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Updated Feb 08, 2024

Best POS for Restaurants

Quinn Springett Headshot
Quinn Springett, Senior Analyst & Expert on Business Operations
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Best All-in-One POS
  • Secure and safe
  • Accepts a variety of payment methods
  • Fast and seamless transactions
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Links to Clover Restaurant POS
  • Secure and safe
  • Accepts a variety of payment methods
  • Fast and seamless transactions
Best for Online Ordering
  • Tons of automation options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Cloud-based functionality
Visit Site
Links to Toast Restaurant POS
  • Tons of automation options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Cloud-based functionality
Best POS for Efficiency
  • Online ordering
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Integrates with accounting software
Visit Site
Links to Cake Restaurant POS
  • Online ordering
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Integrates with accounting software
Best for Add-on Services
  • Lots of time-tracking features
  • Third-party payment processing
  • Optimized for mobile
Visit Site
Links to Lavu Restaurant POS
  • Lots of time-tracking features
  • Third-party payment processing
  • Optimized for mobile
Best POS for Restaurants
  • Exceptionally customizable
  • Straightforward integration 
  • Zero downtime
Visit Site
Links to TouchBistro Restaurant POS
  • Exceptionally customizable
  • Straightforward integration 
  • Zero downtime

Table of Contents

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Point-of-sale (POS) systems have become a popular business tool in restaurants for various reasons. They allow restaurants to manage their orders and inventory efficiently while also offering menu customization and flexibility so that orders from customers can be easily personalized with a couple of clicks. To make your POS system purchasing decision easier, we’ve tested dozens of top POS systems on the market. We compared each POS system’s pricing, features, and benefits so you don’t have to.

Compare Our Best Picks

BDC Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
Clover Restaurant POS
Toast Restaurant POS
Cake Restaurant POS
Lavu Restaurant POS
TouchBistro Restaurant POS
Rating (Out of 10)9.29.59.49.29.4
Use Case

Best all-in-one POS

Best for online ordering

Best for efficiency

Best for add-on services

Best for restaurants

Online ordering

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Base pricing

$90/month

$110/month

$69/month

$59/month

$69/month

Free trial

14 days

No

No

No

No

Integrations

80+

70+

21

80+

30+

Customer support

Phone, email, webchat

Webchat, email, phone

Online tickets, email, phone

Phone, email, webchat

Webchat, email, phone

Compatibility with third-party payment processors

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Review Link
Scroll Table

Restaurant POS System Reviews

Clover: Best All-in-One POS

  • Clover’s inventory control system helps you avoid any losses and enables you to focus on profitability.
  • The platform offers integration with third-party payment processors.
  • Reporting options are less robust than those of some competitors.
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10
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We chose Clover as the best all-in-one POS system because it does so many things right. Its highly competitive flat-rate pricing is attractive to restaurants working on a strict budget. In addition, it has different service plans depending on what type of restaurant you’re running. We like that you can choose packages for both quick-service and full-service restaurants. We are also impressed with its emphasis on security so customers feel safe paying through the system.

Another aspect of Clover we like is its inventory management tools. Restaurants can keep track of expiration dates and, at the same time, automate these tasks so staff doesn’t have to spend time doing it. The system offers analytics on each employee for restaurant owners looking to measure their team’s performance. Clover’s Time Clock tool allows restaurant owners to easily track employee attendance. We also like Clover’s support of third-party applications. If you need help with your restaurant’s accounting, the system can be integrated with apps like QuickBooks to streamline your processes.

Toast: Best POS for Online Ordering

  • Toast provides numerous payment options.
  • The system supports multiple restaurant locations.
  • Canceling or switching plans can be expensive.
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10
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For a few reasons, Toast is our choice as the best restaurant POS for online ordering. Customers can easily order from a restaurant directly through the Toast TakeOut app. Customers who prefer to dine in the restaurant can use Toast Mobile Order & Pay to order and pay directly from their device. Depending on the restaurant, customers can also use self-serve kiosks to place their orders. We haven’t seen such a broad range of ordering features in other POS platforms, and it’s clear that Toast caters to this type of restaurant workflow. Toast also offers a kitchen display system that sends orders directly to kitchen monitors, reducing the need for paper tickets and speeding up order processing.

