Running a bar is fast-paced—you’re managing tabs, pouring drinks, and keeping service moving. At POS USA, we review and recommend point-of-sale solutions designed specifically for bars, nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail lounges.
This page brings together our expert reviews of bar POS systems that are fast, reliable, and built to handle peak hours. Explore editor’s picks, customer favorites, and systems chosen for their real-world performance in busy bar environments.
Not sure where to start? Check out our top POS picks for bars.
💡 Tip: Use the little ⇄ icon on each card to add it to your POS comparison chart.
How to Choose the Right Bar POS System
Why it matters: The truth is, plenty of POS systems say they “work for bars.” And technically, they do. But that doesn’t mean they work well. A restaurant POS might handle table service nicely, but give it 30 tabs at once and watch it drag. And if you’ve ever had a bartender yell across the counter because the system froze while they were trying to add a round of shots—you know exactly why speed matters more in bars than anywhere else.
Features worth paying attention to: Don’t get distracted by flashy extras. Focus on what slows you down right now. Struggling with open tabs? Customers asking for splits? Or maybe you’re bleeding money because you have no way to track pours? A good bar POS system should fix those problems, not make them worse. Here’s what’s usually worth looking for:
- Tabs that open in a second (not ten)
- Easy transfers if a customer moves or another bartender takes over
- Happy hour pricing that kicks in automatically—no mental math
- Tip tracking that staff can’t “forget” to enter
- Inventory features that show waste, spillage, or over-pouring
- Handheld POS devices so servers don’t crowd behind the bar
- Integrations with payroll, accounting, and sometimes loyalty tools
Different bars, different setups: A small corner tavern might be fine with Square for Restaurants. A high-volume nightclub? Probably better off with Toast or Lightspeed. Cocktail bars that watch recipes and margins like a hawk lean toward systems with strong inventory.
And then there’s SkyTab POS. It’s endorsed by Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue—if a guy who’s rescued hundreds of failing bars thinks it works, that’s worth considering. It’s also one of our flagship systems at POS USA, because it was built for exactly the type of chaos bars deal with on their busiest nights.
Bar POS Systems: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bar POS system?
A bar POS system is hardware and software that’s built around how bars actually run. Instead of just taking payments, it helps you open and manage multiple tabs, apply discounts for happy hour automatically, and close checks without confusion.
Think of it as your second set of hands—it keeps track of things so you and your bartenders can focus on pouring drinks and keeping customers happy.
What features should I look for in a bar POS system?
That depends on your bar, but a few things are almost always non-negotiable. Quick tab handling is first—you don’t want customers waiting. The ability to split and merge checks easily is another. Then you’ve got happy hour pricing, which should happen automatically.
And if you care about profits (who doesn’t?), inventory tracking is huge. Overpouring and waste eat into margins more than most people realize. Some bars also look for tip tracking, time clocks, or even loyalty programs, depending on their setup.
Which POS systems are best for bars?
The most common systems we see in bars are Toast, Lightspeed, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, and SkyTab POS. Toast is popular for its speed and reporting. Square is simple and cheap to get started with. Lightspeed and TouchBistro are strong on inventory.
But SkyTab deserves its own shout-out. It’s backed by Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue, and it’s built specifically for the pace of busy bars. Integrated handhelds, smooth tab transfers, happy hour scheduling—it’s designed for service that doesn’t slow down, even when you’re three deep at the bar. At POS USA, we consider it one of our top recommendations for bars that want a system they can grow with.
How much does a bar POS system cost?
It varies a lot. If you’re a smaller spot, you might get by with Square, where you just pay processing fees and maybe a few hundred bucks for hardware.
Bigger names like Toast or Lightspeed usually charge $60–$100 per terminal per month, plus hardware and processing. Don’t forget contracts—sometimes that’s where the real cost creeps in. Always read the fine print before you sign anything.
Can a bar POS system help with inventory management?
Yes, and it should. The better systems track every ounce, whether it’s beer, wine, or liquor. That means you’ll know how much is left in a keg, which cocktails are making you the most money, and where you might be losing profits.
Some even connect to suppliers, so reordering stock isn’t a guessing game.
Is Toast good for bars?
Toast POS is one of the go-tos for bar owners. It handles tabs, custom pricing, and split checks really well. Add in handhelds and you’ve got flexibility for bigger venues.
The reporting is also solid—you can see what sells best, track busy times, and make decisions based on actual numbers instead of gut feel.
Do bar POS systems integrate with accounting or payroll?
Most of the modern systems do. QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto—they all usually connect. The benefit? Less manual work, fewer mistakes, and faster payroll runs.
If you’re already locked into certain software, check compatibility first so you don’t get stuck double-entering data.
Can I just use a restaurant POS for my bar?
You can, and a lot of owners do, but it’s not always the best move. Restaurant POS platforms often focus on table service and kitchen routing. Bars need speed—tabs, quick entry, happy hour pricing.
Some systems like Toast and TouchBistro give you both, but if you’re primarily a bar, it makes sense to go with something that’s designed with bars in mind.
Find the Best POS System for Your Bar
Not sure which POS fits your bar? We’ve got you. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the system that matches your setup and budget. No fluff, just straight recommendations.
