Source<\/a>). As a restaurant manager, choosing the right software will give you a competitive edge and keep your patrons happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow more than ever, touchless payment systems are a must, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The right POS system will help automate or streamline every operation in your restaurant \u2014 from taking orders, to monitoring your inventory, and tracking to-go or online orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best restaurant POS systems will cater to tasks like quick service, food delivery, and online ordering. The entire platform should facilitate communication between the front and back of house, spur growth, drive revenue, and cut costs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhether you run a full-service restaurant or a quick-service operation, restaurant challenges like secure payments, employee scheduling and inventory management are always top of mind. A point of sale system can also help with customer loyalty, tableside ordering, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this review guide, we compared a list of the top 20 best restaurant POS systems.<\/strong> We took factors like the type of foodservice, features, price, hardware, and more into consideration. Ultimately, your software choice will depend on your restaurant type and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s Take A Sneek Peek: The Top 10 Restaurant POS Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. TouchBistro<\/strong> 2. Upserve<\/strong> 3. Toast<\/strong> 4. CAKE<\/strong> 5. Aloha<\/strong> 6. Talech<\/strong> 7. Lavu<\/strong> 8. Lightspeed Restaurant<\/strong> 9. Square for Restaurants<\/strong> 10. Revel Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Do You Need a Restaurant POS System?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo modern establishment would think twice about writing paper tickets. The industry has forever changed and now, the type of technology you employ is almost as important as how the food tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s because the name of the game is speed and efficiency. Having a top POS system is vital for restaurants to compete. POS systems for restaurants are essential for connecting the front and back of house like no other technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even online ordering is simplified in a single platform. Restaurant computer systems automate important foodservice management tasks, making communications and operations easier as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The software is specifically designed to keep track of things like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCustomer data<\/li> Inventory<\/li> Employee activities<\/li> Sales<\/li> Cash flow<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nComparing The Best Restaurant POS Systems for 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. TouchBistro: Best Overall Restaurant POS System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nDeveloped by people in the restaurant industry, TouchBistro is designed to efficiently run a full-service restaurant from mobile POS hardware. The brand gives you the freedom to choose your own payment processor from top-tier partners. This includes integrated payment solutions, pay-at-the-table options, and the ability to accept all types of methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTouchBistro POS on an iPad device<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe TouchBistro platform offers a host of features that includes robust menu management. A business can merchandise items with full-color pictures. The menu can always be updated from an iPad when inventory changes. No more sending 86\u2019d orders back to the kitchen. Communication is streamlined between the front and back of house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Service Restaurant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn addition to a full-service offering, TouchBistro also caters to quick-service restaurants. The system is designed to speed up service and increase sales. Pull more revenue in less time with predictive, quick-cash buttons. Reduce ordering errors with voids sent to the kitchen automatically. You can also drive sales with the TouchBistro customer loyalty program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food Truck<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA fast-paced solution for a restaurant always on-the-go, TouchBistro offers a lean solution for food trucks. It\u2019s the power of a traditional restaurant POS system all in the touch of an iPad. Drive repeat business with order accuracy and make menu edits as you go. Clock employees in and out, take cash payments, and view reports\u2014even when offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTouchBistro\u2019s point of sale is used by thousands of Food Truck businesses. Using a customer-facing display to ring up transactions is important for any food-based business.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther types of restaurants include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bars and clubs<\/li> Brewery<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nKey features include:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRestaurant inventory tracking & management<\/strong> \u2013 ingredient-level food costs, real-time alerts, and profit margins by menu item.<\/li>Floor plan and table management<\/strong> \u2013 manage multiple sections, identify slow-turners, and move parties around freely.<\/li>Staff management and scheduling<\/strong> \u2013 track labor costs, measure performance, and schedule staff.<\/li>Customer relationship management (CRM)<\/strong> \u2013 tools that remember and reward customers, personalized service, and promotions strategy.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nTo learn more about their POS system, read our TouchBisto POS review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Upserve POS: The Best Cloud-Based Restaurant POS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nUpserve is a restaurant point of sale system designed for small to medium businesses. This industry-leading mobile restaurant POS system streamlines operations and increases productivity. The software is available on sleek, restaurant-grade terminals with all payments built-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This restaurant computer system offers brilliant menu intelligence. Servers can search items and categories on the spot and fire off orders quickly. It combines restaurant POS software data with payment processing. This allows you to see which items are selling well and what\u2019s creating repeat customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpserve offers a friendly and easy to use interface. Adjust your menu or manage your table \u2018in a flash\u2019.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUpserve deployment is simple. They assign every customer a dedicated success manager and provide 24\/7\/365 U.S.