Waco, Texas, nestled along the Brazos River and known for its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as a significant hub in Central Texas. As a city that blends tradition with a growing modern appeal, Waco offers a unique snapshot of the region's lifestyle, including its dynamic alcohol sales market. This article presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how alcohol sales shape the local economy and culture.
In our exploration, readers will uncover a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Waco, revealing the hotspots where residents and visitors alike choose to unwind. Additionally, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, highlighting the areas with the highest concentration of sales and offering insights into the city's diverse neighborhoods. Finally, a monthly trends analysis provides a fascinating look at how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, showcasing patterns and shifts in consumer behavior.
With data current as of April 2025, this report offers an up-to-date perspective on Waco's alcohol sales landscape, perfect for anyone interested in understanding the economic and cultural pulse of this vibrant Texas city.
Top 25 Waco Businesses By July 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
George's
|
$164,227 |
$86,127
|
$1,702
|
$76,398
|
| 2. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco
|
$138,070 |
$75,244
|
$1,390
|
$61,436
|
| 3. |
George's Restaurant & Bar
|
$120,053 |
$60,024
|
$1,996
|
$58,033
|
| 4. |
Blacks Beverage Co
|
$118,833 |
$66,894
|
$34,969
|
$16,970
|
| 5. |
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
|
$107,553 |
$76,180
|
$15,213
|
$16,160
|
| 6. |
La Fiesta Restaurant
|
$105,463 |
$92,345
|
$673
|
$12,445
|
| 7. |
Jorge's Cantina
|
$92,617 |
$77,896
|
$1,624
|
$13,097
|
| 8. |
Oakley's
|
$90,538 |
$50,544
|
$239
|
$39,755
|
| 9. |
Hot Concession Services
|
$84,892 |
$41,619
|
$3,425
|
$39,848
|
| 10. |
Cricket Grill and Draft House
|
$83,573 |
$40,513
|
$1,061
|
$41,999
|
| 11. |
Truelove
|
$79,862 |
$63,435
|
$282
|
$16,145
|
| 12. |
Bubba's 33
|
$78,237 |
$35,392
|
$643
|
$42,202
|
| 13. |
Clicks Billiards
|
$76,602 |
$43,872
|
$168
|
$32,562
|
| 14. |
Ninfa's Waco
|
$71,767 |
$57,986
|
$908
|
$12,873
|
| 15. |
Ridgewood Country Club
|
$70,364 |
$50,094
|
$11,523
|
$8,747
|
| 16. |
Topgolf Waco
|
$69,737 |
$35,532
|
$998
|
$33,207
|
| 17. |
Hotel 1928
|
$69,477 |
$41,668
|
$23,261
|
$4,548
|
| 18. |
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
|
$68,731 |
$36,897
|
$3,298
|
$28,536
|
| 19. |
Camp Fimfo - Waco
|
$66,056 |
$42,781
|
$360
|
$22,915
|
| 20. |
Barnett's Pub
|
$62,684 |
$34,729
|
$2,449
|
$25,506
|
| 21. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$62,636 |
$31,281
|
$1,960
|
$29,395
|
| 22. |
Chuy's #6016
|
$61,549 |
$52,347
|
$497
|
$8,705
|
| 23. |
Bj's Restaurant and Brewhouse
|
$59,886 |
$26,840
|
$6,965
|
$26,081
|
| 24. |
Ac Hotel by Marrott
|
$58,464 |
$34,207
|
$7,899
|
$16,358
|
| 25. |
Dodge City Saloon
|
$57,864 |
$40,333
|
$450
|
$17,081
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Waco - July 2026
Leading the pack this month is George's at 1925 Speight Ave, raking in a total of $164,227. It's clear that their stronghold is in liquor and beer sales, with liquor bringing in $86,127 and beer $76,398. Interestingly, wine sales lag significantly behind, indicating a strong preference among patrons for the other offerings.
Not far behind, Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco pulls in $138,070, also showing a similar preference pattern with $75,244 from liquor and $61,436 from beer sales. Once again, wine sales only account for a small portion of their total revenue.
George's Restaurant & Bar on Hewitt Dr also makes a notable mark with $120,053 in total receipts. This location mirrors the trend with liquor and beer as the major contributors to its sales, suggesting a consistent brand preference across its locations.
Noteworthy Trends and Insights
Blacks Beverage Co stands out with a different strategy, generating $34,969 from wine sales, which was the highest among the top-sellers. This suggests a unique niche or targeted clientele that appreciates a diverse beverage selection.
In contrast, La Fiesta Restaurant showcases a strong focus on liquor, with an impressive $92,345 from liquor alone. This is the highest liquor sales figure among the top 10, indicating a dedicated customer base for their cocktails and spirits.
Meanwhile, Hotel Herringbone, LLC has a balanced approach with significant contributions from both liquor and wine, hinting at their ability to cater to a more varied taste palette. This could be an opportunity for other establishments to explore a more balanced beverage menu.
Additional Observations
It's interesting to note that newer or unique establishments like Camp Fimfo - Waco and Topgolf Waco are making their presence felt with substantial total receipts, showing that entertainment-driven venues are drawing in significant crowds. These spots could represent a growing trend of experience-based venues succeeding in the alcohol sales market.
Overall, the data reveals a strong penchant for liquor and beer across Waco, with wine typically playing a secondary role. Businesses might consider focusing on enhancing their liquor and beer selections to align with these consumer preferences. However, exceptions like Blacks Beverage Co demonstrate the potential for success with a more diverse offering.
Waco Zip Codes By July 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
76701
|
35 | $1,191,187 |
$767,126
|
$126,402
|
$297,659
|
| 2. |
76710
|
34 | $1,162,280 |
$764,933
|
$64,439
|
$332,908
|
| 3. |
76706
|
31 | $803,361 |
$431,442
|
$62,519
|
$307,744
|
| 4. |
76712
|
22 | $664,392 |
$372,414
|
$84,179
|
$207,799
|
| 5. |
76711
|
10 | $254,943 |
$121,593
|
$8,120
|
$125,230
|
| 6. |
76708
|
11 | $243,746 |
$149,790
|
$2,611
|
$91,345
|
| 7. |
76705
|
9 | $192,896 |
$112,691
|
$2,621
|
$77,584
|
| 8. |
76704
|
6 | $119,440 |
$66,005
|
$18,470
|
$34,965
|
| 9. |
76707
|
2 | $8,960 |
$3,972
|
$0
|
$4,988
|
Top Alcohol Sales by Area
In July 2026, Waco's alcohol sales reached a substantial $4,641,205. Among the nine zip codes, 76701 led the way with $1,191,187 in sales across 35 establishments. Close on its heels was 76710, boasting $1,162,280 from 34 establishments. These two areas are the clear powerhouses, together accounting for over half of the total sales.
Sales Mix and Preferences
Liquor dominates the sales mix across most zip codes, with 76710 seeing the highest percentage at 66%. Interestingly, 76711 stands out with a nearly even split between liquor and beer, with beer capturing a slight majority at 49%. Meanwhile, wine consistently takes a backseat, contributing a small fraction to the total sales in each area.
Opportunities for New Establishments
With 160 establishments spread across nine zip codes, there's a varied density of businesses. Zip code 76712, with 22 establishments and significant sales, could potentially support more businesses to capture the growing demand. Conversely, 76707, despite its low sales, might benefit from a unique offering or niche targeting to enhance its market presence.
Insights and Trends
The data reveals some intriguing patterns, such as the high preference for beer in 76711 compared to other areas. This suggests potential for beer-centric promotions or events. Additionally, the consistently low wine sales across all codes highlight an opportunity for establishments to innovate and perhaps expand this category to attract a new customer segment.
Waco Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | 142 | $4,366,658 |
$2,628,903
|
$353,595
|
$1,382,504
|
5.4%
↓
|
| Jun 2026 | 152 | $4,615,680 |
$2,570,717
|
$390,537
|
$1,252,154
|
19.1%
↓
|
| May 2026 | 153 | $5,707,364 |
$3,276,611
|
$464,502
|
$1,514,512
|
10.2%
↑
|
| Apr 2026 | 151 | $5,181,084 |
$2,976,982
|
$434,326
|
$1,491,039
|
1.9%
↑
|
| Mar 2026 | 154 | $5,086,457 |
$2,936,129
|
$386,622
|
$1,487,884
|
11.5%
↑
|
| Feb 2026 | 152 | $4,560,474 |
$2,726,227
|
$421,513
|
$1,318,829
|
14.3%
↑
|
| Jan 2026 | 156 | $3,989,639 |
$2,333,505
|
$323,519
|
$1,241,366
|
17.5%
↓
|
| Dec 2025 | 155 | $4,837,026 |
$2,934,906
|
$439,645
|
$1,364,121
|
4.4%
↑
|
| Nov 2025 | 156 | $4,635,353 |
$2,651,422
|
$424,181
|
$1,342,890
|
7%
↓
|
| Oct 2025 | 155 | $4,982,460 |
$2,878,599
|
$436,745
|
$1,548,091
|
7%
↑
|
| Sep 2025 | 158 | $4,658,669 |
$2,771,041
|
$364,898
|
$1,464,867
|
10.7%
↓
|
| Aug 2025 | 154 | $5,216,534 |
$3,049,069
|
$394,387
|
$1,568,576
|
0%
↑
|
Overall Sales Trends
Over the past year, alcohol sales in Waco have shown some interesting fluctuations, with May 2026 standing out as the peak month, pulling in a hefty $5,707,364 in total receipts. This uptick was driven by a significant surge in liquor sales, which reached over $3.2 million. However, by July, total receipts had dipped to $4,366,658, marking a 5.4% decrease from June, indicating a cooling off from the mid-year high.
Monthly Variations and Patterns
Seasonal patterns are evident, especially with the significant rise in sales during December 2025 and May 2026. December saw a holiday boost with $4,837,026 in sales, likely due to festive celebrations. Conversely, January 2026 started the year on a quieter note with sales dropping to $3,989,639, which is a typical post-holiday slump.
Changes in Sales Mix
Liquor consistently leads the sales mix, peaking in May at $3,276,611. Beer sales have shown more stability, generally hovering around $1.3 to $1.5 million, with a slight peak in August 2025. Wine, while contributing less to the overall sales, has maintained a steady performance, with slight increases during the holiday season and early summer months.
Market Insights
The fluctuations in the number of establishments, which peaked at 158 in September 2025, suggest a dynamic market landscape. However, as of July 2026, the number has decreased to 142, reflecting possible market consolidation or closures. This could indicate increased competition or shifting consumer preferences.
Implications for Businesses
For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, focusing on liquor sales during peak months like May and December could be advantageous. Additionally, maintaining a diverse inventory that includes popular beer and wine options can cater to steady demand throughout the year. Monitoring establishment trends and adapting to market changes will be essential for sustained growth in the Waco alcohol market.
Economic Overview
Waco, Texas, stands as a dynamic economic hub in the heart of Central Texas, benefiting from its strategic location along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin. The city has a diverse economic base with key industries including health care, manufacturing, and education. Baylor University plays a significant role in the local economy, not only as a major employer but also as a catalyst for innovation and research. Additionally, the presence of companies like L3Harris Technologies and Mars Wrigley Confectionery highlights Waco's appeal to large corporations seeking a business-friendly environment.
In recent years, Waco has seen a surge in economic development projects, with initiatives aimed at revitalizing downtown and enhancing infrastructure. The city's business climate is marked by low taxes and a supportive local government, making it an attractive destination for startups and entrepreneurs. Waco's commitment to fostering economic growth is evident in the increasing number of tech-related firms setting up operations in the area, further diversifying the economic landscape.
Cultural Scene
Waco boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a rich tapestry of events and attractions that draw visitors from across the state. The city is home to the Waco Cultural Arts Festival, an annual celebration that showcases local artists, musicians, and performers. The festival is a testament to Waco's growing arts community and its commitment to cultural enrichment.
The city's cultural attractions include the renowned Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, both of which highlight unique aspects of Texas history. For those interested in the arts, the Waco Symphony Orchestra and the Art Center Waco provide year-round programming that appeals to diverse audiences. These cultural offerings, combined with a thriving community of local artists and creators, contribute to Waco's reputation as a cultural destination.
Lifestyle
Waco offers a diverse array of neighborhoods and entertainment districts, each with its own distinct character. Areas like Cameron Park and Woodway provide residents with scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities, while the burgeoning downtown district has become a hotspot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Magnolia Market at the Silos, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, has become a major attraction, blending retail with a unique lifestyle experience.
Local character is defined by a blend of Southern hospitality and modern urban living. The city’s residents enjoy a variety of local eateries, coffee shops, and farmers' markets that emphasize farm-to-table dining and support local agriculture. Waco's community spirit is evident in its lively public events, such as the popular Waco Downtown Farmers Market, which fosters a sense of connection and engagement among residents and visitors alike.
Future Outlook
Waco's future is marked by ambitious development plans and a strong growth trajectory. The city's leadership is focused on sustainable development, with projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and expanding public services to accommodate a growing population. Waco's economic development strategy includes attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
With an eye toward the future, Waco is investing in education and workforce development to ensure a skilled labor force ready to meet the demands of emerging industries. The city's strategic location, combined with its proactive approach to development, positions Waco as a city with promising prospects for continued growth and prosperity. As it evolves, Waco remains committed to preserving its unique character while embracing opportunities for economic and cultural advancement.