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Choosing A POS System For Your Restaurant

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      Written by: Hilary YoungPublished: June 7th, 2025

      Choosing the right Point-of-Sale (POS) system is one of the most important decisions you will make for your restaurant. The right POS will keep everything flowing and moving as it should, but the wrong choice will cost you time and money in the long run.

      With so many different options on the market these days, it can be hard to figure out which POS systems will truly allow you to make smarter decisions for your business. That's why we've done the research for you; there's no need for you to spend hours combing reviews on the internet no matter your size or stage of business.

      Jump to: Our Top Picks

      Why Use A POS System?

      A POS, or Point-of-Sale, system is a major upgrade from the analog process of managing restaurant operations with pen and paper. More than just a digital cash register, a POS system has the ability to directly communicate orders from waitstaff to the kitchen, track inventory and improve daily operations by giving you access to important data that can help inform decision-making.

      But finding the right POS system for your restaurant is another story.

      What To Consider Before Investing In A POS System For Your Restaurant

      Not all POS systems were created equal. Depending on your type of restaurant, size, and the kind of integrations you need, your choice of POS system will vary.

      For example, food trucks, quick service restaurants and coffee shops don’t have much of a need for a complicated system including multiple handheld devices but dine-in restaurants that get busy during peak hours would benefit from having more robust options. 

      Or, for chain restaurants or restaurant groups with multiple locations to manage, considering a more customizable POS solution with a centralized dashb
      oard for easy access to important data could be ideal.

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      VETTED AND APPROVED BY BACK OF HOUSE EXPERTS

      Our Top Picks

      Feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there? We’ve got you covered. Our team of experts have identified their top choices for POS systems for you. As you review, pay close attention to more than just price–from the level of your own involvement in the process to the other types of integrations that work well with each platform, it’s important to take your restaurant needs into careful consideration before making an investment.

      Any paid partnerships have no influence on our evaluations and suggestions. All our opinions are our own.

      Cluster Systems
      GREAT FOR GROWING RESTAURANTS

      Get $250 off of your equipment

      Cluster POS is a highly customizable point-of-sale system designed to meet the needs of restaurants and hospitality businesses of all sizes. Built for reliability, Cluster will remain operating smoothly even without an internet connection, ensuring uninterrupted service during outages.

      Payment Processing

      Flat or Custom Rate

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Available

      Setup

      Remote, optional on-site installation

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Features Icon Features

      • Cloud-based reporting and menu management

      • Integrated gift card program

      • QR code and online ordering (with qualifying license)

      • Multi-location management

      • Accounting software integrations

      • Loyalty, inventory, and labor add-ons

      • Delivery aggregator integration (UberEats + more)

      Icon Payment Processing

      Operators have the freedom to choose from several payment processor options, ensuring compatibility with preferred providers.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      Cluster POS integrates with accounting tools, third-party delivery apps (like UberEats), and offers enhanced modules for loyalty, labor, and inventory. It’s built to scale with your business—whatever your model or service type.

      Support Icon Support

      From menu programming to launch, every customer gets a dedicated onboarding specialist and real human training. Optional on-site setup is available across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring a smooth and supported start.

      GoTab
      GREAT FOR HOSPITALITY

      Get $500 off hardware plus more

      GoTab is more than just a POS—it’s a powerful, all-in-one platform designed to streamline operations and elevate the guest experience in restaurants, breweries, food halls, and event spaces.

      Payment Processing

      Flat or Custom Rate

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Available

      Setup

      Remote

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Features Icon Features

      • Open & share tabs between guests and servers

      • No app required—100% browser-based ordering

      • RFID ordering via wristbands or cards

      • Advanced KDS with real-time stock control

      • Real-time, contactless menu management

      • Guest messaging via 2-way KDS text

      • Event management & private menus

      • Loyalty programs, memberships, & subscriptions

      • Fast reporting accessible from any device

      • Custom order rules, promos, and discounts

      • Run on iOS, Android, and Windows devices

      • Offline access with GoTab Sync

      Icon Payment Processing

      GoTab enables secure, flexible payment options including tap, dip, swipe, and mobile wallets. Pre-auth tabs make transactions smooth and secure for guests and operators.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      Integrates with top hospitality tools like 7shifts, Tripleseat, Restaurant365, MarginEdge, iPourIt, and PourMyBeer. These integrations help unify your back-office operations and enhance visibility across systems.

      Support Icon Support

      U.S.-based support team is available 24/7 via chat and phone, with an average 2-minute response time. A dedicated Customer Success Manager and onboarding team ensure personalized setup, ongoing training, and hands-on guidance at every step.

      Otter
      GREAT ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM

      Up to 15% off software

      Otter is a comprehensive restaurant tech ecosystem built to help operators grow revenue, simplify operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. You can unify your digital orders, access real-time performance data, leverage AI-powered marketing, and manage menus and payments across multiple channels and locations—all from one intuitive platform.

      Payment Processing

      Transparent Rates

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Limited capabilities 

      Setup

      7 days or less with an onboarding specialist

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Icon (2) Features

      • Live operational data and real-time alerts

      • AI-powered marketing and promotions

      • Order viewing and editing across all channels

      • Menu editing across multiple platforms and locations

      • Accept payments via kiosks, mobile, or online

      • Streamlined onboarding with dedicated support

      • Cloud-based dashboard with centralized insights

      • Fast setup—go live in a week or less

      Icon Payment Processing

      Otter offers competitive transaction rates for both card-present and online payments, starting at 2.39% + $0.15.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      Integrates with 100+ leading restaurant technology partners, including systems for online ordering, inventory, staffing, loyalty, and more. These integrations ensure a connected backend to simplify your daily operations.

      Support Icon Support

      Otter’s support team is available 24/7 to help you troubleshoot and stay on track. New customers also receive dedicated onboarding assistance to get fully set up in 7 days or less.

      Toast
      GREAT ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM FOR SMALL & MEDIUM BUSINESSES

      Up to $999 off

      Toast’s straightforward interface, array of features, and seamless integration with apps for staff management make it an ideal choice for restaurants wanting an established POS system. It’s easy to use and allows you to scale with one POS provider.

      Payment Processing

      Custom Rates

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Available

      Setup

      In-Person & Remote

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Icon (2) Features

      • Handhelds and contactless ordering
      • Payroll and team management solutions
      • Collect valuable data for marketing and loyalty programs
      • Customized interface and integrations
      • Robust reporting
      • Continue service during a network disruption with offline mode

      Icon Payment Processing

      Toast will work with you to build a custom payment processing rate that fits your restaurant's unique characteristics and needs. Their hardware and software is equipped with technology to help you prevent fraud and protect your and your customers’ data.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      Toast offers integrations with almost 90 of the most-used restaurant software solutions for scheduling, accounting payroll, inventory, and delivery. You can explore all Toast integrations to see for yourself.

      Support Icon Support

      Toast offers 24/7 support for all of their restaurant partners, so you can call them at any time to troubleshoot a problem. You can choose between self-service onboarding or onsite + remote onboarding with a dedicated consultant to get started. They also have an online Customer Care center with articles, walkthroughs, system updates, and relevant news to stay up-to-date.

      SpotOn
      GREAT ADD-ONS & INTEGRATIONS

      Up to $1,000 off

      SpotOn is built for omnichannel success, offering flexible ordering options—from dine-in to online to QR code—to meet guests where they are. Its all-in-one platform includes powerful tools for labor management, scheduling, tip tracking, and payroll prep.

      Payment Processing

      Custom or transaction based payment processing

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Available

      Setup

      In person

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Features Icon Features

      • Offline mode
      • Easily integrate with 30+ partners 
      • Digital waitlist and reservations
      • Reporting
      • QR code capabilities
      • Market research capabilities 
      • Seamless transitions with 4G LTE connectivity
      • Online ordering
      • Labor management 
      • 90 fully interactive reports
      • Custom website builds

      Icon Payment Processing

      SpotOn’s standard payment processing rate is 1.99% + 25 cents per transaction. For Reward, international, corporate, and keyed-in cards, the rate is 2.99% + 25 cents per transaction. You can also talk through custom rates with the SpotOn team, and month-to-month contracts mean you aren’t locked in for multiple years and stuck with rate increases.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      SpotOn has 35+ integration partners that enable online ordering, digital waitlists and reservations, staff management, and reporting. You can check out all of the integration partners on SpotOn’s website.

      Support Icon Support

      SpotOn offers white glove support, 24/7 support via phone call, in-person hardware installation, face-to-face staff training, ongoing virtual training, and support for staff and management.

      Square
      GREAT FOR MOBILE OR COUNTER-SERVICE, COFFEE STOPS, AND FOOD TRUCKS

      Up to $5,000 in credits

      Square POS is an all-in-one platform combining POS operations, payments, online ordering, KDS, marketing, and reporting. It’s easy to set up and use, making it ideal for everything from pop-ups to multi-location chains.

      Payment Processing

      Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express all cost the same rate

      Offline Capabilities

      Group 2097 1Available

      Setup

      Remote

      Online Ordering

      Group 2097 1Available

      Features Icon Features

      • Server-friendly interface
      • Mobile POS kit
      • Floor and kitchen management tools
      • Optimize your menu, view live sales, and get
        service reports
      • Menu and online ordering customization options
      • Sync orders from anywhere
      • Live reporting functionality
      • Compatible with iPad and industry kitchen printers, receipt printers, cash drawers & routers

      Icon Payment Processing

      Square uses PCI compliant hardware, end-to-end encryption for payments, and fraud prevention software. They have transparent, set processing fees that apply to each transaction. The processing rate varies depending on the type of transaction.

      Integrations Icon Integrations

      Square boasts over 100 integrated apps on their app marketplace, including 26 restaurant specific integrated apps. View their full list of integrations.

      Support Icon Support

      Square customers get access to a dedicated account manager, technical specialist, and solutions engineer, available by phone from 9am–9pm EST. Outside those hours, 24/7 web chat support is available. An online support center and seller community are also available for additional help.

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