You’re standing in the middle of a Buc-ee’s. It’s massive. There are 120 gas pumps outside and enough beef jerky inside to feed a small army for a decade. You’ve got the brisket sandwich, the Beaver Nuggets, and a T-shirt with a buck-toothed rodent on it. Now, you’re looking for a cold one to take back to the hotel or the campsite.
Does Buc-ees sell alcohol?
Basically, yes. But it’s not always as simple as grabbing a six-pack and heading to the register. Depending on which state you’re in—and what time it is—the answer can shift from "absolutely" to "not right now."
The Beer and Wine Situation: What’s Actually on the Shelves
If you walk into a Buc-ee’s in Texas, Alabama, or Florida, you’re going to find alcohol. Specifically, beer and wine.
They don’t just stock the standard domestic tallboys, either. While you can definitely find your Bud Light and Miller Lite, Buc-ee’s has leaned hard into the "destination" vibe. You’ll see massive walk-in coolers—often called "Beer Caves"—where they keep local craft brews from whatever state you happen to be driving through.
If you're in the New Braunfels, Texas location, expect a lot of Shiner. If you’re at the massive travel center in Sevierville, Tennessee, you might see more regional Appalachian ales.
The Wine Selection is Surprisingly High-End
This is where it gets kinda weird. You wouldn’t expect a gas station—even a "travel center"—to sell $100+ bottles of wine. But they do.
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Honestly, it’s a bit of a flex. People have spotted Nickel & Nickel, Caymus, and even Opus One sitting on the shelves right next to the beaver-themed home decor. It’s not every day you see a $400 bottle of Napa Cab within walking distance of a "Texas Roundup" station where a guy is chopping brisket and yelling "Fresh brisket on the board!"
- Beer: Massive variety, from PBR to high-end local IPAs.
- Wine: Everything from $10 "gas station wine" to legitimate collector bottles.
- Hard Seltzers: Plenty of White Claw, Truly, and the newer High Noon-style canned cocktails.
Can You Buy Liquor at Buc-ee’s?
Here is the catch. If you’re looking for a bottle of bourbon, vodka, or tequila, you are probably out of luck.
Buc-ee’s generally does not sell hard liquor. This isn’t necessarily because the Beaver hates whiskey; it’s mostly about state laws. In Texas, for example, liquor can only be sold in dedicated liquor stores. Since Buc-ee’s is a "convenience store" or "grocery" in the eyes of the law, they are restricted to beer and wine.
However, things are changing. As of early 2026, the first Buc-ee’s in Ohio (located in Huber Heights) recently secured a liquor permit. This doesn't mean they'll be pouring shots at the fountain drink station, but it does mean that in certain states with different regulations, the product mix is expanding.
The "No Open Container" Rule
Don’t get it twisted: Buc-ee’s is not a bar.
You can buy a cold beer, but you cannot crack it open in the store. You can’t drink it while you're browsing the aisles of camouflage deer feeders or while you're waiting for your order at the deli.
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They are very strict about this. Most locations have clear signage, and because they want to keep their "family-friendly" image pristine, the staff will shut down any "parking lot parties" pretty quickly. It’s a "buy it and leave" kind of establishment.
Timing is Everything (State Laws Matter)
You might find the beer, but can you buy it?
Buc-ee’s is open 24/7, 365 days a year. The alcohol aisle, however, has to follow the clock. If you’re at a Texas Buc-ee’s on a Sunday morning before 10:00 AM, those beer cooler doors might be locked or blocked off.
In Florida, it depends on the county. Some spots allow 24-hour sales, while others cut you off at midnight or 2:00 AM. In Alabama, you have to watch out for "dry counties," though most Buc-ee’s are strategically placed in areas where sales are legal.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Alcohol Sales Hours:
- Texas: Monday–Friday (7 AM–Midnight), Saturday (7 AM–1 AM), Sunday (10 AM–Midnight).
- Florida: Generally 7 AM–Midnight, but varies wildly by local ordinance.
- Georgia: Typically no sales until 12:30 PM on Sundays.
What About Those Ready-to-Drink Cocktails?
You will often see BuzzBallz or canned "margaritas" at Buc-ee's.
Are these liquor? Usually, no.
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To stay within the law in states like Texas, these are often "malt-based" or "wine-based" versions of your favorite cocktails. They taste similar, but they don't actually contain distilled spirits. They are engineered to be sold in places that only have a beer and wine license. Always check the label if you’re a purist about your agave.
Why the Alcohol Selection Varies by State
Buc-ee’s is currently in a massive expansion phase. What they sell in Kentucky might look different than what they sell in Colorado or the upcoming locations in Virginia and Mississippi.
The company tailors its inventory to the local palate. In the South, you'll see a lot of sweet wines and light lagers. In the newer Western locations, expect a much heavier emphasis on craft IPAs and rugged reds.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Road Trip
- Check the Clock: If you’re arriving at 3:00 AM, don't expect to buy a six-pack. The store is open, but the registers will literally block the sale of alcohol during restricted hours.
- Bring your ID: It doesn't matter if you look 60; Buc-ee’s corporate policy is notoriously "by the book." They will scan your ID. No ID, no beer.
- Look for the Sales: Weirdly enough, because Buc-ee’s moves so much volume, they sometimes have "clearance" wine. You can occasionally find high-end bottles marked down by 30% just to clear shelf space for the next shipment.
- Don't Drink and Drive: It sounds obvious, but with 120 gas pumps, the police presence around Buc-ee's is usually pretty high. Buy your drinks, put them in the trunk, and wait until you reach your destination.
The next time you’re pulling into those yellow-and-red glowing lights, you can rest assured that the alcohol is there—just make sure it’s the right time of day and that you’re not looking for a bottle of gin. Stick to the craft beer and the surprisingly fancy wine, and you'll be just fine.
To make the most of your stop, check the local county laws if you're traveling through the South on a Sunday, as blue laws still dictate exactly when that Beaver-stamped receipt can include a pack of cold ones.