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Nestled in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. As an integral part of the southern Texas landscape, Harlingen not only serves as a hub for commerce and tourism but also as a key player in the state's alcohol sales market. This article delves into a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of alcohol sales within the city, offering insights into consumer behavior and market trends as of April 2025.

In our exploration, we begin with an examination of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Harlingen. Through a detailed table and analysis, we'll uncover which venues lead the market and drive the city's alcohol economy. Next, we'll provide a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code, highlighting the areas with the highest concentration of sales and offering a glimpse into the city's diverse consumer landscape.

Finally, our monthly trends analysis will reveal how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, showcasing fluctuations and patterns that reflect broader economic and social dynamics. Whether you're a business owner, policy maker, or simply curious about the local market, these insights provide a valuable snapshot of Harlingen's alcohol sales scene.

Top 25 Harlingen Businesses By April 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Harlingen for April 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Tipsy Tavern Bar & Grill
$172,656
$100,468
$120
$72,068
2.
The Rockin Cue
$81,211
$41,796
$180
$39,235
3.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$71,259
$42,827
$1,086
$27,346
4.
Texas Roadhouse
$70,238
$31,924
$1,596
$36,718
5.
Walk-ons
$67,357
$25,119
$1,526
$40,712
6.
Classic's Bar & Grill
$58,672
$0
$0
$0
7.
Ramses Tacos-primera LLC
$55,732
$45,071
$1,991
$8,670
8.
Tailwind Hrl, LLC
$55,223
$27,776
$4,495
$22,952
9.
Hooters
$55,179
$12,559
$150
$42,470
10.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$55,046
$13,400
$29
$41,617
11.
Chuck's Ice House-volley Bar & Grill
$51,489
$26,898
$111
$24,480
12.
The Moon Rock
$51,078
$22,782
$68
$28,228
13.
Mikey's Pizza
$50,867
$29,594
$184
$21,089
14.
The Deep End
$47,360
$15,717
$0
$31,643
15.
Ramses Tacos & Tequillas
$47,100
$35,742
$1,421
$9,937
16.
Station 1 Bar & Grill
$47,093
$33,860
$1,778
$11,455
17.
Wings and Rings
$45,438
$12,945
$129
$32,364
18.
La Playa Mexican Cafe Harlingen
$43,851
$31,312
$441
$12,098
19.
Longhorn Steakhouse #5465
$36,519
$18,459
$4,779
$13,281
20.
The Point
$35,826
$18,347
$0
$17,479
21.
The Woods Cabaret
$32,050
$23,348
$68
$8,634
22.
Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza
$30,926
$11,553
$6,234
$13,139
23.
Harlingen Country Club
$29,419
$11,375
$10,678
$7,366
24.
Broken Tap
$27,276
$13,643
$70
$13,563
25.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen #2171
$26,931
$19,381
$790
$6,760

Top Performers in Harlingen's Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack for April 2025 is TIPSY TAVERN BAR & GRILL with a whopping $172,656 in total alcohol sales. This establishment is clearly a local favorite, dominating both the liquor and beer categories with $100,468 and $72,068 in sales, respectively. If you're looking to compete, this is the benchmark for success in Harlingen.

In second place, THE ROCKIN CUE brought in $81,211. It's interesting to note their balanced sales between liquor and beer, with $41,796 and $39,235 respectively. This suggests a diverse clientele that enjoys both options.

Notable Insights and Trends

CHILI'S GRILL & BAR and TEXAS ROADHOUSE are nearly neck-and-neck in total sales, but each has a unique strength. Chili's leans heavily on liquor sales, while Texas Roadhouse sees a more even split with a strong showing in beer sales.

Meanwhile, CLASSIC'S BAR & GRILL reported zero sales across all categories, which raises questions about its current operational status. This could be an opportunity for new entrants to capture the market share.

Unique Standouts

RAMSES TACOS-PRIMERA LLC stands out with an impressive $45,071 in liquor sales, which is a significant portion of its $55,732 total. This suggests that their tequila offerings are a major draw.

Interestingly, HOOTERS and BUFFALO WILD WINGS both surpass $55,000 in total sales, with a heavy emphasis on beer. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of these venues as casual beer-drinking spots.

Emerging Opportunities

MIKEY'S PIZZA and THE DEEP END both hover around the $50,000 mark, but with different focuses. Mikey's has a strong liquor sales component, while The Deep End is more beer-centric. New or existing venues could consider these niche focuses to capture specific market segments.

Finally, LA PLAYA MEXICAN CAFE HARLINGEN demonstrates a strong performance in liquor sales at $31,312, which could indicate potential growth opportunities for similar venues offering quality Mexican cuisine paired with popular spirits.

Harlingen Zip Codes By April 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Harlingen for April 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.
78550
40 $1,116,808
$560,503
$24,440
$471,108
2.
78552
22 $607,790
$286,362
$41,222
$280,206

Alcohol Sales Overview in Harlingen

In April 2025, Harlingen's alcohol sales reached a total of $1,724,598, distributed across 62 establishments in two primary zip codes. This vibrant market shows a clear preference for liquor and beer, with wine taking a smaller share of the sales mix.

Zip Code 78550: Leading the Market

Zip code 78550 is the frontrunner, racking up $1,116,808 in sales from 40 establishments. This area shows a strong preference for liquor, which accounts for 50% of sales, and beer, which makes up 42%. Despite having the highest number of establishments, wine sales are minimal at just 2%, suggesting a potential opportunity for wine-focused ventures.

Zip Code 78552: A Beer and Liquor Hub

With sales totaling $607,790 from 22 establishments, zip code 78552 is not far behind. The sales mix here is slightly more balanced between liquor (47%) and beer (46%), with wine making a slightly larger appearance at 7%. This indicates a diverse consumer base, perhaps ripe for market expansion in both beer and wine categories.

