How to Choose the Best Restaurant POS System in the US

Key Features to Look For in a Restaurant POS System

Not every POS system is made with US restaurants in mind, and that’s exactly where most people go wrong. Before signing up for any software, make sure it checks the right boxes for your restaurant. 

Here's what matters most:

1. Easy Order Management

The best POS for restaurants should keep up with your pace, whether it’s a quick-service lunch rush, a packed dining room, or a surge of online orders. Look for systems that support tableside ordering, counter service, takeout, and third-party delivery integrations (like DoorDash or Uber Eats).

2. Fast Payments & Tip Handling

American diners often split checks and tip generously. The top restaurant POS should handle multiple payment types, allow tip adjustments, and offer contactless payment options. If it slows down at checkout, it’s already a problem.

3. Employee Roles & Permissions

In a high-turnover industry like food service, managing staff access is key. Choose a restaurant POS software that lets you set custom roles, so your line cook isn’t digging through your sales reports.

4. Real-Time Reporting

You can’t improve what you can’t track. Your POS should provide you with clear, real-time data on sales, best-selling items, peak hours, and staff performance, without requiring you to wait for an end-of-day report.

5. Multi-location Support

Running more than one location? Or planning to expand? Opt for a POS that enables you to manage menus, pricing, and performance across multiple stores from a single dashboard.

6. Offline Mode

Internet issues happen, especially in certain parts of the US. That’s why it’s smart to choose a cloud-based POS with offline mode, so your system keeps running and accepting payments even when the Wi-Fi drops.

7. Customer Data & Loyalty Tools

The best restaurant POS systems don’t just process orders; they help you bring customers back. Look for built-in loyalty programs, saved customer profiles, and promo options.

8. US Tax & Licenses

From local tax rates to credit card compliance, your POS should follow US tax and licensing rules right out of the box. No add-ons. No hacks. Just plug-and-play compliance.

Challenges US Restaurant Owners Commonly Face with POS Systems

Investing in a restaurant point-of-sale system should make your life easier, not more stressful. But for many restaurant owners across the US, the reality is the opposite. Instead of streamlining operations, the wrong POS can slow you down, frustrate your team, and cost you money you didn’t plan on spending.

So, here are the most common (and costly) challenges US-based restaurateurs face when it comes to restaurant POS systems: 

1. Hidden Fees and Long-Term Contracts

At first glance, many POS systems seem affordable, and some even advertise “free” plans. But once you’re in, the fine print hits hard. You may be locked into:

• Lengthy contracts you can’t exit without a hefty cancellation fee.
• Add-on charges for basic features like reporting or support.
• Mandatory hardware rentals that keep billing even when you stop using them.
• Per-transaction fees that eat into your profits every month.

In an industry where margins are razor-thin, these surprise costs can be brutal.

2. Clunky & Complicated Interfaces

Your POS is supposed to save time, not make things harder. Yet many systems are built with outdated design or tech jargon that your team struggles to understand. 

This leads to:

• Slower order entry during rush hours
• More mistakes at checkout or in the kitchen
• Time wasted training new hires (which happens a lot in the US industry due to high turnover)

If it takes more than a few taps to split a bill or edit a menu item, that’s a red flag.

3. Support That’s Too Slow or Too Far Away

Problems don’t wait for business hours. A printer stops working. An order vanishes. Your card reader freezes up. Now imagine all that happening during Friday dinner service… and your POS support is only available via email or based in a different timezone.

In the US, you need:

• Fast, responsive support
• Phone, chat, or SMS help, not just tickets
• Teams that understand the American market, not just global software

4. Inflexibility That Hurts Your Workflow

Every restaurant has its own rhythm. Some offer counter service, some do full dining, and others juggle catering, pickup, and third-party delivery. But many POS systems force you into a one-size-fits-all structure.

That can mean:

• Struggling to modify your menu quickly
• Awkward workarounds for happy hour pricing or custom orders
• Slowdowns because your POS doesn’t “get” your flow

You shouldn’t have to change your process to fit your POS. It should be the other way around.

5. Hardware Headaches

POS providers often push their own branded hardware. But what happens when:

• You already own printers or tablets?
• You want to upgrade something independently?
• A device breaks, and the replacement isn’t compatible?

Suddenly, you're stuck buying expensive gear you don’t need, or worse, your entire system stops working mid-shift. Hardware flexibility is a must, not a bonus.

6. Limited Integration with US-Based Tools

The best POS system for restaurants doesn’t work alone. It connects your restaurant to the rest of your tools like accounting, payroll, online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery platforms. 

Here’s the catch: many systems built for international markets don’t integrate well with popular US platforms like:

• Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash
• QuickBooks, Gusto
• Stripe and local delivery tools

That means more manual work, more confusion, and more risk of errors. In a fast-paced industry, errors are the last thing you need.

How to Compare Restaurant POS Systems?

Choosing the best restaurant POS software shouldn’t feel like gambling. But with so many options (and so much fine print), it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

Here’s what to look for, and why it matters:

Pro Tip: Don’t just compare features; instead, compare how well the system fits your restaurant’s size, service style, and pace. The best POS system for restaurants is the one that disappears into the background and just works.

What Makes a POS Truly “Right” for Your Restaurant

Here’s the truth: there’s no single “best” POS system. What works perfectly for a busy pizza kitchen might fall apart in a coffee shop. A food truck doesn’t need the same setup as a multi-location café chain.

That’s why the real question isn’t “Which POS has the most features?”, it’s: “Which POS solves the actual problems I deal with every day?”

Here’s how to figure that out:

• Match the POS to Your Service Style
• Think About Your Team
• Consider Your Growth Plans
• Don’t Chase Bells and Whistles

Why is Butter POS Worth Considering?

By now, you probably know exactly what you need in a POS system, and maybe a few things you definitely don’t want. If you're looking for something that checks all the important boxes without the fluff, it's worth taking a look at Butter POS.

We’re not here to say it’s the best system for every restaurant in the country. But here’s why more and more US restaurant owners, especially first-timers and independents, are making the switch:

Built for US-Based Restaurants

From tipping to tax compliance to third-party integrations, Butter POS is designed around the way American restaurants actually work. No awkward workarounds. No international platforms pretending to be local.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden charges. No locked-in contracts. No mandatory hardware bundles. You pay for what you use, and nothing you don’t. Moreover, for new restaurants, Butter POS is completely free.

Fast, Friendly Support

Things go wrong, we get that. Butter POS gives you access to a real human who knows the system and understands how restaurants operate in the US. No waiting for three days. No generic replies. Just real help, when you need it most.

Simple Enough for New Staff, Smart Enough for Owners

Whether it’s your hostess on day one or you checking in on your phone at midnight, Butter POS is built to be fast, clear, and easy to navigate, without sacrificing smart features like real-time sales tracking, role-based access, or delivery syncs.

Designed to Grow With You

Start small. Scale when you’re ready. Butter POS works whether you're running one food truck or planning your second sit-down location. Everything is built to scale without making you start over.

Final Thoughts - The Right POS System Brings Peace of Mind

Choosing the best restaurant POS system in the US isn’t just about features; it’s about finding a tool that actually supports how your restaurant runs, day in and day out. In an industry where every second counts and every dollar matters, your POS should feel like a partner, not a problem.

Take your time, ask the tough questions, and don’t get distracted by flashy tools that won’t serve your real needs. Whether you're a first-time restaurant owner or a seasoned pro, the best restaurant POS software is the one that lets you focus on what you do best: running your restaurant.

If anything feels unclear, feel free to drop a comment or contact us directly. And if you’d like to see how Butter POS can help your restaurant, go ahead and book your free demo now!