-based support. Intuitive workflows and a dedicated \u201chow to\u201d site means a business always has support in every aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upserve Live<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUse Upserve Live for a real-time view into your restaurant from anywhere on the planet. It\u2019s an always-on link to your business, organizing sales, and more. All in one spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upserve Inventory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUpserve Inventory gives you hours back to focus on what is important. Automated inventory tracking and management and one-click purchasing means you control food costs and know the profitability of each menu item.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpserve offers inventory management \u2018like no one else in the industry\u2019. Keep track of supplies that are running low.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upserve Payments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPayment processing that comes with EMV, transparent pricing, and restaurant insights on guest behavior and loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRestaurant analytics<\/strong>\u2013 insights that make it easier to understand and manage labor costs, scheduling, and productivity.<\/li>Menu intelligence <\/strong>\u2013 instantly search menu items or categories, fire off orders quickly, and know which items are 86\u2019d in real-time.<\/li>Offline mode<\/strong> \u2013 no internet, no problem. Upserve works offline to send orders to the kitchen and transact with customers.<\/li>Split checks and items<\/strong> \u2013 servers can transfer, merge, and split checks fast between cash and card payments.<\/li>Training mode <\/strong>\u2013 provide hands-on practice for new employees. It\u2019s easier to train staff with your own menu and data without disrupting service.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nTo find out if Upserve is right for your restaurant, read our Upserve review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Toast: The Best All-in-One Restaurant Management Solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nToast is a POS software for restaurants that is built to make your business better. It combines powerful cloud-based software with durable hardware and high-rated payment processing. The brand offers handheld technology designed for the restaurant environment that enables a team to accelerate service and see more guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
80% of the Toast implementation team has restaurant experience. They offer free 24\/7\/365 support via Toast Central and received a 2018 award for \u201cCustomer Service of the Year.\u201d They pride themselves on always being there for customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUser-friendly menu from Toast. Can be adjusted based on your restaurant\u2019s needs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nInnovative training in the Toast Central channel means staff is always one step ahead of the game. It features interactive webinars and training through Toast University. The knowledgebase is a searchable resource that\u2019s always on. Customers also get access to new products and the ability to provide quality feedback through the VIP Table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toast is one of the best POS systems for restaurants because it has set up on-demand digital channels for delivery, takeout, online ordering, and e-gift cards. They offer free three months with no hardware or POS purchase necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRing up customers with handheld tablets for streamlined efficiency in your restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nToast Go is a fully integrated handheld POS system that is pocket-friendly and drop resistant. Fire directly to the kitchen straight from the table. Servers can access upsell prompts while the menu is automatically updated in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPayroll and team management<\/strong>\u2013 a feature built exclusively for restaurants, the payroll and team management help your business thrive and grow.<\/li>Online ordering <\/strong>\u2013 a digital platform developed to save time and money with orders fired directly to the kitchen.<\/li>Analytics and reporting<\/strong> \u2013 detailed analytics to keep tabs on performance on any device. A unified view of net sales and labor costs across all locations.<\/li>Tableside ordering<\/strong> \u2013 take orders and payments at the table. Send digital receipts and gather data to grow your customer list.<\/li>Toast Kiosk <\/strong>\u2013 an easy-to-use interface that enables custom branding and instant order notification. It features kitchen technology integration, recommended add-ons, and the ability to tip on screen.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not sure if this restaurant POS system is right for your operation, read our Toast POS review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. CAKE: The Best Quick-Service Restaurant POS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nCAKE is a popular POS system for restaurants developed by Sysco. It\u2019s intuitive, simple, and cost-effective. It features affordable and robust hardware (in black or white), transparent pricing, and 24\/7 customer support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAKE Guest Manager integrates with the system to increase table turns by up to 7%. This instantly connects the dining room with the back of house for faster and more efficient service opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manual table status updates are a thing of the past. That\u2019s because teams can communicate while remaining at their stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSolid reporting from CAKE\u2019S sales screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDynamic Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBe everywhere at once with CAKE\u2019s in-depth reporting feature. This puts you in better control of your restaurant and gives your establishment the ability to track metrics in real-time. This includes running reports for things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weekly category sales<\/li> Wages<\/li> Employee hours<\/li> Productivity<\/li> Inventory levels<\/li> And more\u2026<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nSimplified Payments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCAKE offers industry-low rates per swipe which makes it easier to focus on more important things in your business. There is never any complicated paperwork and you can start accepting payments in just minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is never any fixed cost or monthly fee. You only pay when you use the service which makes this platform unique on the list. The Smart Chargeback Assistance helps every business fight back against fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CAKE system works offline and has a white, 15\u201d touch display. They also offer powerful, third-party integrations through CAKE Market with leading brands. The tablet-based OrderPad also enables a business to bring the POS system tableside to facilitate ordering and FOH to BOH communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck your online orders in CAKE POS and view your incoming payments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nKey features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnline ordering<\/strong>\u2013 connect with consumers who are online and broaden sales horizons.