Another area where Toast excels is in multi-location restaurants. Its reports allow you to customize and look at data by location. You can also easily set up different menus and prices at different locations. If you do run into problems, you can take advantage of 24/7 customer support. This level of support comes at no additional charge and is available on all service plans. We like that Toast is transparent with its pricing and has no hidden fees or markups.

Cake: Best POS for Efficiency

  • Cake’s hardware is very durable and can withstand spills.
  • The platform’s employee management tools help restaurant owners manage their operations better.
  • Customers might be subject to activation fees, which other providers don’t charge.
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10
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We chose Cake as the best POS for efficiency because of how well it streamlines restaurant operations. If you’re running a full-service restaurant with many seating arrangements, you can manage them all through the system. If you need to add additional menu items or modify existing ones, you can do that with Cake. If you’re having difficulty managing the times employees start and finish work, you can get them to clock in and out through Cake. Many restaurant staff report difficulty splitting tips after they finish their shifts. We like how Cake includes functionality to keep track of employees’ breaks and overtime and help them divide tips at the end of each shift.

We also like how efficient the POS makes reporting. You can set filters for products, categories, payment types and employees. Inventory management is built into the software so managers can track and update stock counts and staff know when a certain item is running low. We like how Cake includes customizable online ordering functionality, so customers who don’t want to eat at the restaurant can take advantage of that. The combination of these features makes Cake the best POS for efficiency.

Lavu: Best POS for Add-on Services

  • Lavu is exceptionally user-friendly and easy for restaurant employees to pick up and learn.
  • The platform’s reporting and analytics offer valuable insights into restaurant operations.
  • Customer service can sometimes be difficult to reach.
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10
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Lavu is our best pick for add-on services due to its array of integrations, from payments and ordering to delivery, accounting and payroll. This cloud-based restaurant POS system operates through iPads and supports additional hardware. Lavu is compatible with third-party payment processors, allows customizable integration features, and is highly customizable for those with programming skills. However, this POS platform has limited hardware options, and monthly software fees significantly increase if you don’t use Lavu Pay for payment processing. 

Lavu also includes two additional platforms: MenuDrive and Sourcery. MenuDrive is an online ordering system with marketing capabilities, such as sending emails, creating flyers and promoting menu items. Sourcery is a bill-pay and invoicing tool that integrates with various accounting software like Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, NetSuite and more.

Monthly fees for Lavu vary based on the plan. Pricing starts at $59 and can exceed $529; additional paid add-ons are available for specific features. Lavu stands out for its a la carte integration options and its high level of customization. On the other hand, to make the most of Lavu’s features, developer experience may be needed to reach its customization potential.

TouchBistro: Best POS for Restaurants

  • TouchBistro’s reports are easy to access and summarize.
  • The platform’s customizable add-ons make it an excellent system for many restaurants.
  • There aren’t any free options to get a better feel for the system before purchasing.
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10
Visit Site

We chose TouchBistro as the best POS for restaurants for a number of reasons. We know how challenging it can be to juggle the many tasks of running a successful restaurant. After testing out TouchBistro, we realized how helpful it could be in streamlining operations. TouchBistro allows managers to expedite the scheduling process with 7shifts integration. In addition, the staff management and schedule reports give essential insights into staff performance, labor costs and overtime trends.

Besides staffing and employee management, TouchBistro lets cashiers customize the experience for their guests through loyalty rewards, promotions and SMS messages. TouchBistro Payments allows for a smooth and error-free payment experience for guests and staff in the restaurant. Another thing we like about TouchBistro is inventory management. The inventory management in this POS system lets chefs keep track of the cost of every dish served. It enables them to figure out what menu items are the most profitable and set warnings for when inventory is low. Inventory monitoring ensures menu items are always available.

Pricing of POS Systems for Restaurants

When deciding on a restaurant POS system, it can often be difficult to figure out which solution will fit your budget and needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different pricing aspects you must consider when deciding on a POS system for your restaurant.

Pricing for POS systems varies depending on a couple of things, such as:

  • Size of your restaurant
  • Number of terminals needed
  • Features of the system
  • If the system is cloud-based

Subscription Rates

Most of the POS systems on the market utilize a subscription-based model. With this structure, you are charged either a monthly or annual fee. This fee varies depending on which features your plan offers. While you might find a basic POS system plan for $50 per month, the more expensive plans are packed with functionality and can cost several hundred dollars per month.

