Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Austin

Austin's JW Marriott leads the pack with impressive total receipts of $1,299,098. This high-end hotel is a powerhouse, especially noted for its liquor sales at $812,131. Following close behind, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa also showed strong performance with total receipts just over a million, highlighting its appeal to upscale clientele.

Liquor sales dominate across the board, with The Concourse standing out at $726,563 despite having minimal wine sales. It's interesting to note that Matt's El Rancho, while not the top in total receipts, has an exceptionally high percentage of its sales from liquor, indicating a strong preference for cocktails among its patrons.

The Proper Hotel and Fairmont Austin Hotel both maintain their status as top contenders in the hospitality sector, with notable wine sales of $228,854 and $155,123, respectively. Meanwhile, Buford's and Mala Fama demonstrate the power of Austin's nightlife, with significant portions of their revenue coming from liquor sales.

Beer remains a favorite at several venues, particularly at Top Golf and Chalmers, where it accounts for a large share of their sales. This trend suggests that casual, social drinking settings are thriving in Austin. Additionally, Jeffrey's Restaurant & Bar/Josephine House appears to have cornered the market on high-end wine sales, with $317,379 in receipts, underscoring its reputation as a fine dining destination.

Overall, the data reveals a vibrant and diverse alcohol market in Austin, with establishments catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether it's luxury hotels, lively bars, or specialty restaurants, the city's businesses are capitalizing on both liquor and wine sales, with beer also holding a strong position in more relaxed venues.

Top Alcohol Sales Areas

In Austin, zip code 78701 leads the pack with a whopping $31,197,566 in total alcohol sales, representing about 32% of the city's overall sales. This area boasts 286 establishments, highlighting its bustling downtown vibe. Following 78701, zip codes 78704 and 78702 also show significant sales figures, at $10,942,421 and $10,407,768, respectively, marking them as key players in the alcohol market.

Sales Mix Across Zip Codes

While liquor dominates most zip codes, there are distinct preferences in sales mixes. For instance, 78701 heavily favors liquor at 64%, whereas 78703 has a more balanced approach with 48% liquor and 33% wine. Meanwhile, 78719 stands out with a higher percentage of beer sales at 35%, which is notably higher than in other areas.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Considering the total number of 1,492 establishments across 44 zip codes, areas like 78759 and 78703, with fewer establishments but significant sales, might offer opportunities for new businesses. With 46 and 40 establishments respectively, these areas show potential for growth in the alcohol market.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

A closer look at the data reveals some intriguing patterns. For instance, zip code 78722, though smaller in sales volume, has a high percentage of liquor sales at 68%, indicating a strong preference that new businesses might capitalize on. Conversely, zip code 78713, despite its tiny sales volume, shows a unique trend with 60% of sales from wine, suggesting a niche market for wine enthusiasts.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Austin

Over the past year, Austin's alcohol sales have shown some interesting trends, with total receipts peaking in October 2025 at a whopping $118.56 million. This was a significant jump of 29.62% from the previous month, indicating a strong seasonal surge likely influenced by local events or holidays. However, this was followed by a notable drop in November, where sales fell by 18.55% to $96.57 million.

Seasonal Patterns and Sales Spikes

The data reveals a pattern of fluctuating sales, with significant spikes in March and October 2025. March showed a 27.6% increase in total receipts, possibly due to spring break and related festivities. These periods of increased sales suggest that businesses should prepare for heightened demand during these months. Conversely, sales dropped in January and June, indicating a potential off-season where customers might be spending less on alcohol.

Changes in Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Throughout the year, liquor consistently held the largest share of total sales, peaking in October 2025 at $69.94 million. Wine sales showed a more moderate performance, with fluctuations peaking at $15.71 million in October. Beer sales saw significant peaks in October as well, reaching $30.18 million. This suggests that while liquor remains the most popular category, beer sales are a close contender during peak times, likely driven by social and sporting events.

Market Insights and Business Implications

For businesses, understanding these trends can inform strategies to maximize sales during peak periods. The data indicates a steady increase in the number of establishments, suggesting a competitive market landscape. With the total number of establishments increasing from 1,353 in February to 1,453 in November, businesses must focus on differentiation and customer experience to capture market share.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, keeping a close eye on these trends will be crucial for businesses looking to optimize their operations and marketing efforts. The sales spikes in March and October highlight the importance of strategic planning around these peak periods. Additionally, the shifts in the sales mix suggest opportunities for targeted promotions in liquor and beer, particularly during times of increased consumer spending.