<\/li>Cloud-based \u2013 <\/strong>all data is stored in the cloud. This means the system can be used offline and upload data when connected again.<\/li>Menu admin \u2013<\/strong> this allows a business to adjust their menu and prices from anywhere on the planet.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nTake a look at our CAKE POS review to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Aloha: Best POS System For Restaurants & Bars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEstablished in 1997, Aloha is built by NCR. It\u2019s one of the best restaurant pos software systems on the market and is an industry-leading technology provider. They offer end-to-end solutions that address all your operational needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nHCS employees are former restaurant and hospitality professionals that understand what it takes to run a successful operation. The Aloha cloud applications do everything from labor management to reporting and analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck real-time stats with Aloha from your mobile device. Always be in the know of how your restaurant is doing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther key benefits include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSecurity services<\/li> Guest interaction<\/li> Online ordering<\/li> Back office remote tools<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe system also has the ability to add more features via the open API. The robust speed, functionality, and accuracy help to not only improve customer service but drive growth and increase profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Labor and Inventory Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAloha helps to remove the barriers to managing the major costs to your business. Sites can optimize staffing, streamline communications with suppliers, and control food costs. This is all with central visibility and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAloha POS on an iPad device (hardware by NCR)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nData Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nValuable labor and sales data is collected from all locations and made available via the cloud. This results in unmatched visibility and enables fast and accurate decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Site Configuration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne central database controls the configuration settings for all locations. A business owner can securely access data from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows management to push changes like pricing and menu items in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSecurity services<\/strong>\u2013 protect customer credit card data from cyber-attacks. This helps to maintain a strong network and create a multi-layered defense solution.<\/li>Customer loyalty<\/strong> \u2013 stay connected with stored customer data. Utilize reward and bonus programs that are flexible and best identify guests.<\/li>Digital signage <\/strong>\u2013 engage customers and leverage your brand with intelligent digital signage. Promote new items and control menu prices from anywhere on the globe.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nBefore deciding, read our full Aloha POS review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Talech: Best iPad-Based Restaurant POS System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nTalech is a feature-rich platform that is a top-rated cloud-based point of sale system for restaurants. It\u2019s a simple solution that is equipped with more than 100 restaurant-specific features. The intuitive design comes with a free demo and allows a business to apply discounts, create orders, view sales, and manage inventory with just a few taps and clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The platform is based in the cloud which means you can access the system anywhere at any time. Talech works closely with merchants across all verticals to understand the needs of a modern POS system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nTable and Position Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGet an eagle-eye view of your open and seated tables. Set up a floor plan with multiple rooms and tap on a table to start. Streamline the ordering process by setting table and seating positions. Split shared items across multiple positions to make it easier for guests to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Order Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAssign plates and dispatch tickets to multiple printers. Approve and track voids when changes occur during the order process. Automatically apply taxes, service charges, and gratuities based on present rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discounts and Offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSet discounts in Talech or use the colorful, user-friendly menu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreate happy hour discounts to trigger at specific days and times. Set up advanced \u201cBuy One Get One Free\u201d (BOGO) discounts to offer deals and encourage more spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSeamless sync \u2013 <\/strong>manage orders across multiple devices in real-time. Even when the internet goes down a restaurant can still sign in, take orders, and accept cash payments.<\/li>Customer-facing display<\/strong> \u2013 provide greater visibility into the purchase flow and customize the display. Engage at the point of purchase with promotions and custom messaging.<\/li>Integrated gift cards <\/strong>\u2013 gain new customers and grow sales. Use high-resolution plastic gift cards or brand email and digital cards.<\/li>Tips and signature <\/strong>\u2013 speed up checkout by skipping signatures for small amounts. Set suggested tip amounts to make closing a check a breeze.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a system, read our full Talech POS review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Lavu: Best Small Restaurant POS System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\niPad POS system in the App Store and today, has processed over 400 million transactions. Additionally, they boast 1.3 billion menu items sold in over 93 different countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The brand offers 300+ restaurant-oriented features that are designed to meet the needs of any size business. These include aspects like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Menu<\/li> Reports<\/li> Checks<\/li> Payment<\/li> Scheduling<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nLavu integrates seamlessly with a variety of restaurant apps for every department. Run comprehensive and detailed reports in Lavu\u2019s business management suite. Optimize the training and onboarding process with a full selection of features.