Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for bars with advanced inventory management, tab tracking, loyalty programs, and online ordering.
- 2#2: Revel Systems - iPad-centric POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and seamless integrations tailored for bar operations.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - Mobile-first POS designed for full-service bars with fast order processing, table management, and staff scheduling.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Restaurant - Scalable cloud POS with bar-specific features like liquor inventory tracking, multi-location support, and kitchen displays.
- 5#5: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with contactless payments, tab splitting, and basic inventory for small to medium bars.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for customizing bar workflows and payments.
- 7#7: SpotOn - Restaurant and bar POS emphasizing competitive pricing, loyalty tools, and delivery integrations.
- 8#8: Lavu - Cloud tablet POS with offline mode, menu customization, and reporting for independent bars.
- 9#9: NCR Voyix Aloha - Robust, proven POS system for high-volume bars with reliable hardware and extensive customization options.
- 10#10: Epos Now - Versatile POS solution with hardware bundles, cloud reporting, and e-commerce features for bars.
We ranked these tools based on bar-specific functionality, reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse operational needs, including small independent bars and high-volume establishments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table profiles top bar POS software tools, such as Toast, Revel Systems, TouchBistro, Lightspeed Restaurant, Square for Restaurants, and others, guiding users to understand their unique offerings. Readers will explore key features, pricing models, and operational strengths, enabling them to match the right software to their specific bar needs, from handling high-volume orders to managing complex inventory.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for bars with advanced inventory management, tab tracking, loyalty programs, and online ordering. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Revel Systems iPad-centric POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and seamless integrations tailored for bar operations. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro Mobile-first POS designed for full-service bars with fast order processing, table management, and staff scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Restaurant Scalable cloud POS with bar-specific features like liquor inventory tracking, multi-location support, and kitchen displays. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with contactless payments, tab splitting, and basic inventory for small to medium bars. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for customizing bar workflows and payments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn Restaurant and bar POS emphasizing competitive pricing, loyalty tools, and delivery integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Cloud tablet POS with offline mode, menu customization, and reporting for independent bars. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | NCR Voyix Aloha Robust, proven POS system for high-volume bars with reliable hardware and extensive customization options. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Epos Now Versatile POS solution with hardware bundles, cloud reporting, and e-commerce features for bars. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system for bars with advanced inventory management, tab tracking, loyalty programs, and online ordering.
iPad-centric POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and seamless integrations tailored for bar operations.
Mobile-first POS designed for full-service bars with fast order processing, table management, and staff scheduling.
Scalable cloud POS with bar-specific features like liquor inventory tracking, multi-location support, and kitchen displays.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with contactless payments, tab splitting, and basic inventory for small to medium bars.
Flexible POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for customizing bar workflows and payments.
Restaurant and bar POS emphasizing competitive pricing, loyalty tools, and delivery integrations.
Cloud tablet POS with offline mode, menu customization, and reporting for independent bars.
Robust, proven POS system for high-volume bars with reliable hardware and extensive customization options.
Versatile POS solution with hardware bundles, cloud reporting, and e-commerce features for bars.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS system for bars with advanced inventory management, tab tracking, loyalty programs, and online ordering.
Precision inventory management with automated recipe costing and variance alerts for bars
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, providing tools for order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. It excels in bar environments with features like tab management, quick-tap ordering for high-volume service, and real-time sales reporting to track pours, inventory variance, and profitability. The platform integrates hardware like handheld devices for bartenders and supports offline mode for reliability during peak hours.
Pros
- Robust inventory and recipe costing ideal for liquor tracking and waste reduction
- Intuitive interface with mobile ordering for fast bar service
- Advanced analytics and real-time reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and long-term contracts
- Pricing scales with add-ons, potentially expensive for small bars
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Busy, high-volume bars and pubs needing scalable POS with deep inventory insights and seamless integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month for software, plus hardware bundles ($799+), 2.49%-3.69% processing fees, and custom enterprise plans.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric POS platform offering real-time reporting, inventory control, and seamless integrations tailored for bar operations.
Real-time cloud syncing for multi-location inventory and sales visibility
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS solution tailored for bars and restaurants, providing fast transaction processing, tab management, and inventory control for liquor and ingredients. It supports bar-specific features like happy hour pricing, quick modifiers for drinks, and real-time sales reporting to optimize operations. The system scales well for multi-location bars with seamless integrations for payments, loyalty programs, and delivery apps.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with recipe costing and low-stock alerts
- Lightning-fast order processing ideal for busy bar environments
- Extensive third-party integrations for payments and bar tech
Cons
- Higher monthly fees compared to basic POS systems
- Heavy reliance on stable internet connectivity
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
Best For
Mid-sized to large bars with high transaction volumes needing scalable inventory and reporting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), plus 2.3% + $0.10 processing fees, hardware from $500+, and optional add-ons.
TouchBistro
enterpriseMobile-first POS designed for full-service bars with fast order processing, table management, and staff scheduling.
Advanced bar tab system that supports multiple open tabs per customer with seamless merging, splitting, and transferring between tables or staff.
TouchBistro is an iPad-exclusive point-of-sale system tailored for restaurants and bars, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It excels in bar environments with features like tab opening/closing, bill splitting, quick service modes, and liquor inventory control with recipe costing. The platform offers cloud-based reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations for comprehensive bar operations, supporting both full-service and high-volume settings.
Pros
- Robust bar tab management with easy splitting and transfers
- Advanced inventory tracking for liquor and ingredients with waste logging
- Detailed analytics and reporting for sales trends and profitability
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, no Android or desktop support
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and multiple terminals
- Requires stable internet for full functionality despite offline mode
Best For
Mid-sized bars and restaurants handling high-volume tabs and table service that need integrated inventory and reporting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for basic plans, with Pro and Elite tiers up to $165+/month; custom quotes required for full features.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseScalable cloud POS with bar-specific features like liquor inventory tracking, multi-location support, and kitchen displays.
Advanced recipe costing and inventory forecasting to track pours, reduce waste, and maximize bar profits
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, streamlining order taking, payment processing, and inventory management for high-volume bar environments. It supports features like tab management, bill splitting, drink modifiers, and real-time sales tracking to handle busy bar service efficiently. The platform offers multi-location support, integrations with delivery apps, and detailed reporting for optimizing bar operations and profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with recipe costing and low-stock alerts ideal for bars
- Robust reporting and analytics for sales trends and profitability
- Flexible hardware compatibility including iPads and kitchen/bar displays
Cons
- Higher subscription costs may strain small bars
- Internet-dependent cloud model can be unreliable in spotty connectivity
- Initial setup and customization require time and support
Best For
Mid-sized bars and pubs seeking scalable inventory management and advanced reporting without on-premise hardware.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (billed annually), plus payment processing fees (2.6% + $0.10 per transaction) and hardware costs.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly POS with contactless payments, tab splitting, and basic inventory for small to medium bars.
Free, no-contract POS software with built-in payment processing that scales from pop-up bars to established venues
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, offering streamlined order management, payment processing, and inventory tracking. It supports bar-specific needs like quick checkouts, bill splitting, drink modifiers, and tab management through customizable item libraries and floor plans. The platform integrates with Square's hardware for countertop or mobile use and connects to delivery services for takeout and online orders.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Free core software with no monthly fees for basic features
- Seamless payment processing and hardware integration
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) add up for high-volume bars
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise POS
- Customer support primarily self-service with variable response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized bars seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS system without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS with per-transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present); Plus plan at $60/month per location for advanced features like KDS and payroll.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software with an app marketplace for customizing bar workflows and payments.
App Market with hundreds of third-party integrations for precise bar needs like bottle tracking and pour cost calculations
Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for small to medium businesses, including bars, offering hardware devices like the Clover Mini and Flex alongside software for transactions, inventory management, and reporting. It excels in quick-service environments with features for tracking liquor pours, managing tabs, and running promotions like happy hours via its app marketplace. The system integrates seamlessly with payment processing, providing real-time sales data accessible from any device.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates
- Vast App Market for bar-specific customizations like inventory and tab management
- Flexible hardware options suitable for counter or mobile bar service
Cons
- Ongoing subscription and app fees can increase total costs
- Less specialized for high-volume bars compared to dedicated restaurant POS systems
- Customer support relies heavily on partners, leading to variability
Best For
Small to medium bars needing a customizable, all-in-one POS with strong payment integration and scalability.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $499; software plans range from $14.95 (Register Lite) to $114.85/month (Register Pro) per device; plus processing fees of 2.3%-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant and bar POS emphasizing competitive pricing, loyalty tools, and delivery integrations.
AI-driven inventory forecasting and auto-reordering for liquor and supplies
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system designed for bars and restaurants, offering specialized tools like advanced inventory tracking for liquor stocks, recipe costing, and waste management to minimize losses in high-volume environments. It excels in bar-specific workflows such as open tab management, bill splitting, and quick order entry via touchscreen terminals or mobile devices. The platform provides real-time analytics, employee scheduling, and integrations with popular delivery services, making it a solid choice for efficient bar operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools with recipe costing and waste tracking
- Flexible tab and bill-splitting for busy bars
- Transparent pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming for very small teams
- Hardware bundles increase upfront costs
- Limited niche bar app integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized bars needing robust inventory and analytics without high monthly fees.
Pricing
Starts at $135/month per terminal (Essentials plan), up to $299/month for advanced features; hardware bundles from $1,495 with financing options.
Lavu
enterpriseCloud tablet POS with offline mode, menu customization, and reporting for independent bars.
Advanced offline functionality that keeps tabs and orders running smoothly without internet
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad POS system designed primarily for restaurants but well-suited for bars, offering mobile order taking, tab management, and inventory tracking for liquor and supplies. It supports quick service workflows with features like split checks, employee time tracking, and real-time reporting on sales and pours. The system's offline mode ensures bars can continue operations during internet outages, with data syncing upon reconnection.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface for fast bar service
- Robust inventory management with recipe costing
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted operations
Cons
- Limited to Apple hardware ecosystem
- Fewer bar-specific integrations than competitors
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to mid-sized bars needing an affordable, mobile-first POS with strong offline capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Restaurant Express), up to $159/month (Restaurant Pro); hardware and add-ons extra.
NCR Voyix Aloha
enterpriseRobust, proven POS system for high-volume bars with reliable hardware and extensive customization options.
Advanced tab management and split-check handling optimized for bar environments
NCR Voyix Aloha is a robust, time-tested POS system tailored for hospitality environments like bars, offering fast transaction processing, tab management, and inventory control. It supports high-volume bar operations with features such as age verification, split checks, and customizable quick keys for rapid order entry. The platform integrates with bar-specific hardware and provides detailed reporting for sales, labor, and inventory analytics.
Pros
- Lightning-fast transaction speeds ideal for busy bars
- Comprehensive inventory and reporting tools
- Strong integrations with bar hardware and third-party apps
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud POS
- High initial setup costs and hardware requirements
- Steep learning curve for new staff
Best For
High-volume bars and restaurants seeking a reliable, proven on-premise POS with advanced back-office features.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $150-$300/month per terminal, plus hardware, installation, and support fees.
Epos Now
enterpriseVersatile POS solution with hardware bundles, cloud reporting, and e-commerce features for bars.
Advanced inventory with waste tracking and recipe management for precise liquor pour control
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system designed for hospitality businesses like bars, providing fast transaction processing, tab management, and age verification tools. It excels in inventory management with real-time stock tracking for liquor and ingredients, helping bars minimize waste and shrinkage. The platform integrates with payment processors, kitchen displays, and loyalty programs for streamlined bar operations.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with recipe costing ideal for bars
- Cloud access for remote management and multi-location support
- Intuitive interface with customizable bar layouts
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Customer support response times can vary
- Less optimized for ultra-high-volume bar environments compared to specialists
Best For
Small to medium bars needing reliable inventory control and flexible cloud POS without extreme high-volume demands.
Pricing
Hardware bundles start at £1,099 + VAT with monthly subscriptions from £25 per device; enterprise plans available.
Conclusion
After assessing 10 leading bar point of sale tools, Toast claims the top spot with its comprehensive cloud-based features, including advanced inventory management, tab tracking, and loyalty programs. While Toast leads, Revel Systems and TouchBistro also stand out—Revel for real-time reporting and tailored integrations, and TouchBistro for its mobile-first design and efficient table management. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a strong option for diverse bar needs.
Ready to upgrade your bar’s operations? Start with Toast to leverage its robust capabilities and streamline order processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison