Nestled on the Gulf Coast, Galveston, Texas, is a vibrant island city known for its historic charm, bustling tourism, and rich cultural tapestry. As a key player in Texas's coastal economy, Galveston is not only a popular destination for visitors but also a unique hub for understanding consumer trends in the alcohol market. This article delves into the intricate details of alcohol sales across the city, offering a data-driven analysis that sheds light on the dynamics of this vital sector.
In the first section, readers will discover a comprehensive table and analysis of Galveston's top alcohol-selling establishments, revealing the most prominent players in the local market. Following this, a detailed breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code provides insights into which areas of Galveston have the highest concentration of sales, painting a clear picture of the city's consumption patterns. Finally, the article examines monthly trends, tracking how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, offering valuable context for both businesses and consumers alike.
Top 25 Galveston Businesses By April 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
The San Luis Hotel
|
$412,454 |
$254,314
|
$98,302
|
$59,838
|
2. |
Side Yard & the Spot
|
$295,241 |
$227,602
|
$3,914
|
$63,725
|
3. |
Gaido's Inc.
|
$215,187 |
$124,077
|
$36,673
|
$54,437
|
4. |
Moody Gardens Hotel Gift Shop
|
$188,794 |
$99,850
|
$33,314
|
$39,654
|
5. |
Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa
|
$182,282 |
$129,424
|
$31,576
|
$21,282
|
6. |
The Tremont House
|
$178,864 |
$136,086
|
$25,973
|
$16,805
|
7. |
Katie's Seafood House
|
$164,587 |
$103,852
|
$24,080
|
$36,655
|
8. |
Number 13, LLC
|
$134,338 |
$58,185
|
$69,353
|
$6,800
|
9. |
West End Marina Restaurant
|
$129,497 |
$87,820
|
$12,640
|
$29,037
|
10. |
Galveston Island Hilton
|
$118,427 |
$88,910
|
$8,851
|
$20,666
|
11. |
Salsas Seaside Cafe
|
$112,545 |
$91,495
|
$1,013
|
$20,037
|
12. |
Fisherman's Wharf
|
$110,640 |
$69,595
|
$16,873
|
$24,172
|
13. |
Pleasure Pier
|
$97,377 |
$54,507
|
$10,382
|
$32,488
|
14. |
Willie G's Seafood & Steakhouse
|
$96,547 |
$65,378
|
$20,746
|
$10,423
|
15. |
Stampede Texas Beverages
|
$93,892 |
$64,441
|
$3,915
|
$25,536
|
16. |
Landry's Prime Seafood & Steaks
|
$92,450 |
$51,440
|
$29,672
|
$11,338
|
17. |
Brick House Tavern + Tap
|
$90,681 |
$47,621
|
$4,926
|
$38,134
|
18. |
Galveston Country Club
|
$84,588 |
$42,427
|
$31,287
|
$10,874
|
19. |
Hearsay Galveston Strand LLC
|
$83,463 |
$53,209
|
$20,860
|
$9,394
|
20. |
Fish Tales
|
$72,523 |
$49,269
|
$3,825
|
$19,429
|
21. |
Rainforest Cafe
|
$70,595 |
$50,885
|
$4,101
|
$15,609
|
22. |
Bucks Bar
|
$69,397 |
$44,448
|
$167
|
$24,782
|
23. |
Dto
|
$66,431 |
$64,895
|
$177
|
$1,359
|
24. |
Hotel Lucine
|
$66,145 |
$44,389
|
$15,170
|
$6,586
|
25. |
Rpoint5/float, LLC
|
$65,416 |
$42,467
|
$222
|
$22,727
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments
In April 2025, Galveston's alcohol sales were dominated by The San Luis Hotel, which brought in total receipts of $412,454. This seaside hotspot showed a strong preference for liquor, with $254,314 in sales, while wine and beer followed at $98,302 and $59,838, respectively. It seems this venue's luxurious atmosphere continues to attract patrons seeking premium drinks.
Side Yard & The Spot followed as the second top-seller, with receipts totaling $295,241. Interestingly, liquor sales here were significantly higher, accounting for $227,602 of the total, dwarfing its wine sales of just $3,914. Beer sales were quite healthy at $63,725, suggesting a lively atmosphere with diverse drink options.
Noteworthy Trends and Insights
It's notable that Moody Gardens Hotel Gift Shop and Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa made the list, highlighting the continued trend of hotels being major players in the local alcohol market. Moody Gardens had a balanced mix of sales with liquor, wine, and beer contributing $99,850, $33,314, and $39,654 respectively, while Grand Galvez focused more on liquor sales at $129,424.
Number 13, LLC stands out with its strong wine sales, totaling $69,353, which is the highest among the listed establishments. This suggests a niche focus or a clientele with a preference for wine, differentiating it from others on the list.
Emerging Players
Salsas Seaside Cafe and Fisherman's Wharf show promising potential with their strategic locations along Seawall Blvd. Salsas Seaside Cafe had impressive liquor sales of $91,495, while Fisherman's Wharf balanced its offerings with $69,595 in liquor sales and $24,172 in beer.
Meanwhile, DTO and RPoint5/Float, LLC made their mark with unique sales patterns. DTO had a high percentage of its sales from liquor at $64,895 out of a total $66,431, indicating a cocktail-focused approach. RPoint5/Float, LLC, on the other hand, maintained a more balanced distribution between liquor and beer sales.
Galveston Zip Codes By April 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
77550
|
106 | $3,837,253 |
$2,422,992
|
$411,829
|
$887,597
|
2. |
77551
|
17 | $1,104,577 |
$688,910
|
$164,155
|
$205,697
|
3. |
77554
|
26 | $985,554 |
$516,689
|
$177,232
|
$226,219
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Galveston
In April 2025, Galveston saw a total of $5,927,384 in alcohol sales across 149 establishments spread over three zip codes. These figures highlight a thriving market, with each area showing unique sales trends and opportunities for growth.
Hotspot: Zip Code 77550
Zip Code 77550 is a major player, raking in $3,837,253 in sales, which accounts for the majority of Galveston's alcohol market. With 106 establishments, this area is bustling with activity. The sales mix here is dominated by liquor at 63%, followed by beer and wine. This indicates a strong preference for spirits, suggesting that new establishments focusing on liquor could find a receptive audience.
Balanced Sales in Zip Code 77551
Zip Code 77551 follows with $1,104,577 in total sales across 17 establishments. Liquor also leads here at 62%, but wine takes a slightly larger share compared to 77550, at 15%. The relatively lower number of establishments might mean there's room for new entrants, especially those that can diversify the product mix to include more wine options.
Opportunities in Zip Code 77554
In Zip Code 77554, sales totaled $985,554 from 26 establishments. The sales mix is more balanced, with liquor accounting for 52%, wine at 18%, and beer at 23%. This diverse preference opens opportunities for establishments that can offer a varied selection, catering to a broader audience. The distribution suggests a potential for expanding beer offerings, as its share is on par with that of wine.
Insights and Potential Opportunities
Across these zip codes, liquor consistently dominates sales, suggesting a robust market for spirits. However, each area shows distinct preferences in secondary categories, presenting opportunities for niche marketing and product diversification. Establishments in 77551 and 77554, in particular, could benefit from focusing on wine and beer offerings, respectively. Overall, the data suggests that while the market is competitive, there are still untapped niches for savvy business owners to explore.
Galveston Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 2025 | 147 | $5,880,006 |
$3,593,580
|
$751,246
|
$1,309,116
|
13.1%
↓
|
Mar 2025 | 136 | $6,762,778 |
$4,387,135
|
$852,572
|
$1,455,412
|
44.6%
↑
|
Feb 2025 | 131 | $4,675,621 |
$2,953,708
|
$650,572
|
$1,020,541
|
24%
↑
|
Jan 2025 | 146 | $3,769,386 |
$2,181,057
|
$580,267
|
$804,188
|
26.5%
↓
|
Dec 2024 | 154 | $5,130,685 |
$3,170,238
|
$758,157
|
$1,072,744
|
2.3%
↓
|
Nov 2024 | 160 | $5,252,297 |
$3,160,746
|
$676,941
|
$1,354,724
|
5.7%
↓
|
Oct 2024 | 152 | $5,570,023 |
$3,449,816
|
$705,727
|
$1,268,870
|
5.8%
↑
|
Sep 2024 | 150 | $5,262,534 |
$3,327,316
|
$677,232
|
$1,204,398
|
15.3%
↓
|
Aug 2024 | 150 | $6,212,149 |
$3,992,221
|
$758,574
|
$1,413,003
|
10.9%
↑
|
Jul 2024 | 151 | $5,602,363 |
$3,650,396
|
$649,738
|
$1,301,622
|
21%
↓
|
Jun 2024 | 153 | $7,089,244 |
$4,614,694
|
$819,531
|
$1,636,099
|
3.8%
↑
|
May 2024 | 157 | $6,831,899 |
$4,450,672
|
$851,178
|
$1,507,419
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Galveston
The past year in Galveston has been quite a rollercoaster for alcohol sales, highlighted by a peak in June 2024, when total receipts soared to $7,089,244. This was the highest month, thanks to a surge in liquor sales, which reached $4,614,694. However, by April 2025, total receipts had dipped to $5,880,006, marking a 13.05% decline from March. Despite this drop, the number of establishments has increased by 8.09% in the same period, indicating potential market expansion.
