Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system optimized for bars and beverage-heavy venues with inventory, ordering, and analytics.
- 2#2: Craftable - All-in-one operations platform for craft beverage producers handling production, inventory, sales, and compliance across breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
- 3#3: Ekos - End-to-end brewery management software for production planning, inventory tracking, sales, and regulatory compliance.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - User-friendly POS system with beverage inventory, menu management, and payments tailored for small bars and cafes.
- 5#5: AccuBar - Mobile-first bar inventory control app that uses counting sheets and sales data for precise liquor and beverage tracking.
- 6#6: Bar-i - Integrated bar management software for inventory, staff scheduling, recipe costing, and POS integration in hospitality settings.
- 7#7: Thirstie - Direct-to-consumer e-commerce and compliance platform enabling alcohol beverage brands to sell online compliantly.
- 8#8: SevenFifty - Digital marketplace and management tools connecting beverage producers, distributors, and retailers for portfolio and order management.
- 9#9: OrchestratedBEER - ERP solution for breweries and distributors managing production, warehousing, sales, and financials.
- 10#10: Vintrace - Winery-specific software for bulk inventory, production, blending, packaging, and compliance reporting.
Tools were chosen for robust feature sets, intuitive usability, consistent performance, and tangible value, ensuring they excel across production, sales, and regulatory workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading beverage software tools, such as Toast, Craftable, Ekos, Square for Restaurants, AccuBar, and others, to guide readers in selecting the right solution. It outlines key features, usability, and integration strengths, helping identify the best fit for managing beverage operations effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system optimized for bars and beverage-heavy venues with inventory, ordering, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | |
| 2 | Craftable All-in-one operations platform for craft beverage producers handling production, inventory, sales, and compliance across breweries, distilleries, and wineries. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Ekos End-to-end brewery management software for production planning, inventory tracking, sales, and regulatory compliance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants User-friendly POS system with beverage inventory, menu management, and payments tailored for small bars and cafes. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | AccuBar Mobile-first bar inventory control app that uses counting sheets and sales data for precise liquor and beverage tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Bar-i Integrated bar management software for inventory, staff scheduling, recipe costing, and POS integration in hospitality settings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Thirstie Direct-to-consumer e-commerce and compliance platform enabling alcohol beverage brands to sell online compliantly. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | SevenFifty Digital marketplace and management tools connecting beverage producers, distributors, and retailers for portfolio and order management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | OrchestratedBEER ERP solution for breweries and distributors managing production, warehousing, sales, and financials. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Vintrace Winery-specific software for bulk inventory, production, blending, packaging, and compliance reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system optimized for bars and beverage-heavy venues with inventory, ordering, and analytics.
All-in-one operations platform for craft beverage producers handling production, inventory, sales, and compliance across breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
End-to-end brewery management software for production planning, inventory tracking, sales, and regulatory compliance.
User-friendly POS system with beverage inventory, menu management, and payments tailored for small bars and cafes.
Mobile-first bar inventory control app that uses counting sheets and sales data for precise liquor and beverage tracking.
Integrated bar management software for inventory, staff scheduling, recipe costing, and POS integration in hospitality settings.
Direct-to-consumer e-commerce and compliance platform enabling alcohol beverage brands to sell online compliantly.
Digital marketplace and management tools connecting beverage producers, distributors, and retailers for portfolio and order management.
ERP solution for breweries and distributors managing production, warehousing, sales, and financials.
Winery-specific software for bulk inventory, production, blending, packaging, and compliance reporting.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system optimized for bars and beverage-heavy venues with inventory, ordering, and analytics.
Advanced Beverage Program with AI-driven pour cost variance tracking and recipe-level inventory forecasting
Toast is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform tailored for bars, breweries, and beverage-focused venues, providing end-to-end tools for order processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics. It excels in beverage-specific features like recipe costing, liquor inventory management, pour tracking, and variance reporting to minimize waste and optimize profitability. With mobile ordering, kitchen display systems, and seamless integrations, Toast streamlines high-volume bar operations while ensuring compliance and real-time insights.
Pros
- Robust beverage inventory with recipe costing, lot tracking, and automated reordering
- Real-time analytics for pour costs, sales trends, and waste reduction
- Extensive integrations with 100+ beverage suppliers and apps like Upserve or 7shifts
Cons
- Premium pricing with required hardware bundles increases upfront costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Occasional reliance on internet connectivity despite offline mode
Best For
High-volume bars, restaurants, and breweries needing scalable, all-in-one beverage management with precise inventory control.
