Nestled in the heart of Matagorda County, Bay City, Texas, is more than just a charming small town. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Bay City serves as a vital hub for commerce and culture in the region. Today, we delve into a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the city's alcohol sales market, offering a closer look at where residents and visitors alike are choosing to unwind.
This report begins with an insightful table and analysis of Bay City's top alcohol-selling establishments, highlighting the venues that lead the charge in sales. Next, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, revealing the areas with the highest concentration of sales and offering a glimpse into the local economic landscape. Finally, a monthly trends analysis charts the evolution of alcohol sales over the past year, providing valuable insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Whether you're a business owner, a local resident, or just curious about the economic pulse of Bay City, this article offers a detailed exploration of the alcohol sales sector. With data current as of April 2025, our findings provide a timely snapshot of this vibrant aspect of Bay City's economy.
Top 17 Bay City Businesses By September 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Smbg Beverage, LLC
|
$62,697 |
$30,897
|
$256
|
$31,544
|
| 2. |
Vallarta Mexican Grill
|
$59,280 |
$34,047
|
$0
|
$25,233
|
| 3. |
Hook Spit Junior Anglers
|
$44,775 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 4. |
La Casona Bar & Dining
|
$44,493 |
$32,384
|
$255
|
$11,854
|
| 5. |
Fat Grass Restaurant & Bar
|
$43,232 |
$27,138
|
$2,071
|
$14,023
|
| 6. |
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe
|
$36,429 |
$27,537
|
$462
|
$8,430
|
| 7. |
The Holding Pen Club
|
$29,381 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 8. |
Chili's Grill & Bar #1390
|
$20,883 |
$11,567
|
$254
|
$9,062
|
| 9. |
Bay City Country Club
|
$14,040 |
$8,665
|
$2,680
|
$2,695
|
| 10. |
K-2 Steak House Lac
|
$9,910 |
$6,416
|
$439
|
$3,055
|
| 11. |
Rio Colorado Golf Course
|
$9,639 |
$833
|
$0
|
$8,806
|
| 12. |
Hot Rodz Cantina LLC
|
$8,241 |
$3,539
|
$5
|
$4,697
|
| 13. |
Speak Easy 35
|
$5,282 |
$4,390
|
$175
|
$717
|
| 14. |
El Zarape Cafe
|
$3,525 |
$2,431
|
$175
|
$919
|
| 15. |
Las Palmas Mexican Grill
|
$2,987 |
$2,142
|
$0
|
$845
|
| 16. |
Bay City Aerie 3232 Fraternal Order of Eagles
|
$1,492 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 17. |
Happy Bay Tx
|
$0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Top Performers in Alcohol Sales
In September 2025, SMBG Beverage, LLC topped the charts with total receipts amounting to $62,697. They led the pack with impressive beer sales at $31,544, slightly edging out their liquor sales of $30,897. Meanwhile, Vallarta Mexican Grill was a close second with total receipts of $59,280, driven primarily by their liquor sales of $34,047.
Trends in Liquor and Beer Preferences
It's worth noting the dominance of liquor sales at La Casona Bar & Dining, where $32,384 out of their total $44,493 came from liquor, leaving beer and wine as minor contributors. Similarly, Fat Grass Restaurant & Bar also showed strong liquor sales totaling $27,138, indicating a preference for spirits over wine or beer.
Unique Observations
An interesting outlier is Hook Spit Junior Anglers, which reported $44,775 in total receipts without any sales attributed to liquor, wine, or beer. This could indicate a reporting issue or a different business model. Another curious case is The Holding Pen Club, which also reported zero sales in these categories, despite having total receipts of $29,381.
Additional Highlights
For those interested in a more niche market, Rio Colorado Golf Course recorded notable beer sales at $8,806, accounting for almost all of their total receipts of $9,639. This suggests a strong beer culture among their clientele. On the smaller end of the spectrum, Las Palmas Mexican Grill and El Zarape Cafe showed a clear preference for liquor sales, contributing significantly to their modest total receipts.
Bay City Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 17 | $396,286 |
$191,986
|
$6,772
|
$121,880
|
2%
↑
|
| Aug 2025 | 16 | $388,381 |
$212,189
|
$6,920
|
$138,399
|
21.5%
↑
|
| Jul 2025 | 16 | $319,560 |
$193,643
|
$8,095
|
$117,822
|
0.3%
↑
|
| Jun 2025 | 16 | $318,475 |
$195,833
|
$7,016
|
$115,626
|
28.4%
↓
|
| May 2025 | 16 | $444,527 |
$283,743
|
$8,237
|
$133,289
|
5.4%
↑
|
| Apr 2025 | 17 | $421,621 |
$221,792
|
$8,478
|
$128,809
|
6.7%
↑
|
| Mar 2025 | 14 | $395,312 |
$249,768
|
$8,101
|
$137,443
|
2.2%
↑
|
| Feb 2025 | 14 | $386,824 |
$241,181
|
$8,707
|
$136,936
|
1.9%
↓
|
| Jan 2025 | 17 | $394,495 |
$209,650
|
$6,457
|
$132,121
|
1.9%
↑
|
| Dec 2024 | 18 | $387,310 |
$199,012
|
$6,619
|
$129,718
|
4.9%
↓
|
| Nov 2024 | 18 | $407,204 |
$218,744
|
$8,606
|
$135,078
|
15.6%
↑
|
| Oct 2024 | 17 | $352,326 |
$203,560
|
$6,876
|
$141,890
|
0%
↑
|
Understanding Bay City's Alcohol Sales Trends
Over the past year, Bay City's alcohol sales have showcased some interesting dynamics. May 2025 was the standout month, hitting the highest sales at $444,527. This peak was driven by a surge in liquor sales, which reached nearly $283,743, indicating a possible seasonal or event-driven demand. Conversely, June saw a significant dip, with total receipts dropping by over 28%, suggesting that May's spike was an anomaly rather than a sustained trend.
Shifts in Beverage Preferences
Throughout the year, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences among liquor, beer, and wine. Liquor remained the dominant choice, consistently accounting for the majority of sales each month. However, September saw a slight decrease in liquor sales by over 9% compared to August, while beer sales have shown resilience, maintaining a steady performance with minor fluctuations. Wine, on the other hand, remained a small but stable portion of the market, with its sales peaking modestly in March.
Establishments and Sales Dynamics
The number of establishments has fluctuated, impacting sales dynamics significantly. Notably, April experienced a substantial increase in establishments, up by over 21%, which corresponded with a rise in total sales. This suggests that more outlets potentially broadened consumer access and spending. However, by May, the number of establishments reduced again, yet sales peaked, indicating that fewer but perhaps more strategically positioned establishments can drive higher sales if managed effectively.
Market Implications and Opportunities
For business stakeholders, these trends highlight key opportunities for strategic planning. The May sales surge hints at the potential for promotional events or seasonal campaigns to boost liquor sales. Additionally, the steady performance of beer suggests it could benefit from targeted marketing to capture more market share. As the number of establishments fluctuates, understanding the optimal number and positioning could enhance sales performance. Overall, these insights emphasize the importance of adaptability and strategic positioning in Bay City's evolving alcohol market.
Economic Overview
Bay City, Texas, serves as a vital hub for agriculture and energy industries, reflecting its strategic location in Matagorda County. The economy is significantly driven by rice farming and cattle production, alongside a burgeoning petrochemical sector. The South Texas Project Nuclear Power Plant is a major employer, contributing to the city's stable economic environment. Recent trends indicate a gradual shift towards diversification, with growing investments in renewable energy and small businesses.
Cultural Scene
Bay City boasts a vibrant cultural scene, characterized by its annual events and historical attractions. The Matagorda County Fair, Rodeo & Livestock Show is a highlight, drawing visitors from across the region. Additionally, the Matagorda County Museum offers a glimpse into the area's rich heritage, while the Bay City Art League promotes local art through exhibitions and workshops. These cultural touchstones reflect the community's commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing new influences.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Bay City offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, with neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and Van Vleck providing a family-friendly atmosphere. The downtown area is a focal point for entertainment, featuring local eateries, boutique shops, and community gatherings. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life, with easy access to outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and bird watching in the nearby Matagorda Bay.
Future Outlook
Bay City's future is bright with several development projects underway, aiming to enhance infrastructure and attract new businesses. The city is poised for growth, with plans to expand its industrial park and improve transportation links. Efforts to promote sustainable development and attract tech companies are also in progress, positioning Bay City as a forward-thinking community ready to embrace new opportunities while maintaining its unique character.