Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Austin's Alcohol Scene

Leading the pack in July 2025 is Ojos Locos Sports Cantina on North Interstate 35, boasting an impressive $1,199,329 in total receipts. Their beer sales soared to $795,884, making it a top choice for beer enthusiasts in the city. This establishment clearly knows how to draw in the crowd with its sports-friendly atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Austin and Proper Hotel are neck-and-neck in the luxury hospitality sector. JW Marriott achieved $920,290 in sales, with liquor making up the bulk at $624,788. Proper Hotel wasn't far behind with $838,553, also seeing strong liquor sales of $629,404. Both venues cater to a more upscale clientele with substantial wine sales as well.

Popular Choices and Emerging Trends

Matt's El Rancho is a noteworthy mention with its focus on liquor, generating $630,567 out of its $677,533 total sales. This suggests a loyal customer base that enjoys strong margaritas and cocktails, solidifying its place as a staple in Austin's dining scene.

For sports fans, Levy at Austin FC stands out with $669,819 in total sales, heavily dominated by beer at $472,654. This venue is a go-to spot for soccer enthusiasts looking to enjoy a drink while supporting the local team.

Insights for Bar Owners and Real Estate Investors

The 6th Street area remains a hotspot with venues like Asylum CC, LLC and Mala Fama showing strong performances. Asylum's liquor sales of $401,036 out of $540,627 total reflect the area's vibrant nightlife, appealing to both locals and tourists.

Emerging players like De Nada Cantina are making a mark with a liquor-heavy sales model, generating $462,154 out of $481,036 total. This indicates a successful niche strategy focusing on cocktails and spirits, which could be an attractive model for new entrants.

Overall, beer and liquor dominate the scene, with wine playing a secondary role in most establishments. This trend provides valuable insight for business owners looking to tailor their offerings to meet the demands of Austin's diverse clientele.

High Concentration of Alcohol Sales

In July 2025, the bustling heart of Austin, zip code 78701, led the pack with a whopping $24,970,837 in alcohol sales from 278 establishments. This area not only boasts the highest sales figures but also a diverse mix of offerings, with liquor sales making up 70% of the total. Following 78701, zip code 78702 also saw substantial sales at $9,202,747, driven by a similar preference for liquor.

Alcohol Type Preferences Across Areas

While liquor generally dominates sales across Austin, there are notable differences in wine and beer preferences. For example, zip code 78703 has a higher inclination towards wine, comprising 25% of its sales, compared to the city-wide trend. Meanwhile, zip code 78745 shows a strong preference for beer, making up 42% of its sales, highlighting a diverse palate in this area.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With a total of 1,443 establishments spread across 43 zip codes, areas like 78719 and 78732, which have fewer establishments relative to their sales figures, present potential opportunities for new businesses. Establishments in these areas might benefit from the high demand and less competition, particularly in liquor sales.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

One intriguing pattern is the variance in sales mix across zip codes. For instance, areas like 78730 have an overwhelming preference for liquor (76%), while 78712 shows a unique inclination towards wine and beer, with wine making up 32% of sales. Additionally, zip code 78774's non-existent alcohol sales are a curious anomaly, possibly indicating a regulatory or cultural factor at play.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Austin

Over the past year, Austin's alcohol market has demonstrated notable fluctuations, with October 2024 standing out as the peak month for sales. October saw a significant surge in total receipts, reaching a high of $119.6 million, driven by strong performances across liquor, wine, and beer categories. This peak was largely attributed to seasonal events and festivals that draw both locals and tourists to the city.

Monthly Sales Performance

Following the October spike, sales experienced a general downward trend through the rest of the year and into early 2025, with a notable low in January 2025 at $75.3 million. However, the market rebounded somewhat in the spring, with March 2025 recording a healthy $109.9 million in total receipts, suggesting a seasonal pattern where sales pick up as the weather warms and events increase.

Trends in Alcohol Categories

Throughout the year, liquor consistently accounted for the largest share of sales, peaking at $72 million in October 2024. Beer sales also showed strong seasonal variation, with October 2024 again leading at $31.5 million, highlighting its popularity during large-scale events. Wine sales, while more stable, peaked in December 2024, likely influenced by holiday celebrations.

Business Implications

The data indicates that Austin's alcohol sales are highly influenced by seasonal and event-driven factors. Businesses could benefit from aligning inventory and marketing strategies to capitalize on these peak periods. The consistent dominance of liquor suggests a stable demand, but the spikes in beer sales during event-heavy months highlight opportunities for targeted promotions.

Establishment Dynamics

The number of establishments fluctuated slightly but remained around 1,400 throughout the year. This stability in the number of vendors indicates a mature market with little entry or exit, suggesting that competition is primarily based on service and selection rather than new entrants.