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Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas, stands as a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and economic vitality. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, McAllen plays a significant role in Texas's retail landscape, making it an ideal subject for a comprehensive analysis of alcohol sales trends. This report delves into the data, providing a clear picture of the city's alcoholic beverage market.

This article offers a data-driven exploration of McAllen's alcohol sales, beginning with a detailed table and analysis of the top-selling establishments in the city. Readers will gain insights into which bars, restaurants, and liquor stores lead the market. Additionally, the breakdown by zip code will reveal which areas of McAllen boast the highest sales, highlighting local hotspots and consumer preferences.

Finally, a monthly trends analysis will chart the shifts in alcohol sales over the past year, offering a dynamic view of how consumer behavior has evolved. From seasonal spikes to economic influences, these insights provide a nuanced understanding of the factors driving McAllen's alcohol market. Join us as we uncover these key patterns and uncover what they mean for local businesses and consumers alike.

Top 25 McAllen Businesses By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in McAllen for May 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Twin Peaks
$333,013
$125,679
$1,291
$206,043
2.
Oak Texas Bar & Grill North Park
$252,034
$164,261
$8,252
$79,521
3.
Buffalo Wings & Rings
$236,365
$112,757
$180
$123,428
4.
Howling Rabbits Beer Works
$219,991
$125,073
$2,928
$91,990
5.
Suerte Bar & Grill Uptown, LLC
$219,934
$158,287
$0
$61,647
6.
'76 Bar and Kitchen
$219,707
$161,660
$0
$58,047
7.
Oak Texas Bar & Grill - Southtown
$215,488
$115,899
$2,005
$97,584
8.
Yard House #8382
$210,393
$95,740
$6,501
$108,152
9.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina
$178,456
$61,753
$43
$116,660
10.
High Noon
$144,131
$74,476
$0
$69,655
11.
Mcallen Convention Center
$124,239
$15,162
$3,753
$105,324
12.
Twenty Fifth Lane
$117,573
$50,135
$621
$66,817
13.
Eddy's Tavern
$117,563
$56,413
$101
$61,049
14.
Santa Fe Steakhouse, Ltd.
$114,517
$52,119
$57,921
$4,477
15.
Jaitel Hospitality
$114,221
$80,136
$28,024
$6,061
16.
Bourbon St on 10th
$103,439
$62,414
$553
$40,472
17.
Bubba's 33
$103,364
$34,855
$456
$68,053
18.
University Drafthouse Mcallen
$98,960
$57,304
$3,976
$37,680
19.
The Dive on 495
$96,042
$58,788
$167
$37,087
20.
Palenque Grill
$90,810
$59,110
$1,919
$29,781
21.
80's Brewey and Bistro
$89,369
$57,426
$0
$31,943
22.
Bearded Lady Uptown, LLC
$88,749
$67,542
$0
$21,207
23.
The Republic of the Rio Grande
$81,668
$56,994
$11,378
$13,296
24.
Toloa Rooftop
$78,954
$61,490
$11,610
$5,854
25.
Explore Mcallen
$78,312
$41,012
$4,780
$32,520

Top Performers in McAllen's Alcohol Scene

Leading the pack in May 2025, Twin Peaks on W Expressway 83 pulled in a hefty $333,013 in total receipts. Their beer sales were particularly impressive at $206,043, overshadowing liquor and wine. This strong performance highlights their popularity as a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts.

Following closely is Oak Texas Bar & Grill North Park, which generated $252,034 in total receipts. Notably, their liquor sales were the highest among the top establishments at $164,261, suggesting a solid reputation for mixed drinks and cocktails.

Noteworthy Trends and Shifts

Buffalo Wings & Rings and Howling Rabbits Beer Works are neck and neck, with total receipts of $236,365 and $219,991, respectively. Both establishments show a balanced distribution between liquor and beer sales, indicating a diverse customer base with varied preferences.

Suerte Bar & Grill Uptown and '76 Bar and Kitchen are nearly tied, each pulling in around $219,000. These venues have leaned heavily on liquor sales, with no wine offerings reported, emphasizing their focus on spirits over other alcohol types.

Emerging Players and Observations

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and Yard House have shown significant beer sales, with Ojos Locos nearing $117,000 in beer receipts. This indicates a strong market for sports-centric venues where beer remains a staple.

Meanwhile, Santa Fe Steakhouse, Ltd. stands out for its wine offerings, with sales of $57,921, the highest among the top establishments. This highlights a niche for wine lovers in the predominantly beer and liquor-focused McAllen market.

These insights paint a vibrant picture of McAllen's alcohol sales landscape, with diverse offerings catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Bar owners and investors can glean valuable insights from these trends to inform their business strategies.

McAllen Zip Codes By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in McAllen 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.
78504
69 $2,853,457
$1,738,068
$104,497
$1,010,892
2.
78503
44 $2,331,166
$1,221,165
$109,611
$999,032
3.
78501
97 $2,213,432
$1,176,752
$197,272
$780,318
4.
78505
1 $41,512
$32,649
$6,589
$2,274
5.
78502
1 $35,118
$12,324
$144
$22,650

Top Performing Zip Codes

In McAllen, the star performer in alcohol sales for May 2025 is Zip Code 78504, boasting a hefty $2,853,457 in sales from its 69 establishments. This area clearly has a strong preference for liquor, which makes up 61% of its sales. Close behind is Zip Code 78503 with $2,331,166 in sales from 44 establishments, where beer is nearly as popular as liquor, indicating a balanced demand.

Alcohol Preferences by Area

Each zip code seems to have its own unique taste when it comes to alcohol. For instance, Zip Code 78501 also leans heavily towards liquor, but with a slightly higher interest in wine at 9%, compared to its neighbors. Meanwhile, in Zip Code 78505, an overwhelming 79% of sales are for liquor, suggesting a niche but strong market presence despite having only one establishment.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 97 establishments, Zip Code 78501 has the highest number of venues, indicating a dense and competitive market. In contrast, Zip Codes 78505 and 78502 each have only one establishment, suggesting potential opportunities for new businesses to tap into these less saturated markets. These areas might benefit from more options to cater to the specific demands shown by the sales mix.

Interesting Insights

One interesting pattern is the dominance of liquor sales across most zip codes, with beer holding a significant share, especially in Zip Code 78502 where it constitutes 64% of sales. This variance in consumer preference highlights potential for specialized establishments focusing on craft beers or premium liquor selections to cater to these preferences.

McAllen Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in McAllen. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
May 2025 210 $7,440,148
$4,164,915
$415,516
$2,799,269
10.3%
Apr 2025 238 $8,293,681
$4,628,919
$459,822
$3,019,204
12.7%
Mar 2025 205 $7,359,669
$4,179,574
$348,216
$2,775,673
11.8%
Feb 2025 201 $6,585,297
$3,655,396
$421,453
$2,307,428
11.9%
Jan 2025 235 $7,476,711
$3,857,106
$487,797
$2,551,198
12.9%
Dec 2024 231 $8,582,641
$4,803,326
$534,623
$2,976,052
6.9%
Nov 2024 229 $8,031,439
$4,351,763
$434,716
$3,079,352
11.9%
Oct 2024 226 $9,113,062
$5,040,423
$513,624
$3,461,974
13%
Sep 2024 223 $8,062,237
$4,299,853
$434,955
$3,126,884
12.7%
Aug 2024 218 $7,151,276
$3,868,636
$387,447
$2,888,104
5.3%
Jul 2024 218 $6,790,679
$3,692,737
$356,480
$2,736,853
26.3%
Jun 2024 217 $9,208,240
$4,870,464
$506,064
$3,761,691
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in McAllen

Over the past year, McAllen's alcohol sales have experienced noticeable fluctuations, with June 2024 standing out as the peak month. During this time, total receipts hit a high of $9,208,240, driven by strong liquor and beer sales. This suggests a potential seasonal trend where summer gatherings or events could be boosting consumption.

Monthly Trends and Variations

Following the June peak, a decline was observed, particularly in July 2024, when sales dropped by 26.25%, indicating a possible post-summer slump. Interestingly, sales picked up again in the fall, with October 2024 seeing a 13.03% increase, suggesting that fall festivities might be driving up demand.

The most recent data from May 2025 shows a decline in sales and establishments, with receipts down by 10.29% compared to April 2025. This drop could reflect a market correction after a brief spring surge or changing consumer preferences.

Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Throughout the year, liquor consistently led in sales, making up the largest portion of total receipts. For instance, in May 2025, liquor sales accounted for over half of the total sales at $4,164,915. Beer follows as a close second, indicating a strong beer culture in the region.

Wine, while less significant in overall sales, showed some fluctuations. Notably, wine sales were highest in December 2024, coinciding with holiday celebrations, suggesting that wine might be more popular during festive periods.

Market Implications

The varying number of establishments over the year implies a dynamic market where new entrants occasionally boost supply, as seen in April 2025. The subsequent decline in May indicates potential challenges in sustaining business operations or changing market dynamics.

For businesses, these trends highlight the importance of seasonal planning and staying adaptable to shifting consumer preferences. Recognizing peak periods such as summer and fall can aid in inventory and marketing strategies to maximize sales opportunities.

Economic Overview

McAllen, Texas, serves as a vibrant economic hub in the Rio Grande Valley, driven by a diverse array of industries. The city has experienced significant growth in sectors such as healthcare, retail, and international trade. Proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border further boosts McAllen's economy, facilitating robust cross-border commerce and attracting international businesses. The area is also seeing a surge in the tech industry, with local initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Business-friendly policies and a strategic geographic location make McAllen an attractive destination for investors. The city benefits from a young and dynamic workforce, and educational institutions like South Texas College contribute to workforce development by offering programs aligned with industry needs. These factors combine to establish McAllen as a critical player in regional economic development.

Cultural Scene

McAllen's cultural landscape is rich with vibrant events and attractions that reflect its unique blend of Texan and Mexican influences. The annual McAllen International CarFest draws automotive enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing a diverse range of vehicles. Meanwhile, the PalmFest International Folklife Celebration highlights the area's heritage through music, dance, and culinary delights.

The city is also home to many art galleries and theaters, including the International Museum of Art & Science, which offers a wide array of exhibitions and educational programs. The local arts scene is bolstered by community initiatives and support for local artists, making McAllen a thriving center for cultural expression.

Lifestyle

McAllen offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from the historic charm of the downtown area to the suburban appeal of Sharyland Plantation. The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Entertainment options abound, with the McAllen Performing Arts Center hosting a range of performances from Broadway shows to concerts. Additionally, the city boasts numerous parks and outdoor spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The bustling 17th Street Entertainment District is a hotspot for dining and nightlife, offering a taste of McAllen's diverse culinary scene.

Future Outlook

McAllen is poised for continued growth, with several development projects in the pipeline aimed at enhancing infrastructure and quality of life. The city is focusing on expanding its transportation network and investing in sustainable initiatives to support its growing population. Plans for mixed-use developments and tech parks are also underway, positioning McAllen as a forward-thinking city that embraces innovation.

As McAllen continues to evolve, it remains committed to balancing economic development with community well-being. The city's strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and technology are expected to drive future prosperity, making it an attractive destination for both businesses and residents seeking opportunities in a dynamic environment.