Best POS Systems for Small Restaurants (2025 Review)

For small restaurant owners, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system can mean the difference between chaos and streamlined success. A modern POS system does more than just process payments—it helps manage menus, track sales, coordinate orders, and even support online delivery.

This guide reviews the best POS systems for small restaurants in 2025, helping you find a solution that’s affordable, scalable, and tailored to your operational needs.

Square for Restaurants: Best for New & Small Operators

Square remains one of the most popular options for independent restaurants due to its simplicity, transparent pricing, and quick setup.

Why choose Square:

• Easy to use with minimal training

• Free starter plans available

• Integrates with online ordering and loyalty

• Works well for counter-service or quick-service restaurants

It’s ideal for small teams who want to avoid lengthy contracts or expensive onboarding.

Toast POS: Best for Full-Service Restaurants

Toast is purpose-built for the hospitality industry and offers a robust toolset for dine-in, takeout, and delivery restaurants.

Key features:

• Android-based hardware and mobile handhelds

• Deep menu and modifier customization

• Tip management and payroll integrations

• Built-in online ordering and delivery modules

Toast is perfect for growing small restaurants that need advanced tools and reliable support.

Revel Systems: Best for Multi-Unit Expansion

Revel is a hybrid POS with enterprise-level features but flexible enough for ambitious small operators.

Why consider Revel:

• Real-time multi-location reporting

• Drive-thru and kiosk options

• Kitchen display systems (KDS) integration

• Open API and hardware flexibility

Revel is more technical, but ideal for restaurants planning to expand or integrate multiple platforms.

TouchBistro: Best for Table-Service Focus

Designed for iPad, TouchBistro is built around the restaurant floorplan, ideal for cafes, small bistros, or casual dining.

Top features:

• Tableside ordering and payment

• Floorplan and seat mapping tools

• Inventory tracking and sales reporting

• Optional modules for online ordering and reservations

It’s a solid middle-ground POS with excellent design and usability.

How POS Systems Integrate with Online Ordering

Your POS should work seamlessly with your online ordering system to avoid errors, sync orders in real time, and simplify reporting.

Platforms like Sauce integrate directly with POS tools like Square and Toast, allowing you to:

• Accept online orders without double entry

• Track in-person and delivery sales in one place

• Update menu items across all systems

• Streamline kitchen prep with automatic routing

This is especially important for small restaurants trying to maximize efficiency with limited staff.

1. What’s the best POS system for small restaurants on a budget?

Square for Restaurants is ideal for budget-conscious operators. It offers free plans, low-cost hardware, and easy setup.

2. Which POS system is best for full-service or dine-in restaurants?

3. Can my POS system connect with my online ordering platform?

4. What’s the easiest POS system to use for a first-time operator?

5. How do I choose the right POS for my restaurant?

Pick a POS That Works as Hard as You Do

The best POS system for a small restaurant is one that supports your workflows, integrates with your tech stack, and grows with your business. Whether you’re a counter-service taco shop or a full-service wine bar, tools like Toast, Square, and TouchBistro offer dependable options.

Pair your POS with Sauce’s branded online ordering platform to create a complete restaurant operating system—from the front of house to the delivery zone.