Brewpub operators struggle to track brew batch costs. Tying those costs to per-pint profitability is even harder. Running a brewery and restaurant together demands a specialized POS. Aloha, a legacy system, often fails to meet these needs. Operators require a modern solution. We present top alternatives for brewpubs in 2026.
Top Alternatives to Aloha
🏆 1. Lavu
Lavu offers specialized inventory and reporting for brewpub operations. It manages front-of-house sales and back-of-house brewing needs easily. This system helps optimize seasonal beer releases.
Best for: Brewpubs need deep inventory control for ingredients and recipe costing. They also need integrated restaurant management. Lavu balances these diverse operations.
Pricing: Subscription plans start from $99/month per terminal. Hardware and setup costs are separate.
2. Toast POS
Toast is popular for restaurants. It offers strong front-of-house features. It provides handheld ordering and kitchen display systems. Its platform supports loyalty programs and online ordering.
Best for: Toast suits brewpubs focused on restaurant service and customer experience. It works well for high-volume food sales.
Pricing: Starts at $69/month for a basic plan. Hardware and payment processing fees apply.
3. Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed provides inventory tracking for multiple product types. It helps manage ingredients for food and beer. Its reporting features assist with sales analysis.
Best for: Lightspeed suits brewpubs that require detailed inventory and multi-location management. It works for businesses with varied menu items and beer lists.
Pricing: Plans begin around $69/month. Additional modules incur extra charges.
4. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS. Users find it easy to use. It handles table management, order taking, and payment processing efficiently. Its open API allows integrations.
Best for: TouchBistro suits brewpubs that prioritize a user-friendly interface. It offers quick staff training. It fits operations wanting a sleek, modern system.
Pricing: Monthly subscriptions start at $69 per terminal. Hardware is purchased separately.
5. Clover
Clover offers flexible hardware. It has a wide app market for customization. It serves various business types, including quick-service and full-service. Its system adapts to different operational needs.
Best for: Clover works for smaller brewpubs. It suits those needing highly customizable hardware solutions. It works for businesses that integrate many third-party apps.
Pricing: Hardware starts at $49 with a $14.95/month software fee. Transaction fees vary.
6. Square for Restaurants
Square offers an accessible and scalable solution. Many food and beverage businesses use it. It includes online ordering and delivery integrations. Its reporting provides useful sales data.
Best for: Square suits growing brewpubs. It is affordable and easy to set up. It works well for businesses wanting integrated payments.
Pricing: Free plan available for basic features. Plus plan starts at $60/month per location.
Why Lavu Is the Best Choice
Brewpub operators struggle to run a brewery and restaurant at the same time. Lavu simplifies this dual operation. It provides tools for managing food ingredients and brewing supplies. This system tracks batch costs. Operators understand per-pint profitability.
Lavu helps manage unpredictable demand from seasonal beer releases. Its reporting, powered by Marty, gives clear sales data for each tap and menu item. Marty provides actionable intelligence on popular brews and slow movers. This helps operators make data-driven decisions about inventory and future beer production. Operators gain deep insights into business performance.
Lavu acts as an operator ally. We offer dedicated support to help brewpubs succeed. Our system integrates with essential third-party tools. This provides a tailored solution for brewpub success. Gain control over your entire operation. Watch your brewpub thrive. Visit https://lavu.com/demo to see it in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my beer ingredients and batch costs with a new POS?
Yes. Modern POS systems, like Lavu, offer advanced inventory management. They track ingredient usage and calculate costs per brew batch.
Will a new POS handle both my restaurant menu and my tap list?
Yes. Most leading alternatives support diverse menus and tap lists. They allow easy updates for seasonal beers and daily specials.
Is it difficult to migrate customer data and gift cards from Aloha?
No. Many new systems offer data migration services or tools. They transfer loyalty programs and gift card balances.
Can I manage staff scheduling and payroll through the POS?
Yes. Many POS solutions include staff management features. They integrate with popular payroll providers.
Will I get better sales analytics than Aloha provides?
Yes. Newer cloud-based systems offer more detailed, real-time analytics. Lavu’s Marty provides deep insights into sales trends and profitability.
Does the new system support online ordering and delivery integrations?
Yes. Most modern POS platforms offer native online ordering or easy integrations. This expands your customer reach.
Can I use handheld devices for ordering and payments?
Yes. Many alternatives, including Lavu, support handheld devices. This improves order accuracy and speeds up service.
Ready to see Lavu in action?
Book a free demo and see how Lavu helps operators like you.
