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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 November 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Waco for November 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
$166,684
$97,685
$1,095
$67,904
2.
George's
$162,263
$84,523
$2,584
$75,156
3.
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco
$145,157
$82,517
$1,655
$60,985
4.
Blacks Beverage Co
$117,681
$57,329
$42,412
$17,940
5.
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
$113,691
$79,975
$17,873
$15,843
6.
George's Restaurant & Bar
$113,230
$56,405
$2,647
$54,178
7.
Scruffy Murphy's
$104,746
$72,329
$0
$21,673
8.
La Fiesta Restaurant
$96,728
$84,635
$767
$11,326
9.
Hotel 1928
$91,711
$54,688
$31,205
$5,818
10.
Cricket Grill and Draft House
$87,913
$39,537
$1,622
$46,754
11.
Bubba's 33
$87,830
$37,202
$1,048
$49,580
12.
Truelove
$85,654
$66,084
$488
$19,082
13.
Oakley's
$73,545
$44,535
$417
$28,593
14.
Jorge's Cantina
$71,966
$60,553
$1,846
$9,567
15.
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
$71,592
$36,198
$3,277
$32,117
16.
The Melody Ranch
$71,007
$0
$0
$0
17.
Ninfa's Waco
$70,699
$59,041
$1,022
$10,636
18.
Ac Hotel by Marrott
$68,613
$51,275
$8,151
$9,187
19.
Topgolf Waco
$61,748
$29,382
$1,455
$30,911
20.
Texas Roadhouse
$61,514
$30,119
$2,103
$29,292
21.
Dodge City Saloon
$61,002
$41,857
$432
$18,713
22.
Clicks Billiards
$60,097
$30,311
$221
$29,565
23.
Chuy's #6016
$59,915
$49,438
$937
$9,540
24.
Barnett's Pub
$55,321
$41,503
$3,925
$9,893
25.
Shorty's Pizza Shack
$54,337
$17,409
$1,554
$35,374

Top Performers in Waco's Alcohol Scene

Leading the pack in November 2025 is Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, raking in an impressive $166,684. This spot has a solid balance between liquor and beer sales, with liquor accounting for $97,685 and beer closely following at $67,904. Their wine sales, however, are minimal, suggesting their clientele prefers the stronger stuff.

Not far behind, George's on Speight Ave secured the second spot with $162,263 in total receipts. Unlike Backyard, George's shows a stronger preference for beer, with $75,156 in sales, while maintaining a healthy liquor revenue of $84,523. Wine lovers seem to be a lesser target here, with only $2,584 in sales.

Noteworthy Spots and Trends

Tia Juanita's Fish Camp is a strong contender, sitting comfortably in third place with $145,157 in sales. Their liquor sales are quite robust at $82,517, indicating a strong cocktail culture. Beer sales are also notable, making up $60,985 of their total.

One interesting player is Blacks Beverage Co, where wine makes up a significant portion of their sales at $42,412, nearly matching their liquor sales of $57,329. This wine focus sets them apart from many other top sellers who primarily lean on liquor and beer.

Emerging Competitors and Unique Offerings

Hotel Herringbone and Hotel 1928 are both making waves in the hospitality sector with strong liquor and wine sales. Hotel Herringbone has a notable $79,975 in liquor sales, while Hotel 1928 sees a significant $31,205 from wine, catering to their sophisticated clientele.

Meanwhile, La Fiesta Restaurant stands out with a striking $84,635 in liquor sales despite their smaller total revenue, suggesting a strong focus on spirits and cocktails. This is contrasted by their relatively low beer sales, hinting at a more refined drinking atmosphere.

Honorable Mentions

Scruffy Murphy's is noteworthy for its hefty $72,329 in liquor sales, despite having no wine sales at all, indicating a clear focus on spirits. Additionally, Truelove captures attention with $66,084 in liquor sales, suggesting a thriving nightlife scene that favors strong drinks over wine or beer.

Lastly, The Melody Ranch presents a mystery with no reported sales in any category this month, which could indicate a temporary closure or shift in business strategy.

Waco Zip Codes By November 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Waco for November 2025, ranked by total sales. Shows the number of establishments and a breakdown of sales types for each area.
# Zip Code Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
76701
40 $1,356,870
$827,094
$178,006
$283,044
2.
76706
31 $1,201,810
$626,585
$63,245
$385,321
3.
76710
39 $1,028,868
$628,778
$70,956
$278,181
4.
76712
23 $706,551
$387,323
$97,691
$206,106
5.
76711
10 $225,905
$107,803
$8,175
$109,927
6.
76708
12 $139,661
$78,943
$2,903
$57,815
7.
76705
10 $121,680
$66,928
$5,954
$48,798
8.
76704
6 $104,967
$54,307
$20,479
$30,181
9.
76707
3 $55,048
$4,014
$0
$6,258

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

In November 2025, alcohol sales in Waco were led by zip code 76701, with a whopping $1,356,870 in total sales. This area hosts 40 establishments and shows a strong preference for liquor, which accounts for 61% of sales. Close behind is 76706, raking in $1,201,810 with 31 establishments, where liquor also dominates but beer follows closely with a 32% share.

Alcohol Preferences by Zip Code

Liquor is the top choice in most areas, consistently taking the largest slice of the sales pie. However, in zip code 76711, the share between liquor and beer is almost even, with beer slightly leading at 49%. Meanwhile, 76704 stands out for its higher wine consumption, which makes up 20% of sales, significantly above other areas.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 39 establishments, 76710 is densely packed, yet it still achieves impressive sales of $1,028,868. This suggests a robust market, possibly saturated, but offering strong business potential for those who can carve out a niche. Conversely, 76707, with only 3 establishments and the lowest sales figure, presents an opportunity for growth, especially in liquor and beer offerings.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

It's intriguing to note the disparity in wine sales across zip codes, with areas like 76704 showing a unique market that could be further explored. Moreover, the predominance of liquor sales across Waco indicates a strong preference that new businesses might want to cater to. With overall sales reaching $4,941,360 across 174 establishments, Waco's alcohol market is vibrant and full of potential for strategic business investments.

Waco Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Waco. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Nov 2025 156 $4,724,905
$2,651,422
$424,181
$1,342,890
5.2%
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
16.9%
Jul 2025 154 $4,462,024
$2,657,717
$348,137
$1,383,694
1.5%
Jun 2025 154 $4,528,000
$2,793,012
$335,972
$1,380,918
22.2%
May 2025 160 $5,818,142
$3,432,582
$435,627
$1,615,577
13.9%
Apr 2025 158 $5,108,246
$2,911,476
$403,488
$1,439,716
0.3%
Mar 2025 145 $5,091,481
$3,165,988
$397,185
$1,526,768
18.3%
Feb 2025 145 $4,305,338
$2,649,949
$397,208
$1,257,276
8.6%
Jan 2025 155 $3,964,603
$2,330,451
$331,844
$1,282,492
17.4%
Dec 2024 155 $4,801,100
$2,916,757
$430,290
$1,374,179
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Waco

Over the past year, Waco has seen some interesting twists and turns in alcohol sales. The overall trend indicates a bustling market, with the number of establishments fluctuating slightly but generally showing growth. The number of establishments hit a peak in May 2025 with 160, while total receipts also peaked during the same month, reaching $5,818,142. This suggests May was a particularly popular time for alcohol sales, perhaps due to events or seasonal celebrations.

Seasonal and Monthly Trends

Sales saw a significant boost in March and May 2025, with a 18.26% and 13.9% increase in total receipts, respectively. This might be attributed to spring events or warmer weather encouraging social gatherings. Meanwhile, the market experienced dips in January and June, with total receipts falling by 17.42% and 22.17% respectively. These fluctuations hint at the potential influence of seasonal factors on consumer purchasing behavior.

Shifts in Sales Mix

When breaking down the sales mix, liquor consistently dominated the market, with its peak in May 2025 at $3,432,582. Beer and wine sales have been more volatile, with beer peaking in May 2025 and wine maintaining a relatively steady contribution. Interestingly, wine sales saw a slight dip in mid-summer months, while beer sales remained robust, possibly due to summer events and gatherings.

Market Implications

The data suggests that Waco's alcohol market is resilient, with growth spurts aligning with specific times of the year. The dominance of liquor sales indicates that establishments might benefit from focusing on high-demand spirits. Moreover, the increase in the number of establishments over the year suggests a thriving competitive environment, with room for new entrants to capture market share if they can align their offerings with consumer preferences observed in these trends.

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.