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Nestled in North Texas, Denton is a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene and the prestigious University of North Texas. As a significant urban hub within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Denton combines small-town charm with dynamic growth, making it an intriguing case study for market trends, including alcohol sales. This article dives deep into the city's alcohol sales landscape, using current data to paint a comprehensive picture of how and where residents are indulging.

This data-driven analysis offers compelling insights into Denton's alcohol market. You'll find a detailed examination of the top-selling establishments, providing a clear leaderboard of where locals prefer to purchase their libations. Additionally, we'll break down sales by zip code, highlighting which neighborhoods are leading in alcohol consumption and what might be driving these trends.

Finally, we explore how these sales patterns have evolved over the past year, offering a monthly trends analysis that reflects changing consumer behaviors and preferences. Whether you're a local business owner, a curious resident, or an industry analyst, this report is your gateway to understanding the dynamics of Denton's alcohol market as of April 2025.

Top 25 Denton Businesses By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Denton for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
East Side Denton - Oak Street Taproom
$267,078
$140,715
$1,126
$125,237
2.
Union Bear
$137,250
$67,344
$9,581
$60,325
3.
Rt's Neighborhood Bar
$131,038
$84,617
$230
$46,191
4.
Lucky Lou's
$125,872
$73,587
$72
$52,213
5.
Embassy Suites & Houlihan's Denton, Tx
$108,914
$62,374
$17,840
$28,700
6.
Texas Roadhouse
$88,592
$42,519
$4,665
$41,408
7.
Miss Angelines
$88,004
$75,493
$1,481
$11,030
8.
Wildhorse Grill
$82,223
$41,709
$21,595
$18,919
9.
Fry Street Public House
$78,508
$65,650
$0
$12,858
10.
Lone Star Attitude Burger Co
$77,127
$46,718
$576
$29,833
11.
Dusty's Bar & Grill
$75,252
$48,919
$647
$25,686
12.
Chuy's #6027
$71,696
$60,307
$1,436
$9,953
13.
Shots and Crafts, LLC
$62,410
$0
$0
$0
14.
Bj's Restaurant & Brewery
$61,659
$26,071
$8,242
$27,346
15.
Ii Charlies Bar & Grill
$57,825
$37,085
$552
$20,188
16.
Oak Street Drafthouse
$55,883
$24,788
$256
$30,839
17.
The Fry Street Tavern
$55,067
$44,862
$0
$10,205
18.
Harvest House
$54,752
$29,881
$568
$24,303
19.
H2 Oak
$50,933
$37,912
$0
$13,021
20.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
$50,361
$15,073
$527
$34,761
21.
Chili's Grill & Bar #1562
$50,213
$30,439
$1,050
$18,724
22.
Hickory Street Lounge
$48,511
$33,325
$1,023
$14,163
23.
Hooters
$48,112
$13,640
$91
$34,381
24.
Toms Daiquiri Place
$45,499
$33,755
$100
$11,644
25.
Cool Bean's
$45,049
$34,585
$0
$10,464

Top Establishments in Denton

The standout performer in Denton for September 2025 is East Side Denton - Oak Street Taproom, located on Oak Street. This venue leads the pack with total receipts of $267,078, driven mainly by liquor sales at $140,715 and beer at $125,237. Wine sales were minimal, indicating a strong preference for other types of alcohol here.

Union Bear and RT's Neighborhood Bar follow, with receipts of $137,250 and $131,038, respectively. Union Bear shows a balanced approach between liquor and beer sales, while RT's Neighborhood Bar leans heavily on liquor, which accounts for a significant portion of their revenue.

Trends and Insights

One interesting trend is the strong showing of beer sales across many establishments. While liquor still dominates, venues like Lucky Lou's and East Side Denton - Oak Street Taproom prove that beer remains a crucial component of their sales strategies. This could indicate a broader trend in customer preferences or effective marketing tactics.

On the wine front, Wildhorse Grill stands out with $21,595 in wine sales, suggesting a niche market for wine enthusiasts or perhaps a more refined dining experience. This might be an opportunity for other establishments to diversify their offerings and capture a segment of this market.

Notable Mentions

Miss Angelines has a unique standing with significant liquor sales, totaling $75,493, despite having lower overall receipts. This marks it as a place where patrons primarily seek out cocktails or spirits. Meanwhile, Fry Street Public House and The Fry Street Tavern both show strong liquor sales without any wine offerings, indicating a targeted focus on spirits that seems to resonate with their clientele.

Finally, Embassy Suites & Houlihan's Denton, TX showcases a balanced mix of liquor, wine, and beer, which might suggest a diverse clientele or a strategic menu that caters to varied tastes. This balanced approach might be worth considering for other businesses looking to attract a broader customer base.

Denton Zip Codes By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Denton for September 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.
76201
76 $2,518,087
$1,480,440
$115,958
$769,718
2.
76205
20 $460,907
$215,764
$15,958
$184,409
3.
76207
4 $114,419
$55,353
$26,704
$32,362
4.
76209
6 $78,299
$39,149
$6,998
$32,152
5.
76208
6 $37,696
$21,760
$1,727
$14,209
6.
76204
1 $2,071
$2,071
$0
$0

Top Sales Areas

In Denton, the zip code 76201 is the clear leader in alcohol sales, contributing a whopping $2,518,087 out of the total $3,211,479. With 76 establishments in this area, it’s no surprise that this zip code is the hub of alcohol transactions, focusing heavily on liquor, which makes up 59% of the sales.

Alcohol Type Preferences

There’s a noticeable preference for liquor across most zip codes. In 76201, liquor dominates the sales mix. Similarly, zip codes like 76208 and 76204 show a strong inclination towards liquor, with 58% and 100% of their sales, respectively, dedicated to it. Interestingly, 76207 has a higher wine sales percentage at 23%, possibly indicating a niche market for wine enthusiasts.

