Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments

In February 2026, Austin's top alcohol sales were dominated by the MOODY CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, which topped the list with over $1.8 million in total receipts. This venue showed a strong preference for beer, accounting for nearly half of its sales at $861,807, while liquor followed closely at $774,069.

Close behind, the JW MARRIOTT AUSTIN reported total receipts of $1.63 million, with liquor being its standout sales category at $1.11 million. Wine also played a significant role, contributing over $351,000 to the total.

Wine and Beer Lovers

While liquor continues to lead in most establishments, PROPER HOTEL stands out with a more balanced mix. It recorded significant wine sales at $219,770, the second-highest among the top venues, just behind JW Marriott. Meanwhile, OJOS LOCOS SPORTS CANTINA preferred beer, which made up more than half its sales at $585,984.

Notable Trends and Observations

It's interesting to note that MATT'S EL RANCHO, INC. leaned heavily on liquor, with a whopping $643,537 in receipts, contributing to nearly all its alcohol sales. On the other hand, venues like DE NADA CANTINA and MALA FAMA showed minimal interest in wine, with both reporting under $2,000 in wine sales.

JEFFREY'S RESTAURANT & BAR/JOSEPHINE HOUSE and THE GUEST HOUSE are strong contenders for wine enthusiasts, with wine sales making up a substantial portion of their total receipts, spotlighting a niche market opportunity for fine dining experiences.

Top Performing Areas

When it comes to alcohol sales in Austin for February 2026, the downtown area, specifically zip code 78701, is leading the charge with a whopping $28,845,124 in total sales. This area alone accounts for a significant portion of the city's overall sales, with 287 establishments contributing to this figure. Following far behind is zip code 78704, with sales of $9,869,751, indicating that downtown remains the hub for alcohol purchases.

Alcohol Type Preferences

Liquor dominates the sales mix across most zip codes, with notable high percentages in areas like 78702 (68% liquor) and 78722 (68% liquor). Wine sees its highest percentage in zip code 78731, where it accounts for 37% of sales. On the other hand, beer is more popular in zip codes like 78712 and 78752, where it makes up 46% of sales. This suggests varying preferences across the city that businesses can leverage.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 1,487 establishments across 44 zip codes, there are areas with potential for growth. For instance, zip code 78774, with only one establishment, recorded the least sales, suggesting a possible untapped market. Similarly, zip codes with fewer establishments but decent sales, like 78732 and 78739, might present opportunities for new entrants.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

One interesting pattern is the high concentration of sales in the central and more urban zip codes, reflecting both a dense population and a likely higher number of tourists. Meanwhile, more suburban areas, despite having fewer establishments, still show robust sales figures, indicating strong local demand. This data can inform business decisions about where to focus marketing efforts and where to consider expanding operations.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Austin

Over the past year, Austin's alcohol sales have shown some intriguing trends. The city hit its peak in October 2025 with total receipts of $118.6 million, a significant spike driven by a surge in liquor and beer sales. Conversely, February 2026 saw a marked increase in sales as well, with a total of $91.8 million, showing a promising recovery from the typical post-holiday dip in January.

Seasonal Trends and their Implications

October was the standout month, likely buoyed by fall festivities and events, resulting in a 29.7% increase in total receipts compared to the previous month. This boom was predominantly driven by beer and liquor sales, suggesting a preference for these beverages during social gatherings and celebrations. On the other hand, January experienced a typical seasonal decline, dropping by 16.87% from December, as consumers tapped the brakes post-holidays.

Shifts in Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Throughout the year, liquor has consistently held the largest share of sales, peaking at $69.9 million in October 2025. However, despite its dominance, liquor sales experienced fluctuations, notably dropping in January before rebounding in February. Wine sales have been relatively stable but saw a slight increase in December, possibly due to holiday celebrations.

Market Dynamics and Business Insights

The number of establishments has grown slightly, with a 0.63% increase in February 2026, suggesting a stable or expanding market. This growth, paired with the recent upswing in sales, indicates a resilient industry poised for further expansion. Businesses might consider leveraging the data from peak months like October to strategize marketing efforts and stock management.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons and Future Outlook

While we don't have direct year-over-year comparisons, the data suggests a dynamic market adapting to both seasonal and economic fluctuations. As Austin continues to grow as a cultural hub, the alcohol industry is likely to see continued demand spikes aligned with major events and seasonal festivities. This pattern presents significant opportunities for businesses to capitalize on peak periods and adjust their offerings to meet consumer preferences.