Seasonal Patterns and Market Fluctuations
Summer months, particularly June 2024, saw the highest sales, likely driven by tourism and local events. The following months, however, showed a downward trend, with a significant dip noted in July 2024, where sales declined by 20.97%. The holiday season in December 2024 didn't quite reach the heights of mid-year but maintained stable sales at $5,130,685. This suggests that while summer is a peak season, the holidays provide a consistent boost to the market.
Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer
Liquor has consistently been the dominant category, peaking in June 2024. However, its proportion of total sales has seen fluctuations. For instance, in April 2025, liquor accounted for $3,593,580 of total receipts, a notable decrease from March's $4,387,135. Beer sales, while lower than liquor, have shown resilience with over $1 million in sales consistently each month, peaking alongside liquor in June. Wine, although the smallest segment, has displayed steady demand, with April 2025 showing sales of $751,246.
Implications for the Market
The increase in establishments suggests growing business opportunities in Galveston's alcohol market, even amidst fluctuating sales. The data indicates a strong preference for liquor, particularly during high-demand periods such as summer. For businesses, aligning marketing strategies with these seasonal trends and focusing on liquor promotions could capitalize on peak sales periods. Additionally, the consistent performance of beer and wine highlights opportunities for diversification and targeted promotions in these segments.
Economic Overview
Galveston, Texas, boasts a diverse economy that extends beyond tourism, contributing to its robust business climate. The Port of Galveston is a significant economic driver, supporting maritime commerce and serving as a key cruise ship terminal. This strategic location has fostered growth in logistics and transportation industries, making it a hub for trade and shipping activities.
Additionally, healthcare and education sectors play vital roles in the local economy. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is not only a major employer but also a center for medical research and education. With a growing emphasis on technology and innovation, Galveston is attracting investments in these burgeoning sectors, fueling economic diversification.
Cultural Scene
Galveston's cultural scene is vibrant, with a calendar packed with notable events and festivals that draw visitors from across the region. The annual Mardi Gras celebration is a highlight, featuring parades and family-friendly activities that showcase the city's festive spirit. The Galveston Island Beach Revue, a nostalgic nod to the 1920s, offers a unique blend of vintage culture and modern entertainment.
For those interested in the arts, the Galveston Arts Center hosts exhibitions and programs that celebrate local and regional artists. The Grand 1894 Opera House stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural history, offering a diverse lineup of performances ranging from classical music to contemporary theater.
Lifestyle
Galveston offers a unique lifestyle that blends coastal charm with urban amenities. Popular neighborhoods like East End Historic District feature beautifully restored Victorian homes and provide a glimpse into the city’s storied past. Meanwhile, the Seawall Boulevard area buzzes with activity, offering a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options against the backdrop of stunning Gulf views.
For those seeking leisure and recreation, Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark provide year-round entertainment for families and visitors alike. The Strand Historic District is another focal point, with its array of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that reflect the city's eclectic character.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Galveston is poised for continued growth and development. Infrastructure improvements, including enhancements to the port and transportation networks, are set to bolster the city's connectivity and economic resilience. These upgrades are expected to attract new businesses and investments, particularly in the tech and renewable energy sectors.
Moreover, sustainability initiatives and community development projects are underway to enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure balanced growth. As Galveston continues to embrace innovation while preserving its rich heritage, the city is well-positioned for a prosperous future.