Alcohol delivery in Austin works like this: shop a licensed liquor store's website, choose delivery or curbside pickup, and have a 21+ adult with a valid government photo ID meet the driver. Monarch Liquor delivers from its own shelves Monday through Saturday, 10am to 9pm, with no Sunday delivery under Texas law.
Getting a bottle delivered in Austin used to mean squinting at a third-party app, hoping the store on the other end had what you picked. Ordering straight from a local liquor store is simpler than that, and once you've done it, it's hard to go back. Here's how it works at Monarch, start to finish.
Local Store vs. App Marketplace: What's the Difference?
Big delivery apps are marketplaces. They list a menu, route your order to whichever store is nearby, and put a driver and a support chatbot between you and the person actually pulling your bottle. When something's out of stock or your building has a tricky gate, you're talking to a call center.
Ordering from a local store cuts the middle out:
- We pack from our own shelf. What you see online is what's in our stores. If we're low on something, we know before your order goes out.
- A real phone number. (512) 614-4949 (East Austin) or (512) 300-0065 (Lakeway) reaches a person standing in the store, not a queue.
- Local staff who know the bottles. Want a swap suggestion for a sold-out rye? The person packing your order has probably tasted the alternative.
- Your dollars stay in the neighborhood. Monarch has been family-owned (father and son) since we opened in 2020.
Step by Step: How to Order
1. Shop online
Browse our online store from your phone or laptop. It's organized by category, so you can jump straight to bourbon, tequila, wine, or the beer and seltzer section, and filter for Texas brands if you're feeling local. Not sure what to get? Our bourbon guide and cocktails guide are good starting points.
2. Choose delivery or curbside pickup
At checkout you'll pick how you want it. Delivery brings the order to your address. Curbside means you drive to East Austin or Lakeway, park out front, and call when you arrive; we walk it out to the car. Delivery coverage and terms live on our delivery page, and they're worth a quick read before you order.
3. ID at the door (or the car window)
This is the non-negotiable part. Texas law requires that alcohol delivery be made only to someone 21 or older who shows a valid government-issued photo ID. Our driver checks it at handoff every time, even if we recognize you. For curbside, we check the ID of the person picking up at the car.
What to Have Ready
- Your ID. Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Expired doesn't count.
- A reachable phone. The driver may call or text if the gate code, apartment number, or parking situation needs a hand.
- Someone home who is 21+. We can't leave alcohol unattended: no porch drops, no "leave it with the front desk," no handing it to a roommate under 21. If the recipient appears intoxicated, the driver must decline the handoff.
If no one eligible is available, the order returns to the store. It's a pain for everyone, so a quick check that you'll be home is the best thing you can do for a smooth delivery.
Sending a Gift
Delivery makes a great gift move for a birthday, a housewarming, or a "sorry I missed the party." A few things to know:
- The recipient must be 21 or older and show valid ID, just like any delivery. Give them a heads-up so they're not surprised at the door.
- Use the order notes for a short message; we'll pass it along.
- Champagne, a good bourbon, or a Texas whiskey from our Texas spirits guide are our most-requested gift bottles.
Shop this guide: browse both stores' shelves online and pick delivery or curbside at checkout.
START YOUR ORDERSubstitutions
Inventory moves fast, especially on a Friday. If something in your order sells out before we pack it, we'll call or text before swapping anything. You can tell us a comparable bottle, choose a refund for that item, or leave a note at checkout like "any Texas bourbon in the same range is fine" and we'll use our judgment. We don't substitute silently.
Hours: When Can You Get Delivery?
Delivery and curbside follow the store's legal hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to 9pm. There is no Sunday delivery, because Texas liquor stores are closed on Sunday by law (more on that in our Texas liquor laws guide). Stores are also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If you need bottles for a Sunday, order on Saturday.
How to Reach Us
Questions about an order, a bottle, or whether we carry something? Call East Austin at (512) 614-4949 or Lakeway at (512) 300-0065 during store hours and you'll get a real person. Our FAQ covers the most common questions, and the delivery page has the current terms.
| Option | How it works | ID check |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Order online; a driver brings it to your address during store hours | 21+ recipient, valid photo ID at the door |
| Curbside pickup | Order online or by phone; park out front and call when you arrive | 21+ pickup person, valid photo ID at the car |
| In store | Walk in Mon–Sat, 10am–9pm, at East Austin or Lakeway | 21+ with valid photo ID at the register |
That's the whole process. No app fees hidden in a menu markup, no mystery store on the other end, just a neighborhood shop that happens to come to you.
Common Questions
Do I need to be home for alcohol delivery?
Yes. Someone 21 or older with a valid government photo ID must receive the order in person. We can't leave it unattended, and undeliverable orders return to the store.
Can I get alcohol delivered on Sunday in Austin?
No. Texas liquor stores are closed on Sunday, so delivery and curbside run Monday through Saturday, 10am to 9pm. Order Saturday if you need it Sunday.
What if something I ordered is out of stock?
We'll contact you before making any change. You can pick a substitute, take a refund on that item, or leave substitution preferences in your order notes.