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.

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

Things About the Houston Summers We Love and Hate

Our longest season means miserable temperatures but tons of beach trips.

06/20/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Sizzlin' Steaks

How Meat Mafia Became One of Houston’s Hottest Steak Nights

The group started as a drunken joke in 2019 and has since risen to culinary fame within the city’s beloved steak night tradition.

06/18/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Touching Grass

Take On Big Bend National Park like a Pro

Every question you have about Texas’s gift to the nation, answered.

06/17/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Chef-studded Wins

Thomas Bille Wins James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas

Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast, a fine-dining Mexican restaurant in Spring, helped Houston make its comeback with his win.

06/16/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Whistle Wetting

The Official 50 Hottest Bars in Houston

From beloved old dives to experimental cocktail hubs, there's never been a better time to drink in the city.

06/16/2025 By Emma Balter, Sofia Gonzalez, Meredith Nudo, and Daniel Renfrow

Iconic Texas Road Trips

How to Make the Long Drive to Big Bend National Park More Fun

Break up time on the road with stops to explore caverns in Sonora, shop in Boerne, and much more.

06/16/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

All Ears

Our Favorite Podcasts for a Long Road Trip

The top bingeworthy listens, from true crime to comedy.

06/13/2025 By Emma Balter, Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

Jamming

Our Favorite Albums for a Long Road Trip

Top music recommendations to belt out, windows down on cruise control.

06/11/2025 By Emma Balter, Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

Keeping the Classics

How Two Local Houstonians Are Saving the City’s Dive Bars

Bobby Heugel and Peter Jahnke have rescued Catbirds and Blue Lagoon Club from almost-certain extinction.

06/10/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Watering Holes

These Dive Bars All Have Their Own Story to Tell

Trendy bars are on the rise everywhere, but Houston bar owners are doing what they can to preserve the old-school dives.

06/10/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Culture War

Why Bike Lanes Have Become a Heated Topic of Debate in Houston

Arguments around biking infrastructure and Mayor Whitmire’s spree of removals have turned this seemingly uncontroversial topic into the city’s thorniest issue.

06/06/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Snack Time

H-E-B Snacks That Should Be on Your Grocery List (and What to Skip)

We ranked popular store brands from the two-bite brownies to knockoff Oreos. Here’s what lived up to the hype.

06/04/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Let's Go Divas

The LGBTQ+ Bars We Love Slaying At in Houston

Whether you want to dance the night away, enjoy a drag show, or get your karaoke on, these local gay bars have plenty to offer.

06/03/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Daniel Renfrow

Be Prepared

A Houstonian's Guide to the Ultimate Hurricane Kit

The time of year we all dread is here. Make sure you're ready for whatever mother nature is going to throw our way.

06/02/2025 By Uvie Bikomo and Sofia Gonzalez

Bayougraphy

This 19-Year-Old Is Whipping Up Acai Bowls and Smoothies Downtown

Ivan Diaz is a full-time student and business owner, and he’s just getting started with Oasis at Lyric Market.

05/30/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Dreamers

With Immigration Fear on the Rise, These Chefs Are Using Their Voice

The Trump administration’s mass deportations are hurting the restaurant industry, but the city’s DACA recipient chefs are not staying quiet.

05/28/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Closing Time

All the Houston Restaurants That Have Closed This Year (So Far)

From decades-old establishments to restaurants that had only just opened, we've said plenty of goodbyes recently.

05/23/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Family Fun

We Priced Out Your Next Family Day Trip So You Don’t Have To

A family outing, in this economy?! Here’s exactly how much you’ll pay for a family of four at the most popular attractions in the Houston area.

05/23/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Grocery Wars

How Kroger Competes in Our H-E-B Dominated City

The national chain is staying relevant in the Houston market with a wine bar, good cheese, barbecue, and a Hispanic concept store.

05/21/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Cool Down

Beat Houston’s Heat with These Ice Cream Shops

The popsicle purveyors, ice creameries, and frozen treat shops to help make the city's humid heat more tolerable.

05/20/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Daniel Renfrow