Located in Southeast Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, Houston stands as the largest city in the state and the fourth-largest in the United States. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and diverse economy, Houston also boasts a dynamic and varied market for alcohol sales. This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how alcohol sales are distributed across this bustling metropolis.
In the first section, readers will find a detailed table and analysis spotlighting the top alcohol-selling establishments in Houston. These insights reveal the local hotspots where residents and visitors alike choose to raise their glasses. Moving beyond individual venues, the second section delves into sales by zip code, highlighting which areas of Houston lead in alcohol consumption and offering a geographic perspective on the city's drinking habits.
The final section offers a monthly trends analysis, charting shifts in alcohol sales over the past year. This examination uncovers seasonal patterns and consumer preferences, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Houston's alcohol market. Together, these sections paint a comprehensive picture of how and where Houstonians enjoy their libations.
Top 25 Houston Businesses By May 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Aramark Sports & Entertainment Services of Texas
|
$2,878,091 |
$1,331,829
|
$181,767
|
$1,364,495
|
| 2. |
Levy Restaurants at Toyota Center
|
$1,411,466 |
$971,322
|
$46,835
|
$393,309
|
| 3. |
The Post Oak/mastro's/willie G's
|
$1,389,680 |
$309,726
|
$676,592
|
$403,362
|
| 4. |
Vida Garden/pick Your Poison
|
$1,313,702 |
$1,178,104
|
$0
|
$135,598
|
| 5. |
Marriott Marquis Houston
|
$1,207,483 |
$709,607
|
$184,495
|
$277,741
|
| 6. |
Sante
|
$731,031 |
$708,003
|
$15,234
|
$7,794
|
| 7. |
Steak 48
|
$643,577 |
$318,528
|
$316,526
|
$8,523
|
| 8. |
Medellin
|
$617,764 |
$565,163
|
$0
|
$52,601
|
| 9. |
Campus Beverage Inc
|
$606,566 |
$283,497
|
$262,041
|
$61,028
|
| 10. |
Whiskey River
|
$593,844 |
$459,209
|
$367
|
$134,268
|
| 11. |
Kirby Ice House
|
$574,602 |
$328,875
|
$22,115
|
$223,612
|
| 12. |
Pappas Bros Steakhouse
|
$527,951 |
$142,316
|
$380,458
|
$5,177
|
| 13. |
Hilton Americas - Houston
|
$497,901 |
$277,442
|
$118,924
|
$75,045
|
| 14. |
Joey Uptown
|
$477,996 |
$382,467
|
$77,714
|
$17,815
|
| 15. |
Four Season Hotel Houston
|
$457,925 |
$313,698
|
$114,501
|
$29,726
|
| 16. |
1111
|
$456,148 |
$439,012
|
$14,988
|
$2,148
|
| 17. |
Chapamn & Kirby
|
$451,057 |
$431,914
|
$10,291
|
$8,852
|
| 18. |
Brasserie 19
|
$450,279 |
$214,180
|
$225,578
|
$10,521
|
| 19. |
Privilege
|
$437,182 |
$412,170
|
$20,143
|
$4,869
|
| 20. |
Escapade 2001 Houston
|
$436,701 |
$264,199
|
$83
|
$172,419
|
| 21. |
Houston Country Club
|
$435,194 |
$196,272
|
$201,520
|
$37,402
|
| 22. |
The Savoy
|
$435,003 |
$409,712
|
$14,973
|
$10,318
|
| 23. |
713 Music Hall
|
$430,737 |
$338,520
|
$14,063
|
$78,154
|
| 24. |
5015 Backyard Patio & Bar
|
$429,148 |
$411,579
|
$7,268
|
$10,301
|
| 25. |
Toca Madera
|
$426,385 |
$342,575
|
$78,513
|
$5,297
|
Top Performers in Houston's Alcohol Sales
At the top of the list, we have ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment Services of Texas at Minute Maid Park, with impressive total receipts of over $2.8 million. This venue led the pack in beer sales, boasting a staggering $1.36 million in beer alone, and also dominated liquor sales with over $1.3 million. Clearly, sporting events are big business for alcohol sales in Houston.
Coming in second is Levy Restaurants at Toyota Center, bringing in $1.4 million. Their liquor sales were particularly strong, accounting for nearly $1 million of their total receipts. This suggests that events at the Toyota Center are a significant draw for patrons looking to enjoy a drink while they take in a show or game.
The Post Oak/Mastro's/Willie G's complex also made a mark with total receipts nearing $1.4 million. Interestingly, wine sales were a major contributor, accounting for almost half of their total revenue. This indicates a possible preference for fine dining experiences that pair well with a good glass of wine.
