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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 May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Brownsville for May 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina
$176,442
$64,232
$0
$112,210
2.
Lucky Barrel
$162,317
$67,768
$115
$94,434
3.
The Bar
$155,624
$87,318
$126
$63,313
4.
Toucan Lounge
$106,432
$41,835
$270
$64,327
5.
Toscafino
$97,007
$68,933
$14,807
$13,267
6.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$96,287
$59,544
$590
$36,153
7.
Texas Roadhouse
$87,582
$39,016
$2,477
$46,089
8.
Mala Copa
$78,557
$0
$0
$0
9.
Bubba's 33
$71,231
$30,844
$590
$39,797
10.
Shots on Pablo
$69,948
$54,132
$0
$15,816
11.
Capricho Cantina Y Parrilla Mexicana
$67,105
$55,610
$0
$11,495
12.
Buffalo Wings & Rings
$66,054
$22,000
$60
$43,994
13.
Ibissa Lounge Bar
$62,970
$42,259
$11,220
$9,491
14.
Main Event - Brownsville
$56,950
$24,342
$282
$32,326
15.
Si Senor Bar & Grill
$54,819
$30,279
$0
$24,540
16.
Shenanigan's Bar & Grill
$54,263
$35,672
$0
$18,591
17.
Peacock's Shot Bar
$50,774
$41,772
$0
$9,002
18.
The Dive
$50,738
$31,451
$0
$19,287
19.
Malverde Cantina
$50,259
$37,814
$0
$12,445
20.
C & C Wings
$49,986
$11,555
$48
$38,383
21.
Las Ramblas at Market Square
$48,728
$43,757
$3,238
$1,733
22.
Surfing Crab
$47,127
$17,625
$0
$29,502
23.
Centrito Botanero
$44,451
$33,132
$450
$10,869
24.
Stiletto S
$41,294
$22,131
$11
$19,152
25.
La Clandestina Brasa Argentina
$40,352
$32,317
$2,599
$5,436

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

In May 2025, Ojos Locos Sports Cantina led the charge in Brownsville with a total of $176,442 in alcohol sales. Their impressive beer sales of $112,210 were the highest among the top establishments, with no wine sales reported.

Lucky Barrel followed closely, boasting total receipts of $162,317. This establishment stood out for having a balanced sales mix, with substantial contributions from liquor, wine, and beer.

Significant Trends and Observations

The Bar ranked third, with a strong emphasis on liquor sales amounting to $87,318, which was the highest in the data. This suggests a preference among patrons for cocktails or spirits over other alcoholic beverages.

The data reveals that Mala Copa reported zero sales across all categories. This anomaly could be due to an error or a temporary closure, which would be worth investigating for businesses looking to understand market dynamics.

Insights on Smaller Venues

Further down the list, Las Ramblas at Market Square recorded a significant portion of its sales from liquor, totaling $43,757, while beer accounted for a minor portion. This indicates a niche market focusing on premium spirits.

Finally, La Clandestina Brasa Argentina made a notable appearance with total receipts of $40,352, driven largely by liquor sales. Their focus on liquor over beer and wine could be a strategic choice catering to specific customer preferences.

Brownsville Zip Codes By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Brownsville for May 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
44 $1,719,887
$876,074
$58,670
$652,514
2.
78520
42 $690,531
$396,183
$38,523
$222,442
3.
78521
24 $549,744
$274,901
$14,876
$255,100

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Brownsville

Brownsville's alcohol sales for May 2025 reached a total of $2,960,162 spread across 110 establishments. The sales are distributed among three zip codes, each with its own unique sales mix and concentration of establishments. This data provides valuable insights for business owners looking to tap into the Brownsville market.

Top Performing Zip Code: 78526

Zip code 78526 leads the pack with a whopping $1,719,887 in total sales, supported by 44 establishments. This area shows a strong preference for liquor, making up 51% of sales. Interestingly, beer also has a significant share at 38%, indicating a diverse consumer preference.

Sales Insights for Zip Code 78520

Zip code 78520 generated $690,531 in sales across 42 establishments. Liquor dominates the market here with 57% of the sales mix, while wine grabs a slightly larger share compared to other areas at 6%. This suggests potential for wine-focused businesses to explore opportunities in this zip code.

Understanding Zip Code 78521

Although zip code 78521 recorded the lowest total sales at $549,744 with 24 establishments, it boasts the highest percentage of beer sales at 46%. This area presents an interesting opportunity for businesses focusing on beer, as it captures nearly half of the sales mix.

Business Opportunities and Patterns

With the highest total sales and number of establishments, zip code 78526 appears saturated, yet its diverse sales mix could support niche markets. On the other hand, zip code 78520's higher wine sales percentage suggests room for growth in wine offerings. Meanwhile, 78521's beer-heavy market is ideal for beer-centric establishments, despite having fewer establishments. Overall, each zip code in Brownsville presents distinct opportunities based on its sales trends and consumer preferences.

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
May 2025 110 $2,960,162
$1,547,158
$112,069
$1,130,056
4.7%
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
7.1%
Dec 2024 122 $3,227,751
$1,785,928
$141,784
$1,227,444
4.7%
Nov 2024 126 $3,084,302
$1,690,297
$124,032
$1,174,692
9.1%
Oct 2024 121 $2,827,574
$1,524,258
$132,709
$1,117,112
2.6%
Sep 2024 115 $2,755,374
$1,463,339
$119,269
$1,165,747
7.5%
Aug 2024 112 $2,978,771
$1,664,312
$119,641
$1,168,907
9%
Jul 2024 112 $2,731,867
$1,472,021
$110,472
$1,083,651
3.9%
Jun 2024 112 $2,841,423
$1,559,976
$123,199
$1,138,458
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Brownsville

Over the past year, the alcohol sales landscape in Brownsville has seen its ups and downs, with some interesting patterns emerging. The most notable peak was in December 2024, with total receipts hitting a high of $3,227,751. This suggests a significant boost in holiday-related sales, typical for the festive season, where liquor sales alone reached almost $1.8 million.

Fluctuations in Establishments and Sales

The number of establishments selling alcohol has varied, with a notable dip in May 2025 down to 110 from a previous high of 130 in April 2025. Despite fewer establishments, total receipts increased by 4.69% in May 2025, indicating that remaining businesses were able to capture more sales per location, perhaps due to strategic positioning or better market capture.

Shifts in Beverage Preferences

Across the board, liquor consistently dominated sales, surpassing both beer and wine in every month. However, beer sales showed resilience, particularly in months like March 2025, where it contributed significantly to the total receipts. Wine, while the smallest segment, saw a peak in February 2025, potentially driven by Valentine's Day events.

Seasonal and Market Implications

The data underscores a strong seasonal influence on sales, with the highest consumption during the winter holidays and a notable drop in the early months of the year, like February 2025. This pattern can help businesses plan inventory and marketing efforts around peak times. Additionally, the shifts in establishment numbers could reflect market consolidation trends or changing business strategies.

Year-Over-Year Insights

While direct year-over-year comparisons aren't fully detailed, the substantial sales jump in December 2024 over the preceding months suggests robust holiday demand. The consistent growth in liquor and beer sales points to an opportunity for businesses to expand offerings in these categories, especially during high-demand seasons.

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.