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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 September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Harlingen for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Walk-ons
$82,610
$30,753
$2,141
$49,716
2.
Texas Roadhouse
$77,571
$32,565
$2,402
$42,604
3.
The Rockin Cue
$64,332
$30,846
$66
$33,420
4.
Hooters
$59,656
$14,273
$98
$45,285
5.
Tipsy Tavern Bar & Grill
$52,941
$41,722
$1,689
$9,530
6.
Ramses Tacos-primera LLC
$52,941
$41,722
$1,689
$9,530
7.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$51,473
$29,503
$568
$21,402
8.
Chuck's Ice House-volley Bar & Grill
$50,907
$27,357
$74
$23,476
9.
Tailwind Hrl, LLC
$44,891
$22,904
$4,451
$17,536
10.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$44,340
$10,793
$61
$33,486
11.
Mikey's Pizza
$42,682
$23,838
$28
$18,816
12.
Wings and Rings
$42,305
$11,727
$60
$30,518
13.
Longhorn Steakhouse #5465
$39,784
$20,913
$4,984
$13,887
14.
The Deep End
$39,034
$11,635
$0
$27,399
15.
La Playa Mexican Cafe Harlingen
$38,510
$26,615
$668
$11,227
16.
Ramses Tacos & Tequillas
$38,043
$27,215
$1,691
$9,137
17.
Station 1 Bar & Grill
$36,433
$23,828
$1,590
$11,015
18.
The Point
$34,642
$17,892
$8
$16,742
19.
The Moon Rock
$33,025
$13,555
$5
$19,465
20.
The Woods Cabaret
$31,138
$21,385
$160
$9,593
21.
Station 83
$30,513
$10,606
$0
$19,907
22.
Broken Tap
$28,087
$12,749
$36
$15,302
23.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen #2171
$27,866
$20,007
$909
$6,950
24.
Harlingen Country Club
$27,285
$14,786
$4,643
$7,856
25.
Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza
$25,831
$10,528
$4,796
$10,507

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

In September 2025, Walk-On's at 97 Bass Pro Dr took the lead in alcohol sales in Harlingen with total receipts of $82,610. Impressively, their beer sales alone accounted for $49,716, showcasing a strong preference among patrons. Texas Roadhouse closely followed with $77,571 in total receipts, leading in liquor sales at $32,565, indicating a solid demand for spirits.

Noteworthy Trends and Insights

The Rockin Cue, located at 2020 S Expressway 83 Ste B08A, stood out with significant liquor sales at $30,846, contributing to their total receipts of $64,332. This indicates a potential hotspot for spirit enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Hooters demonstrated a strong beer-centric clientele, with beer sales hitting $45,285 out of their total $59,656.

Emerging Players and Surprises

Tipsy Tavern Bar & Grill and Ramses Tacos-Primera LLC both reported identical total receipts of $52,941, with Tipsy Tavern showing a heavy lean towards liquor sales at $41,722. Interestingly, Ramses Tacos-Primera LLC matched these figures exactly, reflecting a diversified yet balanced sales strategy.

Unique Offerings and Preferences

Chili's Grill & Bar at 1725 W Tyler Ave maintained a balanced approach with significant liquor sales of $29,503, supporting their total receipts of $51,473. Meanwhile, establishments like The Deep End focused primarily on beer, with sales reaching $27,399, indicating a specialized customer base.

Overall Observations

Across Harlingen, there's a noticeable trend toward strong beer and liquor sales, with wine generally taking a back seat. Establishments like The Woods Cabaret and Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza, however, maintain a notable balance with wine sales contributing a respectable share to their totals, suggesting niche markets for wine enthusiasts.

Harlingen Zip Codes By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Harlingen 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.
78550
38 $786,263
$404,863
$23,197
$341,273
2.
78552
23 $619,182
$294,621
$32,385
$292,176

High Concentration of Sales

In September 2025, Harlingen's alcohol sales were concentrated in the 78550 zip code, which accounted for over half of the total sales with $786,263 generated across 38 establishments. This area not only had the highest sales but also boasted the largest number of establishments, indicating a robust market presence and consumer demand.

Differences in Alcohol Preferences

Analyzing the sales mix reveals interesting consumer preferences. In 78550, liquor dominated sales at 51%, with beer close behind at 43%. Meanwhile, 78552 showed a slightly more balanced demand with 48% for liquor and 47% for beer. Despite being a smaller segment, wine sales were slightly higher in 78552 at 5% compared to 3% in 78550.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 78550 having a higher number of establishments, new businesses might find more opportunities by tapping into the emerging market in 78552, where fewer establishments exist. The nearly equal sales of liquor and beer suggest a diversified consumer palate, providing a potential niche for new players to explore wine offerings further.

Additional Insights

The distribution of sales indicates a strong preference for liquor and beer across both zip codes, but the slightly higher wine sales in 78552 might hint at an untapped market segment. Entrepreneurs could consider this when planning new ventures, perhaps focusing on specialty wine shops or expanding wine selections in existing formats.

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
Sep 2025 60 $1,373,746
$683,543
$55,080
$618,193
13.5%
Aug 2025 60 $1,588,638
$812,051
$53,180
$723,407
2.5%
Jul 2025 61 $1,549,378
$791,879
$53,916
$701,958
0.6%
Jun 2025 61 $1,539,777
$778,812
$56,847
$702,773
9.7%
May 2025 61 $1,705,026
$892,123
$67,405
$744,182
1.4%
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%

Overall Sales Trends

Over the past year, Harlingen's alcohol sales have shown some intriguing patterns. The data reveals a notable peak in December 2024, where total receipts hit a high of $1,786,950. This suggests a strong holiday season for alcohol sales, a trend commonly seen in many markets. However, sales have generally fluctuated, with the most recent data from September 2025 showing a decline to $1,373,746, a 13.53% drop from the previous month.

Seasonal and Monthly Variations

Seasonal trends are apparent, with December 2024 experiencing the highest sales, likely driven by holiday festivities. Conversely, the summer months of June and July 2025 showed modest increases and decreases, indicating a relatively stable demand during this period. Interestingly, sales spiked in March 2025 by 9.05%, potentially hinting at events or holidays that boost spending.

Changes in Sales Mix

The sales mix between liquor, wine, and beer provides further insight into consumer preferences. Liquor consistently leads in sales, peaking in December 2024 at $881,715. Beer follows closely behind, indicating strong competition between these categories. Wine sales, while significantly lower, have remained stable, suggesting a niche but consistent market segment. Notably, beer sales saw a dip in September 2025, which might reflect changing consumer preferences or external factors affecting beer consumption.

Market Implications

The fluctuations in total establishments, with a peak of 63 in October 2024, suggest a dynamic market with entries and exits. The stability in establishment numbers in recent months might indicate market saturation or stabilization. For businesses, understanding these trends is crucial for inventory planning, marketing strategies, and identifying potential growth periods, particularly around the holiday season and specific local events. Overall, Harlingen's alcohol market displays resilience with opportunities for strategic adjustment to maximize sales 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.