5 Best Restaurant POS Systems in 2024

Food and drink establishments require special technology to deliver the best customer experience and maximize profits. That’s where restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems come in. Unlike ordinary POS solutions that are designed to apply to all kinds of businesses, these programs are tailored to the specific needs of the restaurant industry, whether you run a fine-dining restaurant or the corner coffee shop.

The best restaurant POS systems — like TouchBistro, our top pick overall — boast intuitive ordering features, inventory tracking, tools for staff scheduling and customer loyalty programs, and much more. In a competitive market, the five solutions highlighted here stood out in business.com’s rigorous testing and analysis.

The best restaurant POS systems, like this one from Toast, include terminals, kitchen displays, laptop software and mobile apps. (Source: Toast)

A restaurant POS system is a point-of-sale (POS) system specially designed for use in food and beverage businesses. Unlike regular POS systems, restaurant POS systems are built with specific features applicable in restaurant settings, such as quick-service and full-service establishments, fine-dining restaurants, fast-casual eateries, coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, ice cream shops and even bars and breweries.

With these specialty features, restaurant owners and their staff can not only ring up sales but also use their POS system to create menus, track ingredients and popular items, schedule employee shifts, manage guest reservations and table assignments, facilitate takeout and delivery services, and implement loyalty programs. In addition to the valuable software, restaurant-specific POS systems also include hardware designed for usage in food and beverage businesses, such as kitchen display systems, tableside tablets and self-order kiosks. This technology allows restaurants to take and fulfill orders more efficiently.

While a restaurant POS system doesn’t make sense for businesses that aren’t in the food industry, some providers like Clover also sell POS solutions that cater to other sectors, such as retail stores and field services. Conversely, a food or drink business wouldn’t find much benefit in a general POS system or one designed for other business types. To get the most out of a POS system, a business should use one specific to their industry.

Restaurant-specific POS systems are uniquely equipped to help food and beverage businesses conduct everyday operations, from taking orders and ringing up sales to monitoring server performance and engaging repeat customers. Below are the benefits of using one of the best POS systems for restaurants.

• Streamlined ordering and sales processes: High-quality restaurant POS systems like Toast provide both the hardware and software required to expedite ordering and checkout, from handheld devices that can be used to place orders tableside to native payment processing so funds hit your bank account faster. These POS programs also help ensure order accuracy, error-free transactions and reliable financial records.

• Automated inventory and productivity monitoring: One of the biggest assets of a restaurant-focused POS system is all the behind-the-scenes work it can do without your assistance. For example, software programs such as TouchBistro will automatically adjust stock counts based on customer orders and can even reorder items for you when they’re getting low. Restaurant POS solutions will also keep an eye on your employees, tracking who is keying in and when, which workers generate the most sales and more.
• Increased customer engagement: With tools like text message communications, loyalty programs, gift cards and even features to create marketing materials like promotional emails and flyers, the leading restaurant POS systems help you attract and engage customers so they become loyal, repeat diners.
• Efficient cloud-based technology integrations: Today’s restaurant POS solutions are typically cloud-based, securely storing your data and granting you access from any internet-connected device, even if you’re away from your restaurant. Plus, with APIs and integrations, you can connect your POS system to the business software you already use to sync operations across your establishment and improve efficiency. For example, some programs will integrate with payroll services, accounting software, employee scheduling software and time-tracking systems. [Using the latest technology is one way to take your restaurant to the next level.]
  
• Valuable business intelligence: Thanks to the reporting functionality built into the leading restaurant POS systems, restauranteurs can get valuable insights into various aspects of their business. Metrics can not only reveal how the restaurant is performing but also forecast future sales, identify the most popular menu items, determine the most commonly used payment methods and more.
  

Kitchen displays, such as this one from Clover, showcase and categorize orders as the POS system receives them. However, they may only be available at an added cost. (Source: Clover)

Based on our investigation, pricing for a restaurant-specific POS system is usually around $50 to $70 per month for lower-level plans. Your total price will be impacted by a number of factors, including credit card processing rates, implementation costs, your chosen package tier, the equipment you need and any add-on services you select, such as online ordering and loyalty programs.

