Bars, restaurants and venues in the City of Houston sold nearly $1.6 billion in alcoholic beverages in 2024, a less than 1% increase from 2023, according to data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Alcoholic beverage sales—including wine, beer and spirits—are just one barometer of spending trends and general consumer sentiment. Higher sales mean busier restaurants and nightlife and suggest consumers are willing to go out and spend on non-essentials. 

Last year, there were more than 2,400 venues across the city selling mixed beverages, the largest number among the state’s top cities, followed in order by Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Fort Worth. As the largest city in the state by both population and geography, it makes sense that Houston is also home to the largest number of establishments.

Looking at the other major Texas cities, last year Dallas had $1.2 billion in alcohol and related sales, followed closely by Austin at $1.15 billion. San Antonio logged $830 million in sales and Fort Worth came in at $431 million. Importantly, these figures cover alcohol served directly to consumers in bars and restaurants, not sold in liquor stores or other retail businesses. 

Other cities in the region among the top 20 municipalities for alcohol sales last year were Katy ($93 million), The Woodlands ($86.2 million), Spring ($73.8 million) and Galveston ($71.2 million).

Written by A.J. Mistretta 

Image: Cocody