Noteworthy Trends and Observations
Vida Garden/Pick Your Poison stands out with over $1.1 million in liquor sales, a clear focus on spirits that likely caters to a crowd seeking vibrant nightlife. Meanwhile, Sante and Medellin have a similar emphasis on liquor, with over 90% of their sales coming from this category.
Beer sales are significant at Whiskey River and Kirby Ice House, where they constitute a substantial portion of total sales. This suggests a more casual atmosphere where patrons prefer to relax with a cold beer.
Wine enthusiasts might find Pappas Bros Steakhouse appealing, as wine sales make up the majority of their alcohol revenue. This establishment, along with Brasserie 19, showcases a strong preference for wine, indicating a market for upscale dining experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, Houston's top alcohol-selling establishments reveal diverse consumer preferences, from sports fans enjoying beer at stadiums to fine diners indulging in wine. These trends highlight opportunities for business owners and real estate investors to tailor their offerings to meet the demands of different clientele. Whether it's focusing on liquor for nightlife venues or enhancing wine selections for fine dining, understanding these patterns can drive business success.
Houston Zip Codes By May 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
77002
|
162 | $13,879,344 |
$8,931,975
|
$1,552,779
|
$3,272,515
|
| 2. |
77006
|
131 | $12,861,566 |
$9,962,664
|
$1,634,611
|
$1,254,430
|
| 3. |
77024
|
97 | $8,612,999 |
$4,797,678
|
$2,774,772
|
$1,025,429
|
| 4. |
77056
|
86 | $7,041,693 |
$4,201,497
|
$2,148,533
|
$606,364
|
| 5. |
77008
|
117 | $7,039,127 |
$4,601,258
|
$843,632
|
$1,532,447
|
| 6. |
77019
|
67 | $6,502,615 |
$3,975,290
|
$1,832,560
|
$549,303
|
| 7. |
77027
|
64 | $6,448,848 |
$3,263,051
|
$2,433,894
|
$733,529
|
| 8. |
77098
|
79 | $6,180,077 |
$3,913,181
|
$1,413,343
|
$816,042
|
| 9. |
77007
|
114 | $5,949,083 |
$3,921,420
|
$855,184
|
$1,116,834
|
| 10. |
77057
|
69 | $4,259,599 |
$2,529,136
|
$1,245,198
|
$485,265
|
| 11. |
77032
|
66 | $4,121,412 |
$2,034,977
|
$663,436
|
$1,331,613
|
| 12. |
77003
|
58 | $4,111,503 |
$2,812,496
|
$227,195
|
$1,057,473
|
| 13. |
77010
|
21 | $3,774,362 |
$2,291,400
|
$828,762
|
$592,070
|
| 14. |
77070
|
76 | $3,620,402 |
$2,443,716
|
$328,395
|
$848,291
|
| 15. |
77005
|
56 | $3,011,826 |
$1,627,575
|
$996,828
|
$307,612
|
| 16. |
77004
|
40 | $2,553,934 |
$2,021,263
|
$276,616
|
$256,055
|
| 17. |
77009
|
48 | $1,822,145 |
$1,273,580
|
$51,717
|
$496,848
|
| 18. |
77079
|
32 | $1,673,845 |
$972,943
|
$284,722
|
$416,180
|
| 19. |
77055
|
50 | $1,438,534 |
$850,858
|
$117,148
|
$461,903
|
| 20. |
77061
|
22 | $1,419,065 |
$745,646
|
$153,871
|
$435,509
|
| 21. |
77034
|
22 | $1,387,655 |
$786,356
|
$20,714
|
$580,585
|
| 22. |
77074
|
28 | $1,316,789 |
$678,789
|
$109,502
|
$526,171
|
| 23. |
77040
|
38 | $1,272,924 |
$809,894
|
$36,854
|
$420,961
|
| 24. |
77065
|
29 | $1,263,071 |
$845,882
|
$68,218
|
$348,971
|
| 25. |
77090
|
28 | $1,218,474 |
$805,852
|
$20,332
|
$390,167
|
| 26. |
77084
|
50 | $1,161,101 |
$672,286
|
$53,978
|
$431,654
|
| 27. |
77039
|
10 | $1,079,109 |
$588,201
|
$2,875
|
$473,671
|
| 28. |
77069
|
24 | $925,698 |
$664,941
|
$120,688
|
$140,069
|
| 29. |
77042
|
26 | $862,284 |
$460,029
|
$227,534
|
$164,369
|
| 30. |
77018
|
22 | $820,445 |
$470,495
|
$119,421
|
$230,461
|
| 31. |
77064
|
23 | $800,349 |
$444,530
|
$38,828
|
$316,991
|
| 32. |
77077
|
62 | $779,543 |
$475,514
|
$63,165
|
$198,167
