A bar point-of-sale (POS) system is a combination of hardware and software that collects orders and processes payments quickly. The best bar POS software also pre-authorizes bar tabs and helps with physical stock counting.
If you need specialized tools like quick cocktail recipe lookup, live keg tracking, and cash management, read on; our bar and POS experts have ranked the best bar POS systems and software for bars, nightclubs, pubs, and breweries.
Our expert evaluation found that the best POS systems for bars are:
- Toast: Best overall bar POS with free options
- Lightspeed Restaurant: Best for recipe tracking and inventory management
- Oracle MICROS Simphony: Best speed screens and cash management
- Lavu: Best for bars switching from cash-only operations
- TouchBistro: Best for easy staff training
- Square for Restaurants: Best free bar POS for small bars, breweries, and wine bars
TouchBistro POS is an all-in-one restaurant management system designed for growth. Until December 31st, save up to $7,000 on your startup costs. | ||
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TouchBistro POS is an all-in-one restaurant management system designed for growth. Until December 31st, save up to $7,000 on your startup costs. |
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Top Bar POS Systems Compared
Monthly Software Fee | Hardware Cost | Payment Processing | Pre-authorized Bar Tabs | Learn More | |
$0–$165+ | $0–$875+ | From 2.49% + 15 cents | ✓ | ||
$69–$399+ | Custom-quoted | From 2.6% + $0.10* | ✓ | ||
$55–$75+ | From $1 | Custom-quoted* | ✓ | ||
$59–$349 | $150–$749+ | Custom-quoted | ✓ | ||
From $69 per terminal | Custom-quoted | Custom-quoted* | ✓ | ||
$0–$60+ | $49–$799+ | From 2.6%+ 10 cents | ✕ | ||
*This system also integrates with third-party processors. See the individual provider sections for the list of compatible processors. |
Monthly Software Fee | Hardware Cost | Contract Length | Payment Processing | Pre-authorized Bar Tabs | Inventory Tracking | |
$0–$165+ | $0–$875+ | Optional, from $200 | From 2.49% + 15 cents | ✓ | Via integration with xtraCHEF | |
$69–$399+ | Custom-quoted | Optional | From 2.6% + $0.10* | ✓ | Built-in; Best available features | |
$55–$75+ | From $1 | Custom-quoted | Custom-quoted* | ✓ | Via integration with Yellow Dog | |
$59–$349 | $150–$749+ | $0 | Custom-quoted | ✓ | Via integration with MarketMan, Bar-i, BevSpot, and others | |
From $69 per terminal | Custom-quoted | Optional, custom-quoted | Custom-quoted* | ✓ | Built-in; Strong features | |
$0–$60+ | $49–$799+ | Optional, from $200 | From 2.6%+ 10 cents | ✕ | Via integration with Yellow Dog, MarketMan, Apicbase | |
*This system also integrates with third-party processors. See the individual provider sections for the list of compatible processors. |
Which Bar POS Software Is Right for You?
Toast: Best Overall Bar POS With Free Options
If you’re seeking the functionality of Toast, but want more options for payment processors, try Lightspeed Restaurant. Those are both great options if you want built-in inventory too.
If you only need one or two terminals, go with Lightspeed. For three or more terminals, look into TouchBistro bar POS software. And if you need more dynamic speed screens that can showcase more buttons, consider MICROS Simphony.
Lightspeed Restaurant: Best Built-in Bar Inventory
If you want all of Lightspeed’s functions but need more robust hardware, try Toast.
If you don’t need quite as many functions and need a lower upfront cost, Toast is also a great choice—assuming you don’t mind proprietary hardware. If iPads are more your speed, you should take a look at Square.
Oracle MICROS Simphony: Best for Speed Screens & Cash Management
If built-in inventory is a must-have in your bar POS, you’ll be better off with Lightspeed or TouchBistro.
If you need a lower upfront cost, Square or Toast are better bets. If you prefer iPad terminals, check out Square, Lightspeed, or TouchBistro.
Lavu: Best for Switching From Cash-only Operations
Lavu includes every feature a growing bar needs. But if you want more robust hardware than a standard iPad or iPad mini, look at Toast, Square, or MICROS Simphony.
If you operate multiple locations, Toast has stronger multilocation management tools. And if you prefer inventory management built into your POS, check out Lightspeed or TouchBistro.
TouchBistro: Best for Breweries & High Staff Turnover
If you only need a single POS terminal for your bar, Toast or Square both offer free options.
If you need more advanced, automated inventory management with physical counting tools and automated ordering, check out Lightspeed or Lavu with the Sourcery integration.
Square for Restaurants: Best Free POS for Wine Bars & Small Bars
If you want to shop for processing rates, check out Lightspeed, Lavu, or TouchBistro. If you prefer built-in inventory with more advanced try features, consider Lightspeed.
And if card pre-authorizations are a must-have, try any of the other systems on this list. Square is currently beta-testing this feature, so if you don’t need a new bar POS immediately and Square interests you, check back in a couple of months; pre-authorizations may be available.
How We Evaluated Bar POS Systems
We compared more than a dozen popular POS systems based on what’s important to bars, nightclubs, pubs, and other beverage operations. Ease of use, niche bar functions, general POS functionality, and price were our main considerations. We also considered our POS and bar experts’ personal evaluations of each software, alongside real-world user reviews.
Click through the tabs below for our full evaluation criteria:
15% of 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 multiple options for payment processing.
15% of Overall Score
We looked for basic features like inventory tracking, gift card processing, and customizable reporting tools. Because of customer demand for contactless payments, we looked for systems that support tapped card and mobile wallet payments. Since bar owners and managers are always on the move, we awarded points to POS brands with mobile reporting and management apps.
25% of Overall Score
We considered features like storing drink recipes, supporting dual cash drawer tills, and cash auditing tools. We also looked for features like the ability to pre-authorize credit cards, run tabs, split payment methods, and transfer tabs between servers and dining areas. We also awarded points to systems that have integrated handheld order and payment terminals to support tableside service.
30% of Overall Score
We looked for POS systems that hourly employees can easily use without error in a fast-paced environment. Because bars typically operate on late nights and weekends, we prioritized solutions that offer 24/7 customer support. We also awarded points to POS systems with hybrid installation or an offline mode, so business doesn’t come to a grinding halt during an internet outage. We also prioritized platforms that offer comprehensive training and online knowledge bases.
15% of Overall Score
We considered each system’s standout features and scored the systems’ value for their price. We also judged each system’s popularity among bar owners and awarded points for systems that have an average user rating above four stars on popular review sites. Finally, we awarded points based on our personal experience interacting with the software and the company’s customer support.
Meet our Experts
Mary King has managed bars and restaurants and used several POS systems in real-world bar environments. With over 14 years of industry experience, she has worked in food service businesses from coffee shops and food trucks to quick service and full-service restaurants and bars. | ||
Meaghan Brophy has 10-plus years of retail experience, during which she has operated a variety of cash registers and POS systems in different settings and applications. Since working in retail, Meaghan has 7-plus years of experience writing for retailers and 4-plus years of experience evaluating POS systems. | ||
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How to Choose a Bar POS System
The first step to choosing bar POS software is assessing your needs. Look at your operation and make a list of all POS functions that are must-haves.
Provide your email to download this free checklist that will guide you through your bar POS search:
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
In addition to general POS functions like payment processing, time-keeping, and loyalty, most bar POS systems include most of these bar-specific functions.
- Cash management: If you process a large amount of cash, you’ll want detailed cash tracking and high till alerts so you can transfer cash to a safe on busy nights.
- Recipe look-up: If you experience a high degree of turnover or your customers frequently try to “stump the bartender,” the ability to look up recipes will be a lifesaver.
- Physical count inventory tools: You can speed physical counts with barcode scanners, integrated scales, and even smartphone apps.
- Inventory tracking: Many systems can track your inventory usage in real time and send you low-stock alerts to remind you to restock.
- Purchase order and vendor management: A lot of bar POS software takes the next step and generates purchase orders from your low stock alerts. In most cases, you can email these purchase orders to your vendors directly from the system.
- Pre-authorized tabs: Swipe open bar tabs that store payment information are a must for most bars.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Once you know your must-haves, set a budget. Most modern bar POS systems come with a monthly software fee and at least a small upfront fee for hardware and installation.
Take a look at your sales, COGS, and labor so you know what you can afford as a one-time expense and monthly ongoing costs. You don’t want to fall in love with a system you can’t afford.
Step 3: Schedule POS Demos
With your budget requirements in mind, schedule demos of several POS systems. See how the interfaces work, and check out the speed screen functions. But more than that, get a feel for the customer support team. Do they seem like the people you want on the other end of the phone when you’re trying to troubleshoot a software glitch at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night?
During your demo, ask these questions:
- Does the POS fit into your budget?
- Does it include your must-have features in the baseline POS, or will you need to spend extra for an additional module or a third-party integration?
- Does the POS integrate with other software you already use?
- Does it offer additional attractive features you hadn’t thought about?
- Can it grow with your business if your needs change?
- Are there installation or implementation fees?
- What is the lead time for installation?
If you like the system during the demo, ask the sales representative if they can connect you with a few of their current customers so you can ask about their experiences. Ideally, these would be nearby bars that use this POS. The sales rep might need to get back to you with contact information, but it is not an unusual request.
In my experience, the best bar POS brands offer to connect you with some of their current customers without being asked. Contact these business owners and ask for their opinion of the software. Most will be eager to share their experience.
Step 4: Compare Estimates
After a demo, the POS provider typically sends a full, itemized estimate of your expected costs for software, hardware, and payment processing (if the system includes a built-in processor). If the provider does not offer to do this, ask for an estimate directly. It is the best way to see exactly what your fees cover. Compare the estimates to find your best fit.
Estimates include more than just monthly cost. Remember to compare terms and conditions of each contract as well. You don’t want to be surprised by lengthy contracts, installation fees, or high early-termination fees.
Step 5: Finalize Your POS Decision
Once you have made your final decision about which POS is best for your bar, contact the sales representative and begin the implementation process.
It’s wise to take the time to notify the providers you opted not to work with. This is a polite business move, and it will also save you time ducking calls and emails from sales representatives trying to close the deal.
Features to Look for in a Bar POS System
Your bar POS software should come equipped with features designed to meet the specific needs of a bar while simplifying your day-to-day operations. Here are the most important features to look for when choosing a bar POS system:
- Tab Management: The best bar POS systems can easily handle and track open tabs, ensuring smooth transitions even when customers move to tables. Also look for seamless retrieval of open or closed tabs by name, order number, or credit card.
- Speed Screens: Reducing the number of buttons your bartenders press to ring in orders and process payments saves time and improves your service speed.
- Seating and Table Organization: Organize tables and seating areas effectively with a POS system that can adapt to your specific layout, aiding in efficient service and capacity management.
- Inventory Management: Look for a bar POS system that allows ingredient-level inventory tracking. More sophisticated solutions should also have tools for physical inventory counts and vendor management capabilities.
- Mobility: For a bar environment where staff frequently move around to serve customers, seek a POS solution offering mobile hardware. This flexibility enables your bartenders and servers to deliver personalized service directly to customers, enhancing their overall experience.
- Splitting Checks: A bar POS system that offers an easy way to split checks, combine checks, or transfer items between tickets is key to quick and satisfactory customer service.
- Digital Payments: A modern bar POS system should accept various contactless and digital payments, catering to customer preferences and ensuring speedy checkouts.
- Promotional Tools: Look for promotional tools like customer loyalty programs, email marketing, gift cards, discounts, and specials to boost customer retention and engagement.
- High-quality Support: Opt for a bar POS provider known for responsive and efficient customer support. Ensure they’re committed to swiftly resolving any technical issues, minimizing downtime, and maintaining smooth operations in your bar.
- Payment Preauthorization: The ideal bar POS system should provide payment preauthorization capabilities. By swiping a customer’s credit or debit card at the start of a bar tab, the system verifies the card’s authenticity and checks the available funds. This reduces risk and streamlines the checkout process.
- Detailed Reporting and Analytics: Choose a bar POS system with comprehensive, easy-to-navigate reporting features. It should give you overviews of net sales and transactions, as well as in-depth analyses of sales by product and item profitability. The best Bar POS solutions also incorporate CRM capabilities to collect and leverage customer data.
- Manageable Pricing and Terms: Of course, look for bar POS solution with monthly pricing, hardware costs, and processing rates that fit into your budget. Also keep in mind that many POS providers require contracts of a year or longer, so find a provider with contract terms that align with your business’ future plans.
Bar POS System Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The simplest bar POS system is TouchBistro. It’s remarkably user-friendly and known for taking less than an hour to learn. This makes it an excellent choice for bars with high turnover, reducing the time needed for staff training. Its affordable pricing and straightforward features also make it ideal for streamlined operations that require simple, built-in inventory tracking.
The best POS system for your bar will depend on your business type and sales volume. But, overall, our expert evaluation found that Toast is the best POS for most types of bar businesses. For a detailed breakdown of alternative POS options, see our list of the best bar POS systems above.
At the most basic level, bar POS systems manage orders and process payments. High-functioning systems also track inventory in real time, act as an employee time clock, and include detailed cash-tracking tools. All of these tools help reduce costs and opportunities for theft while growing sales and increasing your speed of service.
The cost of a bar POS system ranges from $0 to more than $100 per month for software and from $0 to over $1,000 for hardware. The total costs for your bar will vary based on your hardware and software needs.
A small bar can run a cloud-based POS app on an iPad and get started with no money down.
A high-volume operation that handles a lot of cash, however, would be better served by a stronger system with cash management tools. In that case, you should expect to pay around $100 per month for software and around $800 for each countertop terminal.
Bottom Line
Toast outscored the competition for best overall bar POS. This flexible system is available at three different pricing tiers to support beverage operations of any size, from draft houses to wine bars and pubs to cocktail lounges.
With user-friendly speed screens, pre-authorized bar tabs, and employee and customer management tools, alongside dynamic tableside tablets and in-app staff communication, this massively functional system has every tool you need.
If cost is a concern, small bars can start with Toast’s hardware and software for free and be confident that the system will grow with their business. See if Toast is a fit for your bar by scheduling a demo.