Travis County Alcohol Sales

Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Travis

In May 2026, the Moody Center at University of Texas topped the list with impressive total receipts of $2.49 million. Notably, the center saw a well-distributed sales mix, with liquor, wine, and beer all contributing significantly to its revenue. It’s a hot spot for large events, evident from its substantial sales figures across all categories.

The JW Marriott Austin followed with $1.45 million in total alcohol sales, heavily leaning towards liquor sales, which accounted for over half of its revenue. This indicates a strong preference for high-end spirits, appealing to its upscale clientele.

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina took the third spot with $1.1 million in sales, dominated by beer, which made up nearly two-thirds of its alcohol revenue. This sports bar capitalizes on its lively atmosphere and game-day crowds.

Notable Trends and Observations

Interestingly, Proper Hotel and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa both crossed the million-dollar mark, with a strong emphasis on liquor and wine sales, indicating a preference for premium experiences among their guests. Meanwhile, Premier Hospitality at Mike A Myers Stadium showed a unique trend with zero wine sales, focusing entirely on liquor and beer.

On the lower end of the top 10, Mala Fama and WLS Beverage Company each reported over $500,000 in sales, with Mala Fama showing a strong preference for liquor over wine and beer. This aligns with its reputation as a popular nightlife spot.

Among the smaller venues, De Nada Cantina and Inn Cahoots reported strong liquor sales with minimal wine and beer, indicating a targeted drink menu that resonates well with their patrons.

Insights for Business Strategy

Bar owners and real estate investors can glean valuable insights from these patterns. Establishments that cater to sports fans or event-goers, like the Moody Center and Ojos Locos, benefit from diverse product offerings. Meanwhile, high-end hotels and resorts thrive on premium liquor and wine sales, drawing in guests looking for exclusive experiences.

For businesses looking to tap into the vibrant Travis market, focusing on specialized atmospheres or events could enhance profitability. Whether it's catering to the sports crowd or offering high-end spirits, aligning the product mix with customer preferences is key to success.

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

In May 2026, the Travis area saw a whopping $113,597,828 in total alcohol sales distributed across 1,509 establishments. Leading the charge is zip code 78701, home to bustling downtown Austin, with an impressive $31,895,267 in sales from 263 establishments. Liquor is king here, making up 67% of sales, followed by a balanced share of wine and beer at 15% each.

Alcohol Preferences Across Zip Codes

While liquor is the predominant choice across most zip codes, some areas show notable preferences for other drinks. For instance, zip code 78703 stands out with a higher inclination towards wine, comprising 31% of its sales mix. Meanwhile, zip code 78752 has a nearly even split between liquor and beer, with beer capturing a strong 48% share.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Despite the robust sales figures, there are still pockets in Travis that present opportunities for new alcohol establishments. Zip code 78712, although small in terms of establishment count (5), achieved sales of $3,620,301, suggesting potential for more outlets to tap into the existing demand. Similarly, the low number of establishments in 78739, with only one store generating over $81,000, indicates room for growth.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

One intriguing pattern is the high concentration of liquor sales across the board, particularly in zip codes like 78730, where liquor accounts for a striking 78% of sales. Interestingly, 78713 stands out with a unique preference for wine, making up 55% of its sales, a stark contrast to the liquor-heavy trends elsewhere. Additionally, the complete absence of sales in zip code 78652, despite having one establishment, could point to market entry challenges or underperformance worth investigating.

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Travis

Over the past 12 months, alcohol sales in Travis have demonstrated some fascinating dynamics. The month of October 2025 stood out with the highest sales, reaching a whopping $124.9 million. This spike is largely attributed to a surge in liquor and beer sales, which together accounted for over 85% of the total receipts for that month.

Monthly Variations and Patterns

Seasonal trends are evident in the data, with notable increases in sales during the fall months, particularly in October. This could be influenced by events such as Oktoberfest and the lead-up to the holiday season. Conversely, January 2026 saw a significant drop of 17.01% in total receipts, likely as consumers tightened their belts post-holidays.

Changes in Sales Mix

Throughout the year, liquor consistently led the sales mix, peaking in October 2025 with receipts of $73.6 million. Beer also saw a substantial rise in October, indicating a preference for these beverages during the autumn period. Wine sales, however, remained relatively stable, peaking in October at $16.2 million, but not showing as much fluctuation as liquor and beer.

Establishment Dynamics

The number of establishments selling alcohol has seen some fluctuations, with a decrease of 5.73% in May 2026 compared to the previous month. Despite this, overall receipts increased by 2.65% in the same period, suggesting that remaining establishments may have improved their sales strategies or market offerings.

Implications for the Market

These trends suggest a robust demand for liquor and beer, particularly during peak social months. For businesses, this highlights the importance of aligning marketing strategies with seasonal events and consumer preferences. Additionally, maintaining a strong presence in the market even as the number of establishments fluctuates can lead to increased sales opportunities.