Your base cost will be for the restaurant POS software. This is typically a recurring monthly cost, although you can sometimes get a discounted price if you pay for a full year upfront. The most comprehensive packages cost nearly $400 per month. Then you’ll have per-transaction fees to account for. These are the rates charged to accept and process credit card payments. Credit card processing rates vary by provider and transaction type, such as whether the credit card is swiped or the number is keyed in. Clover, for instance, may charge 3.5% + $0.10 for card-not-present transactions and 2.6% + $0.10 for card-present transactions. Some vendors may be willing to negotiate their rates, especially if they don’t want you to use a third-party payment processor.

The other major expense for your restaurant POS system is hardware costs. A basic POS setup traditionally includes a terminal, card reader and receipt printer. But for a restaurant setting, you may also want guest-facing displays, a kitchen display system, handheld tablets for servers, tableside tablets for guest usage and self-order kiosks. The more equipment you purchase, the higher these costs will be. In fact, a complete setup could set you back more than $1,000. Also keep in mind that whether this technology is a one-time expense depends on what you initially purchase and whether you decide to expand your hardware selection as needs dictate. For example, your business may need just one or two terminals to start and only implement portable ordering devices down the line.

While we appreciate vendors that provide transparent pricing on their websites, it’s crucial to speak to a sales representative to make sure you understand all the costs involved with the restaurant POS service you’re considering. Some providers, like Clover, have a one-time package fee in addition to its monthly subscription price. Others, like Toast, offer a free POS solution but then limit the most robust features to their most expensive plan.

You’ll also want to inquire about any contract-related costs and cancellation fees. Companies may give you a better deal if you commit to a longer contract. Some may saddle you with early-termination fees. Get quotes from multiple providers to see which will offer you the best bang for your buck. [Learn more about POS system charges and fees.]

The process for choosing a restaurant POS system is much like when purchasing any business software or hardware. You’ll want to start by considering your restaurant’s specific needs. Then, guides like this one can help you determine which restaurant POS solution best lines up with your objectives at a price point you can afford.

To further assist you in your buying journey, business.com spoke with restaurateurs and food and beverage business owners to find out what they prioritized during the decision-making process. Below are the factors they considered when purchasing a restaurant-specific POS system.

Cost & Credit Card Processing Rates

Julie King, the owner of Villa México Café for more than two decades, recently upgraded her restaurant’s POS terminal and sought a vendor that doesn’t “charge fees for everything” and has “competitive” credit card processing rates.

“Right now, owning a restaurant is a labor of love, not money. Therefore, find the best tools and equipment at the best price,” King advised. “Ask providers what they bring to the table. Do you really need all the bells and whistles they’re trying to upsell you on? Most likely not, but they do need your business, so get a good deal.”

Integrations

At Malisse Sinito’s Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar, she selected her restaurant POS system “due to the integration with our reservation system, Tock.” King also wanted a restaurant POS solution that would “integrate with third-party ordering apps like Ritual and ChowNow so we don’t have to get more printers for those kitchen tickets.”

Added Services

Some providers, like Clover and Square, offer products that go beyond traditional restaurant POS functionality. King liked that with her chosen vendor, she could also enjoy “business benefits like loans and payroll [processing].”

Customer Support

While the biggest learning curve comes when you first implement a restaurant POS system, it’s inevitable hiccups will come in the future. For that reason, Jonathan Gillespie, a partner at Adalina, recommended, “Make sure you know what long-term support and services will come with the POS for the life of your partnership.”

Because “support, documentation and implementation resources” factored into his buying decision, Gillespie has been pleased to see that, several years later, his provider’s “continued support and desire to build out new features that meet our business needs remain unwavering.”

Modern POS systems like Cake eliminate the need to manually track and adjust seat assignments on paper. Instead, you can access digital restaurant layout tools on a computer or tablet. (Source: Cake)

Restaurant POS systems are different from regular point-of-sale programs in that they are packed with tools designed to facilitate the unique tasks involved with operating food establishments. Restaurateurs and their staffs need to develop and execute menu items, enable both in-person and online ordering, accommodate a variety of payment types, and attract new and returning customers.

When researching POS systems for your food and beverage business, you’ll want to look for solutions with the following POS features so you can streamline the above operations and provide the level of service that fosters customer loyalty.

Software Features

The key components of restaurant-specific POS software are order management, inventory management, employee management and guest management features. Order management tools allow you to control the flow of customers’ orders to and from the kitchen, while inventory management tools help you monitor food and beverage stocks, with the best systems offering granular ingredient-level tracking. Employee management tools help you schedule shifts, assign roles and even track which staffers complete the most upsells, and guest management tools let you adjust seating arrangements based on foot traffic, communicate with diners via text and more.

Your chosen software should also boast built-in payment processing or be capable of integrating with a third-party processor to transfer funds from sales to your bank account. Depending on the establishment, you may also want the program to include online ordering abilities, a reservations system and loyalty program features. Some solutions can facilitate delivery services or integrate with third-party delivery companies. Lastly, your restaurant POS software should have POS reporting that tracks critical business metrics. The best systems will allow you to create custom reports based on selected data, whether you want to see which servers turn over the most tables or which menu items are most popular.

Hardware Features

At the very least, your restaurant POS hardware setup will involve a terminal capable of placing orders, generating customer checks and processing payments. You may want to implement self-service kiosks and restaurant tablets that let diners place and pay for orders without requiring employee assistance. Many food and beverage businesses will also find it worthwhile to invest in a mobile POS system that allows servers to ring up sales from anywhere, which is critical for both tableside payment processing and events like food truck fairs.

Almost all establishments will find a kitchen display system essential for coordinating between the front and back of house, and like any business accepting credit cards, you will need a card reader. Some peripherals, like customer-facing displays and digital menu boards, are optional, but the more advanced your technology solution, the better customer service you may be able to provide. In any case, one of the biggest upsides of using a restaurant-specific POS system is that virtually all of the top vendors provide restaurant-grade hardware — that is, durable equipment that can withstand the high temperatures and messy spills common in food environments.

To implement a restaurant POS system, you’ll begin by establishing your online account to operate the software component. When the software is set up, you can begin connecting the hardware you purchased — terminals, card readers, receipt printers, display screens, etc. Whether you’ve chosen a cloud-based system, on-premises solution or hybrid program will dictate how long this process takes and the complexity involved.

Virtually all restaurant POS vendors provide step-by-step instructions for getting started. Their websites usually have self-guided tutorials you can share with employees so they can learn how to use the system. Some providers offer onboarding services for all plan levels, while others do only in their highest-tier packages or for an extra fee. In such instances, an implementation specialist will work with you and your team to ensure the software and hardware are set up correctly. You may also have access to a dedicated account representative or customer success manager who can help with any questions or troubleshooting as you learn how to use the system.

Just like with any new technology, there will be a learning curve. You should expect the implementation process to take up to a couple of weeks. If your restaurant hasn’t opened yet, you should aim to have your POS system fully operational and your staff trained on how to use it before welcoming customers. If you are already in operation, you may want to close for a few days of dedicated implementation and training if it will be too difficult to launch the system and onboard your team while your establishment is open and serving customers.

While our top picks for the best restaurant POS systems above would be stellar choices for any food and beverage business, you may want to also consider the alternative options below.

Lightspeed

Like Clover, Lightspeed offers several industry-specific POS solutions. Its restaurant POS system comes in three plans — Starter, Essential and Premium — that range in price from $69 per month to $399 per month. With the entry-level package, you can use the program to manage your menu, floor plans and in-house orders, along with takeout and delivery services.  We like that this plan also includes loyalty tools and advanced insights that some providers only offer with more expensive packages. Note, however, that you’ll pay more if you don’t use Lightspeed’s native payment processor. Get all the details in our in-depth Lightspeed review.

Revel

Similar to TouchBistro, Revel is an iPad-based POS system ideal for food and beverage businesses that want to integrate portable tablets into their order-taking and payment processes. For restaurants that want to keep their tablets stationary, the vendor sells iPad stands that make it easy to secure your device on a countertop. You’ll also find kiosks and kitchen display systems available to round out your setup. But among the things we appreciate most about Revel is its emphasis on fostering customer loyalty. You can take advantage of the company’s own customizable loyalty program or integrate with a wide selection of third-party services.

Square

Square’s restaurant POS system is offered alongside solutions for retail and appointment-based businesses. The basic Square for Restaurants software is available at no charge with one countertop POS device included. The Square for Restaurants Plus and Square for Restaurants Premium packages, priced at $69 per month and $165 per month, respectively, also include a kitchen display system, while the latter plan further adds in mobile POS software and the Square Kiosk at no additional cost. We especially appreciated that the POS system has an offline mode, allowing you to still accept payments even if your internet connection is interrupted. Unfortunately, loyalty tools cost extra. See our full Square review for more information.

Epos Now

Epos Now’s dedication to the retail and hospitality industries includes a POS system that can serve bakeries, breweries, food trucks, quick-service restaurants, pizza shops and more businesses in the food and beverage space. As a multichannel system, you can fulfill orders for in-house dining, takeout and delivery. The full solution encompasses the vendor’s restaurant-specific POS software, a terminal with a built-in printer and a card reader; a kitchen display system is available as a separate purchase. With Epos Now Payments, you can use the company as your payment processor, but we love that the system also integrates with third-party processing services. Learn more in our detailed review of Epos Now.

Brilliant

Brilliant is a little different than the other POS vendors on this list. To provide its restaurant POS system, it collaborates with Clover and uses its widely admired POS hardware. You can build your own technology solution by deciding whether to purchase the Clover Station Solo, the portable Clover Flex or assorted other devices. As for the software features, we like that Brilliant’s Dining POS is a hybrid cloud and local system with built-in CRM tools that facilitate valuable customer insights. We also found Brilliant helpful for planning waitstaff schedules and other aspects of employee management. Our Brilliant review has a full pricing breakdown.

To determine the best restaurant-specific POS systems on the market, our team of sales experts and software analysts began by evaluating an initial list of 112 POS solutions suitable across industries. We narrowed our list down to 10 options after identifying the most promising systems designed especially for food and beverage businesses. From there, our hands-on testing, interviews with vendors and in-depth research helped us determine the five best POS programs for food and drink establishments.

Our decision-making process involved examining the unique features each system offered for a variety of restaurant settings and considering whether the software and hardware would work just as well in a fine-dining restaurant as in a food truck. We weighed the quality of the equipment and whether it was proprietary to the vendor or sold through a partner like Clover. We looked into whether each POS company provided native payment processing or allowed businesses to work with the third-party processor of their choosing. In addition to studying payment processing rates, we compared every available plan and package tier, looking at price differences and what would cost restauranteurs extra.

Further, in addition to taking into account other aspects like usability, integrations and customer support options, we found it important to read through independent user reviews and customer testimonials to see if their experiences matched up with ours. Ultimately, we judged each restaurant POS system on more than 25 factors.

These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

• Pricing (30%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. We took into account monthly software fees, credit card processing rates, equipment charges and the costs of add-on services like loyalty programs, gift cards and peripheral hardware.
• Features (25%): We looked for standard restaurant POS system functions like order management, inventory management, guest management and employee management. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like integrations with Google and popular delivery services.
• Ease of Use (25%): We tested the hardware and software ourselves, gauging each solution’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered how easy it was for waitstaff to take and process orders tableside and for customers to order online.
• Customer Service (20%): We evaluated the range of customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which restaurant POS systems our readers could trust but also the ways in which each solution could best serve different food and beverage business needs. Some solutions were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of restaurant. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.