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.

The Tre

A Complete Guide to Third Ward, Houston's Cultural Bedrock

This historic stronghold of Houston’s Black community is home to iconic spots like Frenchy’s Chicken and the Eldorado Ballroom.

05/17/2024 By Phoebe Gibson and Daniel Renfrow

Nawfside Best Side

How to Have a Good Time in Houston’s Near Northside

The neighborhood is known for its rich Latino culture and is home to quality restaurants, breweries, galleries, and music venues.

05/15/2024 By Reyes Ramirez and Daniel Renfrow

H-Town Vicious

Houston, We Have a Playlist: The Best Songs about Life in the Bayou City

Looking for the Houston equivalent of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York”? We have ideas.

05/14/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Suburban Noir

Artist Olivia Erlanger Brings Her Complex Inner Worlds to CAMH

If Today Were Tomorrow, one of the most anticipated shows of 2024, presents a critique of the idea that property ownership leads to social mobility.

05/13/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

In the Middle

24 Reasons Why Midtown Is an Underrated Houston Neighborhood

Midtown might get overshadowed by its neighbors, but staples like the Breakfast Club, Double Trouble, Mai’s, and My Flaming Heart make it worth a visit.

05/08/2024 By Reyes Ramirez and Daniel Renfrow

Art for a Cause

Inside the Creation of the Houston Food Bank’s 1,500 Empty Bowls

At the fundraiser on May 11, shop for handcrafted bowls by Houston artists, with proceeds fighting food insecurity in Southeast Texas.

05/07/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

El Barrio

A Real Local’s Guide to Houston’s East End Neighborhood

The sprawling east side of town is a hub for Mexican culture, award-winning restaurants, and eclectic shops of all kinds.

05/02/2024 By Reyes Ramirez and Daniel Renfrow

Reappearing Act

Magic Island Is Officially Reopening—and We Have Some Ideas

The campy, ancient Egypt–themed magic show venue is reopening after 16 years, and we come bearing some solid business proposals.

05/02/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Retro Chic

An Insider’s Guide to Houston’s Best Vintage Stores

Skip popular but poor-quality spots and do your thrifting at well-curated shops like Daytripper, Lo-Fi, and Cargo Vintage.

04/30/2024 By Danielle Wright and Daniel Renfrow

Ever Wonder Why…

Will the Montrose Bridge Lights Ever Dazzle Our Commute Again?

Conceived as a beautification project ahead of Houston hosting the Super Bowl in 2017, the lights have long gone out.

04/22/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Bayougraphy

The Montrose Center’s New CEO Is Ready to Make Her Mark

Avery Belyeu, the first transgender woman to helm the historic LGBTQ+ center, seeks to lead through active listening and collaboration.

04/19/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Peckish

A Ranking of Houston’s Free Bar Snacks

Edibility, appeal, hunger abatement … we put these bites to the test to crown a winner.

04/17/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Adventure Time

The Best Trails and Neighborhoods in Houston for Biking

Despite what you might have heard, there’s never been a better time to be a cyclist in the Bayou City.

04/12/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Paper Culture

A New Exhibit at the MFAH Explores Black Identity through Collage

Multiplicity, on display through May 12, features over 80 collages from a group of 52 living artists.

04/02/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Up and At ’Em

An Early Riser’s Guide to the Weekend in Houston

Everything that opens by 9am on the weekend, from farmers markets and museums to specialty grocery stores and plant shops.

04/01/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Fiery Sensation

Street to Kitchen Is Ready for Its Biggest Year Yet

Chef Benchawan “G” Jabthong Painter’s award-winning Thai restaurant is leveling up in its new digs.

03/28/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Click!

What’s Worth Checking Out at the 2024 FotoFest Biennial

The 20th edition of Houston’s biggest photography extravaganza is here. Here’s what to see and do.

03/18/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

The Doctor Is In

Meet the Houston Actor from Those Viral Anti–Greg Abbott Videos

Joe Grisaffi plays a doctor bearing bad news in Mothers Against Greg Abbott ads.

03/12/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Discerning Tastes

This Third Ward Gallery Is Houston’s Hub for African Art

For over 20 years, Gite Gallery has been a favorite of celebrities like T.J. Ford, Vince Young, and Tina Knowles.

03/04/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Houstonia Rodeo Week

The Essential Guide to the Houston Rodeo

From the best cowboy fashion to mutton bustin' tips from a pro.

03/01/2024 Edited by Emma Balter and Daniel Renfrow