Are you still struggling with outdated point-of-sale (POS) systems that just can’t keep up with modern bar transactions? Do you want to streamline your bar operations and provide a top-notch customer experience? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
As a payments professional with years of experience at a payment processing company, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of having a reliable and efficient POS system in the bar industry. That’s why I’ve researched and compiled a list of the 6 best bar POS systems on the market in 2024.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through each of these systems and highlight their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Whether you’re a bar owner, manager, or bartender, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which POS system is best for you. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and check out the top 6 bar POS systems!
| 1. Lightspeed Restaurant | |
| 2. Lavu | |
| 3. Toast | |
| 4. TouchBistro | |
| 5. Clover | |
| 6. Square Restaurant |
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What Are the Best Bar POS Systems?
Here are my ranked and reviewed list of the best bar POS systems.
The bar POS built to handle unlimited orders, fast.
Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed Restaurant POS system is a comprehensive solution enabling bars to streamline operations, drive more sales, and deliver an unforgettable customer experience. With advanced features like inventory management, tableside ordering, real-time reporting, and analytics, it’s no wonder Lightspeed Restaurant POS has become a popular choice among bar owners.
It offers a wide range of customizations to suit various business needs. Lightspeed Restaurant POS has everything from tracking inventory to providing customer loyalty programs.
Top Features
- Bar tab management and card preauthorizations
- Fast orders and payments
- Menu management, including combos
- Split bills by item, seat, or course
- Single-seat checkout
- Custom floor plan so POS matches your bar layout
- Device- and shift-specific menus
- Inventory management, including automated ingredient management
- Manage your bar anywhere with cloud-based POS
- Data-driven reports for single- or multiple locations
Lightspeed Restaurant Pros
Lightspeed Restaurant Cons
Pricing
The Lightspeed Restaurant POS System offers a flexible and scalable pricing structure dependent on the size of your bar and the amount of functionality needed. It can be customized for any bar size, and it has 4 bar POS software plans:
- Starter: includes the essentials for running a bar; $69/month with one terminal.
- Essential: includes features such as real-time reporting, inventory management, and table management starting at $189 per month per terminal.
- Premium: comes with all the Essential plan features plus additional inventory and menu management features, plus API access, starting at $399 per month, per terminal.
- Enterprise: customizable to match your business. Contact Lightspeed for a quote.
Lightspeed Restaurant POS System also offers optional add-ons such as self-order menu kiosks and online ordering that can be purchased at an additional cost.
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a solid choice for bar owners. With its easy-to-use yet powerful platform, robust reporting features, and excellent customer service, Lightspeed can help bar owners effectively manage their business and gain valuable insights into sales, staff performance, and customer data.
While no software is perfect, and implementation can be tricky, Lightspeed offers bar owners a comprehensive POS system to meet their needs.
Speedy service. Great nights.
Lavu
The Lavu Bar POS system is a comprehensive point-of-sale solution designed specifically for bars and nightclubs. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows bartenders and servers to quickly and efficiently process orders, track inventory, and manage customer tabs.
The system can be customized to meet the unique needs of each establishment, with features like happy hour pricing, tip sharing, and menu item modifiers.
Lavu Bar POS also integrates with popular payment processors, making accepting credit card payments and split checks easy.
Overall, the Lavu Bar POS system is a reliable and efficient solution for bars and nightclubs looking to provide the best customer experience while managing their operations.
Top Features
- Touchscreen iPad POS
- Preauthorized Tabs (collect payment info at the start of the order)
- Inventory Management (monitor stock with every pour)
- Timed-Menu Changes (specials and happy-hour pricing)
- Mobile Tabs on the Go (follows customer from bar to bar)
- Secure, Quick Payment Processing
- Advanced menu customization
- Employee management tools
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Tableside ordering and payment processing
- Built-in CRM and loyalty program
- Robust reporting and analytics tools
- Integrated online ordering and delivery
- Automatic happy hour and special pricing adjustments
- EMV compliance and PCI DSS certification
- 24/7 customer support.
Lavu Pros
Lavu Cons
Pricing
Lavu Bar POS system cost starts at $59/month.
Each plan has 3 options:
- Lavu Pay Cash Discount Program
- Lavu Pay Traditional Processing (additional $10/month)
- Without Lavu Pay (additional $60/month)
- Starter Plan: 1 terminal, plus essential features. $59/month, $69/month, $129/month
- Growth Plan: 1 terminal, basic features plus Gift cards, MenuDrive online Ordering, DoorDash Delivery, QR Code Ordering, API Access. $129/month, $139/month, $199/month
- Optimize Plan: 2 terminals, growth features plus Tableside ordering, Kitchen Display System, Sourcery AP Automation, Quickbooks/Xero Integration: $279/month, $289/month, $349/month
Features in the higher plans are available as add-ons, in case you don’t need all of the features of the higher plans but would like some more functionality.
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
Overall, the Lavu Bar POS system is a solid choice for bars and nightclubs looking for a reliable and efficient point-of-sale solution. With its user-friendly interface, customizable features, and integration with popular payment processors, Lavu Bar POS can help improve operations while also make customers happy.
While the system can be expensive, and customer support may not always be the fastest, the benefits of efficient order processing, inventory tracking, and tab management make it a worthwhile investment for businesses in the hospitality industry.
Based on these factors, it’s clear why Lavu Bar POS is a top choice for many bar and nightclub owners.
Keep the bar-ty going!
Toast
The Toast Bar POS System is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline bar operations and provide a top-notch experience for customers. With real-time reporting and analytics, advanced menu and ordering features, managing multiple locations, and customer loyalty tracking, Toast offers a comprehensive solution for bars of any size.
Additionally, Toast offers robust integrations with other business management software and solutions. Its easy-to-navigate user interface, responsive support system, and reliable payment processing make Toast a reliable choice for any bar looking to enhance its operations.
Top Features
- Advanced menu and ordering
- Customer loyalty tracking
- Offline mode
- Employee management and scheduling
- Multiple location management
- Real-time reporting and analytics
- Robust integrations with other business software
- Reliable payment processing
- Mobile-friendly interface
- 24/7 customer support.
Toast Pros
Toast Cons
Pricing
The Toast Bar POS System follows a subscription-based pricing structure with 4 different plans: Core, Essentials, and Growth.
- Quick-Start Bundle starts at $0/month for 1 terminal and offers basic features.
- The Core plan starts at $69 per month per terminal. It offers essential features such as menu creation, mobile ordering, and reporting.
- The Essentials plan starts at $99 per month per terminal. It offers more advanced features like payroll and inventory management, delivery and online ordering platform integrations, and multi-location support.
- The Growth plan is customizable based on the number of locations and terminals.
The Toast Bar POS System offers 3 different solutions for bars and nightclubs: Starter Kit, Essentials, and Custom.
- The Starter Kit starts at $0/month and includes 1 terminal and software. It comprises the Toast Tap payment device and router, free setup support, and customer care.
- The Essentials plan offers more advanced features like digital ordering and delivery tools. It also comes with a custom hardware configuration. It starts at $165/month.
- The Custom Plan offers even more advanced features like marketing, gift cards, and loyalty. It includes team management, payroll, and scheduling features. It also includes xtraCHEF, their automated back-office management solutions.
Payment Processing Fees
Payment processing fees are broken into two pricing models for the Starter Kit:
- Pay-as-you-Go: The payment processing fee covers all costs. You own, not lease, the hardware. 2.99% +$0.15 per transaction; $0 upfront, $0/month.
- Standard: Pay for hardware upfront and pay monthly for software. 2.49% +$0/15 per transaction; $799 upfront, $69/month.
While the pricing may be higher than some competitors, the value provided by the features and integrations makes Toast a strong option for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution to enhance their operations.
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
The Toast Bar POS System is one of your best bets if you want to level up your bar game. The feature-packed solution is designed to take your operations to the next level by offering advanced menu and ordering features, real-time reporting and analytics, and a host of integrations with other business software – all with a mobile-friendly interface.
The icing on the cake? Toast promises reliable payment processing and 24/7 customer support to ensure you’re never stranded in your hour of need. While the pricing may be considered high by some, the comprehensive suite of features makes the Toast Bar POS system worth every penny.
So, go ahead and make your bar the talk of the town with the Toast Bar POS System.
The All-in-One Restaurant Management System
TouchBistro
Are you tired of the hassles that come with running a bar? TouchBistro Bar POS System is here to help. This comprehensive solution lets you streamline and enhance your bar operations with customizable menus, table management, and real-time reporting and analytics.
Have you ever wished you could automate pricing and offer customer loyalty programs? Well, TouchBistro has got you covered. TouchBistro’s advanced inventory tracking, wireless payment processing, and top-notch 24/7 customer support make running a bar breezy.
And with TouchBistro’s user-friendly interface, everyone from bartenders to managers can easily handle operations, drive revenue, and leave customers with an unforgettable experience. Say goodbye to the stress and hello to effortless bar management with TouchBistro!
Top Features
- Bar tabs
- Mobile POS
- Online ordering
- Integrated payments
- Reservations and customer management
- Customizable menus
- Real-time reporting and analytics
TouchBistro Pros
TouchBistro Cons
Pricing
Payment Processing fees – transparent cost-plus pricing
The TouchBistro POS pricing starts at $69/month, not including hardware and other fees. The systems are entirely customizable. You can add additional features a la carte for:
- Menu management
- Floor plan and table management
- Reporting and analytics
- Staff management
- Tableside ordering
- Integrations
- Online ordering
- Marketing
- Loyalty
- Gift cards
To get a complete price list, contact sales at 855-363-5252.
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
Running a bar can be hectic, but with the TouchBistro Bar POS System, it doesn’t have to be. This intuitive solution comes with essential features like customizable menus and real-time reporting, advanced inventory tracking, built-in CRM, and loyalty program automation.
These features take your bar to the next level. With a user-friendly interface and wireless payment processing, TouchBistro is easy to use and guarantees top-notch results.
While the pricing may be a little steep, you definitely get what you pay for — a comprehensive suite of features and unparalleled customer support.
So why compromise when you can have it all? Invest in TouchBistro Bar POS System and relieve yourself of the hassles of bar management, drive sales, and create unforgettable customer experiences.
Overall, I recommend TouchBistro Bar POS to bars looking to take their operations to the next level and stay ahead of the competition. It’s a top-notch system that can help bars achieve their goals and succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
The bar POS system that keeps the drinks flowing and customers happy
Clover
Clover POS is an excellent option for bars looking to add a modern point of sale to their operations. It offers features such as staff management, billing and invoicing, custom menus, and more.
Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with existing hardware and has an intuitive user interface that makes navigating easy. With all these features, plus secure payments and reliable customer support, Clover is a great choice for bar owners looking to streamline their operations.
Top Features
- Take orders at the bar, table, in the crowd, or on the patio
- Menu management to create menu items, categories, and color-coding
- Contactless payment options
- Pre-set tip amounts
- Start tabs easily with preauthorized card transactions
- Split bills with ease
- Offline mode
- Manage employees
Clover Pros
Clover Cons
Pricing
You can get individual components to build your bar POS system, or you can choose from 3 already-built systems:
Starter: Take orders and payments with a front-of-house wait system. $1699 if you pay in full, plus $84.95/month. If you prefer to pay monthly, it is $160/month.
Standard: Take orders and payments at the server station or table side. $2298 if you pay in full, plus $99.90/month. If you prefer to pay monthly, it is $210/month.
Advanced: Take orders throughout your bar, connect your front-of-house and back-of-house, and manage your business with management tools. $4097 if you pay in full, plus $114.85/month. Monthly payments are $310/month.
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
Clover Bar POS is ideal for bar owners due to its intuitive user interface, staff management, secure payments, and reliable customer support. Customers will enjoy being able to place their orders anywhere in the bar, split tabs, and start tabs. It allows businesses to manage their operations in an efficient, organized way while providing a safe payment system.
All of these features make Clover Bar POS an excellent option for any bar owner looking to make their bar the best they can.
Run your bar as smoothly as your bartender serves a cocktail.
Square Restaurant
Square Restaurant POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system designed specifically for bars and restaurants. With features like easy order management, inventory tracking, and robust reporting tools, it’s an all-in-one solution for bars of any size. Square’s intuitive interface allows bartenders and servers to quickly input and customize orders. With features like split checks, custom modifiers, and discounts, it simplifies the billing process for customers.
Square also offers powerful inventory management features, allowing bars to track stock levels of alcohol and mixers and set reorder alerts to avoid stockouts. With real-time sales data and analytics, bar owners can make informed decisions about menu pricing, staffing, and promotions.
Square Restaurant has 2 POS systems for bars: Restaurant POS, which includes front-of-house and back-of-house integrations, and Mobile POS, so you can take orders and payments from anywhere.
Overall, Square Restaurant POS is a reliable and efficient system that streamlines operations and enhances the customer experience in any bar setting.
Top Features
- KDS system to integrate the back-of-house with the front
- Third-party integrations, including Quickbooks, Marketman, Homebase, and BentoBox
- Online ordering
- Fast and secure payments
- Customer management and loyalty programs
- Multiple hardware options
Square Restaurant Pros
Square Restaurant Cons
Pricing
Square has 3 software plans:
Free: basics you need, plus online ordering and POS, for unlimited countertop POS devices and unlimited locations. Limited customer support hours.
Plus: advanced features such as coursing and 24/7 support. $60/month, plus $40/month per added countertop POS device, plus $50/month per location for Mobile POS
Premium: available if you process more than $250,000 per year. Custom pricing.
Payment Processing fees:
In-person payments: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
Online payments: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Hardware Costs:
With Square, you can buy individual hardware pieces, or kits specifically designed for restaurants and bars.
- Square terminal: $299.00
- Restaurant Mobile POS kit: $249.00
- Square Register Station: $1199.00
- Square Stand Station: $1089.00
- Square Stand Restuarant Station with Square Terminal: $1389.00
Bottom Line: Ellen’s Take
Square Restaurant is ideal for bar owners looking for a comprehensive and efficient point-of-sale system.
With custom menus, inventory management, customer management, built-in inventory tracking, reservations, mobile POS solutions, and cash drawer management, bar owners can save time and money while providing an excellent customer experience.
These features make Square Restaurant a great choice for any bar owner looking to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.
What is a Bar POS System?
A bar point of sale (POS) system is software for managing transactions and operations in a bar or restaurant setting. These systems are specifically designed to streamline the ordering and payment process, manage inventory, track sales, and generate reports.
With a bar POS system, bartenders and servers can quickly enter orders, customize them as needed, and send them directly to the kitchen or bar for preparation.
Customers can then quickly pay their bill, including splitting bills, adding tips, and paying with multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards.
Bar POS systems offer many benefits to bar and restaurant owners, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and better customer service.
My Methodology
I based my reviews of these bar POS systems on the following items: ease of use, customer service, pricing, and bar-specific features. The features that every bar POS should have are:
- Inventory management, including tracking stock levels of alcohol, mixers, and other supplies
- Customization of orders, allowing bartenders to add modifiers such as extra shots or different types of liquor
- Ability to split checks among multiple customers
- Management of tab accounts, allowing customers to open a tab and pay for multiple drinks at once
- Quick and secure processing of credit and debit card payments.
No POS system is going to have every feature that you need. You need to balance the above items with your particular needs for your bar.
Have Questions? We Have Answers.
Conclusion
And there you have it — my picks for the 6 best POS systems for bars. If you are looking to make your bar the place to be in town, try out one of these bar POS systems.
