Daniel Renfrow is Houstonia’s Arts & Culture editor. He joined the magazine in June 2022. Daniel was previously the senior writer of CityBook, the editorial manager of Houston Grand Opera, and the editor in chief of Free Press Houston. During his days as a freelance journalist, he worked at more Houston coffee shops and restaurants than he can count.

Raised in Louisiana, Singapore, and Houston, Daniel got here as fast as he could. In his free time, he enjoys walking his two rescue pups, exploring the city by bicycle, and tending to his flower garden. He is also a collector of international folk art.

Mardi Gras

Where to Buy King Cakes This Year in Houston

Whether the colorful cakes we’re familiar with or the French-style galette des rois, Houston restaurants and bakeries have it all.

01/07/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Daniel Renfrow

Save the Date

Don’t Call Yourself a Houstonian Until You’ve Attended These Events

Looking for the ultimate Houston social calendar? We’ve gathered all the can’t-miss events that happen in the city every year, from the Art Car Parade to the rodeo.

12/31/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Stuffed Goodness

The Best Places for Pupusas in Houston

Our local Salvadoran restaurants deliver on the country's famous dish.

12/03/2024 By Marco Torres and Daniel Renfrow

By the Dozen

The Best Places in Houston to Buy Your Tamales This Year

Tamales are more than just a seasonal treat at these restaurants—they’re a year-round tradition.

11/05/2024 By Geneva Diaz and Daniel Renfrow

Heatin' Up

Test Your Spice Tolerance at These Houston Thai Restaurants

Authentic specialties, familiar favorites, fusion dishes...the city is flush with great Thai food.

10/25/2024 By Timothy Malcolm and Daniel Renfrow

Midnight Munchies

Satisfy Your Late-Night Hunger with These Houston Restaurants

These hot spots serve all the night owls out there.

09/30/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez and Daniel Renfrow

Party People

Beautiful Private Rooms at Houston Restaurants

Consider booking these gorgeous spaces for your next special occasion.

09/13/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

World Famous

An Exploration of Houston’s Most Important Pieces of Art

The city is home to some great artwork, but does anything here reach Mona Lisa status?

08/29/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Day Drinkin'

Houston's Absolute Best Happy Hours

Have your pick of your favorite poison at these after-work hot spots.

08/26/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez and Daniel Renfrow

Show Bites

The Best Places to Grab a Bite in Houston’s Theater District

Downtown Houston has so many dining options, but these are the best spots to visit before your show.

08/12/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Clean and Green

Meet the Little Vacuum Boat Keeping Buffalo Bayou Clean

The Bayou-Vac, a vacuum cleaner–enhanced boat, helps remove 160 dump trucks of trash from the bayou every year.

07/17/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Sunday Funday

The Best Brunch Destinations Houston Has to Offer

Weekend mornings are better with pancakes and friends.

07/03/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Sofia Gonzalez

Chill Out

Houston's Best Ice Cream Shops to Beat the Heat

The popsicle purveyors, ice creameries, and frozen treat shops to cure your summer angst.

06/25/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Sofia Gonzalez

Singing Queens

Where to Find the Best Drag Shows in Houston

Montrose is famously known as the “gayborhood,” but with so many options, it’s hard to narrow down where to go for a drag show. Here are the best of the best.

06/18/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Sofia Gonzalez

Slay!

A Guide to Houston’s Best Drag Brunches

Texas legislation might’ve tried to put a stop to drag, but these bars and restaurants are fighting back with Pride.

06/18/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Sofia Gonzalez

Have a Kiki

These Houston LGBTQ+ Bars Are Serving in All the Right Areas

Whether you want to dance the night away at South Beach or have a kiki with all your besties at Ripcord, Houston’s gay bars have plenty to offer.

06/14/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Sofia Gonzalez

The Great Disconnection

How Detached Townhouses Took Over Houston

A rare find in other US cities, they’ve become the de facto style built in Houston thanks to our construction-friendly ethos.

06/04/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Kinder Land

How the Philanthropy of Nancy and Rich Kinder Has Shaped Houston

The couple is worth an estimated $8.1 billion, and they’re giving almost all of it back to their adopted city.

06/03/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

No Sweat, Baby

An Insider’s Guide (Literally) to Indoor Summer Fun in Houston

As the season pushes three-digit temps, you’ll find us having a blast in air-conditioning.

05/28/2024 By Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Daniel Renfrow

Virtuoso Status

At 97, David Adickes Is Still Creating Art—and Cracking Jokes

The celebrated Houston artist may be pushing 100, but he still has no plans of retiring anytime soon.

05/20/2024 By Daniel Renfrow Photography by Anthony Rathbun