Pricing
Software starts at $165/month per location (Core plan); hardware bundles from $799 one-time; custom pricing for enterprise with add-ons like payroll ($50+/month).
Craftable
specializedAll-in-one operations platform for craft beverage producers handling production, inventory, sales, and compliance across breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Integrated supplier marketplace enabling direct, automated ordering from hundreds of vendors within the platform
Craftable is a robust beverage management platform tailored for distributors, wholesalers, bars, and restaurants handling alcohol inventories. It offers real-time inventory tracking, automated reordering from an integrated supplier marketplace, sales analytics, and demand forecasting to optimize operations. The software integrates with POS systems and accounting tools, providing end-to-end visibility into beverage supply chains.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time inventory and multi-location support
- Integrated supplier marketplace for seamless one-click ordering
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting for demand optimization
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
Best For
Mid-to-large beverage distributors, wholesalers, and high-volume bars/restaurants seeking integrated inventory and procurement automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $300/month for basics, scaling to $1,000+ for enterprise with volume-based fees.
Ekos
specializedEnd-to-end brewery management software for production planning, inventory tracking, sales, and regulatory compliance.
Mobile-first inventory and production tracking app that empowers floor staff with real-time updates and barcode scanning.
Ekos is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, offering end-to-end management of production, inventory, sales, and compliance. It provides real-time visibility into operations, mobile apps for floor staff, and automated reporting for regulatory requirements like TTB filings. Designed to help beverage producers scale from small batches to larger volumes without silos in data.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite covering production scheduling, inventory, CRM, and POS
- Robust compliance tools with automated TTB and state reporting
- Real-time data syncing and strong integrations with QuickBooks and accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams new to ERP systems
- Pricing can be prohibitive for very small operations under 1,000 barrels
- Limited advanced customization without developer support
Best For
Mid-sized craft beverage producers seeking an integrated platform to manage growth and compliance efficiently.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$500/month for small producers, scaling with production volume and users (typically $1,000-$5,000+/month for mid-tier).
Square for Restaurants
specializedUser-friendly POS system with beverage inventory, menu management, and payments tailored for small bars and cafes.
Zero monthly fees for core POS functionality with instant payment processing integration
Square for Restaurants is a versatile POS system from Square, designed for quick-service and full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes, handling payments, orders, inventory, and menu management. It supports beverage operations through customizable menus, modifiers for drink customizations, and basic inventory tracking for bottles and ingredients. While not exclusively beverage-focused, it provides an all-in-one solution with seamless hardware integration for efficient bar and cafe workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app support
- Integrated payment processing with competitive rates and no long-term contracts
- Basic inventory and menu management suitable for tracking beverages and stock levels
Cons
- Lacks advanced beverage-specific tools like pour tracking, recipe costing, or liquor liability features
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume bars
- Limited customization for complex cocktail menus compared to specialized bar software
Best For
Small to medium-sized cafes, coffee shops, and casual bars seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without advanced beverage inventory needs.
Pricing
Free core software (2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction); Plus plan $60/month per location for advanced features; hardware starts at $0-$799.
AccuBar
specializedMobile-first bar inventory control app that uses counting sheets and sales data for precise liquor and beverage tracking.
AccuPour Gun for real-time, precise digital pour measurement integrated with inventory software
AccuBar is a specialized beverage inventory management software tailored for bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, offering precise tracking of liquor pours, bottle inventory, and sales variances. It integrates with digital scales and pouring devices like the AccuPour Gun to ensure accurate measurements and minimize shrinkage from overpouring or theft. The platform provides detailed reporting, recipe costing, and trend analysis to optimize beverage programs and profitability.
Pros
- Highly accurate pour tracking with integrated scales and guns
- Comprehensive variance reporting and cost analysis tools
- Mobile app for on-the-go inventory counts
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring some training
- Limited integrations with modern POS systems
- Hardware add-ons can increase upfront costs
Best For
Mid-sized bars and restaurants prioritizing precise beverage cost control and shrinkage reduction.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/month per location; hardware like scales and pour guns sold separately.
Bar-i
specializedIntegrated bar management software for inventory, staff scheduling, recipe costing, and POS integration in hospitality settings.
Real-time multi-site stock visibility with automatic reordering alerts
Bar-i is a cloud-based venue management platform designed for bars, pubs, and restaurants, specializing in real-time inventory control, sales tracking, and operational optimization. It features tools for stock monitoring, recipe costing, waste reduction, and staff scheduling to help businesses cut costs and boost profitability. The software integrates with popular POS systems and offers mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Precise real-time inventory and par level management
- Detailed analytics for sales and waste tracking
- Strong multi-venue support and POS integrations
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be steep for single small venues
- Limited advanced customization options
Best For
Medium to large bar chains needing robust inventory and compliance tools across multiple locations.
