Waco, Texas, nestled along the Brazos River and known for its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as a significant hub in Central Texas. As a city that blends tradition with a growing modern appeal, Waco offers a unique snapshot of the region's lifestyle, including its dynamic alcohol sales market. This article presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how alcohol sales shape the local economy and culture.
In our exploration, readers will uncover a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Waco, revealing the hotspots where residents and visitors alike choose to unwind. Additionally, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, highlighting the areas with the highest concentration of sales and offering insights into the city's diverse neighborhoods. Finally, a monthly trends analysis provides a fascinating look at how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, showcasing patterns and shifts in consumer behavior.
With data current as of April 2025, this report offers an up-to-date perspective on Waco's alcohol sales landscape, perfect for anyone interested in understanding the economic and cultural pulse of this vibrant Texas city.
Top 25 Waco Businesses By December 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Hotel 1928
|
$155,207 |
$101,717
|
$38,167
|
$15,323
|
| 2. |
George's
|
$148,606 |
$79,960
|
$2,099
|
$66,547
|
| 3. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco
|
$139,317 |
$75,595
|
$1,545
|
$62,177
|
| 4. |
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
|
$133,502 |
$97,675
|
$19,920
|
$15,907
|
| 5. |
Blacks Beverage Co
|
$112,389 |
$55,971
|
$39,559
|
$16,859
|
| 6. |
George's Restaurant & Bar
|
$105,985 |
$50,425
|
$2,163
|
$53,397
|
| 7. |
Bubba's 33
|
$105,027 |
$46,025
|
$1,311
|
$57,691
|
| 8. |
La Fiesta Restaurant
|
$101,250 |
$87,864
|
$613
|
$12,773
|
| 9. |
Truelove
|
$98,071 |
$76,345
|
$507
|
$21,219
|
| 10. |
Cricket Grill and Draft House
|
$94,811 |
$47,957
|
$1,334
|
$45,520
|
| 11. |
Scruffy Murphy's
|
$91,522 |
$65,066
|
$0
|
$18,826
|
| 12. |
Ninfa's Waco
|
$85,602 |
$70,055
|
$976
|
$14,571
|
| 13. |
Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
|
$85,122 |
$52,382
|
$597
|
$32,143
|
| 14. |
Topgolf Waco
|
$83,565 |
$45,479
|
$1,343
|
$36,743
|
| 15. |
Oakley's
|
$82,868 |
$53,243
|
$265
|
$29,360
|
| 16. |
Jorge's Cantina
|
$81,343 |
$66,785
|
$1,943
|
$12,615
|
| 17. |
Casa Do Brasil Waco
|
$77,898 |
$51,205
|
$22,416
|
$4,277
|
| 18. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$76,228 |
$37,378
|
$2,846
|
$36,004
|
| 19. |
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
|
$74,081 |
$40,055
|
$3,959
|
$30,067
|
| 20. |
Diamond Back's Restaurant / Gratziano's
|
$72,465 |
$42,149
|
$23,808
|
$6,508
|
| 21. |
Chuy's #6016
|
$72,017 |
$61,009
|
$722
|
$10,286
|
| 22. |
The Melody Ranch
|
$71,007 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 23. |
Di Campli's Italian Ristorante
|
$68,630 |
$35,326
|
$30,039
|
$3,265
|
| 24. |
Cambria Hotel
|
$67,361 |
$46,661
|
$15,158
|
$5,542
|
| 25. |
Dodge City Saloon
|
$65,546 |
$45,080
|
$648
|
$19,818
|
Top Performers in Waco's Alcohol Sales
The standout performer in Waco's December 2025 alcohol sales is Hotel 1928 on Washington Ave, leading the pack with total receipts of $155,207. Notably, liquor sales dominate their revenue at $101,717, showcasing a strong preference for spirits among their patrons. Wine and beer also contribute significantly, with $38,167 and $15,323 in sales, respectively.
Following closely is George's on Speight Ave, registering total receipts of $148,606. This establishment has a more balanced sales mix, with beer being a major draw at $66,547, almost equaling their liquor sales of $79,960. Wine, however, doesn't seem to be a major focus here, contributing only $2,099.
Notable Trends and Insights
A noticeable trend is the strong performance of venues with a diverse beverage offering. Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco and Hotel Herringbone both feature prominently in the top four, each boasting significant liquor sales complemented by beer and wine. This mix might suggest that variety is key to attracting a broad customer base.
Interestingly, La Fiesta Restaurant stands out for its high liquor sales relative to wine and beer, with liquor receipts at $87,864. This indicates a strong preference among its clientele for cocktails or other liquor-based drinks, which could be a niche worth exploring for similar establishments.
