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 October 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
East Side Denton - Oak Street Taproom
|
$455,833 |
$258,831
|
$2,375
|
$194,627
|
| 2. |
Lucky Lou's
|
$186,553 |
$119,055
|
$492
|
$67,006
|
| 3. |
Union Bear
|
$165,656 |
$84,780
|
$9,817
|
$71,059
|
| 4. |
Rt's Neighborhood Bar
|
$146,083 |
$95,720
|
$280
|
$50,083
|
| 5. |
Miss Angelines
|
$144,909 |
$121,705
|
$3,244
|
$19,960
|
| 6. |
Lone Star Attitude Burger Co
|
$134,408 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 7. |
Embassy Suites & Houlihan's Denton, Tx
|
$130,157 |
$74,204
|
$25,090
|
$30,863
|
| 8. |
Fry Street Public House
|
$113,018 |
$95,013
|
$0
|
$18,005
|
| 9. |
Oak Street Drafthouse
|
$94,624 |
$48,161
|
$456
|
$46,007
|
| 10. |
The Fry Street Tavern
|
$91,484 |
$77,935
|
$0
|
$13,549
|
| 11. |
Dusty's Bar & Grill
|
$91,432 |
$59,994
|
$566
|
$30,872
|
| 12. |
Wildhorse Grill
|
$85,603 |
$39,435
|
$24,858
|
$21,310
|
| 13. |
Harvest House
|
$81,850 |
$47,395
|
$975
|
$33,480
|
| 14. |
H2 Oak
|
$75,579 |
$56,890
|
$0
|
$18,689
|
| 15. |
The Loophole
|
$75,452 |
$52,088
|
$350
|
$23,014
|
| 16. |
Paschall Bar
|
$72,909 |
$72,619
|
$0
|
$290
|
| 17. |
Bj's Restaurant & Brewery
|
$72,804 |
$30,916
|
$9,200
|
$32,688
|
| 18. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$71,994 |
$34,174
|
$4,305
|
$33,515
|
| 19. |
Cool Bean's
|
$71,283 |
$58,079
|
$0
|
$13,204
|
| 20. |
Chili's Grill & Bar #1562
|
$66,584 |
$40,568
|
$1,327
|
$24,689
|
| 21. |
Ii Charlies Bar & Grill
|
$64,705 |
$40,118
|
$577
|
$24,010
|
| 22. |
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
|
$63,115 |
$17,849
|
$414
|
$44,852
|
| 23. |
Hickory Street Lounge
|
$60,126 |
$40,796
|
$1,373
|
$17,957
|
| 24. |
The Garage
|
$59,749 |
$47,550
|
$0
|
$12,199
|
| 25. |
Dirty Dick's
|
$59,528 |
$49,818
|
$0
|
$9,710
|
Top Performers in Denton's Alcohol Sales
Leading the pack in October 2025 is East Side Denton - Oak Street Taproom with a staggering total of $455,833 in receipts. This hotspot boasts significant liquor sales at $258,831, alongside a robust beer sales figure of $194,627. Notably, their wine sales are minimal, indicating a strong preference for liquor and beer among patrons.
Following up, Lucky Lou's secured the second spot with $186,553 in total receipts. Their liquor sales of $119,055 significantly overshadow their wine and beer sales, pointing to a clientele with a penchant for stronger drinks. Meanwhile, Union Bear comes third, posting $165,656 in total receipts with a balanced distribution between liquor and beer sales.
Interesting Observations and Trends
Miss Angelines stands out with a high liquor sales figure of $121,705, despite a lower overall ranking. This indicates a strong focus on liquor, with beer sales making up a smaller portion of their revenue. Meanwhile, Lone Star Attitude Burger Co presents an anomaly with zero reported sales across liquor, wine, and beer categories, suggesting a potential data entry error or unique business model.
Embassy Suites & Houlihan's Denton, TX delivers a well-rounded performance with a significant contribution from wine sales at $25,090, one of the highest among the top establishments. This versatility in offerings could be appealing to a diverse clientele. Additionally, RT's Neighborhood Bar shows a strong preference for liquor, which accounts for the majority of its sales, aligning with the general trend of high liquor sales in Denton.
Emerging and Steady Contenders
It's interesting to note the presence of establishments like Fry Street Public House and The Fry Street Tavern, both of which emphasize liquor over wine and beer, reflecting a strong local demand for harder drinks. On the other hand, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar maintains a strong focus on beer sales, capturing the sports bar market effectively.