User Licenses

Some restaurant POS systems also charge depending on how many user licenses your restaurant requires. If you’re running a small restaurant, you might need only a handful of user licenses. If you’re running a large restaurant with many terminals, you’ll probably need more than just a few licenses. If you’re considering a restaurant POS system, always ask vendors about the cost of additional licenses. As your restaurant grows, this information is important to know.

Add-ons

Add-on services and hardware for your restaurant’s POS system will increase the overall cost. Some of these services include:

  • Loyalty programs
  • Online ordering
  • Tableside ordering devices
  • Accounting software
  • Payroll services

Implementation Costs

These costs relate to setting up and configuring the POS system for your restaurant. They include:

  • Hardware installation
  • Menu setup
  • Data migration
  • Staff training

Some POS providers include implementation costs as part of the monthly or annual service plan fee, while others charge a separate implementation fee.

TipBottom line
Before fully implementing a POS system, ask the vendor if you can test the system to see if there are any issues.

Category-Specific Expenses

Some restaurants have category-specific expenses that you need to consider. For example, if you’re running a quick-serve restaurant, you might need self-service kiosks. Or if you’re running a full-service restaurant, you might require tableside ordering devices or tablets for waitstaff.

Payment processing and cancellation fees are other considerations to keep in mind with pricing.

  • Payment processing fees: These are fees payment processors charge for every transaction made through your restaurant’s POS system. The POS provider doesn’t control these fees, but they might partner with specific payment processors. Always compare the processing fees for each POS system.
  • Contract terms and cancellation fees: Before deciding on a POS system for your restaurant, look closely at any contract terms you must abide by. If you choose to switch providers before your contract expires, be aware of any cancellation fees you might incur.

Let’s look at TouchBistro’s pricing as an example of a pricing structure for a POS system. Its pricing starts at $69 per month. POS software plans include:

  • Menu management
  • Floor plan and table management
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Tableside ordering
  • Staff management
  • Integrations

Some of the extra costs include:

  • $25 for gift card features: You can sell physical and digital gift cards through easy-to-make templates.
  • $50 for online ordering functionality: You’ll keep more profits instead of outsourcing order takeout to third-party providers.
  • $99 for loyalty and marketing features: This can help you turn first-time customers into repeat ones.
  • $229 for reservation functionality: This provides guests with a platform to make reservations.

Features of POS Systems for Restaurants

There’s a wide range of key POS features your restaurant should consider when investing in a POS system.

User Interface

An easy-to-navigate and straightforward interface is one of the most critical features of the best restaurant POS systems. When your staff can quickly learn how to use your restaurant’s POS system, it reduces the time required to train them. It also reduces errors.

Order Management

The best restaurant POS systems have order management functionality, making it easier for servers to take orders at the table. Many POS systems come with tablets that make order placement and communication with the kitchen very effective. Ultimately, this creates a streamlined workflow that results in faster preparation and delivery of meals.

Inventory Management

Inventory management features give automatic, real-time updates on stock levels. Diving into these analytics can show the most popular menu items, which helps you tailor your stock-control strategies.

Online Ordering Integration

The best restaurant POS systems offer built-in online ordering integration or integration with third-party delivery services. POS systems allow staff to easily manage in-house and online orders from one interface.

TipBottom line
Look for a POS system with an offline mode in case you encounter connectivity issues.

Reports and Analytics

The top POS systems give detailed reports and analytics on things like:

  • Inventory
  • Employee performance
  • Customer trends
  • Sales on menu items
  • Staff schedules

Using this data, restaurant owners can determine their strengths and weaknesses. Reporting and analytics can help you take action and boost your return on investment while giving customers a better overall experience.

Customer Relationship Management

Successful restaurants prioritize developing and maintaining good relationships with customers. As a restaurant owner, you should consider a POS system with customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities that allow you to collect diner information. This might be anything from contact information to dining preferences. You can use the information to create marketing campaigns, promotions and loyalty programs to attract more customers.

How to Choose a POS System for Restaurants

Choosing a restaurant POS system is an important decision that can affect the success of your restaurant. In this section, we’ll walk you through how to make the right decision.

1. Determine Your Restaurant’s Requirements and Budget

When deciding which POS is best for your restaurant, you need to examine your restaurant’s requirements closely. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How big is your restaurant?
  • What types of customers do you serve?
  • What types of food does your restaurant offer?
  • What POS features do you require?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you need a cloud-based POS system?

