Best POS Systems for Restaurants
Restaurants need POS systems that can handle complex menus, table management, kitchen coordination, and increasingly, online ordering and delivery. The right POS can streamline operations and boost revenue.
Common Challenges
Must-Have Features
- ✓Menu management with modifiers
- ✓Kitchen display system
- ✓Table management
- ✓Split checks
- ✓Tip handling
- ✓Offline mode
Nice-to-Have Features
- ○Online ordering (commission-free)
- ○Delivery management
- ○Reservation system
- ○Loyalty program
- ○Inventory with recipe costing
Top Picks for Best POS Systems for Restaurants
Toast
Best overall for restaurants with industry-leading features
Best for: Full-service restaurants, multi-location
Square
Best for small restaurants and those starting out
Best for: Quick-service, food trucks, cafes
Clover
Good all-around option with app customization
Best for: Counter-service restaurants
Lightspeed
Strong for restaurants needing advanced inventory
Best for: Restaurants with retail components
Frequently Asked Questions
What POS features do restaurants need most?
Essential features include menu management with modifiers, kitchen display/printing, table management (for full-service), split checks, tip handling, and reliable offline mode. Online ordering is increasingly essential.
Should I use a restaurant-specific POS like Toast?
For full-service restaurants, yes. Restaurant-specific systems like Toast offer better kitchen coordination, table management, and industry features. For simple quick-service, general systems like Square work well and cost less.
How much should a restaurant POS cost?
Expect $0-100/month for software plus processing fees (2.3-3%). Hardware ranges from $300 for basic setups to $3,000+ for full kitchen systems. Total first-year costs typically run $2,000-$10,000 depending on complexity.