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.

Battle of the Burgers

Which Houston Smashburger Reigns Supreme?

From Trill Burgers to Burger Bodega, we try four different smashburgers to crown the winner.

07/17/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Salvadoran Eats

Meet Pupusa Mami, Houston’s Patron Saint of Pupusas

Although she made her name through pop-ups, the owner of Allwayz Hungry always had brick-and-mortar dreams.

07/14/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Past and Future

A New Restaurant in Kemah Seeks to Decolonize Indigenous Cuisines

Th Prsrv takes diners on a 4,000-year culinary journey through Thai and Native American flavors.

07/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Furever Homes

To Save Lives, This Houston Rescue Ships Stray Animals to Other States

Rescued Pets Movement has saved more than 81,000 local dogs and cats from euthanasia since 2013.

06/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Love Is Love

Pride Houston Will Look Different This Year. The Heat Is to Blame.

Due to record-breaking temperatures that caused trouble in 2022, the festivities are being scaled back this Saturday—but big changes are coming in 2024.

06/20/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Mega Shark

Meet Meghan, the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Giant New Shark

The star of a new exhibit, the megalodon is 51 feet long and nine feet high—and was very hard to transport into the building.

06/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Smashburgers

The Trill Burgers Opening in Montrose Was Quite the Scene

Smashburger fans drop everything to join the long line on the Houston brick-and-mortar’s first day of service.

06/08/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Bike Battle

Hardcourt Bike Polo Is Building a Strong Presence in Houston

The sport gained fans in the early aughts in Seattle before spreading across the country and to the Lone Star State.

06/06/2023 By Daniel Renfrow Photography by Richard Ramirez II

Salty Kitty

Behind This New Speakeasy’s Cat Door Lies a Hidden Oasis

Mèo, a new hidden bar in the Heights, sports strong dive bar vibes while serving top-notch craft cocktails and dim sum.

06/02/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Landfall

Hurricane Season Is Here. What Are We in for This Year?

Local meteorologist Matt Lanza of Space City Weather answers all our brewing questions.

06/01/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Staying Cool

How to Have Fun in Houston This Summer in the Sweet Embrace of A/C

When sticky season comes around, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house while keeping your chill.

05/26/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Dive In

Houston's Best Pools, Water Parks, and More to Beat the Heat

Drive down to Galveston's beaches, splash around at Six Flags, or take a dip in the city's coolest pools this summer.

05/22/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

All Tinned Up

Seacuterie Boards Are the Latest TikTok Food Trend

Canned fish is quickly usurping the humble charcuterie spread. Will Houstonians jump on the craze?

05/15/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Breaking Kayfabe

Doomsday Wrestling Brings the Smack Down to H-Town

This zany amateur wrestling group is as much about piling on the laughs as it is the piledrivers.

05/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

One-Sentence Stories

Satirical Takes on the Latest Houston News

Wandering goats, a school district succession plan, and more.

05/08/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Spectrum Fusion

This Houston Nonprofit Is Helping Autistic Adults Succeed in the Workplace

Spectrum Fusion's all-autistic media team helps create a sense of community and belonging for autistic adults.

04/26/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Equitable Fun

8 Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Houston

The museums, theaters, and performing arts organizations that have special days dedicated to children and adults with sensory sensitivities.

04/19/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Spirited Away

Houston's 50 Hottest Bars of 2023

From the clubby to the dives, these watering holes deliver on all fronts.

04/11/2023 By Daniel Renfrow, Geneva Diaz, and Meredith Nudo

Art Bar

Moon Papas Makes Bar and Restaurant Spaces a Real Trip

Matt Fries and Julian Luna craft futuristic art installations and immersive spaces, one far-out experience at a time.

04/11/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Awards and Accolades

A Houston Chef and 2 Restaurants Are Finalists in the 2023 James Beard Awards

This year's nominees are chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Tatemó, and Nancy's Hustle.

03/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow