TABS Report has new features & a fresh new look!

Nestled in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, serves as a vibrant gateway to the cultural and economic exchanges between the United States and Mexico. As one of the largest cities in the region, Brownsville is not only a hub for commerce but also a dynamic locale for nightlife and social gatherings. This article delves into the city's alcohol sales landscape, offering a data-driven analysis that sheds light on consumer preferences and market trends.

This comprehensive report begins with a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Brownsville. Readers will discover which bars, restaurants, and stores lead the market, providing insight into local consumer favorites. Following this, a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code reveals which areas have the highest concentration of sales, offering a geographic perspective on purchasing patterns.

Finally, our monthly trends analysis highlights how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, identifying key seasonal fluctuations and emerging trends. Whether you're a business owner, a resident, or simply curious about the city's alcohol market dynamics, this report provides valuable insights into Brownsville's vibrant social economy as of April 2025.

Top 25 Brownsville Businesses By December 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Brownsville for December 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Lucky Barrel
$179,519
$74,141
$225
$105,153
2.
The Bar
$158,941
$86,496
$54
$67,202
3.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina
$127,564
$49,858
$0
$77,706
4.
Toscafino
$109,800
$75,669
$22,080
$12,051
5.
The Restaurant
$104,311
$82,125
$3,039
$19,147
6.
Texas Roadhouse
$101,118
$40,105
$3,301
$57,712
7.
Ramses Tacos & Tequila
$98,473
$75,981
$4,573
$17,919
8.
Bubba's 33
$94,570
$37,206
$616
$56,748
9.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$83,338
$50,400
$697
$32,241
10.
Toucan Lounge
$80,236
$36,058
$213
$43,965
11.
Ibissa Lounge Bar
$79,092
$0
$0
$0
12.
Main Event - Brownsville
$76,949
$35,586
$650
$40,713
13.
Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grill
$67,844
$45,926
$77
$21,841
14.
Brewskies
$65,642
$34,683
$0
$30,959
15.
The Jungle
$64,771
$0
$0
$0
16.
Buffalo Wings & Rings
$55,249
$15,111
$60
$40,078
17.
Mala Copa
$52,773
$41,408
$0
$11,365
18.
The Patio
$51,433
$25,451
$0
$25,982
19.
Las Ramblas at Market Square
$51,124
$0
$0
$0
20.
Dk's
$47,850
$23,983
$0
$23,867
21.
C & C Wings
$47,811
$14,326
$14
$33,471
22.
Longhorn Steakhouse #5675
$45,649
$22,670
$4,541
$18,438
23.
Palenque Grill Brownsville LLC
$45,203
$28,980
$2,213
$14,010
24.
Parada Del Taco
$44,776
$0
$0
$0
25.
Intuition
$44,775
$0
$0
$0

Top Performers in Brownsville's Alcohol Sales

The top spot for December 2025 in Brownsville goes to Lucky Barrel with total receipts of $179,519. This establishment stands out particularly for its beer sales, reaching $105,153, which leads the pack by a significant margin. Their liquor sales are also impressive at $74,141.

In second place is The Bar, with total receipts of $158,941. While they fall behind Lucky Barrel in beer sales, they make up for it with their liquor sales, which top the list at $86,496. This focus on liquor has clearly paid off, securing their position among the top earners.

Notable Trends and Observations

An interesting trend is the high liquor sales at establishments like Toscafino and The Restaurant, where liquor accounts for the majority of their receipts. Toscafino's liquor sales reached $75,669, while The Restaurant follows closely with $82,125, indicating a strong preference for liquor in these venues.

Beer remains the dominant choice in several establishments, such as Bubba's 33 and Texas Roadhouse, where beer sales were $56,748 and $57,712, respectively. This suggests that despite varied offerings, beer continues to be a staple for many patrons.

Insights for Business Owners

For those considering entering the market or expanding their offerings, it's worth noting that establishments with a strong focus on either liquor or beer tend to perform well. However, venues like Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, with no wine sales but impressive beer receipts of $77,706, show that specialization can be just as lucrative.

Overall, the data suggests a robust market for both liquor and beer in Brownsville, with successful bars and restaurants often excelling in one category. Business owners might consider focusing their efforts where they see the strongest consumer demand to optimize sales.

Brownsville Zip Codes By December 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Brownsville for December 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.
78526
51 $1,842,788
$941,255
$69,812
$624,922
2.
78520
53 $839,497
$381,157
$39,123
$238,835
3.
78521
26 $714,242
$377,163
$22,617
$309,273

Top Performing Zip Code

When it comes to alcohol sales in Brownsville, the 78526 zip code takes the lead by a significant margin, boasting total sales of $1,842,788. With 51 establishments, this area seems to have a thriving market, particularly for liquor, which makes up 51% of its sales. The dominance of liquor sales here might suggest a strong local preference or effective marketing strategies by businesses in this zip code.

Sales Mix and Preferences

Each zip code in Brownsville shows a unique sales mix, reflecting different consumer preferences. In 78520, liquor also leads but with a slightly lower percentage at 45%, while beer sales are notably less at 28%. Meanwhile, 78521 has the highest beer sales percentage at 43%, indicating that beer might be a more popular choice in that area. Interestingly, wine sales are consistently low across all zip codes, suggesting a potential opportunity for wine-focused establishments.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Despite having the highest number of establishments, zip code 78520's sales figures are not proportionately high, which might indicate saturation or a need for businesses to differentiate their offerings. On the other hand, 78521, with only 26 establishments, has considerable room for growth, especially given its strong beer sales. Entrepreneurs might find it beneficial to explore untapped market segments here.

Key Insights

The overall alcohol market in Brownsville is robust, with total sales nearing $3.4 million across 130 establishments. Liquor remains the most popular category in each zip code, but significant differences in beer and wine sales highlight varied local tastes. Businesses looking to enter the market should consider these nuances to tailor their offerings effectively. Additionally, the low wine sales across the board suggest a niche that has yet to be fully explored.

Brownsville Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Brownsville. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Dec 2025 131 $3,424,659
$1,699,575
$131,552
$1,173,030
7.3%
Nov 2025 133 $3,190,355
$1,618,727
$101,626
$1,158,687
0.4%
Oct 2025 127 $3,179,005
$1,543,196
$102,372
$1,130,642
16.6%
Sep 2025 128 $2,726,404
$1,474,046
$102,762
$1,119,007
11.5%
Aug 2025 125 $3,080,196
$1,635,148
$105,435
$1,247,680
10.6%
Jul 2025 124 $2,785,330
$1,546,095
$99,470
$1,128,426
3%
Jun 2025 124 $2,703,346
$1,467,433
$101,250
$1,129,676
14.9%
May 2025 122 $3,177,540
$1,723,582
$113,774
$1,224,287
12.4%
Apr 2025 130 $2,827,516
$1,541,763
$111,604
$1,061,419
7.6%
Mar 2025 109 $3,058,665
$1,511,219
$106,620
$1,151,373
12.2%
Feb 2025 110 $2,727,217
$1,468,570
$129,634
$1,006,728
9.1%
Jan 2025 123 $2,999,758
$1,614,966
$141,272
$1,170,426
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Brownsville

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Brownsville have shown notable fluctuations, with the most recent month of December 2025 marking the peak of sales at a total of $3,424,659. This figure represents a 7.34% increase from the previous month, despite a slight decrease in the number of establishments. This suggests that consumer spending per establishment has risen.

Trends in Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales

Liquor sales consistently lead the market, with December showing a robust $1,699,575 in receipts. Interestingly, while beer sales in December reached $1,173,030, wine sales lagged at $131,552. This indicates a strong preference for liquor and beer over wine among Brownsville consumers, a trend consistent across the year.

Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights

The data reveals a seasonal uptick in sales during the warmer months, particularly in August, where receipts increased by 10.59% compared to July. This could be attributed to summer festivities and outdoor events. However, a surprising dip occurred in September, with sales falling by 11.49%, likely due to post-summer spending fatigue.

Establishment Dynamics and Market Shifts

The number of alcohol-serving establishments in Brownsville has seen minor fluctuations, with a notable increase in April (up 19.27%). This rise could be a response to market demand, highlighting a dynamic local industry. Despite these changes, the overall trend shows a slightly declining number of establishments by December, suggesting market consolidation or increased competition.

Implications for Business Strategy

For businesses in the alcohol industry, these trends suggest focusing on liquor and beer products, especially during peak sales months like December and August. The consistent demand for these beverages, combined with seasonal sales patterns, provides valuable insights for inventory and promotional strategies. Adjusting business operations to accommodate these trends could optimize revenue and market presence in Brownsville.

Economic Overview

Brownsville, Texas, serves as a critical hub for international trade, largely due to its strategic location on the U.S.-Mexico border. The city's economy is bolstered by the Port of Brownsville, one of the largest land-owning public ports in America, facilitating a wide range of industrial and shipping activities. Additionally, Brownsville is experiencing growth in the aerospace sector, highlighted by SpaceX's nearby launch site, which is spurring technological investments and creating new job opportunities.

Manufacturing and agriculture also play significant roles in Brownsville's economy. The city's proximity to Mexico allows for robust cross-border manufacturing operations, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries. The agricultural sector benefits from the fertile lands of the Rio Grande Valley, producing an abundance of crops that support both local and export markets.

Cultural Scene

Brownsville boasts a vibrant cultural scene, deeply influenced by its rich history and diverse population. The city celebrates its heritage with events like Charro Days, an annual festival that honors the shared culture of the Texas borderlands with traditional music, dancing, and parades. The Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival is another highlight, drawing music enthusiasts from across the region.

The Gladys Porter Zoo, known for its impressive collection of rare and endangered species, offers residents and visitors alike a chance to engage with nature. Meanwhile, the historic downtown area captivates with its blend of architectural styles, offering a glimpse into the city's past while hosting contemporary art galleries and cultural showcases.

Lifestyle

Brownsville offers a unique lifestyle that combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a larger city. Popular neighborhoods like Rancho Viejo and West Brownsville are known for their family-friendly atmospheres and community events. The city’s dining scene reflects its cultural diversity, offering everything from traditional Tex-Mex cuisine to more eclectic, international flavors.

For entertainment, locals often head to the Mitte Cultural District, which houses the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art and the Camille Lightner Playhouse. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city's many parks and trails, including the Resaca de la Palma State Park, which provides opportunities for bird watching and hiking.

Future Outlook

Brownsville's future looks promising, with several development projects on the horizon that aim to enhance its economic landscape and quality of life. The city is focusing on infrastructure improvements and expanding its commercial and residential areas to accommodate growth. Investment in renewable energy is also gaining traction, particularly in wind and solar projects.

Efforts to revitalize the downtown area are underway, with plans to attract more businesses and cultural venues. As Brownsville continues to leverage its location and resources, it is poised to become an even more dynamic player in the regional economy, offering abundant opportunities for businesses and investors alike.