Insights for Business Development
For business owners and investors, these insights could guide decisions on inventory and marketing strategies. Establishments like Blacks Beverage Co and Casa Do Brasil Waco show that a strong wine selection can be a significant revenue driver, which might be an underexploited opportunity in some areas.
Additionally, the data suggests that locations with a strong focus on beer, such as Scruffy Murphy's and Texas Roadhouse, maintain a steady customer base, emphasizing the importance of tapping into popular beer trends and promotions.
Waco Zip Codes By December 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
76701
|
40 | $1,439,280 |
$909,957
|
$165,533
|
$279,037
|
| 2. |
76706
|
32 | $1,193,425 |
$576,883
|
$72,501
|
$368,192
|
| 3. |
76710
|
38 | $1,162,994 |
$739,257
|
$72,835
|
$301,441
|
| 4. |
76712
|
23 | $910,224 |
$482,219
|
$121,042
|
$228,249
|
| 5. |
76711
|
10 | $251,214 |
$132,034
|
$7,063
|
$112,117
|
| 6. |
76708
|
12 | $155,511 |
$81,600
|
$2,529
|
$60,680
|
| 7. |
76704
|
6 | $136,370 |
$82,637
|
$25,130
|
$28,603
|
| 8. |
76705
|
10 | $122,486 |
$68,762
|
$2,056
|
$51,668
|
| 9. |
76707
|
2 | $9,400 |
$5,239
|
$0
|
$4,161
|
Top Areas for Alcohol Sales
In December 2025, Waco's alcohol sales reached a total of $5,380,904, spread across nine zip codes. The standout area was Zip Code 76701, which brought in a whopping $1,439,280 from 40 establishments. It seems downtown Waco is bustling, with a preference for liquor, making up 63% of sales here.
Following closely is Zip Code 76706, with $1,193,425 in sales across 32 establishments. This area has a more diverse sales mix, with a significant portion of sales coming from beer (31%) and liquor (48%). It suggests a lively scene that attracts both liquor and beer enthusiasts alike.
Alcohol Preferences by Area
When diving into the types of alcohol sold, Zip Code 76710 mirrors downtown’s preference, with liquor comprising 64% of its $1,162,994 total sales. Meanwhile, Zip Code 76711 shows a different trend, where beer sales make up a hefty 45% of its total, indicating a strong local beer culture.
For wine lovers, Zip Code 76712 stands out, with wine accounting for 13% of its sales, the highest among all zones. This could indicate an opportunity for wine-focused businesses to cater to this niche market.
Opportunities for New Establishments
Despite its smaller sales figure, Zip Code 76707 presents a unique opportunity for new establishments. With only two businesses, the area achieved $9,400 in sales, suggesting room for growth and expansion in a less crowded market.
Similarly, Zip Code 76704 and Zip Code 76705 have relatively low numbers of establishments compared to their sales figures, indicating potential for new ventures to tap into these markets.
Additional Insights
Overall, liquor remains the dominant choice across most zip codes, though beer has a strong presence in certain areas like 76711 and 76706. This suggests a varied consumer base, with opportunities for businesses to tailor their offerings. Waco’s alcohol scene is vibrant and diverse, with each area displaying its unique character and preferences.
Waco Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 155 | $5,008,127 |
$2,892,265
|
$439,265
|
$1,340,402
|
7%
↑
|
| Nov 2025 | 156 | $4,680,129 |
$2,651,422
|
$424,181
|
$1,342,890
|
6.1%
↓
|
| Oct 2025 | 155 | $4,982,460 |
$2,878,599
|
$436,745
|
$1,548,091
|
7%
↑
|
| Sep 2025 | 158 | $4,658,669 |
$2,771,041
|
$364,898
|
$1,464,867
|
10.7%
↓
|
| Aug 2025 | 154 | $5,216,534 |
$3,049,069
|
$394,387
|
$1,568,576
|
16.9%
↑
|
| Jul 2025 | 154 | $4,462,024 |
$2,657,717
|
$348,137
|
$1,383,694
|
1.5%
↓
|
| Jun 2025 | 154 | $4,528,000 |
$2,793,012
|
$335,972
|
$1,380,918
|
22.2%
↓
|
| May 2025 | 160 | $5,818,142 |
$3,432,582
|
$435,627
|
$1,615,577
|
13.9%
↑
|
| Apr 2025 | 158 | $5,108,246 |
$2,911,476
|
$403,488
|
$1,439,716
|
0.3%
↑
|
| Mar 2025 | 145 | $5,091,481 |
$3,165,988
|
$397,185
|
$1,526,768
|
18.3%
↑
|
| Feb 2025 | 145 | $4,305,338 |
$2,649,949
|
$397,208
|
$1,257,276
|
8.6%
↑
|
| Jan 2025 | 155 | $3,964,603 |
$2,330,451
|
$331,844
|
$1,282,492
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Waco
The past year has been a rollercoaster for alcohol sales in Waco, with notable peaks and troughs. May 2025 stood out as the month with the highest sales, reaching a total of $5,818,142. This peak coincided with an increase in the number of establishments, suggesting that more venues might have opened to capitalize on the demand. In contrast, December 2025 saw a robust $5,008,127 in sales, marking a 7.01% increase from November, despite a slight drop in the number of establishments.
Seasonal Patterns and Trends
Alcohol sales in Waco displayed clear seasonal trends. For instance, there was a noticeable dip in sales during June and July, potentially due to a post-summer lull or holiday recovery period. However, sales rebounded in August with a significant 16.91% increase, perhaps driven by back-to-school events and end-of-summer gatherings. The fluctuations suggest that businesses should prepare for high demand in late spring and late summer.
Changes in Sales Mix
Throughout the year, liquor consistently dominated the sales mix, peaking at $3,432,582 in May. Meanwhile, beer sales showed a more erratic pattern, with notable highs in October and August. Wine sales remained relatively stable but lower compared to liquor and beer. This trend indicates a strong preference for liquor in the Waco market, suggesting businesses might benefit from focusing on liquor promotions and offerings.
Market Implications
The data suggests that the Waco market is responsive to seasonal events and changes in the number of operating establishments. The strong performance in liquor sales could indicate opportunities for businesses to expand their range of offerings in this category. Additionally, the fluctuations in beer and wine sales might reflect changing consumer tastes or seasonal preferences, which businesses should consider when planning inventory and promotions.
Year-over-Year Comparisons
Comparing year-over-year trends, there's a noticeable overall increase in total receipts from January to December. This upward trajectory could be a sign of a recovering or expanding market. Businesses should take note of these patterns to better strategize their operations, ensuring they can meet consumer demands during peak periods and adjust for slower months.
Economic Overview
Waco, Texas, stands as a dynamic economic hub in the heart of Central Texas, benefiting from its strategic location along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin. The city has a diverse economic base with key industries including health care, manufacturing, and education. Baylor University plays a significant role in the local economy, not only as a major employer but also as a catalyst for innovation and research. Additionally, the presence of companies like L3Harris Technologies and Mars Wrigley Confectionery highlights Waco's appeal to large corporations seeking a business-friendly environment.
In recent years, Waco has seen a surge in economic development projects, with initiatives aimed at revitalizing downtown and enhancing infrastructure. The city's business climate is marked by low taxes and a supportive local government, making it an attractive destination for startups and entrepreneurs. Waco's commitment to fostering economic growth is evident in the increasing number of tech-related firms setting up operations in the area, further diversifying the economic landscape.
Cultural Scene
Waco boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a rich tapestry of events and attractions that draw visitors from across the state. The city is home to the Waco Cultural Arts Festival, an annual celebration that showcases local artists, musicians, and performers. The festival is a testament to Waco's growing arts community and its commitment to cultural enrichment.
The city's cultural attractions include the renowned Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, both of which highlight unique aspects of Texas history. For those interested in the arts, the Waco Symphony Orchestra and the Art Center Waco provide year-round programming that appeals to diverse audiences. These cultural offerings, combined with a thriving community of local artists and creators, contribute to Waco's reputation as a cultural destination.
Lifestyle
Waco offers a diverse array of neighborhoods and entertainment districts, each with its own distinct character. Areas like Cameron Park and Woodway provide residents with scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities, while the burgeoning downtown district has become a hotspot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Magnolia Market at the Silos, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, has become a major attraction, blending retail with a unique lifestyle experience.
Local character is defined by a blend of Southern hospitality and modern urban living. The city’s residents enjoy a variety of local eateries, coffee shops, and farmers' markets that emphasize farm-to-table dining and support local agriculture. Waco's community spirit is evident in its lively public events, such as the popular Waco Downtown Farmers Market, which fosters a sense of connection and engagement among residents and visitors alike.
Future Outlook
Waco's future is marked by ambitious development plans and a strong growth trajectory. The city's leadership is focused on sustainable development, with projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and expanding public services to accommodate a growing population. Waco's economic development strategy includes attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
With an eye toward the future, Waco is investing in education and workforce development to ensure a skilled labor force ready to meet the demands of emerging industries. The city's strategic location, combined with its proactive approach to development, positions Waco as a city with promising prospects for continued growth and prosperity. As it evolves, Waco remains committed to preserving its unique character while embracing opportunities for economic and cultural advancement.