Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Austin's Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack this September is the JW Marriott Austin at 110 E 2nd St, raking in over $1.5 million in total receipts. Their impressive sales are dominated by liquor, accounting for just over $1 million, with wine and beer contributing significantly as well. This makes it a prime spot for those eyeing the luxury hotel scene.

Coming in second, Ojos Locos Sports Cantina on N Interstate 35 is a powerhouse in beer sales, pulling in nearly $674,500. While their liquor sales are substantial, it's clear their sports bar atmosphere is a hit with beer enthusiasts, making them a key player in the casual dining market.

Trends and Observations

A notable insight is the Proper Hotel and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa showing strong performances with liquor sales being their primary revenue drivers. This trend highlights a potential opportunity for premium liquor offerings in upscale accommodations.

In the entertainment sector, 3TEN Theater & ACL Live at Moody Theater stands out with a balanced mix of liquor and beer sales. This suggests that live event venues are thriving with patrons opting for a diverse range of beverages, which could be a key consideration for future event planning.

Unique Standouts

Matt's El Rancho, Inc. on S Lamar Blvd is a standout with almost all their sales coming from liquor, an intriguing fact for those interested in the Tex-Mex dining scene. Similarly, De Nada Cantina boasts nearly all its revenue from liquor sales, indicating a strong preference for cocktails over other options.

Meanwhile, Little Woodrow's on W 6th St showcases the power of beer, with over half of their sales in this category. This could be indicative of a strong local and craft beer culture among patrons, providing a valuable insight for those considering bar investments.

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

In September 2025, Austin saw a total of $93,961,903 in alcohol sales spread across 1,475 establishments in 44 zip codes. The downtown area, zip code 78701, led the pack with a whopping $30,806,194, accounting for nearly a third of the total sales. This zip code alone hosts 284 establishments, making it a bustling hub for alcohol purchases.

Alcohol Preferences by Zip Code

While liquor consistently dominates the sales mix across most zip codes, there are notable variations. For example, zip code 78703 has a higher preference for wine, with a 30% share in its sales mix, compared to the city-wide trend. Conversely, zip code 78702 shows a strong inclination towards liquor, comprising 67% of sales.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With some areas like 78701 and 78704 already saturated with establishments, potential opportunities lie in less dense areas. For instance, zip code 78742, with only $7,852 in sales and four establishments, might benefit from additional venues to boost local sales.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

It's intriguing to note that despite having fewer establishments, zip code 78746 shows a strong preference for liquor, which makes up 67% of its sales. Additionally, the minimal sales in zip code 78774, with zero sales for liquor, wine, or beer, indicate either a lack of demand or potential for market development.

Overall Trends and Highlights

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Austin have shown some interesting dynamics, with a notable peak in October 2024 when total receipts hit a whopping $119.6 million. This spike suggests significant seasonal factors, likely driven by events and festivities that amplify consumption. Following this peak, the market saw fluctuations, with notable dips in the early months of 2025 and a resurgence in the summer.

Seasonal Patterns

The data reveals a clear seasonal pattern, with significant sales peaks in October and subsequent robust performance in the holiday months of November and December. These months saw a higher mix of liquor and wine sales, which is typical for celebrations and colder weather. Conversely, early 2025 experienced a marked downturn, particularly in January, when receipts fell to $75.3 million, indicating a post-holiday slump.

Changes in Sales Mix

Examining the sales mix, liquor consistently leads the charge, contributing the largest share to total receipts. October 2024 saw liquor receipts reach $72 million, while beer and wine had their moments of prominence, particularly in March and May 2025, when beer sales spiked. This suggests a preference shift during warmer months, possibly linked to outdoor events and gatherings.

Market Dynamics and Implications

The gradual increase in the number of establishments, up from 1,411 in October 2024 to 1,436 by September 2025, indicates a growing market and potentially increasing competition. The steady rise in establishment count, coupled with fluctuating sales, suggests that while the market is expanding, businesses need to be strategic in capturing consumer interest, especially during off-peak months.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

Comparing year-over-year performance, the data points to a robust recovery post-2024, with significant growth in receipts by March 2025, up by 27.6% from February. This recovery highlights the resilience of the Austin market and the potential for strategic marketing to leverage seasonal and event-driven sales spikes.