WildHorse Grill, with its notable wine sales at $24,858, caters to a different segment in the market, possibly attracting a more refined crowd. This diversity in business models and customer preferences highlights the dynamic nature of Denton's alcohol sales landscape, offering valuable insights for potential investors and current business owners.
Denton Zip Codes By October 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
76201
|
75 | $3,450,542 |
$2,122,319
|
$144,864
|
$973,989
|
| 2. |
76205
|
20 | $451,869 |
$234,223
|
$12,824
|
$203,330
|
| 3. |
76207
|
4 | $127,865 |
$61,586
|
$31,974
|
$34,305
|
| 4. |
76209
|
6 | $94,755 |
$48,588
|
$8,209
|
$37,958
|
| 5. |
76208
|
6 | $34,421 |
$21,662
|
$1,471
|
$11,288
|
| 6. |
76204
|
1 | $357 |
$357
|
$0
|
$0
|
Top Alcohol Sales by Zip Code
When it comes to alcohol sales in Denton for October 2025, Zip Code 76201 is the undeniable heavyweight. With a whopping $3,450,542 in sales coming from 75 establishments, this area accounts for the lion's share of the market. Interestingly, liquor dominates the sales mix at 62%, leaving beer and wine as secondary players.
Trailing behind but still noteworthy is Zip Code 76205, with sales totaling $451,869 across 20 establishments. The sales mix here is more balanced, with liquor at 52% and beer at 45%, indicating a diverse consumer preference.
Alcohol Preferences by Zip Code
While liquor is the clear favorite in most areas, Zip Code 76207 shows a unique preference for wine, which makes up 25% of its sales, significantly higher than in other zip codes. This could indicate a niche market for wine enthusiasts worth exploring further.
In contrast, Zip Code 76208 shows a strong inclination towards liquor at 63%, with beer and wine making up the rest. Such concentrated preferences could guide decisions on inventory and marketing strategies for new businesses.
Opportunities for New Establishments
Despite the small sales figure, Zip Code 76204 presents an interesting opportunity. With only one establishment and sales exclusively in liquor, there may be room for diversification. New establishments could capitalize on the absence of beer and wine options in this area.
Zip Code 76209, with total sales of $94,755 and only six establishments, also appears ripe for growth. Given its balanced sales mix, new ventures could offer a broader range of products to capture a diverse customer base.
Insights and Patterns
Overall, Denton's alcohol market is largely driven by liquor sales, with beer coming in as a strong second. The stark dominance of Zip Code 76201 suggests it is a central hub, possibly due to its high concentration of establishments. However, each zip code has its unique characteristics that savvy business owners could leverage to tailor their offerings and tap into niche markets.
Denton Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 126 | $4,585,310 |
$2,723,775
|
$244,558
|
$1,406,115
|
29.3%
↑
|
| Sep 2025 | 128 | $3,547,394 |
$2,091,127
|
$213,197
|
$1,198,284
|
6.3%
↓
|
| Aug 2025 | 125 | $3,786,954 |
$2,262,867
|
$203,274
|
$1,276,037
|
7%
↑
|
| 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
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Denton
Over the past 12 months, Denton has experienced some interesting shifts in alcohol sales. October 2025 marked the peak with total receipts reaching $4,585,310, which is a significant 29.26% increase from the previous month. This spike is noteworthy, especially since the number of establishments decreased slightly by 1.56% during this time.
Trends in Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales
Liquor consistently leads the pack in sales, demonstrating the strongest performance by contributing the majority of the total receipts each month. In October 2025, liquor sales hit $2,723,775, showcasing a robust demand. Wine and beer, while trailing behind liquor, still show significant figures with notable fluctuations. Beer sales, for instance, saw a substantial increase to $1,406,115 in October.
Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights
Analyzing the year, there appears to be a seasonal uptick in sales during the holiday season, as seen in December 2024, where total receipts were $3,849,506. This suggests that consumers might be indulging more during festive times. The summer months showed relatively stable sales but with some dips, like in June 2025, where sales dropped significantly by 18.7% compared to May.
Implications for the Market
The fluctuation in the number of establishments, which saw an increase in new entrants around May 2025, suggests a dynamic market with evolving competition. Despite minor declines in the establishment count in recent months, the overall increase in sales indicates a growing consumer base or higher spending per consumer. This could imply a strengthening economy or shifts in consumer preferences towards more premium products.
Year-Over-Year Performance
Comparing year-over-year data, the market shows resilience and growth. For instance, October 2025's figures are markedly higher than those from the previous year, underscoring strong performance and potential expansion opportunities for businesses looking to enter or expand in the Denton market.
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.