Pricing
Starts at £149/month per venue (billed annually), with tiered plans up to enterprise custom pricing.
Thirstie
enterpriseDirect-to-consumer e-commerce and compliance platform enabling alcohol beverage brands to sell online compliantly.
Automated nationwide compliance engine that verifies eligibility and handles state-specific restrictions in real-time
Thirstie is a comprehensive direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce platform tailored for beverage alcohol brands, enabling legal sales of wine, beer, and spirits across all 50 US states. It automates compliance with age verification, KYC checks, and state-specific shipping regulations, while integrating fulfillment through a network of licensed carriers. The platform offers customizable storefronts, marketing tools, and analytics to streamline operations and drive revenue.
Pros
- Expert compliance handling for all 50 states and territories
- Seamless integrations with fulfillment partners and ERPs
- Robust marketing automation and customer data tools
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may be steep for small brands
- Primarily focused on alcohol, limiting versatility
- Initial setup requires compliance documentation and configuration
Best For
Mid-sized beverage alcohol brands aiming to scale DTC sales compliantly without managing logistics in-house.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $5,000/month based on volume and features, with no public tiers.
SevenFifty
enterpriseDigital marketplace and management tools connecting beverage producers, distributors, and retailers for portfolio and order management.
Interactive market data dashboard with sales velocity and trend insights across states
SevenFifty is a digital platform tailored for the beverage alcohol industry, connecting buyers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers through product discovery, market intelligence, and industry news. It offers tools like searchable product catalogs, event listings, regulatory compliance info by state, and trend analytics to help professionals navigate the three-tier system. Primarily focused on the US market, it streamlines supplier sourcing and keeps users informed on emerging brands and sales data.
Pros
- Extensive product database with detailed supplier and portfolio info
- Real-time market trends, news, and event calendars
- State-specific regulatory tools for compliance
Cons
- Limited international coverage beyond the US
- Premium analytics require paid subscription
- Not a full inventory or POS management solution
Best For
US-based distributors, retailers, and importers seeking product discovery and market intelligence in the alcohol beverage sector.
Pricing
Free basic access; Pro subscription starts at $99/month for advanced search, data exports, and analytics.
OrchestratedBEER
enterpriseERP solution for breweries and distributors managing production, warehousing, sales, and financials.
Intelligent production orchestration engine that optimizes brewing schedules and minimizes waste
OrchestratedBEER is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for craft breweries and beverage producers, managing end-to-end operations from recipe creation and production scheduling to inventory tracking and sales. It integrates compliance tools for TTB reporting, excise taxes, and labeling, while offering real-time analytics for informed decision-making. Designed for scalability, it supports growing businesses transitioning from spreadsheets to professional systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive production and inventory management
- Strong regulatory compliance automation
- Scalable architecture for multi-location operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customization requires developer support
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized craft breweries seeking integrated ERP to handle complex production and compliance needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $750/month based on production volume and users, with annual contracts.
Vintrace
specializedWinery-specific software for bulk inventory, production, blending, packaging, and compliance reporting.
Advanced blending module with virtual recipe simulation and precise lot traceability from vineyard to bottle
Vintrace is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for wineries and vineyards, managing the full production lifecycle from grape crush and fermentation to blending, bottling, inventory tracking, and sales. It excels in compliance with TTB and state regulations through automated reporting and audit trails. The software provides real-time data visibility, lot traceability, and integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Deep wine-specific features like blending simulations and barrel management
- Strong compliance and reporting tools for TTB/state requirements
- Scalable for mid-to-large operations with real-time inventory tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive ERP complexity
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based, often expensive for small wineries
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized wineries needing robust, industry-specific production and compliance management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000-$20,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and winery size.
Conclusion
The reviewed beverage software cater to diverse needs, with Toast leading as the top choice, excelling in cloud-based POS and management for beverage-heavy venues. Craftable stands out for craft producers, offering end-to-end operations, while Ekos impresses with brewery-specific tools for production planning and compliance. Whether scaling a business or streamlining daily tasks, the top three tools—Toast, Craftable, and Ekos—prove invaluable in optimizing beverage operations.
Ready to elevate your beverage business? Start with Toast today and experience a comprehensive solution that transforms POS, inventory, and management into seamless, efficient workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison