8 Best Bar & Nightclub POS Systems for 2022

With a booming economy and increased disposable incomes, the world of nightclubs is opening up to new ideas as they decide how best to cater for their customers. Here are some of the most effective POS systems that clubs should consider in 2022.

The “best bar in america 2021” is a question that has been asked for many years. There are 8 different POS systems that have been listed as the best options for 2022.

By accepting common payment options, instantly applying happy hour pricing, and managing your liquor inventory in real time, a solid bar point-of-sale (POS) system simplifies your business. Speed screens for quick ordering and digital menu boards, as well as handheld ordering and payment devices for table service, are included in the best bar POS systems. To acquire a solid POS system, you don’t have to spend a lot of money; the tools on this list vary from A good bar point-of-sale (POS) system streamlines your operation by accepting popular payment types, automatically applying happy hour pricing, and tracking your liquor inventory in real time. The best bar POS systems include speed screens for quick ordering and digital menu boards alongside handheld ordering and payment devices for table service. You don’t need to invest a lot to get a good POS system; the tools on this list range from $0 to $119 per month, and many include options for free hardware. to $119 per month, and many of them come with free hardware.

The finest bar POS systems, according to our research, are:

POS Systems for Bars Compared

If you’re not sure which bar POS system is right for you, keep reading for a more in-depth look at each of the systems we suggest.

Best Overall Bar POS (Toast)

Toast

4.42 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• There are no monthly costs with the basic Pay-as-You-Go membership.
• Handheld device that is dynamic Two Toast Go terminals may be stored in an apron pocket.
• Free hardware for up to two terminals is included in pay-as-you-go hardware plans.
• Team communication options in the POS keep everyone on the same page.

What Isn’t There

• Toast is the only place where you may make a payment.
• It necessitates the use of proprietary hardware.
• Service agreement for two years

Pricing for Toast

• Fee for software subscription:
  • Pay-as-You-Go $0 (up to two terminals), on a pay-as-you-go basis (up to two terminals),
  • $165 for the essentials (includes online ordering and delivery) ,
  • $272 in growth (includes gift cards, marketing and loyalty)
• Hardware prices range from Hardware costs: $0–$799+ to $799+.
• Installation prices are one-time only: One-time installation fees: $0 for self-install, $250 for remote guided installation assistance, custom-quote for onsite installation assistance for self-installation, $250 for remote guided installation help, and a bespoke quotation for onsite installation assistance.
• Fees for processing:
  • Starter customers who buy gear upfront pay 2.49 percent + 15 cents for in-person purchases.
  • For in-person purchases, the rate is 2.99 percent plus 15 cents (for Starter subscribers on a pay-as-you-go hardware plan)

Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored to the bar and restaurant business. This POS behemoth consistently ranks at the top of our ranking of the best restaurant POS systems. Toast’s entry-level Pay-as-You-Go subscription costs Toast is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for the bar and restaurant industry. This POS powerhouse frequently tops our list of best restaurant POS systems. Pricing for Toast’s entry-level Pay-as-You-Go plan starts at $0 per month for up to two terminals, making this system as affordable as competitor Restaurants have a square.. Toast, however, offers more robust features for the price, like flexible tab management with payment pre-authorization settings and in-app team messaging. Toast also offers user-friendly inventory with vendor management and industry-grade handheld Toast Go 2 tablets to process tableside orders and payments. per month for up to two terminals, putting it comparable to rival Restaurants have a square. in terms of cost. For the same price, Toast, on the other hand, provides more extensive capabilities, such as configurable tab management with payment pre-authorization settings and in-app team messaging. Toast also provides a user-friendly inventory system with vendor management, as well as industry-grade Toast Go 2 tablets for tableside ordering and payment processing.

Toast earned a score of 4.42 on our bar POS ranking. It earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for Features of a Niche Bar like credit card pre-authorization, cash management, and bar-supporting software integrations (as did second-place Upserve). Toast also earned a perfect score for User-Friendliness (as did most systems on this list; only Restaurants have a square. and TouchBistro lost points in this category).

The lack of payment processing choices, the two-year commitment obligation, and the inability to bring your own gear cost this system some points. If they are important to you, Revel’s processing choices and Restaurants have a square.’ short-term contracts and flexibility to utilize current gear could be a better fit.

Toast runs on commercial-grade hardware designed for usage in high-volume restaurants. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Orders, payments, and consumer feedback are all handled through Toast Go 2 mobile devices. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Go Toasting 2 pocket-sized tablets are available in white or black. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Toast color-codes credit card pre-authorizations and processes them swiftly. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Your employees may call supervisors right from the POS using Toast’s messaging solutions. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Characteristics of Toast

Toast has three subscription categories for their POS software: Starter, Essentials, and Growth. Starting at Toast offers its POS software at three subscription tiers: Starter, Essentials, and Growth. Pricing for the Starter package starts at $0 per month for up to two terminals. Essentials, which includes online ordering tools, is $165. The Growth package, which adds marketing and loyalty software, is $272 per month. Entry-level software pricing makes toast competitive with the free version of Restaurants have a square.. The higher-level subscription tiers are priced in line with competitors like Upserve and Revel. per month for up to two terminals, the Starter subscription is the most affordable option. $165 for Essentials, which includes online buying facilities. The Growth package costs $272 a month and includes marketing and loyalty tools. Toast’s entry-level software cost puts it on par with Restaurants have a square.’ free edition. The higher-tier subscription packages are comparable to those offered by rivals such as Upserve and Revel.

Toast POS is available on Toast’s IP54-rated Toast Flex tablets and mobile devices. Toast is a highly networked system, with terminals connecting through a local network that is backed up by the cloud, allowing the system to operate even when the internet is down. Most users can follow Toast’s straightforward instructions to install the Starter Kit hardware, while systems with many terminals may need on-site installation help, which may cost anywhere from $250 to $499+. Toast may need a bigger initial expenditure than Square or Lightspeed if your location is huge. Toast, on the other hand, provides in-house financing to help you stretch out your payments over the course of your service contract.

The following are some of Toast’s outstanding features:

• Pay-as-you-go POS for free: For Free Pay-as-You-Go POS: Pay-as-You-Go subscribers can get up to two hardware Starter Kits consisting of a Toast Flex terminal, cash drawer, card reader, and receipt printer for $0 upfront. The fees for the hardware are rolled into a slightly higher payment processing rate of 2.99% + 15 cents per in-person transaction. Starter subscribers who prefer to pay for hardware upfront can get the Starter Kit hardware for $799. Though bars that want a system that includes all the terminals for free will want to check out Harbortouch. upfront, Pay-as-You-Go members may obtain up to two hardware Starter Kits, which include a Toast Flex terminal, cash drawer, card reader, and receipt printer. The hardware costs are included in a somewhat higher payment processing rate of 2.99 percent plus 15 cents each in-person transaction. Starter members who wish to pay in advance for hardware may get the Starter Kit for $799. Bars looking for a system that includes all terminals for free might look at Harbortouch.
• Toast Go 2 Portable Terminals: The Toast Go 2 is a spill-proof and drop-tested handheld POS terminal that fits into the apron pocket of a bartender or cocktail server. This slimmer gadget is more durable and lighter than an iPad in a portable case. The Toast Go 2 may be used by busy sports bars and cocktail clubs that provide table service to take orders and card or mobile wallet payments.
• Toast bought the restaurant inventory software xtraChef in June 2021 and began using it in June 2022. Toast previously had some of the most robust ingredient-level inventory management software on the market, but with this new cooperation, Toast’s inventory is now the most robust in a cloud POS. Users may scan invoices with their cellphones, then record the data and apply general ledger codes using automated tools. Price adjustments are applied in real time by the system, ensuring that your cost of goods sold (COGS) is always correct. Physical counts may also be performed rapidly using iOS or Android smartphone applications.
• Employee management: Toast’s integrated Payroll and Team Management feature (offered at a custom-quoted charge) enables you to digitally complete new hire paperwork, build timetables based on employee availability, and assure compliance with local labor regulations. The system also provides sophisticated labor cost reporting and planning features, as well as payroll and end-of-year tax reporting.
• Manager alert messaging: With this one-of-a-kind feature, you can generate personalized message alerts for your team to utilize in the Toast POS software. If a bartender, for example, needs help from a management to get through a busy period or address a client complaint, they may send an alert via the POS. A comprehensive SMS is sent to the manager’s smartphone as a result of this action. For frequent concerns, you may build custom alerts or utilize templated alerts from the Toast app.
• Toast, like Square, Revel, and Upserve, creates customer profiles automatically from credit card purchases. Additionally, the system captures email addresses in order to issue digital receipts, which you can use to send email marketing straight from the Toast management dashboard. This is useful if you routinely have live music, theme evenings, or drink specials.
• Connectors for beverages: Toast has a number of third-party integrations that allow you to tailor the POS to your specific requirements. You may add Bevspot if you want extra beverage-related products. Breweries may use BrewLogix to manage keg consumption and use Pour My Beer to allow self-serve pours. Bars may add the Solink connector for enhanced security, which syncs security cameras with your POS data to quickly spot customer concerns or staff theft.

Lightspeed’s Upserve: Best for Craft Cocktail Bars & Flexible Hardware

Lightspeed’s Upserve

AVERAGE RATING: 4.18 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Marketing and staff scheduling applications are included in the baseline system.
• Terminals for iOS and Android are available.
• With a push of a button, the recipe log may display cocktail recipes on the POS.

What Isn’t There

• Pricey
• Upserve Payments Have Been Locked In
• A bespoke pricing quotation is required for payment processing and installation.

Lightspeed’s Upserve Pricing

• Monthly Fee for software subscription:
  • $59 for the core + $60 for each terminal
  • $199 + $50 per terminal for Pro
  • $359 + $40 per terminal for Pro Plus
• An iPad stand costs $219.99 (iPad not included), Tableside Mobile POS costs $499, and a preconfigured Upserve terminal costs $1,350. (printers and cash drawer sold separately)
• Fees for one-time installation: Quoted on a case-by-case basis
• Fees for processing: Custom quote based on card mix and business type

Lightspeed’s Upserve is a hybrid POS that, like Toast, is designed to operate exclusively in bar and restaurant businesses. The system is streamlined, with an elegant user interface and slim handheld tableside mobile terminals that wouldn’t look out of place in even the swankiest cocktail lounge. Some POS screens can look bright and cartoonish; Upserve’s dark mode screens and tabbed navigation bars are discreet in low-light environments. Upserve also supports iOS and Android terminals so that you can choose your preferred hardware.

On our rating system, Lightspeed’s Upserve earned a 4.18 out of 5. This POS earned high marks for its User-Friendliness and outscored the competition for POS characteristics in general (the inclusion of a mobile reporting smartphone app edged it above top-ranked Toast). Lightspeed’s Upserve lost quite a few points on price, though. The combination software-plus-per-terminal monthly fees made this system the most expensive baseline subscription on the list. If price is your top concern, you’ll be happier with Restaurants have a square. or Toast.

Tableside ordering gadgets from Upserve are tiny enough to put in a pocket. (Photo courtesy of Upserve)

Block early clock-ins are available in Upserve’s timeclock. (Photo courtesy of Upserve)

No matter where you are, the integrated mobile reporting app puts reports at your fingertips. (Photo courtesy of Upserve)

Upserve delivers employee schedules straight to their cellphones, ensuring that they never miss a shift. (Photo courtesy of Upserve)

Lightspeed’s Upserve Standout Features

Core, Pro, and Pro Plus are the three software subscription levels offered by Upserve. The entry-level Core package from Upserve costs $59 per month + $60 per terminal, or $119 per month for single terminal software. This is $20 more per month than Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, the closest rival.

For that price, however, Lightspeed’s Upserve includes functions that other systems, like Toast and Restaurants have a square., charge more for. Core subscriptions include marketing tools, reputation management, and workforce management. But beverage operations that need automated inventory management, loyalty, and bartender performance insights will need the Pro package at $199 plus $50 for each terminal per month.

Lightspeed’s Upserve’s standout features include:

• Upserve’s hardware is adaptable, with Android and iPad terminals available. As a result, you have the option of selecting your favorite user interface. Upserve, like Toast, offers a pocket-sized, industry-grade handheld order and payment device for tableside service. Users of Upserve, on the other hand, are not permitted to bring their own hardware. If you’re worried about hardware expenditures, Toast or Harbortouch (both of which provide free hardware) or Square and Lightspeed may be better options (which support hardware you already own).
• Robust Core subscription: Lightspeed’s Upserve’s Core subscription tier includes marketing tools, campaign management, and comprehensive employee scheduling tools. You can generate customer profiles from payment information and collect emails to create targeted email campaigns. When you promote a special or an event on social media, the Campaigns tool tracks related restaurant reviews/social media activity, total and average sales, total guest visits, and new vs repeat guests, so you know which promotions and events are working.
• Cost-saving workforce management: Lightspeed’s Upserve’s Workforce Management tools include a user-friendly staff schedule builder. After creating a schedule in the Upserve management dashboard, you can send the schedule to staff via email or text message. The system will block staff from clocking in early and require a manager to override if a staff member tries to clock in off schedule. So you’ll never be surprised by last-minute shift swaps or higher labor costs from early clock-ins.
• Staff performance reports: Lightspeed’s Upserve’s productivity reports let you drill down to see sales patterns and turn averages for servers and bartenders. Managers and owners can identify top performers and training opportunities. This performance report is only included in Pro and Pro Plus subscriptions; Core subscribers do not have access.
• Upserve users may input cocktail recipes into the POS, allowing bartenders to seek up drinks with a single button press. This is particularly beneficial at artisan cocktail establishments, where clients expect bartenders to produce any unusual beverage they desire. To guarantee that your bartenders are never stuck, you may integrate your whole cocktail library to your POS.
• Upserve’s built-in inventory monitoring, like those of rivals Revel and Toast, is extensive, including physical count and vendor management features. Upserve’s inventory module, like Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on’, features a free smartphone app to help with physical counting. Upserve’s inventory tool, on the other hand, is more user-friendly than Toast and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on’. Based on your real-time low stock counts, your Upserve system offers a recommended order. Then, with a single click, you can submit these proposed orders to various merchants.
• Mobile reporting app: Like competitors TouchBistro and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, Lightspeed’s Upserve includes a mobile reporting app that allows owners and managers to access key performance data in real time from a smartphone. There’s no need to remember your password to log in to a browser; you can see sales, labor, and stock information with the click of a button.

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on: Best for Nightclubs, Event Venues & Payment Processing

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on

AVERAGE RATING: 4.14 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Events, promotions, and beers on tap are highlighted on integrated digital menu boards.
• Inventory and security aspects that are robust
• Loyalty and marketing are both included in the standard POS.
• Multiple payment processors are supported, allowing you to compare prices.

What Isn’t There

• A three-year contract is required.
• Hardware must be purchased via Revel.
• For tiny pubs and wine bars, a robust system might be daunting.

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on Pricing

• Monthly Fee for software subscription: $99 per terminal
• Hardware expenses are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Installation costs are one-time and start at $674.
• Fees for processing: Varies by processor. Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on is compatible with Revel Advantage, First Data, Heartland, TSYS, TriPOS, Worldpay, Chase Paymentech, Elavon

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on is a hybrid iPad POS that operates via a local area network with the cloud as a backup, similar to Toast and Upserve. This configuration gives Revel Offline functionality is excellent.. Unlike those two systems, Revel also supports retail businesses, not just restaurants. So event venues that want to sell tickets and merchandise alongside beverages and food will find all the tools they need. And unlike Toast, Square, Upserve, and Harbortouch, Revel users can choose from eight different payment processors to ensure they get the lowest processing rates available.

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on offers dual till cash registers and allows you to set high cash alerts when tills hit a percent amount. Like top-ranked Toast, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on also integrates with security software like Solink and Envysion that allow high-volume operations to identify theft or customer issues. Revel users can also manage digital menu boards from the Revel dashboard to easily showcase upcoming events and drink specials.

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on earned a score of 4.14 out of 5 on our rating system. This POS earned a lot of points for offering Payment processing alternatives are many. and its comprehensive training materials. But Revel lost some points for its cost (it is the second-highest price option on this list) and three-year contract length. Plus, unlike Toast and Upserve, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on lacks a purpose-built order and payment device. Instead, Revel relies on iPads in handheld cases. This works fine for tableside service, but iPads tend to be heavier and less portable than the handhelds from Toast and Upserve.

iPads embedded in portable enclosures power Revel’s handheld terminals. (Image courtesy of Revel)

When workers are on the verge of working extra, Revel’s reporting app notifies you in real time. (Image courtesy of Revel)

The StockTake app for smartphones from Revel expedites physical inventory counts. (Image courtesy of Revel)

You may manage which employees have access to certain inventory information using customized settings, guaranteeing accurate counts. (Image courtesy of Revel)

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on Standout Features

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on’ pricing starts at $99 per month, per register, which is a higher base cost than every system on this list besides Upserve. However, Revel includes inventory management that is functionally comparable to Toast’s and Upserve’s offerings at no extra charge for baseline subscribers.

Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on’ standout features include:

• Flexible payment processing: Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on has a built-in payment processing solution called Revel Advantage. Payment processing rates are not disclosed on the Revel website; quotes are customized based on your sales volume and card mix. Users can also get rate quotes from compatible processors First Data, Heartland, TSYS, TriPOS, Worldpay, Chase Paymentech, and Elavon. If your venue does a high volume of business, those fees can add up, so shopping for the lowest possible rates can significantly impact your Conclusion.
• Employee management: Like Upserve, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on includes employee scheduling in the entry-level POS. Revel’s schedule builder is easy to use but is slightly less robust than Upserve’s; it doesn’t include time clock enforcement, and you can’t text schedules to staff (only email and print the schedule). If you want clock enforcement and text-enabled schedules, you can rely on Revel’s integrations with Homebase, 7shifts, or HotSchedules.
• Dual cash drawer tills are supported by Revel, allowing two bartenders to work from the same POS terminal. Users may also establish a maximum dollar amount for each cash drawer in Revel. When the cash drawers reach their maximum, the system will notify you, allowing your employees to deposit any surplus cash in the safe. This feature helps busy sites that handle a large amount of cash in securing their earnings and reducing the temptation (or risk) of theft.
• Revel features comprehensive inventory management options. Revel, like Toast and Upserve, will notify you when stock levels are low and enable you to create purchase orders directly from the management interface. Revel also comes with a built-in Stock Take smartphone app that lets you to select whether stocktaking staff may see the “anticipated” total for inventory items or must count blindly. This configuration is ideal for avoiding staff theft.
• Digital menu boards: Revel’s administration interface lets you to construct and manage digital menu boards. This function is ideal for event venues that need to change their visuals and menus often to accommodate various events or performances.
• Insights by Revel App: Many bar owners want to keep their finger on the pulse of business when away from the office. Like Upserve and TouchBistro, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on offers a smartphone app—Insights by Revel—that allows you to view your bar’s performance in real time without logging in to a browser.
• Security integrations: Like top-ranked Toast, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on integrates with security tools Solink and Envysion to sync your POS data with your security cameras. This allows you to quickly search security footage for movement at unexpected times, and pull up video of questionable transactions as they were processed. This can save hours when investigating missing inventory or suspicious cash transactions.

Restaurant Lightspeed: Best for Hotel Bars & Bars on a Budget

Restaurant Lightspeed

4.13 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• Payment processing alternatives are many.
• Accepts room charges by integrating with hotel management software.
• Pricing that is clear is cost-effective.

What Isn’t There

• Vendor management is not included in the inventory tool.
• A monthly charge for advanced reporting is required.

Restaurant Lightspeed Pricing

• Fee for software subscription: $59 per month for first terminal + $34 per month for each additional terminal
• Hardware expenses are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• There are no one-time installation expenses.
• Fees for processing: Varies by processor used; Restaurant Lightspeed is compatible with Lightspeed Payments, Dejavoo by Worldpay, Cayan, Bridgepay

Restaurant Lightspeed is a cloud POS for the food and beverage industry. With pricing starting at $59 per month, this system is priced in the middle of the pack of competitors on this list; less expensive than Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, Lightspeed’s Upserve, and TouchBistro, but pricier than Restaurants have a square., and Toast’s Starter system. However, its moderate monthly fees along with one-year contract and ability to use some existing hardware make Lightspeed a strong option for bars on a budget.

Restaurant Lightspeed includes built-in tools for employee management, inventory, loyalty, in-depth reporting for additional monthly fees of $12 to $39. Unlike the others on this list, Restaurant Lightspeed integrates with hotel management software and quickly processes room charges as payment. Unlike the other systems on this list, Lightspeed also offers a 14-day free trial so you can test the system before committing.

Restaurant Lightspeed earned an overall score of 4.13 out of 5 on our system ranking, putting it right behind Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on. Lightspeed, in fact, earned the highest score for its overall price on our ranking system— 4.25 out of 5— for its combination of affordable monthly fees, ability to use some existing hardware, one-year service contract, multiple payment processors, and a free trial. The system would have scored higher if it had a mobile reporting app (like Upserve, Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, and TouchBistro), more robust inventory (like Toast, Lightspeed’s Upserve, and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on), and a purpose-built handheld order and payment device (like Toast and Lightspeed’s Upserve).

Lightspeed terminails have a compact footprint, allowing them to be used in tight locations. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Lightspeed’s speed order screens display your most popular goods as well as payment options. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Your bartenders can simply identify open tabs with the sidebar navigation. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Lightspeed has capabilities for keeping track of running tabs for recurring clients, which you may shut off on a monthly basis. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Lightspeed’s graph-driven reports provide a quick overview of your sales and costs. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Restaurant Lightspeed Standout Features

The Restaurant Lightspeed POS has all the features a small operation needs to manage a team of bartenders, track inventory, and process orders and payments. Full-service bars and restaurants will find restaurant features like table mapping, kitchen display systems, menu management, and online ordering. Higher-volume operations will enjoy the lower software price for additional terminals, and multiple third-party integrations. All users will appreciate Lightspeed’s easy-to-read reporting and analytics dashboard.

Restaurant Lightspeed’s standout features include:

• Flexible payments: Like Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on and TouchBistro, Lightspeed offers built-in payment processing and integrates with a few other payment processors, so users can shop around for rates. In Lightspeed’s case, the system integrates with Dejavoo by Worldpay, Cayan, and Bridgepay.
• Flexible hardware: Restaurant Lightspeed is browser- and cloud-based and runs on compatible iPads that operate with iOS 12.2 or higher. Like Restaurants have a square., Lightspeed sells compatible hardware, or you can bring your own iPad and purchase peripherals like printers and cash drawers from Lightspeed.
• Hotel software integration: Restaurant Lightspeed POS integrates with hotel property management software (PMS) systems to process room payments.
• Bar integrations: You can expand your Restaurant Lightspeed POS system’s functions with various third-party integrations. This system syncs with accounting apps like QuickBooks and Xero and popular scheduling apps like HomeBase. For bar operations, it has integrations like BeerSAVER for draft beer monitoring and RapidBar for expanded beverage inventory tools. Like Toast and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, Restaurant Lightspeed also integrates with the security app Solink.
• Ecommerce tools: Restaurant Lightspeed supports an easy-to-use, integrated online ordering site for selling bottled beverages for pick up or delivery, if your local liquor laws permit. Competitor Restaurants have a square. also offers this option for free. For Lightspeed users, the ecommerce site comes at an additional $12 per month.

NCR Aloha: Best for High-volume Bars & Industry-grade Hardware

NCR Aloha

4.08 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• Offline functionality is excellent.
• You may manage the order in which drinks show on tickets by selecting item priority.
• Includes built-in and third-party payment processing solutions.
• iPad or Orderman mobile devices are available as options.

What Isn’t There

• It’s difficult to know whether you’re receiving the greatest value since everything is custom-quoted.
• It necessitates the use of proprietary hardware.
• Small beverage enterprises may need a more comprehensive system than what can be deployed locally.

Aloha Pricing at NCR

• Fee for software subscription: Custom-quoted
• Hardware expenses are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Fees for one-time installation: Quoted on a case-by-case basis
• Fees for processing: Varies based on payment processing. Aloha’s built-in payment processing is custom-quoted based on your card mix and business type. Aloha also supports an undisclosed number of third party processors.

The Aloha POS from NCR is a cloud-enabled, locally installed point of sale system intended exclusively for the food and beverage sector. This system does not publish price since it is custom-quoted. It may be more expensive than others on our list depending on your company kind; you’ll need a quote from Aloha to be sure.

Regardless of the price, this user-friendly system offers Offline functionality is excellent. to keep your bar running in an internet outage, and accepts orders and payments with the fewest number of button presses, keeping your service and cash outs speedy. Dual cash drawer tills allow multiple bartenders to work from a single terminal, and industry-grade handheld order and payment devices support rapid tableside service.

Aloha earned a 4.08 out of 5 on our scoring system. It doesn’t stand out for price, but it scored well for User-Friendliness. Aloha also scored well for Features of a Niche Bar like dual cash drawer tills and handheld order and payment devices. The system could have scored higher if it supported more bar-specific integrations. Most integrations are for accounting (QuickBooks), payroll (ADP) and inventory (Yellow Dog and Bev Spot). If you plan to customize through third-party integrations, you’ll be happier with Restaurants have a square. or Lightspeed.

Aloha systems run on a variety of devices and include integrated contactless ordering and reporting applications. (Image courtesy of Aloha)

On iPads in portable cases, Aloha offers tableside ordering. (Image courtesy of Aloha)

Users of Aloha may also utilize industry-standard, pocket-sized Orderman portable terminals. (Image courtesy of Aloha)

In addition to real-time statistics, Aloha’s mobile reporting software contains training materials and consumer feedback. (Image courtesy of Aloha)

Standout Features of NCR Aloha

Since 1992, Aloha has supported more than 75,000 eateries, making it one of the longest-running restaurant point-of-sale systems. NCR, a payment corporation, bought it in 2011. This POS is Windows-based and very user-friendly. It comes with all of the expected features, such as table and check management, pre-authorized bar tabs, and tip management. Users that desire more sophisticated inventory capabilities may utilize the Yellow Dog or Bev Spot integrations, which come with built-in ingredient-label inventory and purchase order management.

The following are some of Aloha’s notable features:

• Item Priority settings: The Item Priority option in Aloha allows you to prioritize your menu items in order of appearance on order tickets. Your bartenders will get tickets with various beverage kinds grouped together, regardless of what order your servers ring in drinks. To guarantee that a table’s whole drink order gets up at the same time, you might include cocktails that take a long time to create ahead of draft beers, bottled beers, and glasses of wine.
• Aloha features options for automated sales forecasting in addition to the normal sales, inventory, and staff shift data. These forecasting reports are based on your historical sales data, enabling you to prepare for the future and get ahead of your expenses.
• Employee scheduling functions are included in Aloha’s basic POS, just like they are in Upserve and Revel. The scheduling is quite similar to Upserve’s, including an auto-scheduler, the option to copy and paste schedules from week to week, and the ability to print and distribute your schedule with employees by email or text message.
• Aloha, like Revel and Toast, enables twin cash drawer tills for recording cash and tips. To maintain transparency, Aloha also enables you to enter tip out percentages to publish at the bottom of server reports.
• Support button on your Aloha dashboard enables you to seek help in-app 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also obtain phone help and (for a price) have in-person professionals fix any issues you’re having with your technology.
• Because your Aloha system is locally networked on-site, you don’t have to be in your bar to get reports using the mobile reporting app. Aloha offers a mobile reporting tool, similar to Revel, Upserve, and TouchBistro, so you can view your sales and performance statistics from anywhere. Aloha Pulse notifies you of large dollar comps and voids, as well as staff overtime, as they occur, in addition to normal sales and labor reports.

Restaurants have a square.: Best for Short-term Contracts & Using Existing Hardware

Restaurants have a square.

3.92 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• A subscription to the baseline software is free for an infinite number of terminals.
• There are no long-term contracts.
• Existing gear may be used
• Pricing that is clear

What Isn’t There

• Square is your only option for payment processing.
• There is just one set of user permissions with a free membership.
• Multiple procedures are required to attach cards to bar tabs.

Restaurants have a square. Pricing

• Monthly Fee for software subscription:
  • Free – $0
  • Plus – $60
  • a custom quotation for a business
• Hardware costs between $169 to $1,818.
• There are no one-time installation expenses.
• Fees for processing:
  • 2.6 percent + 10 cents for swiped, dipped, or tapped purchases made in person
  • For online and invoice payments, the rate is 2.9 percent plus 30 cents.
  • For card not present transactions, the rate is 3.5 percent plus 15 cents.
  • For firms that handle more than $250,000 per year, custom pricing are available.

Restaurants have a square. is a cloud-based bar and restaurant POS that operates on iPads. This system is simple to set up and requires There are no long-term contracts.. This is perfect for bars that operate seasonally, or small operations that want to test drive a POS before committing. If you’ve spent time searching for a POS, you’ll appreciate that Restaurants have a square. clearly lists all pricing on its website. Large operations can request a custom quote for payment processing and software. Small pubs switching from cash-only operations can pay as they go and make adjustments to their Restaurants have a square. POS as business grows.

Restaurants have a square. earned a score of 3.92 on our bar POS rating system. The system scored well on price and earned points for its lack of a long-term contract. Unlike the other systems on this list, though, Square doesn’t support credit card pre-authorization, which can be a real drawback for high-volume clubs and event venues. The system also lost some points for the limits of the free baseline POS, which offers limited customer service hours and only a single set of user access permissions. If you need more than a single set of user permissions, you’ll need to upgrade to the Restaurants have a square. Plus tier at $60 per month. Though Toast’s less-expensive and higher-functioning Starter POS might be a better fit.

Square users may either use their own iPads or buy Square-designed gear. (Image courtesy of Square)

Square’s payment-enabled portable cases facilitate tableside orders and payments on iPads. (Image courtesy of Square)

Square’s mobile Terminals can take payments at the table and process some basic orders, but they don’t have the capability to handle a complete menu. (Image courtesy of Square)

Restaurants have a square. Standout Features

Restaurants have a square. is available at three subscription levels: Free, Plus, and Premium. The Free subscription—as the name suggests—has no monthly, startup, or cancellation fees. It also does not require a long-term contract. This Free subscription supports a single set of user permissions and cannot print individual bartender shift reports though. If you want to track individual staff member sales and block some functions from your line-level team, you’ll need to upgrade to a Plus-level membership ($60 per month).

Restaurants have a square.’ standout features include:

• Flexible hardware: Restaurants have a square. users can run the system on iPads they already own. To customize your configuration you can purchase hardware peripherals like cash drawers, receipt and kitchen printers, card readers, and iPad stands from Square.
• Square Terminal: Restaurants have a square. supports the handheld Square Terminal for processing tableside payments. This device is small and easy to transport, but its ordering functions are much more limited than the other handhelds on this list. The Terminal may have enough order buttons for pubs that mostly serve beer. But for larger food and beverage operations, you’ll need to use an iPad for tableside service.
• Attaching payments to bar tabs: Square doesn’t support credit card pre-authorization to start bar tabs. Bar operators can get around this by using the customer profile function to create a customer profile, store payment information on the profile, then attach the profile to the bar tab. This requires a few extra steps, but for a free POS—and a lower-volume bar—it can be worth it. High-volume bars, however, will be better off with Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, NCR Aloha, or another system on this list.
• Square helps you manage your inventory by allowing you to create menu items and monitor sales per item. Square, unlike Toast, does not save recipes or keep track of inventories at the ingredient level. As a result, Square’s built-in inventory is better suited to bars that mostly provide single packaged beverages such as beer or wine, which do not need as much comprehensive monitoring as complex cocktails. You may, however, use Square’s MarketMan connection to add ingredient-level inventories.
• Square customers may personalize their POS with connectors like Bevspot, which provides bar-focused inventory and recipe-costing capabilities, and DigitalPour, which provides keg management.
• Ecommerce: If your local liquor regulations allow for online alcohol sales, you may use Square Online Store to create a free online ordering site.
• Square business suite: In addition to the Square POS, Square provides other modules such as Square Loyalty, Square Marketing, Square Payroll, Square Appointments, and Square Online Store. Each module’s price ranges from free to $35+ a month, and pricing is clearly displayed on the company’s website.

TouchBistro: Best for Breweries, Wine Bars, Pubs & User-Friendliness

TouchBistro

3.83 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• The system is simple to use and is based on iOS.
• Payment processing alternatives are many.
• Digital screens that are integrated

What Isn’t There

• It takes administrative time to update inventory tools.
• Payment information is not saved on bar tabs.
• It might be costly to purchase add-on software.

Pricing at TouchBistro

• Fee for software subscription: $69 per terminal, per month
• Hardware expenses are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• There are no one-time installation expenses., the system is self-installed
• Fees for processing: Varies depending on which processor you use. TouchBistro supports TouchBistro Payments, TSYS, and Square.

TouchBistro is a user-friendly, self-installable iPad POS system designed specifically for food and beverage businesses. The system has a small footprint, and, like Restaurants have a square., is easy to self-install. The baseline POS includes everything you need to run a small bar, from basic employee scheduling to speed screens and real-time inventory tracking. TouchBistro’s inventory is best for tracking individual items like bottles, cans, and glasses of wine, so breweries and wine bars will be well-supported. But tracking individual liquor pours can be tedious on TouchBistro; so cocktail programs should look at Toast, Revel, or Upserve instead.

TouchBistro is in the center of the pricing range, at $69 a month for a single terminal. TouchBistro, on the other hand, enables many payment processors, allowing consumers to save money over time by negotiating cheaper processing rates. TouchBistro is also an appealing POS for brewers and wine bars, which have a smaller profit margin than cocktail bars because to its cheap cost.

TouchBistro earned a score of 3.83 out of 5 on our bar POS system ranking criteria. The system earned high marks for supporting multiple payment processors (like competitor Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on), though it lost some points because it does not support credit card pre-authorizations. And while TouchBistro includes inventory tools in the baseline POS, the tools are best used to track whole ingredients like bottles of wine and beer. Bars that want detailed ingredient-level inventory tracking with physical counting tools and vendor management will be better supported by Toast, Upserve, or Revel.

TouchBistro’s terminals, mobile devices, and self-ordering kiosks all employ iPads. (Photo courtesy of TouchBistro)

Tableside orders at TouchBistro are done via iPads. (Photo courtesy of TouchBistro)

In the TouchBistro dashboard, you can simply switch to rapid bar mode. (Photo courtesy of TouchBistro)

Highlights of TouchBistro

TouchBistro POS is less priced than Revel and Upserve, costing $69 a month for a single terminal. Anything more than one terminal needs a special quotation. Inventory monitoring, easy schedule planning, timed menus, and access to third-party connections are all included in the basic system, which is streamlined and user-friendly. Extra monthly costs ranging from $25 to $99. Advanced services such as loyalty, gift cards, and online purchasing come with additional monthly fees ranging from $25 to $99.

The following are some of TouchBistro’s notable features:

• Self-installation is simple: TouchBistro’s online user knowledge base includes full installation instructions. Most TouchBistro users report that getting their TouchBistro system up and running takes just a few hours. For establishments that desire personalized attention throughout the installation process, the business now provides setup assistance services at custom-quoted fees.
• TouchBistro, like the other restaurants on this list, has a built-in payment option called TouchBistro Payments. The system works with a few different payment gateways, such as TSYS and Square, so consumers may use their own processor if they discover a better deal elsewhere.
• TouchBistro is compatible with all iPads save the initial generation. You may either bring your own iPad or buy one from TouchBistro. TouchBistro also offers custom-quoted pricing on top-rated thermal receipt and kitchen printers, customer display screens, self-service kiosks, cash drawers, and a variety of other accessories.
• TouchBistro offers two inventory systems, one of which is a simple countdown for single products like as bottles of wine, which may be all a wine bar or brewery need. The ingredient-level inventory may be preferred by cocktail bars and pubs that offer meals. TouchBistro’s ingredient-level inventory tools, on the other hand, take a lot more administrative labour to update than more automated systems like Toast, Revel, and Upserve, in our experience.
• TouchBistro provides a smartphone reporting app that owners and managers may view on the move, similar to Revel, Upserve, and Aloha. “Reports To Go” is the name of TouchBistro’s app. Basic sales and labor data, as well as void and discount monitoring, are included in this app, which is accessible for iOS and Android phones.
• Swipe open bar tabs: TouchBistro allows bartenders to open new tabs simply swiping a credit card, which speeds up your bar service. TouchBistro does not store the payment to the tab or pre-authorize the card, thus the bartender will need to hang on to the card to close the tab.

Harbortouch is the best place to go for free hardware.

Harbortouch

3.83 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

What We Enjoy

• Free hardware for basic terminals is provided.
• Monthly service rates are low.
• Handheld terminals that are both high-performing and industry-grade

What Isn’t There

• Shift4 payments are locked in.
• Customer review ratings are lower than those of rivals.
• Built-in inventory has its drawbacks.

Pricing at Harbortouch

• Fee for software subscription: $39 per terminal, per month
• Hardware costs: With a software subscription and registration in Shift4 Payments, hardware is supplied for free.
• Fees for one-time installation: Free installation assistance is available.
• Fees for processing: Varies based on card mix and business type. We were quoted 1.39% + 20 cents for in-person transactions

Harbortouch is a locally networked, cloud-backed hybrid POS system (like Toast and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on). Like Toast and NCR Aloha, Harbortouch operates on proprietary hardware. Like Toast, Harbortouch provides hardware free to subscribers, though Harbortouch does not limit the free hardware to two terminals or charge higher processing rates for it. Monthly pricing starts at an affordable $39 per terminal, per month, and requires enrolling in the parent company’s payment processing—Shift4 Payments.

On our scoring criteria, Harbortouch earned a 3.83 out of 5, tying with TouchBistro. The free hardware with included installation earned this system big points, as did its purpose-built handheld order and payment device, Skytab. Unlike every other POS on this list, however, Harbortouch does not integrate with many bar-supporting third-party apps, which cost it some points. Like Restaurants have a square., Harbortouch’s built-in inventory tracking tools are not robust; you need to add a third-party integration with Orca to get the same functionality as the inventory tools for Toast, Lightspeed’s Upserve, and Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on.

The Harbortouch Skytab gadget is small enough to fit in a palm or an anapron pocket. (Photo courtesy of Harbortouch)

Toggling between tabs is simple using Harbortouch’s check management panel. (Photo courtesy of Harbortouch)

The Bill Counter feature keeps track of every bill and coin in your cash drawers and saves the data in a searchable report, making financial disparities easier to see. (Photo courtesy of Harbortouch)

Highlights of Harbortouch

From time-locked menus to pre-authorized bar tabs to real-time inventory management, contactless payments, customer loyalty, and staff scheduling features, Harbortouch offers everything a full-service bar needs. Users should be advised, however, that this system has lower customer satisfaction ratings than the others on this list. While this might be due to inexperienced sales people or a lack of personnel during COVID-19, you should do your homework and receive any price, rate, or functionality information in writing before committing.

The following are some of Harbortouch’s notable features:

• Free preconfigured hardware: Your Harbortouch hardware will be pre-configured with order screens that are tailored to your specific requirements. Whatever makes the most sense for your business, the Harbortouch team can put up fast order screens, customized cocktail menus, or order screens for multiple spirits. This may relieve you of a significant administrative burden.
• Handheld order and payment terminals: Harbortouch, like Toast, Upserve, and Aloha, offers a purpose-built, industry-grade handheld order and payment terminal. The Skytab portable has a bigger screen than the others, yet it still fits in the palm of your hand or in your pocket more easily than an iPad.
• Guided training and installation: Your Harbortouch POS comes with installation and 24/7 customer support at no additional cost. Staff and manager training is also included. The free installation really sets Harbortouch apart from competitors like Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, which charges $674 just for installation. Though of course, several systems on this list (Square, Lightspeed, TouchBistro) can be self-installed.
• Harbortouch monitors your closing till counts directly in the POS, ensuring that every coin and bill is recorded in your POS database. This saves paper each night and makes any disparities in your cash counts more traceable.
• Integrated social media management: Harbortouch, like Upserve, has features for tracking online reviews. Harbortouch, on the other hand, takes a step further by connecting with your social media accounts and allowing you to plan updates on Facebook and Twitter. For businesses who organize live music or unique events, this is a simple method to create marketing efforts.

How Did We Assess Bar POS Systems?

We compared a dozen of the most popular POS systems based on what’s important to beverage operations, including User-Friendliness, Functions of a niche bar, general POS functionality, and price. We also considered our retail and restaurant experts’ personal evaluations of each software.

Toast is the best bar POS system based on the parameters listed above. According to our grading methodology for bar POS software, the program obtained the highest overall grade (4.42 out of 5). Toast is also one of the top POS software we would personally suggest to the bar owners we have worked with, based on our own experience evaluating other POS software.

Our in-depth assessment criteria may be found by clicking through the tabs below:

15% of the overall score

First, we looked at whether or not each software offers a free plan and a plan option under $75 monthly because bars need to save money wherever they can. Then, we made sure those plans include unlimited user logins and custom user roles. We considered whether the system runs on proprietary hardware or lets users bring compatible hardware they already own. Finally, we awarded bonus points to systems with shorter service contracts and Payment processing alternatives are many.

15% of the overall score

Basic capabilities such as inventory monitoring, gift card processing, and configurable reporting tools were among the items we looked for. We searched for solutions that supported tapped card and mobile wallet payments due to consumer desire for contactless payments. We gave points to POS companies that provide mobile reporting and management applications since bar owners and managers are constantly on the go.

25% of the overall score

Features such as storing drink recipes, enabling multiple cash drawer tills, and cash auditing tools were also examined. We also looked for functions such as pre-authorizing credit cards, running tabs, splitting payment methods, and transferring tabs between waiters and eating locations. We also gave points to systems that supported tableside service with integrated handheld order and payment terminals.

25% of the overall score

In a fast-paced setting, we searched for POS systems that hourly staff could utilize without mistake. Because bars are often open late at night and on weekends, we selected solutions that provide customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also gave points to POS systems that have a hybrid installation or an offline mode, so that operations don’t come to a standstill if the internet goes down. Platforms that provide thorough training and online knowledge sources were also valued.

20% of the overall score

We evaluated each system’s unique characteristics and assigned a value rating based on its pricing. We also considered the popularity of each system among bar owners, awarding points to systems with an average user rating of more than 4 stars on prominent review sites. Finally, we assigned scores based on our own experiences using the product and dealing with the company’s customer service.

*Percentages based on total score

Conclusion

Toast won the award for best overall bar POS over the competition. From draft houses to wine bars, pubs to cocktail lounges, this adaptable system is offered in three distinct price levels to serve beverage companies of any size. This enormously comprehensive system provides everything you need, including user-friendly inventory, employee, and customer administration features, as well as dynamic tableside tablets and in-app staff communication. Small bars can start with Toast’s hardware and software for free and be confident that the system will grow with their business if cost is an issue. Schedule a demo to see if Toast is a good fit for your bar.

Toast is a great place to start.

The “best bar carts” are the best POS systems for bars and nightclubs. These systems offer a variety of features that can help make your business run more smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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