|
| 33. |
77063
|
27 | $764,524 |
$470,764
|
$63,144
|
$176,271
|
| 34. |
77095
|
26 | $684,538 |
$390,964
|
$65,554
|
$228,020
|
| 35. |
77092
|
27 | $660,559 |
$426,528
|
$26,027
|
$208,004
|
| 36. |
77054
|
17 | $658,213 |
$538,192
|
$36,495
|
$83,351
|
| 37. |
77020
|
16 | $656,093 |
$416,385
|
$23,006
|
$210,087
|
| 38. |
77030
|
16 | $620,116 |
$284,845
|
$179,359
|
$155,912
|
| 39. |
77036
|
47 | $596,650 |
$344,354
|
$24,953
|
$221,256
|
| 40. |
77058
|
17 | $591,038 |
$332,737
|
$72,418
|
$185,883
|
| 41. |
77037
|
20 | $563,350 |
$381,746
|
$28,162
|
$153,442
|
| 42. |
77015
|
23 | $562,662 |
$352,237
|
$7,206
|
$203,219
|
| 43. |
77073
|
9 | $527,135 |
$342,508
|
$62,547
|
$122,080
|
| 44. |
77025
|
18 | $499,632 |
$345,174
|
$61,912
|
$92,546
|
| 45. |
77035
|
10 | $472,372 |
$388,372
|
$9,419
|
$74,581
|
| 46. |
77089
|
14 | $472,145 |
$279,111
|
$1,136
|
$191,898
|
| 47. |
77022
|
13 | $450,031 |
$193,302
|
$182
|
$255,147
|
| 48. |
77045
|
9 | $430,134 |
$297,428
|
$5,272
|
$124,934
|
| 49. |
77096
|
13 | $417,665 |
$310,116
|
$25,871
|
$81,678
|
| 50. |
77062
|
9 | $398,593 |
$312,637
|
$29,958
|
$55,998
|
| 51. |
77029
|
11 | $393,341 |
$227,616
|
$4,792
|
$160,933
|
| 52. |
77047
|
7 | $392,816 |
$156,941
|
$1,843
|
$234,032
|
| 53. |
77017
|
15 | $360,374 |
$213,017
|
$41,567
|
$105,230
|
| 54. |
77021
|
11 | $360,204 |
$327,146
|
$15,841
|
$17,217
|
| 55. |
77082
|
12 | $358,750 |
$247,558
|
$40,375
|
$70,317
|
| 56. |
77043
|
12 | $356,320 |
$203,675
|
$11,289
|
$141,356
|
| 57. |
77099
|
12 | $351,813 |
$218,366
|
$35,693
|
$90,104
|
| 58. |
77049
|
17 | $327,082 |
$173,950
|
$12,604
|
$140,528
|
| 59. |
77345
|
6 | $323,533 |
$198,873
|
$42,251
|
$82,409
|
| 60. |
77060
|
12 | $321,309 |
$132,589
|
$11,787
|
$176,933
|
| 61. |
77044
|
15 | $311,425 |
$217,718
|
$32,586
|
$61,121
|
| 62. |
77081
|
17 | $310,379 |
$213,080
|
$14,561
|
$82,188
|
| 63. |
77076
|
13 | $309,649 |
$106,586
|
$324
|
$199,239
|
| 64. |
77011
|
9 | $309,513 |
$180,723
|
$6,610
|
$77,405
|
| 65. |
77072
|
25 | $305,680 |
$195,830
|
$10,028
|
$99,822
|
| 66. |
77041
|
13 | $293,245 |
$161,755
|
$13,642
|
$117,848
|
| 67. |
77080
|
13 | $244,480 |
$119,308
|
$17,812
|
$106,181
|
| 68. |
77094
|
10 | $231,898 |
$131,541
|
$17,677
|
$82,680
|
| 69. |
77023
|
14 | $229,345 |
$115,469
|
$1,530
|
$112,346
|
| 70. |
77068
|
10 | $206,620 |
$138,910
|
$18,058
|
$49,652
|
| 71. |
77066
|
3 | $205,588 |
$91,219
|
$41,870
|
$72,499
|
| 72. |
77046
|
5 | $205,104 |
$94,496
|
$99,183
|
$11,425
|
| 73. |
77087
|
12 | $195,125 |
$130,012
|
$11,652
|
$53,461
|
| 74. |
77075
|
6 | $175,525 |
$112,090
|
$13,859
|
$49,576
|
| 75. |
77086
|
10 | $172,648 |
$57,167
|
$151
|
$115,330
|
| 76. |
77067
|
8 | $153,551 |
$106,115
|
$4,652
|
$42,784
|
| 77. |
77012
|
6 | $142,582 |
$46,889
|
$111
|
$95,582
|
| 78. |
77059
|
3 | $132,832 |
$63,501
|
$21,550
|
$47,781
|
| 79. |
77083
|
8 | $111,265 |
$74,420
|
$1,128
|
$35,717
|
| 80. |
77093
|
14 | $106,085 |
$57,456
|
$130
|
$48,499
|
| 81. |
77204
|
5 | $70,259 |
$39,170
|
$1,479
|
$29,610
|
| 82. |
77031
|
5 | $31,313 |
$20,633
|
$129
|
$10,551
|
| 83. |
77085
|
2 | $27,162 |
$23,862
|
$172
|
$3,128
|
| 84. |
77053
|
2 | $25,704 |
$0
|
$20,089
|
$5,615
|
| 85. |
77088
|
4 | $23,189 |
$12,228
|
$53
|
$10,908
|
| 86. |
77091
|
7 | $17,481 |
$12,345
|
$415
|
$4,573
|
| 87. |
77038
|
5 | $8,139 |
$949
|
$0
|
$7,190
|
| 88. |
77071
|
1 | $4,778 |
$4,014
|
$0
|
$764
|
| 89. |
77026
|
2 | $3,800 |
$2,315
|
$60
|
$1,425
|
| 90. |
77028
|
1 | $1,502 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 91. |
