Built for bars
Free POS for bars.
Open tabs at the bar. Comps and spillage. Happy hour windows. Free, on Windows.
v1.0.0 · 96 MB · Bring your own card reader
In 60 seconds
If you run a small bar
Your tabs need to stay open through a six-hour shift without crashing. Your bartender shouldn't need a tutorial. Your manager wants to see comps and spillage before opening tomorrow.
Cloud bar POS dies every time the Wi-Fi blinks. This one runs from a local file.
Free, Windows, no card cut. Bring your existing reader.
A shift, end to end
- Tap a bar seat (B1, B2, B3) to open a tab.
- Add drinks: Draft, Wine by glass, Cocktails, Spirits.
- Run a card pre-auth before the night gets long. Hold the card on file.
- Pour a comp on the house? Mark it. Reports → Voids/Discounts shows it tomorrow.
- Spillage? Same flag. Manager sees it in the EOD.
- Happy hour 5–7? Set a Promo with a time window. Prices apply only then.
- Receipt printer drops a slip with the tip line. Patron writes the tip, you settle.
Pricing windows
Time-bound promos that flip on and off.
Pricing window
Set Mon–Thu 5pm–7pm in the Promo settings. POS reverts to regular pricing after.
Drink-specific
Apply 30% off Drafts only, full price on Cocktails. Per-item promo.
Receipts
Receipt header shows "Happy Hour" line so the patron sees the discount applied.
Bar math
$25k a month, 75% on card.
| POS | Software | Card cut | Total / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline Restaurants POS | $0 | ~1.5% | ~$281 |
| TouchBistro | $69+ | ~2.5% | ~$538 |
| Toast Bar | $69+ | ~2.49% + 15¢ | ~$535 |
| Square for Restaurants | $0–$60 | 2.6% + 10¢ | ~$525 |
~$250/month difference vs TouchBistro is ~$3,000 a year. On a tight bar margin that pays for kit.
Bar questions
Can I keep tabs open?+
Yes. Tap a bar seat, build the tab, tap away. Come back any time during the shift to add or close. Reopen happens in the order screen.
Does it support card pre-auth?+
Card processing happens on your reader, not the POS. If your reader supports pre-auth (Stripe Terminal, most bank terminals), you run the pre-auth there and settle later. The POS records the final amount.
How do I track comps and spillage?+
Comps log as 100% discount. Spillage logs as a void. Both show in Reports → Voids and Discounts at end of shift.
Will it print an age-prompt receipt?+
Add a custom line to the receipt template like "21+ confirmed by bartender" — done in Settings → Receipt. Bartender visually checks ID before pouring.
Can I run a happy-hour pricing window?+
Yes. Promo with a date and time window. Mon–Thu 5–7pm 30% off drafts. Switches on and off automatically.
Open the bar tonight without a $69 bill.
Free Windows POS, built for bars.
Download Timeline Restaurants POS