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 August 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
George's
|
$195,887 |
$96,889
|
$2,083
|
$96,915
|
2. |
Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
|
$164,569 |
$98,630
|
$859
|
$65,080
|
3. |
George's Restaurant & Bar
|
$131,970 |
$63,612
|
$1,956
|
$66,402
|
4. |
Baylor Stadium - Ovg 03424
|
$131,776 |
$89,854
|
$2,876
|
$39,046
|
5. |
Blacks Beverage Co
|
$129,387 |
$71,711
|
$34,153
|
$23,523
|
6. |
Cricket Grill and Draft House
|
$119,785 |
$54,306
|
$1,982
|
$63,497
|
7. |
La Fiesta Restaurant
|
$113,815 |
$98,663
|
$386
|
$14,766
|
8. |
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
|
$105,639 |
$76,485
|
$12,469
|
$16,685
|
9. |
Jorge's Cantina
|
$101,198 |
$84,187
|
$1,565
|
$15,446
|
10. |
Scruffy Murphy's
|
$97,247 |
$72,658
|
$0
|
$17,975
|
11. |
Ninfa's Waco
|
$92,760 |
$75,882
|
$1,449
|
$15,429
|
12. |
Bubba's 33
|
$92,695 |
$37,467
|
$1,141
|
$54,087
|
13. |
Topgolf Waco
|
$85,855 |
$40,709
|
$1,375
|
$43,771
|
14. |
Truelove
|
$81,397 |
$63,308
|
$209
|
$17,880
|
15. |
The Melody Ranch
|
$80,012 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
16. |
Oakley's
|
$76,592 |
$44,887
|
$205
|
$31,500
|
17. |
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
|
$72,757 |
$38,360
|
$3,376
|
$31,021
|
18. |
Hotel 1928
|
$71,996 |
$43,992
|
$23,578
|
$4,426
|
19. |
Chuy's #6016
|
$68,725 |
$57,103
|
$471
|
$11,151
|
20. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$66,152 |
$32,196
|
$2,304
|
$31,652
|
21. |
Clicks Billiards
|
$61,803 |
$32,572
|
$184
|
$29,047
|
22. |
Diamond Back's Restaurant / Gratziano's
|
$61,762 |
$35,407
|
$22,501
|
$3,854
|
23. |
Dodge City Saloon
|
$61,226 |
$42,108
|
$270
|
$18,848
|
24. |
Di Campli's Italian Ristorante
|
$61,052 |
$28,180
|
$30,289
|
$2,583
|
25. |
Ridgewood Country Club
|
$59,101 |
$37,409
|
$10,395
|
$11,297
|
Top Performers in Waco's Alcohol Sales
Leading the pack for August 2025, George's on Speight Ave tops the list with a staggering $195,887 in total receipts. Their sales are almost evenly split between liquor and beer, with liquor pulling in $96,889 and beer close behind at $96,915. This balance might be a key strategy for other establishments to consider.
Close behind is the Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, generating $164,569 in total sales. Their liquor sales of $98,630 significantly outpace beer, suggesting a strong preference for cocktails and spirits. Could this be a hint for bars looking to boost their liquor offerings?
Notable Trends and Insights
Interestingly, Baylor Stadium (OVG 03424) recorded robust liquor sales at $89,854, positioning it as a hotspot during events. Their beer sales were lower in comparison, indicating a potential focus on premium experiences and higher-end drinks.
Blacks Beverage Co stands out with impressive wine sales at $34,153, highlighting an opportunity for businesses to cater to wine enthusiasts. Wine accounted for a significant portion of their $129,387 total receipts, which is unique among the top sellers.
Opportunities and Considerations
For those looking to enter the market or expand, La Fiesta Restaurant offers an intriguing case with liquor sales dominating their $113,815 total receipts at $98,663. This suggests a successful emphasis on cocktails, which might be worth exploring for others in the area.
Finally, it's worth noting that The Melody Ranch reported no sales data for August. This could indicate a temporary closure or other operational changes, presenting a potential opportunity for new ventures in that location.
Waco Zip Codes By August 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
76701
|
41 | $1,475,157 |
$859,895
|
$145,976
|
$290,004
|
2. |
76710
|
39 | $1,171,451 |
$732,919
|
$56,158
|
$331,421
|
3. |
76706
|
29 | $1,168,302 |
$592,666
|
$67,493
|
$371,584
|
4. |
76712
|
22 | $838,766 |
$458,075
|
$108,941
|
$256,319
|
5. |
76704
|
6 | $278,152 |
$169,509
|
$24,153
|
$84,490
|
6. |
76711
|
10 | $270,559 |
$119,626
|
$8,917
|
$142,016
|
7. |
76708
|
12 | $224,935 |
$133,844
|
$3,020
|
$88,071
|
8. |
76705
|
10 | $148,954 |
$73,566
|
$1,546
|
$68,081
|
9. |
76707
|
2 | $11,841 |
$5,611
|
$0
|
$6,230
|
Top Performing Areas
In August 2025, Waco's zip code 76701 led the pack with a whopping $1,475,157 in total alcohol sales across 41 establishments. This area alone accounted for over a quarter of the city's total sales, largely driven by liquor sales, which made up 58% of the mix.
Close behind was zip code 76710, with $1,171,451 in sales from 39 establishments. Here, liquor was even more dominant, comprising 63% of sales, indicating a strong preference for spirits among consumers in this area.
Alcohol Preferences by Area
Looking at the sales mix, there's a clear trend across most zip codes: liquor is the top seller. However, beer stands out in zip code 76711, where it makes up 52% of sales, a notable deviation from the liquor-heavy preferences elsewhere. This suggests a potential niche market for beer-centric establishments in this area.
Interestingly, zip code 76712 showed a higher percentage of wine sales at 13%, indicating a unique market opportunity for wine retailers or wine-focused bars to cater to this preference.
Opportunities for Growth
With 171 establishments spread across 9 zip codes, there's a varied density of alcohol retailers. Zip code 76704, with only 6 establishments but robust liquor sales, could be ripe for new ventures, especially those focusing on liquor. Similarly, the low number of establishments in zip codes 76705 and 76707 suggests potential for new businesses to tap into these markets.
The low sales and establishment count in zip code 76707, with sales totaling $11,841, indicate either a lack of demand or untapped potential. Entrepreneurs might consider innovative concepts to invigorate this area.
Insights and Patterns
The data highlights a strong preference for liquor across Waco, but the variations in beer and wine sales suggest that business strategies should be tailored to local tastes. Zip code 76711's beer dominance and 76712's wine affinity are key insights for targeted marketing and product offerings.
Overall, the sales distribution suggests that while Waco residents have a clear preference for liquor, areas like 76711 and 76712 offer unique opportunities for businesses willing to cater to more specific tastes. With the right approach, new establishments can thrive by addressing these localized demands.
Waco Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aug 2025 | 154 | $5,318,716 |
$3,000,055
|
$394,296
|
$1,542,140
|
17.1%
↑
|
Jul 2025 | 154 | $4,542,709 |
$2,621,141
|
$348,137
|
$1,364,610
|
0.4%
↓
|
Jun 2025 | 154 | $4,559,373 |
$2,781,530
|
$335,972
|
$1,378,998
|
21.6%
↓
|
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
|
0.2%
↓
|
Nov 2024 | 156 | $4,809,348 |
$2,899,793
|
$413,458
|
$1,431,316
|
5%
↓
|
Oct 2024 | 155 | $5,061,097 |
$3,018,303
|
$426,184
|
$1,555,862
|
10.1%
↑
|
Sep 2024 | 154 | $4,595,986 |
$2,753,087
|
$361,788
|
$1,440,071
|
0%
↑
|
Overall Sales Trends
Over the past year, Waco's alcohol sales have shown some interesting fluctuations. The peak month was May 2025, with total receipts hitting a high of $5,818,142, likely driven by an increase in liquor sales. Interestingly, August 2025 saw a significant rebound with total receipts climbing to $5,318,716, representing a 17.08% rise from the previous month.
Seasonal Patterns and Establishments
There seems to be a seasonal upswing in sales during the spring and early summer months, notably in May, where both the number of establishments and sales receipts saw increases. The total number of establishments remained relatively stable over the year, with minor fluctuations. However, the highest count was in May with 160 establishments, suggesting a correlation between more outlets and higher sales.
Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer
Liquor consistently outperformed both wine and beer throughout the year, accounting for the largest share of total sales. May 2025 was particularly strong for liquor, contributing $3,432,582 to the total sales. Beer also saw its best performance in May, although its share in the sales mix remained steady across other months. Wine sales were the smallest category but showed a slight increase in months with higher overall sales, indicating a stable yet niche market.
Market Insights
The fluctuations in total receipts, especially the drop in early 2025 followed by a strong recovery, suggest that market dynamics are influenced by both consumer behavior and the number of active establishments. The steady performance of liquor sales highlights a robust demand for spirits, while beer and wine maintain their roles as complementary products. For businesses, focusing on liquor offerings and leveraging seasonal trends could enhance sales performance.
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.