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 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

Houston History

Glenwood Cemetery Is Home to the Most Famous (Dead) Houstonians

Follow our guide to the graveyards of the city’s notable former residents.

10/31/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Mojo

Meet Absolem Yetzirah, the Voodoo King of Houston

Before opening Absolem’s House of Voodoo, this local “conjure doctor” was an herbalist searching for a new direction.

10/27/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Sugar and Spice

The Great Pumpkin Spice Divide of Houston

In a city where fall is more a state of mind than a change in temperature, is it okay to give people a pass for clinging to the trend?

10/23/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Honey, I’m Home

Our Favorite Homes in the 2023 AIA Houston Home Tour

From charming bungalows to midcentury marvels, there are some spectacular architectural gems to explore this year.

10/20/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Supernatural

Houston’s Best Witchy Shops Are Full of Magic

Embrace your inner witch by diving into the spellbinding world of these local metaphysical stores.

10/04/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Fall 2023 Issue

The Arts Unveiled

Pulling the curtain back on Houston’s underground art world.

09/26/2023 Edited by Emma Balter and Daniel Renfrow Illustrations by Sarah Welch

YA Angst

Houston Author Jennifer Mathieu’s New Book Is All About Eco-Anxiety

Down Came the Rain tells the story of two climate activist high schoolers struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

09/25/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Dinner and a Show

Inside the Wild One-Upmanship of Houston’s Vibe Dining Restaurants

Does the hot new trend have more staying power than the confetti stuck in your hair at the end of the night?

09/20/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Home Is Where the Art Is

Houstonians Are Opening Up Their Homes to Emerging Artists

Home-based galleries are creating community in the art world by giving lesser-known local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

09/14/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Alt Mags

Zine Fest Houston's Nebulous History Is All Part of Its Legacy

It all started in Hermann Park 30 years ago. Today, the importance of the self-publishing art form endures in the city.

09/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Roll Out

Houston’s Group Bike Rides Are the Ultimate Form of Protest

There’s something heart-warming about the anarchy of 2,000 people on bikes reclaiming the roads back from cars.

08/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

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

Safe Spaces

This Houston Artist Wants to Open Energetic Portals with Her Work

Li(sa E.) Harris’s new installation at DiverseWorks will transport viewers to AFRAM, a place for Black transcendence, survival, and joy.

08/23/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Rise and Shine

Standout Brunch Spots We Love in Houston

It’s time to give up your sad cereal routine and spice up your weekends at one of these restaurants.

08/22/2023 By Megha McSwain, Meredith Nudo, Stephanie Bartels, and Daniel Renfrow

Onward

How Underbelly Hospitality Is Redefining Itself Post–Chris Shepherd

Over a year after splitting with its famous founder, the restaurant group is going in new directions.

08/16/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Breaking Band

This One Band Shows How Interconnected Houston's Music Scene Is

Five separate bands can be formed by reshuffling the members of Ancient Cat Society.

08/16/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Mango Everything

New Asiatown Dessert Shop Goes through 500 Cases of Mangoes a Week

The Houston location of Hong Kong’s famous Hui Lau Shan is a mango lover’s dream.

08/02/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Explore Asia

Asia Society’s New Interactive Exhibit Is Unlike Anything Else

The Houston center’s permanent exhibit allows visitors to explore five Asian countries, and in doing so, find commonality and a sense of community.

07/26/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Trading Spaces

Why Thai Landmark Street to Kitchen Is Moving

After an onslaught of reservations following chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter’s big win at the James Beard Awards, the tiny East End restaurant is trading up to a bigger space.

07/24/2023 By Daniel Renfrow