Opportunities and Insights

The higher concentration of sales and establishments in 78550 suggests a bustling market with strong consumer demand, particularly for liquor. However, the minimal presence of wine indicates a potential niche for new establishments focusing on wine offerings. Conversely, 78552 presents an opportunity to explore a more balanced approach, catering to both beer and liquor enthusiasts while expanding wine selections.

Overall, the data reveals a thriving alcohol market in Harlingen with distinct consumer preferences across its two primary zip codes. Businesses looking to establish or expand in this area can leverage these insights to tailor their offerings effectively and tap into these lucrative markets.

Harlingen Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Harlingen. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Apr 2025 61 $1,681,862
$825,786
$65,027
$730,292
0.7%
Mar 2025 59 $1,670,011
$869,389
$64,106
$734,819
9.1%
Feb 2025 58 $1,531,365
$781,474
$63,576
$658,363
7.1%
Jan 2025 60 $1,648,410
$791,764
$61,359
$708,914
7.8%
Dec 2024 62 $1,786,950
$881,715
$73,916
$771,268
8%
Nov 2024 61 $1,653,969
$830,672
$66,930
$712,042
5%
Oct 2024 63 $1,575,936
$815,705
$57,764
$701,587
0%
Sep 2024 64 $1,575,192
$796,432
$53,501
$724,729
2.5%
Aug 2024 63 $1,537,453
$768,497
$55,831
$713,125
1.3%
Jul 2024 62 $1,517,500
$768,971
$55,751
$692,778
1.7%
Jun 2024 61 $1,543,912
$769,539
$55,846
$718,527
6%
May 2024 61 $1,643,063
$827,273
$63,941
$751,849
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Harlingen

Over the past 12 months, Harlingen's alcohol sales have shown some interesting patterns. The data indicates a steady increase in the number of establishments, with a rise from 61 to 64 at various points, reflecting growth in the market. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend in total receipts shows resilience, with notable peaks and dips corresponding to seasonal influences.

Seasonal Patterns and Peak Periods

The month of December 2024 stands out as the peak period for alcohol sales, with total receipts reaching $1,786,950. This surge is likely driven by holiday festivities, which traditionally boost consumer spending on alcohol. Following December, there was a typical post-holiday dip in January 2025, with receipts dropping by 7.75% from the previous month, which is a common occurrence as consumers tighten their belts after the holiday splurge.

Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales Dynamics

Liquor consistently dominates the sales mix, accounting for the largest share of receipts each month. In April 2025, liquor sales were $825,786, slightly lower than the previous month but still substantial. Beer also plays a significant role, with sales peaking at $771,268 in December 2024. Wine, while the smallest category, saw its highest sales in December as well, indicating that it benefits from the holiday season more than other months.

Market Growth and Establishment Changes

The increase in alcohol-selling establishments, from 61 in May 2024 to 64 in September 2024, suggests a competitive and expanding market. Although there were slight decreases in establishment numbers in some months, the overall trend indicates a positive growth trajectory. This expansion is accompanied by a general uptick in sales, suggesting that new establishments are successfully capturing market demand.

Implications for the Market

For businesses looking to enter or expand in the Harlingen alcohol market, December represents a lucrative period. The steady growth in establishments and receipts suggests a robust market with room for new entrants. However, businesses should brace for seasonal fluctuations, particularly the post-holiday sales dip. Understanding these patterns can help in strategic planning and inventory management to maximize profits throughout the year.

Economic Overview

Harlingen, Texas, serves as a dynamic economic hub in the Rio Grande Valley, characterized by a diverse business climate. The city's strategic location near the U.S.-Mexico border has fostered robust trade and logistics sectors, with major employers including transportation, health care, and manufacturing companies. The Harlingen Industrial Park, along with the Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios, underscores the city's commitment to facilitating international commerce and attracting investors.

In recent years, Harlingen has seen a surge in technological and educational initiatives, further strengthening its economic base. The presence of institutions like Texas State Technical College supports a skilled workforce pipeline, aligning with the city's efforts to attract tech-based industries. The collaborative efforts between local government and business leaders have created an inviting environment for startups and established enterprises alike.

Cultural Scene

Harlingen boasts a rich tapestry of cultural events and attractions that reflect its vibrant community spirit. The city hosts the annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, drawing nature enthusiasts from across the nation to explore its unique avian biodiversity. Additionally, the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum offers insights into the region's history and cultural evolution through engaging exhibits and events.

The city's downtown area is a focal point for cultural expression, featuring public art displays, galleries, and live performances that celebrate the artistic talents of local residents. The Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre frequently showcases plays, musicals, and concerts, providing a platform for both local and touring artists.

Lifestyle

Harlingen offers a blend of charming neighborhoods and lively entertainment districts that cater to a wide range of lifestyles. Popular neighborhoods such as Treasure Hills and Palm Valley provide residents with a mix of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities. The city's parks, including the expansive Harlingen Arroyo Colorado, offer outdoor enthusiasts numerous recreational opportunities.

The Jackson Street District is a vibrant hub of activity, known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. This area serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors, featuring regular events like farmers' markets and art walks that highlight the city's community-oriented character.

Future Outlook

Harlingen is poised for continued growth, with several development projects underway that promise to enhance its economic and cultural landscape. The city's strategic initiatives focus on infrastructure improvements and attracting new businesses, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors. Efforts to expand the Harlingen Aerotropolis aim to leverage the city's airport as a catalyst for economic development.

Looking ahead, Harlingen's commitment to sustainable growth and community engagement positions it as an attractive destination for businesses and investors. With its proactive approach to economic development and a strong emphasis on quality of life, Harlingen is set to thrive in the coming years, contributing to the broader prosperity of the Rio Grande Valley region.