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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 May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Harlingen for May 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Tipsy Tavern Bar & Grill
$176,992
$107,665
$48
$69,279
2.
The Rockin Cue
$85,197
$45,112
$54
$40,031
3.
Walk-ons
$72,832
$29,057
$1,836
$41,939
4.
Texas Roadhouse
$69,168
$30,835
$1,676
$36,657
5.
Ramses Tacos-primera LLC
$68,664
$54,722
$2,417
$11,525
6.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$62,876
$38,875
$867
$23,134
7.
The Deep End
$56,822
$17,802
$0
$39,020
8.
Hooters
$56,401
$12,734
$65
$43,602
9.
Mikey's Pizza
$55,775
$32,494
$70
$23,211
10.
La Playa Mexican Cafe Harlingen
$55,368
$39,433
$515
$15,420
11.
Tailwind Hrl, LLC
$54,539
$26,264
$6,118
$22,157
12.
Chuck's Ice House-volley Bar & Grill
$54,104
$26,616
$103
$27,385
13.
The Moon Rock
$51,753
$23,913
$35
$27,805
14.
Station 1 Bar & Grill
$50,181
$34,988
$2,582
$12,611
15.
Wings and Rings
$49,084
$16,360
$78
$32,646
16.
Ramses Tacos & Tequillas
$48,701
$37,581
$1,231
$9,889
17.
Station 83
$44,776
$0
$0
$0
18.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$44,043
$11,331
$49
$32,663
19.
Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza
$41,979
$19,138
$7,358
$15,483
20.
The Point
$38,917
$19,763
$0
$19,154
21.
Longhorn Steakhouse #5465
$37,469
$20,551
$5,301
$11,617
22.
Jaguar's Harlingen
$34,772
$18,307
$1,782
$14,683
23.
Broken Tap
$33,921
$15,640
$70
$18,211
24.
The Woods Cabaret
$33,464
$23,628
$91
$9,745
25.
Harlingen Country Club
$30,842
$16,017
$5,478
$9,347

Top Performers in Harlingen

Leading the pack in May 2025, TIPSY TAVERN BAR & GRILL stands out with total receipts of $176,992. It's clear this establishment is a crowd favorite, with liquor sales alone hitting $107,665. Their beer sales are also impressive, amounting to $69,279.

THE ROCKIN CUE follows with $85,197 in total receipts, showing a balanced approach across liquor and beer sales. Meanwhile, WALK-ONS takes third place, with beer being their top seller at $41,939, part of their $72,832 total.

Interesting Trends and Insights

It's intriguing to see RAMSES TACOS-PRIMERA LLC heavily leaning on liquor, with $54,722 of their $68,664 total coming from spirits. This suggests a strong preference among their patrons for cocktails or mixed drinks.

THE DEEP END and HOOTERS both show a strong beer culture, with beer sales making up the majority of their total receipts. THE DEEP END brings in $39,020 from beer alone.

Unexpected Standouts

STATION 83 is an anomaly, reporting no sales across liquor, wine, or beer. This could indicate a temporary closure or a data reporting issue.

For those eyeing the wine market, STEFANO'S BROOKLYN PIZZA offers a surprising twist, with $7,358 in wine sales, which is quite significant for a pizza place.

Harlingen Zip Codes By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Harlingen 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.
78550
38 $1,062,898
$574,432
$27,315
$459,835
2.
78552
23 $727,508
$338,211
$40,233
$304,288

Concentration of Alcohol Sales

In Harlingen, the majority of alcohol sales for May 2025 are concentrated in Zip Code 78550, which boasts a total of $1,062,898 in sales across 38 establishments. This zip code significantly outpaces Zip Code 78552, which generated $727,508 from 23 establishments. The higher sales in 78550 suggest a larger market presence and potentially more consumer traffic.

Sales Mix Differences

Examining the types of alcohol sold reveals some intriguing differences between the two zip codes. In 78550, liquor sales dominate the market with 54%, while beer follows closely at 43%, and wine lags behind at 3%. Conversely, Zip Code 78552 has a slightly more balanced sales mix, with liquor accounting for 46% of sales, beer at 42%, and wine showing a modest increase to 6%.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Given the current density of establishments, Zip Code 78552 may present opportunities for new businesses. With fewer establishments and a significant total sales figure, this area could benefit from additional venues to meet potential demand. Entrepreneurs might consider focusing on wine offerings, as this category seems underrepresented compared to liquor and beer.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

Overall, the strong performance of liquor sales across both zip codes indicates a stable demand for spirits in Harlingen. The slight preference for beer in Zip Code 78550 could hint at consumer preferences or successful marketing strategies by existing establishments. Furthermore, the relatively low percentage of wine sales suggests room for growth in this category, especially if consumer trends shift towards wine consumption in the future.

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
May 2025 60 $1,744,302
$888,998
$67,020
$742,192
3.7%
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
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Harlingen

Over the past 12 months, Harlingen has experienced some interesting fluctuations in alcohol sales. December 2024 marked the peak with total receipts hitting $1,786,950, likely driven by holiday festivities and gatherings. This month saw a notable increase in liquor sales, suggesting a preference for cocktails and spirits during the holiday season.

Seasonal Patterns and Trends

The data indicates a clear seasonal pattern with higher sales during the winter months, tapering off slightly as the year progresses. For instance, sales dipped in January and February 2025, with total receipts decreasing by 7.75% and 7.1%, respectively, likely due to post-holiday spending cuts. However, sales began to rise steadily again by March, suggesting a recovery in consumer spending.

Changes in Sales Mix

Throughout the year, liquor consistently led the sales mix, averaging over $800,000 monthly. Beer followed closely, with sales showing resilience across all months except for a slight dip in July. Wine, while the smallest segment, showed a steady increase in sales, peaking in December with receipts of $73,916, indicating a growing niche market for wine enthusiasts.

Market Dynamics

Interestingly, the number of establishments selling alcohol fluctuated, peaking at 64 in September 2024, but generally remained around 60. This suggests a stable business environment with minor entries and exits. The steady increase in total receipts, particularly in May 2025 with a 3.71% rise, highlights a robust market recovering from seasonal lows.

Conclusions and Opportunities

For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, focusing on liquor sales during the holiday season could be particularly lucrative. Additionally, expanding wine offerings might tap into a growing market segment. Overall, the data points to a vibrant and dynamic alcohol market in Harlingen, with opportunities for growth and innovation.

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.