Emma Balter became Houstonia’s editor in chief in May 2023. She was previously the food editor of Chron, a features reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and an associate editor at Wine Spectator. She has also contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Eater, PureWow, Chowhound, and VinePair, among others. She graduated from Poynter’s prestigious Leadership Academy for Women in Media in March 2024 and has served on the James Beard Restaurant & Chef committee since 2022.

Emma has been a proud Houstonian since 2020 and loves to drive around to discover new pockets of the city—excursions that are mostly food-motivated. She currently lives in southwest Houston with too many cats and will one day learn how to take care of her raised beds properly.

The Scenic Route

We’re Begging You to Get Off the Highway

Driving on “avoid highways” mode is the only way to truly appreciate all of Houston’s beauty.

08/19/2024 By Emma Balter

Sweet Times

The Definitive Guide to the Best Bakeries in Houston

For a taste of home or discovering new flavors, there's nothing better than sampling the city's pastries.

07/16/2024 By Phoebe Gibson, Sofia Gonzalez, and Emma Balter

The Aftermath

CenterPoint(less) Watch: What to Know After Hurricane Beryl

Houstonians pick up the pieces as the storm moves out of the region.

07/12/2024 By Emma Balter With Uvie Bikomo and Sofia Gonzalez

Making Lemonade

15 Ways to Stay Sane As We Recover from Beryl

When life gives you lemons...here's how to still have a little bit of fun in Houston after the hurricane.

07/12/2024 By Emma Balter and Uvie Bikomo

Open Doors

These Houston Restaurants Are Open After Hurricane Beryl

Here's where to grab some food (and maybe a beer) after the storm.

07/12/2024 By Emma Balter and Sofia Gonzalez With Uvie Bikomo

Big News

Introducing ‘Don’t Say Howdy,’ an Opinionated Local’s Guide to Houston

Houstonia’s newsletter series will teach you how to live, eat, and play like a local, whether you’re a newbie or someone who’s been here a while and wants to dig deeper.

06/25/2024 By Emma Balter

Boomtown

Houston’s Growth by the Numbers

We look at the stats that define the city's relentless expansion.

06/12/2024 By Emma Balter

The Growth Issue

Welcome to Boomtown

What's not growing or exploding right now in Houston?

06/12/2024 Edited by Emma Balter Illustrations by Sam Island

Little Saigon

Vietnamese Restaurants in Houston That Always Hit the Spot

In Houston, you can get way more than just bánh mì and phở—although we have plenty of recs for that too.

06/12/2024 By Emma Balter and Phoebe Gibson

Want It All

Is an Affordable Home within the 610 Loop Still a Thing in Houston?

With the help of a local real estate agent, we go on a wild-goose chase to find a $350,000 home in the city.

06/10/2024 By Emma Balter

Diaspora

Discover All the Hidden Gems of Houston’s Asiatown

The sprawling neighborhood along and around Bellaire Boulevard is six square miles packed with food and culture.

06/06/2024 By Phoebe Gibson and Emma Balter

Local Playgrounds

Your Complete Guide to Houston Neighborhoods

From bustling downtown to hip Montrose, we have all the recommendations for where to eat, drink, and play.

06/05/2024 Edited by Emma Balter

The Gayborhood

32 Very Houston Ways to Have Fun in Montrose

The counter-cultural-turned-trendy neighborhood is a playground of old favorites and new dining destinations.

06/04/2024 By Meredith Nudo and Emma Balter

Smoked

The Houston Barbecue Hall of Fame

We went out in search of tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and creative sides that speak to Houstonians’ palate.

05/30/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez and Emma Balter

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

Taco Town

The 25 Tacos in Houston You Must Eat Before You Die

We crown the best of the best, from barbacoa to trompo and, of course, breakfast tacos.

05/10/2024 By Marco Torres, Sofia Gonzalez, and Emma Balter

Sizzle City

The Most Unique Steak Houses in Houston

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for a good cut of meat, so we took on the Herculean task of narrowing them down to our absolute favorites.

05/07/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez and Emma Balter