Toast POS Reviews for Restaurants
A comprehensive analysis of Toast's restaurant POS system—real feedback on pricing, reliability, and value.
3.8
Overall Rating (Aggregated)
About Toast
Toast is an all-in-one restaurant POS system that includes hardware, software, payment processing, and online ordering. It's designed specifically for restaurants and offers a complete tech stack solution.
2011
Boston, MA
Restaurants of all sizes wanting an integrated POS and tech stack
Restaurant POS system with integrated payments, online ordering, and management tools
Review Sources
4.2
G2
890 reviews4.1
Capterra
1,250 reviews2.4
Trustpilot
430 reviewsRating Breakdown
POS Functionality
4.3
Robust POS features specifically designed for restaurant operations
+ Intuitive interface
+ Restaurant-specific features
+ Good table management
− Can be slow at times
− Learning curve for advanced features
Hardware Quality
4.0
Purpose-built hardware that handles restaurant environment well
+ Spill-resistant design
+ Durable construction
+ Good touchscreen
− Expensive to replace
− Proprietary hardware lock-in
Pricing & Contracts
2.5
Pricing structure and contracts are common pain points
+ Free starter option available
+ Bundled solutions simplify billing
− Long-term contracts
− High payment processing fees
− Expensive add-ons
− Difficult to leave
Online Ordering
3.5
Integrated online ordering is convenient but has trade-offs
+ POS integration
+ Commission-free orders
+ Google integration
− Limited customization
− Basic marketing features
− Relies on Toast branding
Customer Support
3.0
Support quality varies significantly based on timing and issue
+ 24/7 availability
+ Good initial onboarding
− Long wait times
− First-tier support limitations
− Escalation takes time
What Restaurant Owners Say
“Toast simplified everything. One system for POS, online orders, and payments. No more juggling multiple vendors.”
— Restaurant Owner, Austin (2025)“Locked into a 3-year contract with 2.99% processing fees. Can't switch without huge penalties. Feel trapped.”
— Café Owner, Portland (2025)“The hardware is solid. We've spilled drinks on it, dropped it twice—still works perfectly after 2 years.”
— Bar Manager, Chicago (2024)“Support is hit or miss. Simple issues are fine, but anything complex takes days to resolve.”
— Restaurant Manager, Denver (2025)“It's a good system overall. Just expensive when you add everything up. Budget carefully.”
— Multi-location Owner, Florida (2025)Pros
All-in-One Solution
POS, payments, online ordering, payroll, and more from one vendor—simplified management
Restaurant-Specific
Built for restaurants from the ground up with features like modifier handling, courses, and kitchen display
Durable Hardware
Purpose-built terminals designed to handle spills, heat, and heavy use
Strong Ecosystem
Integration with many restaurant tools and services through Toast's marketplace
Cons
Long-Term Contracts
2-3 year agreements are common, with significant penalties for early termination
High Processing Fees
Payment processing at 2.49-2.99% + $0.15 is higher than many alternatives
Hardware Lock-In
Proprietary hardware means you can't use your own tablets or equipment
Add-On Costs
Many features like loyalty, marketing, and advanced reporting cost extra monthly
Best For
Restaurants wanting one vendor for everything
Full-service restaurants with table service
Multi-location operations needing consistency
Restaurants replacing outdated POS systems
Not Best For
Price-conscious restaurants
Businesses wanting flexibility to switch providers
Restaurants prioritizing best-in-class individual solutions
Small operations with simple needs
Pricing Overview
Pricing Model
Software subscription + hardware + payment processing
Starting Price
$0/month (Pay-as-you-go with higher processing)
Typical Cost
$69-165/month software + 2.49-2.99% processing
Watch Out For Hidden Costs:
Our Honest Take
Toast is a powerful, restaurant-specific POS system with excellent core functionality. The all-in-one approach simplifies vendor management, but comes with higher costs and less flexibility.
Verdict
Best for restaurants who value having a single, integrated system and can commit long-term. Not ideal if you want flexibility, lowest costs, or best-in-class individual solutions.
Recommendation
If choosing Toast, negotiate hard on processing rates and contract terms before signing. Consider keeping online ordering separate with a commission-free platform for better marketing capabilities.
Toast Online Ordering vs RestauNax
| Aspect | Toast | RestauNax |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 0% (with Toast POS) | 0% commission |
| POS Required | Yes (Toast POS only) | Works with any POS |
| Contract | 2-3 year typical | Monthly or annual |
| Branding | Toast branding included | 100% your brand |
| AI Features | Limited | AI menu, photos, marketing |
| Mobile App | Extra cost | Included |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Toast really cost?
Toast's total cost includes software ($0-165/month), hardware ($800-2000+), and payment processing (2.49-2.99% + $0.15). Most restaurants pay $300-500/month total when all fees are included.
Is Toast free for restaurants?
Toast offers a 'Pay-as-you-go' plan with $0 software cost, but you pay higher processing fees (2.99% + $0.15). You're still paying—just per transaction instead of monthly.
Can I use Toast online ordering without Toast POS?
No. Toast Online Ordering requires Toast POS. It's part of their integrated ecosystem. For standalone online ordering, you'll need a different solution.
Is it hard to leave Toast?
Yes. Long-term contracts with early termination fees, proprietary hardware you can't repurpose, and data migration challenges make switching difficult. Plan carefully before committing.
How does Toast compare to Square for restaurants?
Toast is more restaurant-specific with features like courses and kitchen display. Square is more flexible and affordable but less restaurant-focused. Toast requires more commitment; Square is pay-as-you-go.
Ready for a Better Alternative?
See how RestauNax compares to Toast with zero commission fees, AI-powered features, and complete ownership of your customer relationships.