Opportunities for New Establishments

While 76201 is saturated with 76 establishments, zip codes like 76207 and 76208, with only 4 and 6 establishments respectively, may present opportunities for new businesses. Their sales numbers suggest room for growth, particularly in beer and wine, where there might be less competition.

Additional Insights

The zip code 76205, with total sales of $460,907, shows balanced sales in liquor and beer, hinting at a diverse customer base. Meanwhile, 76204's sole establishment focuses entirely on liquor, indicating potential to introduce other types of alcohol sales in this area. Overall, the data suggests that while liquor is the preferred choice, there’s room to expand wine and beer offerings, especially in underrepresented zip codes.

Denton Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Denton. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Sep 2025 128 $3,655,815
$2,063,025
$213,197
$1,182,846
4.6%
Aug 2025 125 $3,831,730
$2,262,867
$203,274
$1,276,037
8.3%
Jul 2025 122 $3,539,543
$2,163,388
$182,687
$1,148,693
0.1%
Jun 2025 123 $3,542,708
$2,163,372
$205,647
$1,173,338
18.7%
May 2025 126 $4,357,430
$2,634,507
$232,820
$1,367,268
17.6%
Apr 2025 121 $3,706,457
$2,256,913
$228,645
$1,220,885
7.8%
Mar 2025 119 $4,021,789
$2,461,332
$227,223
$1,333,149
22.2%
Feb 2025 120 $3,290,386
$2,017,219
$197,120
$1,076,047
2.4%
Jan 2025 120 $3,214,822
$1,942,052
$230,596
$1,042,174
16.5%
Dec 2024 121 $3,849,506
$2,384,880
$264,722
$1,199,904
5.1%
Nov 2024 121 $3,661,443
$2,201,598
$250,980
$1,208,640
15.1%
Oct 2024 121 $4,314,382
$2,651,702
$238,533
$1,379,001
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Denton

The past year has been quite dynamic for alcohol sales in Denton, with noticeable fluctuations in total receipts. The high point was undoubtedly May 2025, where total sales peaked at $4,357,430, driven largely by a surge in liquor receipts. This was a significant increase of 17.56% from the previous month, indicating a strong seasonal demand, possibly linked to local events or holidays.

Seasonal Patterns and Trends

Examining the data reveals a clear pattern: certain months experience spikes in sales. For instance, December 2024 also saw robust sales of $3,849,506, likely due to holiday celebrations. Conversely, summer months like June and July experienced a dip in sales, with June notably dropping by 18.7% from May's peak. This might suggest that consumer preferences shift away from alcohol purchases during the hotter months.

Changes in Sales Mix

Over the year, liquor has consistently been the dominant category, making up a significant portion of total sales. In September 2025, liquor sales stood at $2,063,025, while beer and wine trailed with $1,182,846 and $213,197 respectively. However, it's interesting to note that beer sales saw a notable increase in the summer months, suggesting a seasonal preference for lighter beverages during warmer weather.

Market Implications

The variations in establishment numbers and sales suggest a dynamic market environment. The increase in establishments in September 2025 by 2.4% indicates a growing interest or confidence in the alcohol retail sector. However, the slight decline in total receipts by 4.59% suggests that new entrants might be spreading sales across more venues, rather than increasing overall demand.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

Comparing data from October 2024 to October 2025 shows a slight overall decline in sales, from $4,314,382 to the current trends. This decrease, alongside the steady growth in the number of establishments, could suggest market saturation or changing consumer habits. Businesses might need to innovate or diversify their offerings to capture a broader market share.

Economic Overview

Denton, Texas, boasts a diverse economy anchored by education, healthcare, and technology sectors. At the heart of its economic landscape are two major universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, which drive innovation and provide a steady influx of young professionals. The city has also seen a rise in tech startups, supported by a business-friendly environment that encourages growth and collaboration.

Healthcare is another pivotal industry in Denton, with several major hospitals and clinics serving the region. This sector not only provides substantial employment but also attracts a range of ancillary services and businesses. Additionally, the city's strategic location within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex enhances its appeal as a logistics and distribution hub, further diversifying its economic base.

Cultural Scene

Denton's cultural scene is vibrant, characterized by a rich tapestry of music, arts, and community events. The city is renowned for its indie music culture, with the annual 35 Denton music festival drawing artists and audiences from across the nation. Denton Arts & Jazz Festival is another highlight, celebrating the city's musical heritage with performances and art exhibitions.

The city's historic downtown square serves as a cultural focal point, featuring unique shops, galleries, and performance spaces. Additionally, Denton hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including film festivals and art fairs, which underscore its reputation as a creative and dynamic community.

Lifestyle

Residents of Denton enjoy a lifestyle that blends small-town charm with the amenities of a larger city. Popular neighborhoods like Southridge and Robson Ranch offer diverse living options, from charming historic homes to modern developments. The city is also known for its eclectic entertainment districts, particularly around Fry Street and the downtown square, which offer an array of dining, shopping, and nightlife options.

Local character is defined by a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving Denton's unique identity. This is reflected in the city's emphasis on supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant arts scene, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Future Outlook

Denton's future outlook is promising, with several development projects underway that aim to enhance its infrastructure and economic prospects. The city is investing in transportation improvements to accommodate its growing population and to better connect with the broader Metroplex. These efforts are expected to drive further business investment and residential growth.

In addition to infrastructure enhancements, Denton is also focusing on sustainable development practices, positioning itself as a forward-thinking community. With a young, educated workforce and a supportive business environment, Denton is poised for continued growth and innovation, making it an exciting destination for future investment.