Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in May 2026

The Moody Center at the University of Texas stole the spotlight with an impressive total of $2,490,297 in alcohol sales. This venue balanced its sales across liquor, wine, and beer, with beer slightly trailing behind liquor. Notably, the Moody Center's beer sales, at $1,051,457, were just behind its liquor sales.

Coming in second, the JW Marriott Austin racked up $1,448,727 in sales, with a heavy emphasis on liquor, which accounted for a whopping $955,736 of its total receipts. Wine sales at the Marriott were also strong, making it a popular spot for both fine dining and casual drinks.

Noteworthy Trends

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina made a splash with $1,102,488 in total sales, showing a particular strength in beer sales. Their strategy of focusing on beer and sports seems to be paying off, as beer sales alone contributed $728,123 to their total.

The Proper Hotel and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa also performed well, both surpassing the million-dollar mark in total sales. The Proper Hotel leaned heavily on liquor with $787,713 in sales, while Omni Barton Creek showed a more balanced approach across liquor and wine.

Emerging Players

Newcomers like De Nada Cantina and Inn Cahoots are making their presence felt, with both establishments showing strong liquor sales. De Nada Cantina, for instance, achieved $507,873 in liquor sales, highlighting the growing trend towards cocktail-focused venues.

Meanwhile, Levy at Austin FC and Central Machine proved that sports and entertainment venues continue to drive significant beer sales, with Levy at Austin FC leading in this category at $353,855.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the data for May 2026 underscores the diverse drinking preferences in Austin, with a range of venues successfully focusing on different types of alcohol. Whether it's the beer-heavy menu at sports bars or the upscale wine offerings at luxury hotels, there's a profitable niche for every business model.

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

The heart of Austin, zip code 78701, leads the charge with a staggering $31,895,267 in total alcohol sales, distributed among 263 establishments. This area is a thriving hub, with liquor taking a dominant share of 67% of sales. Following 78701, the trendy 78704 area pulls in $12,468,114, with liquor also leading at 64%, highlighting its strong nightlife and bar scene.

Differences in Alcohol Preferences

Across Austin, liquor consistently ranks as the top seller. However, there are notable exceptions in places like 78703, where wine makes up 31% of sales, reflecting a preference for more sophisticated beverage options. Meanwhile, 78702 sees a significant 71% of sales from liquor, indicating a robust demand for spirits in this area.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Zip code 78712, despite having only 5 establishments, boasts sales of $3,620,301, indicating a high per-establishment revenue potential. Similarly, 78739 with just 1 establishment and sales of $81,992 suggests room for growth and new market entrants to tap into the local demand.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

Several zip codes, like 78722 with 72% liquor sales, stand out for their strong preference for spirits over beer and wine. Meanwhile, 78713 presents an anomaly with its sole establishment focusing 55% on wine sales, a rarity in the broader Austin market. This could signal a niche opportunity for wine-focused ventures in the area.

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Austin

Over the past 12 months, Austin's alcohol sales have seen some intriguing shifts. The standout month was October 2025, where receipts hit a peak of $118.6 million, a significant 29.7% increase from September. This spike was driven by a thirst for beer and liquor, which collectively dominated the sales landscape.

Monthly Sales Dynamics

As we moved into 2026, there was a noticeable dip in January, where sales fell to $77 million. This post-holiday slowdown is typical, but the recovery was swift, with February and March seeing sales climb back up by nearly 18% each month. By May 2026, receipts reached over $108 million, reflecting a steady growth pattern since the year's start.

Shifts in Establishments

The number of establishments fluctuated throughout the year, peaking in November 2025 at 1,453 before dipping to 1,367 by May 2026. This decrease of 5.92% in establishments from April to May suggests a consolidation trend, possibly indicating smaller players exiting the market or merging with larger entities.

Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Liquor consistently led the sales mix, peaking at $69.9 million in October 2025. However, the share of wine and beer varied, with beer sales experiencing notable highs in October and again in March 2026. Wine, while less volatile, showed a modest increase in demand, particularly around the holiday season.

Market Implications

The data indicates a robust market with seasonal spikes driven by holidays and events, notably in October. The steady increase in total receipts in the early months of 2026 suggests a resilient industry, potentially fueled by a growing population or increased tourism. The decline in establishments could hint at a competitive market where efficiency and scale are becoming increasingly important.