77051
|
2 | $1,117 |
$742
|
$117
|
$258
|
| 92. |
77033
|
1 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 93. |
77048
|
2 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 94. |
77016
|
1 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 95. |
77014
|
1 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 96. |
77013
|
1 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Top Areas for Alcohol Sales
Houston's alcohol sales are booming, with a total of $137,347,396 in May 2026. The top performer is 77002, pulling in $13,879,344 across 162 establishments, with a strong preference for liquor. Close behind is 77006, which also favors liquor, contributing $12,861,566 from 131 establishments. These areas clearly show a heavy concentration of sales, making them prime spots for business opportunities.
Alcohol Preferences by Zip Code
Different neighborhoods have unique preferences when it comes to their choice of alcohol. In 77006, a whopping 77% of sales are liquor, while 77024 shows a more balanced mix with 32% of sales in wine, the highest among the top-selling zip codes. Interestingly, 77032 stands out with 32% of its sales in beer, highlighting a different consumer preference.
Opportunities for New Establishments
While some areas are densely packed with establishments, others show potential for growth. For instance, 77010, with just 21 establishments, boasts over $3.7 million in sales, indicating room for more players. Similarly, areas like 77032 and 77027 show strong sales figures with relatively fewer establishments, suggesting potential for new business ventures.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
Analyzing the data further, zip code 77002 not only tops in sales but also shows a diverse sales mix, with significant contributions from liquor and beer. On the other hand, 77021 has an overwhelming 91% of its sales in liquor, the highest percentage observed. This variation highlights potential niche markets for targeted marketing strategies.
Houston Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 2,486 | $135,439,078 |
$84,721,945
|
$22,433,265
|
$27,180,588
|
2.8%
↑
|
| Apr 2026 | 2,779 | $131,733,452 |
$77,140,280
|
$22,374,612
|
$26,739,836
|
16.9%
↓
|
| Mar 2026 | 2,771 | $158,434,617 |
$95,622,700
|
$23,910,470
|
$34,892,646
|
27.6%
↑
|
| Feb 2026 | 2,764 | $124,206,022 |
$73,551,764
|
$21,739,699
|
$24,505,687
|
9.8%
↑
|
| Jan 2026 | 2,778 | $113,111,849 |
$67,413,233
|
$18,721,697
|
$22,832,686
|
22.6%
↓
|
| Dec 2025 | 2,786 | $146,112,656 |
$87,043,121
|
$28,012,131
|
$25,254,553
|
14.3%
↑
|
| Nov 2025 | 2,787 | $127,854,904 |
$76,790,625
|
$21,640,624
|
$24,964,227
|
2.9%
↓
|
| Oct 2025 | 2,808 | $131,716,366 |
$76,602,175
|
$21,539,318
|
$25,436,599
|
6.6%
↑
|
| Sep 2025 | 2,777 | $123,530,847 |
$73,783,704
|
$18,985,872
|
$27,137,272
|
4.3%
↓
|
| Aug 2025 | 2,774 | $129,098,879 |
$80,038,983
|
$19,080,606
|
$26,026,803
|
9.2%
↑
|
| Jul 2025 | 2,768 | $118,259,974 |
$73,697,152
|
$16,662,445
|
$24,328,883
|
10%
↓
|
| Jun 2025 | 2,760 | $131,446,092 |
$80,762,965
|
$19,119,487
|
$27,399,033
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Houston
Over the past year, Houston's alcohol sales have seen some fascinating trends and shifts. March 2026 topped the charts with the highest sales, a whopping $158.4 million in total receipts, likely fueled by spring festivities and events. In contrast, January 2026 marked one of the quieter months, with sales dipping to $113.1 million, possibly due to post-holiday spending fatigue.