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCustomize images for any food items on your menu, making it easy for your restaurant staff to ring up transactions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSell Faster<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe iPad POS system offers speed and flexibility. Enhance the customer experience while reducing wait times. Order quicker with the tools you need to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Customize menu and restaurant layouts for easier access and faster ordering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detailed Tracking and Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Lavu platform allows a business to run detailed reports for valuable insight. Some of the various types of reports you can analyze include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Labor reports<\/li> Real-time sales<\/li> Individual menu items<\/li> Inventory levels<\/li> Real-time payments<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nModifiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSet custom modifiers in Lavu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA customized menu allows a business to add the right modifiers that increase sales and lead to a higher rate of customer satisfaction. Built-in modifiers ensure servers are upselling whenever possible and sending all necessary information to the kitchen about guest preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nInventory tracking\u2013 <\/strong>cut back on food waste while keeping key ingredients in stock.<\/li>Scheduling shifts \u2013<\/strong> staff can switch shifts, clock in and out, and manage their schedules straight from the dashboard.<\/li>Total efficiency<\/strong> \u2013 cut down on FOH and BOH communication times, reduce waste from human error, and keep track of high-profit menu items.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nNot sure if this POS system is for you? Read our complete Lavu POS review first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Lightspeed Restaurant: A Highly-Scalable POS System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nLightspeed Restaurant POS is built to scale with your business. That means it functions across multiple platforms in a variety of channels that you can manage all at once. A brand can generate multi-location reports to monitor overall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Edit menus from all locations in a central space with no delay. It\u2019s a fully-featured solution you\u2019ll never outgrow. Whether delivering on the road or serving in a dining room, the staff relies on the POS system to keep things running smoothly. With just a tap and slide you can make adjustments to the floorplan in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the Lightspeed reporting tools to see what\u2019s working and spot new opportunities. Accommodate last-minute reservations and special requests on the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith Lightspeed Restaurant, you can arrange what\u2019s on your screen by user, seat, product, and more<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnline and Delivery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaximize your delivery zone to reach more customers quickly. Lightspeed allows a business to consolidate all online orders into a single dashboard for easier management. Get orders from top apps like DoorDash and UberEats sent directly to your POS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built to Scale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nScale as you grow. Add more users, servers, bartenders, and other staff to your POS system<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLightspeed Restaurant is a fully-featured solution you\u2019ll never outgrow. A business has the ability to edit menus for all locations no matter where you are. This enables you to generate multiple reports and monitor the overall performance of the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The POS terminal is EMV-compliant and built to handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taps<\/li> Tips<\/li> Swipes<\/li> Splits<\/li> Mobile payments<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAdd tips on the spot or later when servers have the time. You can even open tabs and place orders under specific customer accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSelf-order kiosks\u2013 <\/strong>allow customers to take control and place the order themselves.<\/li>In-depth reporting<\/strong> \u2013 assess hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly revenue with reports built right into the POS system.<\/li>Employee management <\/strong>\u2013 staff can clock in\/out and swap shifts. Track employee performance with shift and labor reports.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nTo see if this POS system can do wonders in your restaurant, read our review of Lightspeed Restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. <\/strong>Square for Restaurants: Top-Rated Hospitality POS System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nSquare is one of the most popular POS systems for restaurants on the market. It\u2019s built to save time, connect with customers, and run your business. The platform only charges for payment processing and your first piece of hardware (a portable card reader) is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Payment Processing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can accept all types of payments quickly and securely, whether at the counter or tableside. The same rate is charged across all cards and transfers are next day. There are never any chargeback or refund fees. All payments are PCI compliant with end-to-end encryption.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the most colorful and user-friendly menus from Square for Restaurants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMenu Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEvery tool in Square is built to assist with coursing. Optimize floor plans to turn more tables and use conversational modifiers to speed up ordering. You can even repeat rounds of drinks with just a few simple taps. Every tool is designed to help your team move faster. Other key features in menu management include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Customizable layouts<\/li> Make changes from anywhere<\/li> Top sellers on the main menu for quick selling<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nSquare Online<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOrders that are placed online will automatically sync for easier integration. Serve consumers in their homes with Square Online Store. Offer your own delivery service, curbside pickup, or a third-party app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nManage tables with ease. Assign specific roles for each user.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCustomize the floor plan every shift for the sections and tables you need. Organize the bar, dining room, and other areas for large parties using the intuitive click-and-drop tool. A restaurant can individually monitor every seat in the establishment and have a better understanding of when a table is about to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n