While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it isn’t always the best option.

2. Research POS Systems

After you’ve decided on your restaurant’s requirements and budget, you can start researching POS providers. Some of the things to look for include:

  • The POS provider’s track record
  • Customer reviews
  • Customer support options
  • Customization options
  • Frequency of system updates
  • Hardware options and compatibility

It’s recommended to look for POS companies that have been in business for more than a few years and have established themselves in the industry. In most cases, an experienced provider has a better chance of having a stable product than a company that is relatively new.

3. Compare Features

After you’ve researched a few restaurant POS systems, start comparing features. Make a list of the POS systems that have caught your eye, and outline the features your restaurant can’t do without.

4. Start Testing POS Systems

Once you’ve compared features between vendors, you should contact the vendors you’re considering and request a demonstration. Try to involve some of your staff in this step so you can see how they like the POS system and if it’s easy to use. Most vendors are more than happy to provide detailed demonstrations of their systems.

If your restaurant already uses other software, testing its integration with the new POS system is valuable. Smooth integration will mean fewer headaches when you’re getting things set up.

When going through the testing phase, you should also evaluate the level of customer support you’re receiving. Are the POS vendor’s reps able to answer all of your questions?

5. Consider Scalability

Consider how well each system can scale with your business. If you plan to expand to new locations, you want to ensure the POS systems you are considering can accommodate that.

6. Pricing and Terms

Get final quotes and contracts from each vendor you are considering to see if there are any terms you should be aware of or if something was added that hasn’t been discussed.

7. Make Your Choice

Once you factor in all of the above, you can make your final purchasing decision.

Benefits of a POS System for Restaurants

A POS system offers many benefits for your restaurant. It can streamline operations and boost the customer experience.

Order Accuracy

Order accuracy is one of the most significant benefits of a restaurant POS system. Gone are the days when servers must memorize every menu item and customization that a customer can order. Most POS systems have a straightforward interface where servers can easily input what customers order right at the table. This lowers the chances of errors occurring. Orders are then automatically sent directly to the kitchen.

Order Processing

Since orders are sent directly to the kitchen, where chefs can begin making the meals, it significantly speeds up order processing. If your POS system comes equipped with table management and mobile ordering, customer wait times will be reduced considerably, creating a better experience for everyone.

Inventory Management

With a good POS system, you can automatically keep track of stock levels in real time as the menu items are being processed. This lowers waste and makes sure popular menu items are always available.

Reporting and Analytics

Helpful reports and analytics can give you information on peak hours of operation, popular menu items, employee performance and sales trends. This is vital information that can be used to make more informed operating decisions.

Table Management

A POS system with table management functionality allows you to optimize seating capacity, reducing wait times for diners waiting to be seated. Some POS systems offer visual table layouts so that staff can monitor available seats while managing reservations. A POS system like Clover offers tableside, counterside and curbside service.

Payment Processing

Another benefit of POS systems is straightforward and seamless payment processing. In addition, payment processing can also be done right at the table. Customers can pay right at the table and leave the restaurant whenever they’re ready, without waiting for their server to deliver their bill, take their payment, process it and then bring it back to the table.

POS System FAQ

A POS system is short for point-of-sale system. A POS system is a combination of both software and hardware that assists restaurants with things like:

  • Transactions
  • Order management
  • Inventory management
  • Employee scheduling and performance

POS systems improve accuracy, streamline inventory management, and offer insightful reports and analytics that restaurant owners can use to improve their overall operations.

A POS system improves order accuracy and speed by reducing the need for traditional handwritten tickets and communications that servers and kitchen staff can forget. With a POS system, orders are entered directly into the software and then sent to the kitchen. This process dramatically reduces the chances of miscommunication.

Yes. Modern POS systems are designed to handle in-house and online orders. This allows diners to place delivery or carryout orders. Both in-house and online orders are synchronized with the same POS system.

Reputable POS systems place a strong focus on security and compliance. Customers don’t have to worry about their payment information being compromised when they make payments through these secure methods.

Quinn Springett Headshot
Quinn Springett, Senior Analyst & Expert on Business Operations
Quinn is a versatile, multi-faceted writer with a background and professional knowledge base that spans many industries. With a unique and educated perspective, Quinn captivates readers with his engaging and insightful narratives that resonate across various disciplines.
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