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 April 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
George's
|
$174,686 |
$94,362
|
$1,897
|
$78,427
|
| 2. |
Scruffy Murphy's
|
$164,149 |
$113,484
|
$0
|
$29,115
|
| 3. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco
|
$135,226 |
$71,425
|
$2,867
|
$60,934
|
| 4. |
Blacks Beverage Co
|
$134,188 |
$64,347
|
$48,749
|
$21,092
|
| 5. |
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
|
$121,940 |
$88,727
|
$16,419
|
$16,794
|
| 6. |
George's Restaurant & Bar
|
$113,088 |
$56,789
|
$2,400
|
$53,899
|
| 7. |
Jorge's Cantina
|
$112,048 |
$98,887
|
$1,725
|
$11,436
|
| 8. |
La Fiesta Restaurant
|
$109,144 |
$97,835
|
$548
|
$10,761
|
| 9. |
Hotel 1928
|
$107,732 |
$69,559
|
$32,832
|
$5,341
|
| 10. |
Topgolf Waco
|
$106,692 |
$48,700
|
$1,371
|
$56,621
|
| 11. |
Cricket Grill and Draft House
|
$103,066 |
$52,379
|
$1,620
|
$49,067
|
| 12. |
Baylor Stadium - Ovg 03424
|
$100,562 |
$45,470
|
$31,307
|
$23,785
|
| 13. |
Bubba's 33
|
$83,155 |
$39,340
|
$893
|
$42,922
|
| 14. |
Truelove
|
$81,194 |
$63,794
|
$393
|
$17,007
|
| 15. |
Oakley's
|
$76,223 |
$45,841
|
$294
|
$30,088
|
| 16. |
Ninfa's Waco
|
$75,073 |
$61,533
|
$1,202
|
$12,338
|
| 17. |
Clicks Billiards
|
$73,596 |
$39,266
|
$131
|
$34,199
|
| 18. |
Ridgewood Country Club
|
$71,240 |
$40,907
|
$23,649
|
$6,684
|
| 19. |
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
|
$66,989 |
$33,706
|
$4,144
|
$29,139
|
| 20. |
Freight Bar Waco
|
$65,508 |
$46,650
|
$1,017
|
$17,841
|
| 21. |
Chuy's #6016
|
$65,469 |
$55,837
|
$533
|
$9,099
|
| 22. |
Dodge City Saloon
|
$64,659 |
$42,224
|
$648
|
$21,787
|
| 23. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$64,334 |
$32,051
|
$2,156
|
$30,127
|
| 24. |
Ac Hotel by Marrott
|
$63,499 |
$43,139
|
$9,523
|
$10,837
|
| 25. |
Shorty's Pizza Shack
|
$60,151 |
$22,402
|
$2,343
|
$35,406
|
Top Performers in Waco's Alcohol Sales
George's on Speight Avenue leads the pack with impressive total receipts of $174,686, driven primarily by liquor and beer sales. Its sister location, George's Restaurant & Bar in Hewitt, also made a strong showing with $113,088 in sales, showcasing the brand's consistent popularity in both locations.
Scruffy Murphy's stands out with the highest liquor sales at $113,484, contributing significantly to its total receipts of $164,149. Notably, this establishment doesn't report any wine sales, focusing its success on liquor and beer.
Interesting Trends and Insights
Blacks Beverage Co has a unique sales mix with the highest wine sales among the top establishments, totaling $48,749. This suggests a strong market for wine enthusiasts in Waco, particularly at this location.
Jorge's Cantina and La Fiesta Restaurant are both excelling in liquor sales, with Jorge's nearly reaching $99,000. These numbers suggest a robust demand for spirited drinks in casual dining settings.
Up-and-Coming Spots
Hotel Herringbone and Hotel 1928 are making their mark with strong liquor and wine sales, indicating a thriving hospitality scene. Hotel Herringbone's liquor sales alone account for $88,727 of their $121,940 total, while Hotel 1928 showcases a balanced approach with significant contributions from both liquor and wine.
Topgolf Waco is a notable player with a balanced blend of liquor and beer sales, totaling $106,692. Its success highlights the appeal of combining recreational activities with a vibrant bar atmosphere.
Waco Zip Codes By April 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
76701
|
29 | $1,214,311 |
$778,208
|
$159,101
|
$258,848
|
| 2. |
76710
|
34 | $1,127,205 |
$747,661
|
$70,037
|
$309,507
|
| 3. |
76706
|
30 | $994,264 |
$583,079
|
$59,274
|
$330,361
|
| 4. |
76712
|
21 | $717,941 |
$409,840
|
$94,243
|
$213,858
|
| 5. |
76711
|
10 | $280,814 |
$129,652
|
$7,959
|
$143,203
|
| 6. |
76704
|
6 | $225,248 |
$114,997
|
$48,778
|
$61,473
|
| 7. |
76708
|
12 | $172,045 |
$95,209
|
$2,237
|
$74,599
|
| 8. |
76705
|
8 | $131,575 |
$77,236
|
$2,252
|
$52,087
|
| 9. |
76707
|
2 | $8,913 |
$4,562
|
$0
|
$4,351
|
Top Zip Codes for Alcohol Sales
In April 2026, Waco's alcohol sales hit a total of $4,872,316 across 152 establishments. The standout performer was Zip Code 76701, raking in $1,214,311 from 29 establishments, driven largely by liquor sales which made up 64% of the total. Close behind was Zip Code 76710, with sales of $1,127,205 from 34 establishments, again dominated by liquor at 66%.
Variations in Alcohol Preferences
Each zip code in Waco shows distinct preferences for types of alcohol. In Zip Code 76706, beer holds a significant share at 33%, while Zip Code 76711 stands out with the highest beer preference at 51%. Meanwhile, Zip Code 76704 has a more balanced mix, with 51% liquor and a notable 22% in wine sales.
Opportunities for New Establishments
When considering new business opportunities, Zip Code 76712 presents a promising landscape with $717,941 in sales from just 21 establishments, suggesting room for growth. Zip Code 76707, with only two establishments and sales of $8,913, might benefit from increased offerings to boost its market share.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
Interestingly, Zip Code 76705 has a strong focus on liquor, making up 59% of sales, with beer also playing a significant role at 40%. Across all zip codes, liquor consistently leads the sales mix, indicating a robust preference for spirits throughout Waco. This trend suggests that businesses looking to expand or enter the market should consider focusing on liquor products to align with local consumer preferences.
Waco Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | 136 | $4,608,101 |
$2,779,906
|
$424,661
|
$1,363,830
|
8.6%
↓
|
| Mar 2026 | 154 | $5,043,249 |
$2,842,729
|
$386,012
|
$1,427,358
|
10.6%
↑
|
| 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
|
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
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Waco
Over the past year, Waco's alcohol sales landscape has seen some interesting shifts. The highest sales month was May 2025, with total receipts reaching a whopping $5.8 million. However, by April 2026, sales had dipped to $4.6 million, marking a decrease of about 8.63% from the previous month. This fluctuation highlights a volatile market that businesses need to navigate carefully.
Seasonal Patterns and Consumer Preferences
Liquor consistently leads the sales mix, capturing the largest share of receipts every month. May 2025 was a standout month for liquor, with sales peaking at $3.4 million. Beer and wine, while important, lagged behind, with beer sales seeing a slight uptick during the summer months, suggesting a seasonal preference. Wine sales remained relatively stable, indicating a steady but smaller consumer base.
Trends in Establishments and Economic Indicators
The number of establishments selling alcohol has also fluctuated, with a noticeable decline from 160 in May 2025 to 136 in April 2026. This reduction could reflect a tightening market or shifts in consumer demand. Interestingly, despite fewer establishments, the market still showed resilience in months like March 2026, where there was a 10.59% increase in total receipts compared to February 2026.
Implications for the Market
The data suggests that while the market has experienced some volatility, there are opportunities for businesses to capitalize on seasonal trends and consumer preferences. The consistent demand for liquor and spikes in beer sales during warmer months could guide strategic decisions on stock and marketing efforts. Businesses should also be mindful of the changing number of establishments, which could influence competition and market share.
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.