before cementing herself as an expert in all things concrete art, local artist Myrna Hagelsieb spent her childhood learning from her father in Mexico.

11/27/2023 By Daniel Renfrow