Sofia Gonzalez is Houstonia’s food and travel editor, focused on the magazine's Eat & Drink and Travel & Outdoors sections. She joined the magazine in March 2024.

She was previously an economic development, education, and diversity, equity and inclusion reporter at the Houston Business Journal, and the city hall reporter for Community Impact. In 2021, Sofia worked as an intern for Houstonia—creating the perfect full-circle moment to her role today.

Sofia is a native Houstonian, massive foodie, and occasional gym junkie. You’ll often catch her roaming around town looking for new spots to try, at one of the local Black Swan Yoga studios, or her local gym. In her free time, she also enjoys reading and cuddling with all her pups.

The Classics

A Deep Dive Into the History of West Alabama Ice House

First opened as a literal icehouse in 1928, this Montrose icon is still a gathering place for Houstonians to enjoy an ice-cold beer.

10/30/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Chinese Comfort

Where to Find the Best Chinese Food in Houston

Houston’s Chinese food scene runs deep, with everything from fiery Sichuan dishes to Cantonese seafood and classic dim sum.

10/22/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez and Emma Balter

For the Culture

ChòpnBlọk Finally Opens Its First Brick-and-Mortar

At the West African restaurant’s new space, diners will be treated to more menu items and a beverage program.

10/16/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Cheers

Julep Celebrates a Decade of Serving Houstonians

Owner Alba Huerta knew from the start of her bartending career that she wanted her own bar. And the success just keeps rolling.

10/11/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Under the Sea

Our Favorite Spots in Houston for Gulf Seafood

The city’s restaurants offer Gulf oysters galore, shrimp and crab cooked all the ways, Cajun favorites, and then some.

10/09/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez, Emma Balter, and Timothy Malcolm

Food for Good

Southern Smoke Festival Returns to Discovery Green with New Features

This year’s fundraiser will wow food lovers with bites from more than 70 participating chefs across the country, cooking demos, and wine pop-ups.

10/02/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

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

Drink Up

Tejas Beer Opens in Former Buffalo Bayou Brewing Space

The new brewery and taproom in Sawyer Yards hopes to be a go-to spot for ice-cold beer and sports games.

09/24/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

We Ranked Fall Activities We Love or Hate

From pumpkin spice anything to corn mazes, we’re giving our spicy opinions.

09/23/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Fun in Faye

A Weekend Guide to the College Town of Fayetteville

From hiking and bike trails to burgers and tacos, there’s plenty to do during your next trip to this college town.

09/20/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Meat lovers

A Deep Dive into Steak Night, Houston’s Most Popular Food Special

It’s been a thing for as long as people can remember, and local bars and restaurants have used the tradition to their advantage.

09/18/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Celeb Sighting

What Was Kelly Rowland Doing at a Houston Soul Food Restaurant?

The H-Town celebrity might have the opportunity to dine at the finest places in the world, but there’s no place like her hometown favorite.

09/13/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Secret Beauty

The Hidden Natural Beauty of Houston

The city is so much more than a concrete jungle of highways—you just have to know where to look.

09/13/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Felicidades

Picos Celebrates 40 Years with New Agave Festival

Arnaldo Richards reflects on four decades of the Mexican restaurant, and looks to the future with his H-Town Agave Festival.

09/11/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

All the Rolls

Houston Sushi Spots That Should Be on Your Bucket List

Head on over to one of these restaurants for a date night filled with great Japanese bites.

09/09/2024 By Phoebe Gibson and Sofia Gonzalez

Green Space

Buffalo Bayou’s Transformation Will Soon Connect to the East End

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been working to revitalize Houston’s natural resource since 1986, but there is so much more to come.

09/06/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Passing the Torch

Chef Patricia Delgado Is Ready to Carry on the Ninfa’s Legacy

The executive chef of the Uptown location knew she had big shoes to fill when taking on the job—and now, she’s rolling out her own specials.

09/04/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Secret Spot

Shining a Light on Armand Bayou Nature Center on 50th Anniversary

The 2,500-acre nature preserve showcases what Houston would’ve looked like if humans never settled here. Why do so few people know it exists?

08/30/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Tried and True

Neighborhood Restaurants in Houston We Visit Again and Again

They may not always get the spotlight, but these community gathering places are special.

08/28/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

All in the deets

How the Design of Houston Restaurants Comes Together

It takes a lot of work from interior designers and architects to give guests a great dining experience.

08/23/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez