Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system optimized for bars with robust inventory tracking for liquor, open tab management, and real-time reporting.
- 2#2: TouchBistro - iPad-centric POS designed for bars and restaurants featuring quick order entry, table tabs, and liquor inventory control.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Comprehensive POS solution for bars offering multi-location support, recipe costing, and seamless integrations for bar operations.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS for bars with contactless payments, item modifiers for drinks, and basic inventory tools.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iOS-based POS tailored for high-volume bars with advanced analytics, employee management, and customizable drink menus.
- 6#6: Lavu - Mobile-first POS for bars emphasizing speed, cloud reporting, and inventory management for beverages.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible hardware-integrated POS for bars supporting custom apps, loyalty programs, and quick-service drink orders.
- 8#8: SpotOn - All-in-one POS platform for bars with built-in marketing tools, tab splitting, and competitive pricing.
- 9#9: NCR Aloha - Traditional yet powerful POS for bars featuring high customization, kitchen integration, and robust back-office features.
- 10#10: POS Nation - Customizable POS system for bars with strong hardware options, inventory tracking, and value-driven pricing.
We ranked these tools by prioritizing specialized bar features (like liquor inventory and multi-location support), user-friendliness, technical reliability, and overall value to ensure they deliver optimal performance for diverse bar environments.
Comparison Table
Navigating bar POS software can be overwhelming; this comparison table simplifies the process by detailing top tools like Toast, TouchBistro, Lightspeed Restaurant, Square for Restaurants, and Revel Systems, examining features, pricing, and usability. Readers will gain clarity on which solution best fits their bar’s operations, whether focusing on inventory, customer management, or multi-location needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system optimized for bars with robust inventory tracking for liquor, open tab management, and real-time reporting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | TouchBistro iPad-centric POS designed for bars and restaurants featuring quick order entry, table tabs, and liquor inventory control. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Comprehensive POS solution for bars offering multi-location support, recipe costing, and seamless integrations for bar operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS for bars with contactless payments, item modifiers for drinks, and basic inventory tools. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iOS-based POS tailored for high-volume bars with advanced analytics, employee management, and customizable drink menus. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Lavu Mobile-first POS for bars emphasizing speed, cloud reporting, and inventory management for beverages. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible hardware-integrated POS for bars supporting custom apps, loyalty programs, and quick-service drink orders. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn All-in-one POS platform for bars with built-in marketing tools, tab splitting, and competitive pricing. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | NCR Aloha Traditional yet powerful POS for bars featuring high customization, kitchen integration, and robust back-office features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | POS Nation Customizable POS system for bars with strong hardware options, inventory tracking, and value-driven pricing. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Cloud-based POS system optimized for bars with robust inventory tracking for liquor, open tab management, and real-time reporting.
iPad-centric POS designed for bars and restaurants featuring quick order entry, table tabs, and liquor inventory control.
Comprehensive POS solution for bars offering multi-location support, recipe costing, and seamless integrations for bar operations.
Affordable, user-friendly POS for bars with contactless payments, item modifiers for drinks, and basic inventory tools.
iOS-based POS tailored for high-volume bars with advanced analytics, employee management, and customizable drink menus.
Mobile-first POS for bars emphasizing speed, cloud reporting, and inventory management for beverages.
Flexible hardware-integrated POS for bars supporting custom apps, loyalty programs, and quick-service drink orders.
All-in-one POS platform for bars with built-in marketing tools, tab splitting, and competitive pricing.
Traditional yet powerful POS for bars featuring high customization, kitchen integration, and robust back-office features.
Customizable POS system for bars with strong hardware options, inventory tracking, and value-driven pricing.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS system optimized for bars with robust inventory tracking for liquor, open tab management, and real-time reporting.
Precise liquor inventory tracking with pour-level granularity and automated reordering
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, providing seamless order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty tools. It excels in bar environments with features like tab splitting, age verification, bottle pour tracking, and quick-service workflows to handle high-volume rushes. The platform integrates hardware, software, and analytics for end-to-end operations, including online ordering and real-time reporting to optimize profitability.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management with liquor pour cost tracking and waste reduction tools
- Lightning-fast tab management, splitting, and payments for busy bar service
- Robust analytics and reporting for sales trends, labor, and menu optimization
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited flexibility with third-party hardware integrations
Best For
High-volume bars and restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with strong inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $69/month per terminal, plus hardware bundles ($799+), 2.99% + $0.15 processing fees, and add-ons.
TouchBistro
enterpriseiPad-centric POS designed for bars and restaurants featuring quick order entry, table tabs, and liquor inventory control.
Spot On Inventory for precise liquor tracking, recipe costing, and waste management tailored to bars
TouchBistro is an iPad-based, cloud-connected POS system designed specifically for restaurants and bars, streamlining front-of-house operations like order entry, payment processing, and table management. It excels in bar environments with features for managing tabs, splitting bills, applying drink modifiers, and tracking liquor inventory in real-time. Additional tools include reporting, loyalty programs, and integrations with third-party services for enhanced efficiency.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with recipe costing and low-stock alerts ideal for bars
- Offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during outages
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales trends and labor costs
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller bars
- Limited to iOS devices, requiring specific hardware
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized to large bars and restaurants needing a feature-rich POS with strong inventory and reporting for high-volume service.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per license (Starter plan) up to $165+/month (Pro plan), plus hardware and add-ons; annual billing required.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseComprehensive POS solution for bars offering multi-location support, recipe costing, and seamless integrations for bar operations.
Advanced inventory management with real-time variance tracking and recipe costing to monitor pours and reduce waste in bars
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, providing tools for seamless order processing, table and bar tab management, and inventory control. It excels in high-volume environments with features like quick-serve modes, employee scheduling, and integrations with delivery apps and accounting software. The platform offers detailed reporting on sales trends and stock levels, making it suitable for bars focused on efficiency and profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tracking with recipe costing ideal for liquor management
- Strong integrations with popular bar tools like Upserve and accounting software
- Cloud-based access with offline mode for uninterrupted service
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced bar features like multi-location support
- Steeper learning curve for custom floor plans and reporting
- Additional hardware costs not included in software pricing
Best For
Established bars and multi-location establishments needing robust inventory control and scalable operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essentials, billed annually), with Plus at $109 and Pro at $159/month; hardware sold separately.
Square for Restaurants
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly POS for bars with contactless payments, item modifiers for drinks, and basic inventory tools.
Zero monthly fees for core POS functionality, combined with flexible hardware options and seamless payment processing tailored for fast-paced bar environments
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, enabling seamless order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and table/bar tab tracking. It supports quick-service environments with features like customizable menus, split checks, and kitchen display systems for efficient drink and food service. The platform integrates online ordering and delivery, making it versatile for modern bar operations handling high-volume tabs and custom cocktails.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-transaction
- Intuitive interface with offline functionality for reliable bar service
- Strong inventory tracking and modifiers for drinks and tabs
Cons
- Transaction fees add up in high-volume bars (2.6% + 10¢ in-person)
- Limited advanced bar-specific reporting and analytics compared to specialized competitors
- Additional hardware purchases required for full setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized bars seeking an affordable, easy-to-deploy POS without subscription costs and with solid basic tab and inventory management.
Pricing
Free POS software; processing fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; hardware from $0 (basic reader) to $799+; optional premium features like advanced reporting at $60/month/location.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiOS-based POS tailored for high-volume bars with advanced analytics, employee management, and customizable drink menus.
Advanced inventory system with par levels and waste tracking optimized for liquor and ingredient management
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS solution tailored for bars and restaurants, enabling efficient order processing, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. It supports bar-specific features like tab management, quick menu customization, and integrations with delivery services. The system scales well for multi-location operations with real-time data syncing across devices.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with recipe costing ideal for bars
- Real-time cloud reporting and analytics for performance insights
- Seamless integrations with popular bar tools like payroll and loyalty apps
Cons
- Subscription pricing can add up for multiple terminals
- Relies heavily on stable internet; offline mode has limitations
- Hardware ecosystem is iPad-focused, limiting flexibility
Best For
High-volume bars and pubs needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong inventory and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan); higher tiers up to $299/month; hardware sold separately.
Lavu
enterpriseMobile-first POS for bars emphasizing speed, cloud reporting, and inventory management for beverages.
iPad-exclusive mobility allowing bartenders to manage tabs and orders directly at the bar or tableside without fixed hardware
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad POS system tailored for restaurants and bars, enabling quick order entry, tab management, and inventory tracking for beverages and liquor. It supports customizable drink menus, real-time sales reporting, and integrations for payments and loyalty programs to streamline bar operations during peak hours. Ideal for mobile service, it allows bartenders to process orders directly from handheld devices without being tied to a stationary terminal.
Pros
- Highly mobile iPad-native design for flexible bar service
- Robust inventory and tab management suited for high-volume drinks
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and customization
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices with no native Android support
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and multiple terminals
- Mixed reports on customer support response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized bars needing a mobile, user-friendly POS with strong inventory controls for liquor and beer tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per device for basic plan, up to $159/month for Pro with advanced features; hardware and processing fees extra.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible hardware-integrated POS for bars supporting custom apps, loyalty programs, and quick-service drink orders.
The Clover App Market, offering hundreds of third-party apps for bar-tailored features like pour tracking and customer tabs.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system from Fiserv tailored for small to medium businesses like bars, providing integrated payment processing, inventory management, and order fulfillment via customizable hardware such as countertop terminals and handheld devices. It excels in handling bar-specific needs like tab management, quick checkouts, and beverage inventory tracking through its intuitive touchscreen interface. The platform's App Market allows bars to extend functionality with third-party apps for loyalty programs, age verification, and recipe costing.
Pros
- Expansive App Market for bar-specific customizations like inventory and loyalty
- Fast and reliable payment processing with EMV and contactless support
- Intuitive touchscreen interface suitable for busy bar environments
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs starting at $499 per device
- Ongoing transaction fees (2.3% + $0.10) and add-on app subscriptions add up
- Advanced reporting and integrations often require premium plans or extra apps
Best For
Small to medium-sized bars seeking a customizable, hardware-inclusive POS with strong payment capabilities and app extensibility.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans from $14.95/mo (Register) to $99.85/mo (Register Pro), plus ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction and app fees.
SpotOn
enterpriseAll-in-one POS platform for bars with built-in marketing tools, tab splitting, and competitive pricing.
Advanced open tab management that allows seamless tracking, splitting, and transferring of bar tabs across multiple devices
SpotOn is a cloud-based POS system tailored for bars and restaurants, providing essential tools for order processing, inventory management, payment handling, and customer engagement. It excels in bar-specific features like open tab management, quick-serve modes for high-volume drink orders, and liquor inventory tracking with recipe costing. The platform offers customizable menus, detailed reporting, and integrations with delivery services, making it suitable for dynamic bar environments.
Pros
- Robust bar tab and split-check functionality for busy nights
- Comprehensive inventory tools with real-time liquor tracking and waste management
- Strong analytics and reporting for sales trends and profitability insights
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs can deter very small bars
- Occasional software glitches reported during peak hours
- Custom pricing lacks full transparency upfront
Best For
Medium-sized bars and pubs seeking an integrated POS with advanced inventory and reporting capabilities without needing extensive custom development.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month per terminal, plus hardware ($1,000+ per unit) and 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction processing fees; no long-term contracts.
NCR Aloha
enterpriseTraditional yet powerful POS for bars featuring high customization, kitchen integration, and robust back-office features.
Ultra-fast transaction processing with sub-second order times, optimized for high-traffic bar service
NCR Aloha is a robust point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for high-volume bars and restaurants, delivering lightning-fast transaction processing and seamless tab management essential for busy bar environments. It offers comprehensive inventory tracking for liquor and supplies, age verification tools, and integrations with payment processors and kitchen/bar displays. With strong reporting capabilities and customizable menus, it supports efficient operations in fast-paced settings while enabling loyalty programs and analytics for business insights.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast transaction speeds ideal for peak bar hours
- Advanced inventory and reporting tools for liquor management
- Reliable hardware and integrations with bar equipment
Cons
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Steep learning curve for setup and training
- Less flexible for very small or independent bars
Best For
High-volume bars and multi-location establishments requiring scalable, enterprise-grade POS reliability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $150–$400 per month per terminal plus hardware and implementation fees.
POS Nation
enterpriseCustomizable POS system for bars with strong hardware options, inventory tracking, and value-driven pricing.
Lifetime complimentary support and on-site installation service
POS Nation provides customizable point-of-sale systems tailored for bars, offering hardware bundles like touchscreen terminals, receipt printers, and cash drawers alongside software for quick order entry, bar tab management, and liquor inventory tracking. The platform supports features essential for bars such as age verification, split bills, and detailed sales reporting to monitor pours and popular drinks. It emphasizes white-glove installation and lifetime customer support, making it suitable for on-premise bar operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware-software bundles customized for bars
- Lifetime free support and training
- Strong inventory tools for tracking liquor and bar stock
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited native cloud mobility compared to competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized bars seeking reliable on-site POS with hands-on support and hardware integration.
Pricing
Hardware bundles start at $2,000-$5,000 plus $99-$199/month software subscription; custom quotes available.
Conclusion
A comprehensive review of bar POS systems reveals Toast as the top choice, leveraging its cloud-based design, robust inventory tracking, and real-time reporting to excel in bar operations. While TouchBistro impresses with an intuitive iPad-centric setup and liquor control, and Lightspeed Restaurant offers multi-location support and seamless integrations, each presents distinct strengths to suit varied bar needs. Together, these top three tools redefine efficiency for bars, from order management to customer engagement.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your bar’s workflow—explore Toast today and discover why it leads the pack in empowering smooth, profitable operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison