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Nestled between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its thriving university atmosphere and scenic riverfront. As a hub of cultural and recreational activities, it's no surprise that the city's alcohol sales reflect a dynamic market worthy of analysis. This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven look at the alcohol sales landscape in San Marcos, offering valuable insights for both industry insiders and curious locals.

Our deep dive begins with a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in San Marcos. Discover which businesses lead the pack in sales and what sets them apart in this competitive market. Next, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, revealing the areas with the highest concentration of sales and shedding light on local consumer behavior.

Finally, we explore monthly trends to uncover how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year. This section offers a closer look at seasonal fluctuations and emerging patterns that could inform future business strategies. Together, these insights paint a comprehensive picture of the alcohol sales landscape in San Marcos as of April 2025.

Top 25 San Marcos Businesses By June 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in San Marcos for June 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Twin Peaks
$164,825
$59,836
$814
$104,175
2.
Zelicks
$162,955
$108,401
$1,046
$53,508
3.
Chimy's San Marcos
$111,656
$87,349
$0
$24,307
4.
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
$110,821
$84,117
$66
$26,638
5.
Kissing Tree Club/tarbox & Brown/the Mix
$99,818
$43,401
$13,603
$42,814
6.
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
$94,120
$55,463
$5,649
$33,008
7.
The I Dont Know Bar
$87,014
$42,247
$29
$44,738
8.
The Taproom & the Porch
$85,790
$45,801
$437
$39,552
9.
The Vault
$83,533
$44,501
$30,715
$8,317
10.
Texas Roadhouse
$83,274
$42,313
$3,058
$37,903
11.
Ivar's River Pub
$82,916
$48,107
$6,002
$28,807
12.
Mayloo's
$82,445
$74,528
$0
$7,917
13.
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
$81,318
$61,997
$1,132
$18,189
14.
Pluckers Wing Bar
$81,205
$33,282
$160
$47,763
15.
Axis
$78,259
$66,072
$0
$12,187
16.
Chuy's #6073
$71,126
$61,342
$741
$9,043
17.
Showdown
$63,460
$36,444
$136
$26,880
18.
Nephew's
$60,843
$49,531
$0
$11,312
19.
San Marcos Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant
$58,521
$50,683
$408
$7,430
20.
The Marc
$57,106
$50,159
$0
$6,947
21.
The Blind Salamander
$56,778
$43,338
$3
$13,437
22.
The Tavern
$56,110
$34,966
$11
$21,133
23.
The Spot
$54,576
$32,441
$3,089
$19,046
24.
Jacks Roadhouse
$53,879
$21,610
$30
$32,239
25.
Green Parrot
$51,713
$41,611
$0
$10,102

Leading Alcohol Sellers in San Marcos

At the top of the list, Twin Peaks at 1207 S Interstate 35 has clinched the highest total receipts of $164,825, with a notable preference for beer sales, bringing in $104,175. Despite their strong beer sales, liquor at $59,836 also contributes significantly to their success.

Zelicks, located at 336 W Hopkins St, closely follows with $162,955 in total receipts, making a name for itself with its impressive liquor sales totaling $108,401. Beer, while less than liquor, still provides a substantial income of $53,508.

Trends in Alcohol Preferences

Chimy's San Marcos and Freddy C's Lounge/WildfireSMTX have both experienced substantial liquor sales, contributing more than 75% of their total receipts. Chimy's, with no wine sales, focuses heavily on liquor ($87,349), whereas Freddy C's also prioritizes liquor ($84,117) over other options.

Interestingly, Kissing Tree Club/Tarbox & Brown/The Mix and 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse have balanced their liquor and beer sales. At Kissing Tree, beer sales are almost equal to liquor, demonstrating a more varied customer preference.

Insights for Business Owners

The I Don't Know Bar and The Taproom & The Porch show a balanced approach to liquor and beer, suggesting a versatile and appealing menu that may attract a diverse clientele. In contrast, The Vault stands out for its significant wine sales ($30,715), which is unusual compared to other establishments.

Mayloo's and Axis have leaned heavily into liquor sales, with Mayloo's achieving nearly 90% of its sales from liquor alone, signaling a strong demand for spirits in their demographic. Chuy's #6073 also shows a similar trend, with liquor sales dominating their total receipts.

Noteworthy Establishments

Pluckers Wing Bar and Texas Roadhouse highlight the potential of beer sales, with both establishments achieving substantial income from beer, complemented by solid liquor sales. Conversely, The Marc and San Marcos Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant have focused primarily on liquor, indicating a strong preference for cocktails or straight drinks among their patrons.

Lastly, The Blind Salamander and The Tavern show balanced sales across liquor and beer, providing a broad appeal, while Jack's Roadhouse seems to favor beer, which makes up more than half of their total receipts. These insights could guide new business strategies or adjustments for existing establishments looking to optimize their offerings.

San Marcos Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in San Marcos. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Jun 2025 89 $3,184,653
$1,922,995
$170,732
$962,911
22.4%
May 2025 89 $4,102,051
$2,640,813
$185,921
$1,209,435
16.7%
Apr 2025 89 $3,516,513
$2,182,378
$173,560
$1,094,692
0.4%
Mar 2025 82 $3,500,936
$2,233,387
$169,942
$1,097,607
23.8%
Feb 2025 79 $2,828,764
$1,808,489
$148,135
$872,140
2.3%
Jan 2025 86 $2,763,824
$1,694,584
$142,896
$860,461
15.9%
Dec 2024 86 $3,284,551
$2,014,984
$177,635
$993,286
3.6%
Nov 2024 84 $3,407,563
$2,103,555
$177,793
$1,072,345
9.3%
Oct 2024 83 $3,756,923
$2,317,635
$204,845
$1,225,349
5.5%
Sep 2024 81 $3,562,158
$2,159,139
$174,455
$1,219,461
3.6%
Aug 2024 82 $3,437,670
$2,159,614
$197,674
$1,071,288
4.2%
Jul 2024 79 $3,300,148
$2,051,803
$179,088
$1,060,163
0%

Overall Sales Trends

Over the past 12 months, alcohol sales in San Marcos have shown a dynamic pattern, with significant fluctuations in total receipts. The standout month was May 2025, which saw the highest sales at approximately $4.1 million, a remarkable 16.65% increase from the previous month. However, June 2025 experienced a sharp decline, with sales dropping by 22.36% to around $3.18 million. This dip suggests a potential seasonal peak in May.

Establishment Growth

Interestingly, the number of establishments selling alcohol has remained relatively stable since April 2025, holding at 89. This stability follows a period of growth from 79 establishments in February 2025, indicating a robust market expansion earlier in the year. The increase in establishments suggests a growing confidence in the market's potential, although the sales fluctuations indicate that the market is still finding its balance.

Sales Mix: Liquor vs. Wine vs. Beer

Liquor consistently leads the sales mix, making up the majority of total receipts each month. For instance, in May 2025, liquor sales were approximately $2.64 million, which is significantly higher than both beer and wine sales. Beer also plays a substantial role, with sales peaking at over $1.2 million in May 2025. Wine, while less significant in terms of volume, showed a slight increase in May 2025 before declining in June. These trends indicate a strong preference for liquor and beer among consumers in San Marcos.

Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights

The data suggests a seasonal pattern with higher sales in spring, particularly in May. This could be attributed to warmer weather, increased social events, or other local factors that encourage alcohol consumption. The subsequent drop in June might reflect a post-peak normalization. Businesses could leverage these insights by aligning marketing and inventory strategies with these seasonal trends.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

While specific year-over-year data isn't available in this set, the month-to-month changes provide a glimpse into the evolving market dynamics. The increase in the number of establishments throughout the year, combined with fluctuating sales, suggests an expanding yet competitive market. Businesses might focus on differentiating their offerings and tapping into consumer preferences to maintain and grow their market share.

Economic Overview

San Marcos, Texas, boasts a diverse and vibrant economy supported by key industries such as education, manufacturing, and retail. Home to Texas State University, the city benefits from a constant influx of students and faculty, contributing significantly to its economic dynamism. The presence of major corporations and a thriving small business sector also enhances the business climate, attracting entrepreneurs and investors alike. Recent economic trends indicate a growing emphasis on tech startups and green industries, positioning San Marcos as a forward-thinking economic hub in the region.

Cultural Scene

San Marcos is rich in cultural offerings, with events and festivals that celebrate its unique heritage and vibrant community life. The annual Mermaid Festival is a highlight, bringing together art, music, and environmental awareness in a lively celebration of the San Marcos River. The city's burgeoning arts scene is showcased in local galleries and theaters, while the San Marcos Farmers Market offers a taste of the region's agricultural bounty. Cultural attractions like the LBJ Museum provide insights into the area's historical significance, making San Marcos a culturally enriching destination.

Lifestyle

San Marcos offers a charming blend of small-town feel and urban amenities, with popular neighborhoods like the Historic District and Willow Creek offering diverse living options. The city's downtown area serves as a vibrant entertainment district, featuring eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and live music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the natural beauty of the San Marcos River and numerous parks, which provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. With its friendly community and lively atmosphere, San Marcos exudes a local character that appeals to both residents and visitors.

Future Outlook

The future of San Marcos looks promising, with strategic development plans aimed at sustainable growth and economic diversification. Infrastructure improvements and new residential projects are underway to accommodate the city's expanding population. Growth trends indicate a rising demand for commercial and industrial spaces, driven by the city's strategic location between Austin and San Antonio. As San Marcos continues to evolve, it is poised to become an increasingly attractive destination for businesses and investors seeking to capitalize on its emerging opportunities.