The key to managing a successful business in the restaurant and entertainment business is not only to have a good business model but to have the best possible tools to make a good business model into a lucrative operation.
For bars, it is crucial to have a point-of-sale system that can handle extensive input and be flexible enough to manage whatever comes up on any given night.
It is challenging to sift through the current choices on the market, and this list was developed to help make that process easier. This is a collection of the best POS system for bar to stay organized and make the workflow as simple as possible.
Top 5 Best POS Systems for Bars
| Brand | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Toast | Free | Foodservice |
| 2. CAKE | $69/month | Tracking performance |
| 3. Square POS | $60/month | Small business |
| 4. Lightspeed | $79/month | eCommerce |
| 5. Symphony POS | $55/month | Affordability |
1. Toast – Best POS system for foodservice
PRICING: The starter pack begins with zero money down, and charges depend on necessary add-ons.
When it comes to point-of-sale systems, the extra tools and features are what set one apart from another, and the Toast POS system certainly does just that. While this is a POS system primarily marketed to restaurants, it has a wide array of functions that make it an appealing choice for bars hoping to have options for growth.
This software is a good option for bars that offer a larger food menu or want the ability to offer online ordering and implement email marketing strategies. There are tools for menu creation, inventory management, and table control to keep all staff members apprised and organized from one simple platform.
KEY FEATURES:
- Order management and table control
- Online ordering
- Performance analytics
REASONS TO USE:
- Inventory management
- Extremely low upfront costs
- User-friendly experience
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Pricing could be unpredictable as it is based predominantly on add-ons
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2. CAKE – Best POS system for tracking performance
PRICING: The POS system starts at $1499, plus $69 per month for the software
For well-established bars not afraid of a larger price tag, CAKE POS software is a great tool for order management and overall performance tracking. This POS option is built to withstand the physical impact of daily bar activity, as well as the internal software stress of managing inventory, taking orders, and splitting checks.
It is easy to track business performance in terms of sales and inventory status, as well as employee performance and organization. This is a good POS option for bars with a larger employee base as it is an easy software to train new users and it can hold up well in a busy atmosphere.
KEY FEATURES:
- Order management
- Customizable system
- Inventory management
REASONS TO USE:
- Easy user interface
- The Physical POS system is durable and resistant to spills
- Employee performance and tracking tools
REASONS TO AVOID:
- This software requires bars to commit to a two-year contract, which can be problematic if you are unsure if it is the perfect fit for your establishment in the long run
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3. Square POS – Best POS system for small business
PRICING: A basic free plan is available, paid plans begin at $60 per month
If you are looking for a simplified way to take orders in your bar, the Square POS software is a phenomenal place to start. This option is more affordable than many other POS choices on the market, and the free plan offers a significant range of features to get you up and running.
This is a good system for bars with fewer extra needs outside of in-house ordering, although it is easy to find additional add-on features in higher-paid plans if necessary. It is easy to take and manage orders, and with multiple choices of hardware styles, you can manage tables and orders from multiple devices throughout your bar to keep things on the move.
This software is especially helpful for businesses already using other Square products as it is easy to integrate and create a web of workflow and connectivity within your organization.
KEY FEATURES:
- Menu and table management
- Order management
- Open and split checks
REASONS TO USE:
- Low cost for high-quality software
- Additional integrations for extra features as needed
- Multiple hardware choices in different sizes and styles
REASONS TO AVOID:
- This software may not be compatible with a larger, more complicated business operation
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4. Lightspeed – Best POS system for eCommerce
PRICING: Plans begin at $79 per month, but pricing is tied to the number of additional products you choose
For larger establishments that need one centralized system for ordering, payment, and inventory management, the Lightspeed POS system can be an incredibly useful tool. This software offers easy ordering and checkout systems to keep customers flowing quickly, as well as inventory and employee management to oversee stock status and time clocks.
The price of this software greatly depends on the needs of your business, so it is often a better choice for bars that have a strong flow of customers and some level of commercial marketing. One of the tools specific to this software is the eCommerce and brick-and-mortar shop management tools to allow for easy tracking and upkeep of your business. If your bar has a range of products for sale, like clothing and bar glasses, it is easy to create and manage digital sales and in-store inventory.
KEY FEATURES:
- Customer management and tracking
- Checkout and refund support
- Inventory management
REASONS TO USE:
- Physical and virtual sales support
- Basic time clock system
- Easy eCommerce design platform
REASONS TO AVOID:
- This option can be expensive if you are not willing to add additional services to round out a full Lightspeed business platform
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5. Symphony POS – Best POS system for affordability
PRICING: Plans start at $55 per month
If you are looking for a well-rounded POS system that offers useful functions without breaking the bank, Symphony POS is a strong contender. This software offers easy ordering from any device or third-party service, functional kitchen or bar management, and pricing controls all on user-friendly dashboards.
It is easy to get this software up and running, and training new staff is a breeze. To round out Symphony’s budget-friendly claims, when you sign up for the Symphony POS software, the physical POS hardware is only $1. This software is easily customizable with lots of integrations and offers a significant host of features without an outrageous price tag.
KEY FEATURES:
- Inventory and order management
- Food delivery integrations
- Quick payment processing
REASONS TO USE:
- Significantly lower upfront cost than other POS systems
- Simple user interface
- Helpful reporting options
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Some functionalities may be too basic for larger businesses or bars with more extensive food service and commercial needs
Whether you need a full-service order management, inventory tracking, and eCommerce software option, or a simplified system to take orders, this list has the best options for any bar to keep things moving efficiently and make business as usual a whole lot easier.
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Resources and Links:
- https://www.g2.com/products/toast/features
- https://pos.toasttab.com/pricing
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/cake-pos-review#pros
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cake-pos-profile/reviews/
- https://squareup.com/us/en/point-of-sale/restaurants/pricing
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/square-pos-review#pros-of-square
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/lightspeed-retail-pos-review#features
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/oracle-micros-simphony-pos-system-for-restaurants-profile/reviews/
- https://www.oracle.com/industries/food-beverage/restaurant-pos-systems/simphony-pos/essentials/