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 May 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
|
$211,248 |
$163,508
|
$6
|
$47,734
|
2. |
Zelicks
|
$210,741 |
$142,058
|
$1,020
|
$67,663
|
3. |
Chimy's San Marcos
|
$195,756 |
$153,149
|
$0
|
$42,607
|
4. |
Twin Peaks
|
$161,161 |
$60,011
|
$808
|
$100,342
|
5. |
The Vault
|
$152,035 |
$98,802
|
$39,590
|
$13,643
|
6. |
Axis
|
$149,806 |
$127,039
|
$0
|
$22,767
|
7. |
Mayloo's
|
$136,462 |
$122,946
|
$0
|
$13,516
|
8. |
Nephew's
|
$109,761 |
$90,252
|
$0
|
$19,509
|
9. |
The I Dont Know Bar
|
$106,979 |
$52,070
|
$16
|
$54,893
|
10. |
Ivar's River Pub
|
$105,932 |
$49,899
|
$6,134
|
$49,899
|
11. |
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
|
$105,774 |
$80,613
|
$1,272
|
$23,889
|
12. |
Kissing Tree Club/tarbox & Brown/the Mix
|
$103,402 |
$40,855
|
$13,191
|
$49,356
|
13. |
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
|
$102,520 |
$62,438
|
$5,781
|
$34,301
|
14. |
The Taproom & the Porch
|
$100,183 |
$54,123
|
$592
|
$45,468
|
15. |
The Blind Salamander
|
$98,976 |
$77,610
|
$34
|
$21,332
|
16. |
The Marc
|
$95,248 |
$84,074
|
$1,000
|
$10,174
|
17. |
San Marcos Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant
|
$81,425 |
$70,415
|
$504
|
$10,506
|
18. |
Pluckers Wing Bar
|
$78,556 |
$34,135
|
$40
|
$44,381
|
19. |
Chuy's San Marcos
|
$72,023 |
$62,351
|
$755
|
$8,917
|
20. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$69,801 |
$37,422
|
$2,077
|
$30,302
|
21. |
Showdown
|
$66,280 |
$37,608
|
$182
|
$28,490
|
22. |
Harpers Brick Oven/veranda Rooftop Patio
|
$66,030 |
$55,342
|
$0
|
$10,688
|
23. |
Bazaar
|
$65,982 |
$54,464
|
$190
|
$11,328
|
24. |
Putt Pub
|
$64,404 |
$38,267
|
$36
|
$26,101
|
25. |
Jacks Roadhouse
|
$63,704 |
$32,219
|
$55
|
$31,430
|
Top Performers in San Marcos Alcohol Sales
In May 2025, Freddy C's Lounge/Wildfiresmtx topped the list of alcohol-selling establishments in San Marcos with total receipts of $211,248. A significant portion of their sales came from liquor, totaling $163,508, with beer contributing $47,734. Interestingly, wine sales were minimal at just $6, suggesting a focus on liquor and beer.
Close on their heels, Zelicks reported total sales of $210,741. Their liquor sales were slightly lower than Freddy C's at $142,058, but they made up for it with higher beer sales of $67,663. Wine sales were more substantial here, reaching $1,020, indicating a more diverse beverage offering.
Noteworthy Trends and Insights
One interesting trend is the strong performance of liquor sales across the board. For instance, Chimy's San Marcos saw liquor sales hit $153,149, accounting for a significant portion of their total $195,756 receipts. This pattern suggests a strong preference for liquor among patrons in San Marcos.
Meanwhile, Twin Peaks stood out for its beer sales, which totaled $100,342, surpassing their liquor sales of $60,011. This highlights Twin Peaks as a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts, contrasting with other top sellers where liquor dominated.
Additional Observations
Among the mid-tier performers, The Vault distinguished itself with substantial wine sales of $39,590, the highest among the top 25. This could indicate a niche market for wine lovers in the area. In contrast, establishments like Axis and Mayloo's showed a clear emphasis on liquor, with negligible or no wine sales.
Additionally, The I Don't Know Bar and Ivar's River Pub reported balanced sales between liquor and beer, suggesting a mixed clientele with varied preferences. This balance might offer insights for new businesses looking to cater to a diverse crowd in San Marcos.
San Marcos Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 2025 | 85 | $3,996,065 |
$2,555,757
|
$184,728
|
$1,189,698
|
13.6%
↑
|
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
|
4.1%
↓
|
Jun 2024 | 81 | $3,440,188 |
$2,163,014
|
$172,748
|
$1,095,332
|
0%
↑
|
Overall Sales Growth
Over the past year, alcohol sales in San Marcos have shown a dynamic pattern, hitting a peak in May 2025 with total receipts of $3,996,065. This is a significant increase of 13.64% from the previous month, showcasing a robust recovery and growth in the market. Despite the reduction in the number of establishments by 4.49%, sales soared, indicating higher sales per establishment.
Fluctuations in Establishments
The number of establishments selling alcohol has fluctuated, peaking in April 2025 with 89 venues before dropping to 85 by May. This rise and fall in establishments likely reflects market consolidation or seasonal business adjustments. Interestingly, the increase in sales despite fewer establishments suggests a focus on quality or more efficient operations in existing venues.
Liquor Leads the Charge
Liquor sales have consistently been the largest contributor to total receipts, culminating at $2,555,757 in May 2025. This indicates a strong preference for spirits among consumers in San Marcos. Liquor's dominance in the sales mix suggests opportunities for businesses to innovate with premium or craft offerings.
Beer and Wine Trends
Beer sales have also shown considerable strength, with a notable increase to $1,189,698 in May. This rise might be influenced by warmer weather and social events. Meanwhile, wine sales have been more stable, peaking at $204,845 in October 2024, but generally contributing less to the overall sales mix. This stability suggests a dedicated but smaller consumer base for wine enthusiasts.
Seasonal Patterns and Insights
Seasonal trends are evident, with highs in October 2024 and May 2025, potentially linked to events like Oktoberfest and the beginning of summer festivities. These peaks highlight the importance of aligning marketing strategies with seasonal demand to maximize sales. Overall, the data reflects a growing market with opportunities for businesses to capitalize on consumer preferences for liquor and beer.
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.