Changes in Establishments and Receipts
There's been a notable fluctuation in the number of establishments over the 12 months. From a high of 2,808 in October 2025, the count saw a significant decline to 2,486 by May 2026. Interestingly, despite fewer establishments in May 2026, total receipts increased by 2.81% compared to the previous month, suggesting a concentration of business in fewer locations or more efficient operations.
Liquor, Wine, and Beer Dynamics
Across the board, liquor has consistently led the charge, making up the majority of sales each month. March 2026 was particularly strong for liquor, bringing in over $95.6 million, which is a notable spike from the prior months. Beer sales were also vibrant in March, peaking at nearly $34.9 million, while wine, although stable, maintained a smaller share of the market.
Seasonal and Monthly Patterns
Examining the data, it's clear that Houston experiences seasonal sales patterns. The holiday season in December 2025 saw a surge in sales, likely driven by festive gatherings and celebrations. Conversely, the early months of the year typically show a downturn in activity. However, a recovery is evident by February, with sales beginning to climb again.
Market Implications
For those in the alcohol business, understanding these trends is crucial. The robust performance in March indicates potential for targeted marketing strategies during peak seasons. The drop in establishments could present opportunities for new entrants or expansions. Overall, liquor remains the dominant product, but fluctuations in beer and wine sales suggest areas for growth and innovation.
Economic Overview
Houston stands as a powerhouse in the U.S. economy, driven by a diverse array of industries. As the energy capital of the world, it hosts a robust concentration of oil and gas companies, including major players like ExxonMobil and Shell. Additionally, Houston's burgeoning technology sector and its status as a leader in biomedical research, with institutions such as the Texas Medical Center, fuel ongoing innovation and economic growth.
The city's business climate is characterized by its pro-business policies, low tax environment, and strategic geographic location that facilitates international trade. The Port of Houston, one of the busiest in the nation, plays a significant role in the city's economy, supporting logistics and manufacturing sectors. Recent economic trends highlight a growing focus on renewable energy and tech startups, attracting investment and fostering a dynamic business ecosystem.
Cultural Scene
Houston's cultural landscape is as diverse as its economy, offering a rich tapestry of events and attractions. The city's thriving arts scene includes the Museum District, home to institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The city's theater district is one of the largest in the country, rivaling New York City in its breadth and diversity.
Notable events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest of its kind in the world, draw millions of visitors annually. The city's international festivals, including the Houston International Festival and the Bayou City Art Festival, celebrate its multicultural heritage and vibrant community spirit, making it a magnet for culture enthusiasts.
Lifestyle
Houston offers a dynamic lifestyle with a range of neighborhoods catering to diverse tastes and lifestyles. The historic Heights area is known for its unique architecture and eclectic boutiques, while Midtown and Montrose are vibrant districts with thriving nightlife and arts scenes. The upscale Galleria area offers luxury shopping and fine dining, attracting both locals and visitors.
The city is renowned for its culinary diversity, encompassing everything from authentic Tex-Mex to innovative fusion cuisine. With a plethora of parks and green spaces, such as Memorial Park and Hermann Park, Houston provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation amidst its urban setting, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
Future Outlook
Houston's future is marked by ambitious development plans and a strong growth trajectory. The city's ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of its METRO rail system and improvements to the Port of Houston, aim to enhance connectivity and foster economic resilience. The real estate market continues to flourish, with numerous residential and commercial developments underway, particularly in emerging urban hubs.
As Houston positions itself as a leader in sustainability, initiatives focused on renewable energy and green technology are gaining momentum. The city's strategic plans aim to accommodate its growing population while maintaining its competitive edge, solidifying Houston's status as a dynamic and forward-thinking metropolis.