The pandemic has come and gone, and it's mostly back to business as usual. Bars are open, beer taps are flowing, and it feels great to be back sipping on fresh pints. However, at least one pandemic change is sticking around: digital menus.

While paper menus and chalkboards aren't going away, TV display menus and mobile QR code menus are becoming more popular. These digital menus not only provide patrons with a modern dining experience but also enable businesses to gain efficiencies while showcasing their brand. This shift is particularly crucial considering the increased focus on hygiene and safety that arose during the pandemic.

If you’ve decided that you want to adopt a digital menu for your restaurant or taproom, now comes the tough part. Which tool do you choose? The team at Sippo has been building software for the beer and craft beverage industry for nearly a decade, giving us deep insights into this world. We’ve conducted thorough research to find the top players in digital menu boards, specializing in breweries and taprooms.

1. Sippo

Full disclosure: Sippo is our product, but there are compelling reasons to include it on this list. We've identified a need in the market for a reliable, modern-looking digital menu solution without the hefty price tag.

Sippo offers affordable plans with access to essential features, including support for non-beverage items and an Amazon Fire TV Stick app. However, please note that Sippo does not provide advanced reporting and analytics features or POS system integrations. If you're seeking a budget-friendly option with sleek design and flexibility for various dining experiences, consider exploring Sippo.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly pricing without compromising on essential features.

  • Commercial pricing as low as $10 / month.

• Support for wine and non-beverage items.

• Amazon Fire TV Stick app for versatile hardware options.

• User-friendly and visually appealing design.

Cons:

• No POS system integrations.

• Advanced reporting and analytics are not available.

2. Taplist.io

Our next recommendation is Taplist.io. They offer a stellar product that serves as an alternative to some of the more expensive options. Taplist.io provides plans with access to essential features, including real-time updates, customizable designs, and hardware support. While they don't offer a free tier and lack support for non-drink related items, they are actively working on improving their menu designs.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing with access to essential features.

  • Commercial pricing as low as $33.25 / month.

• Real-time updates and customizable designs.

• Hardware support.

• Integration options for homebrewers.

Cons:

• No free tier available.

• Lack of support for non-drink related items (e.g. food).

• Menu design improvements are in progress.

3. Pourwall

For those looking for a budget-friendly digital menu solution with basic features, Pourwall is an excellent choice. Their free plan includes a digital draft menu, an embedded web view for your website, and one screen, making it an ideal starting point at no cost. Premium plans offer benefits like unlimited TV screens, and removing the Pourwall branding from the menu. They also support QR code menus and print menus. While Pourwall doesn't integrate with POS systems, it does support QR code menus and print menus. Overall, Pourwall provides an affordable and flexible digital menu solution.

Pros:

• Functional free plan with basic features.

• Affordable pricing for premium plans.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features compared to competitors.

4. Digital Pour

Digital Pour offers a comprehensive digital menu solution with advanced features for those seeking an extensive solution. They seamlessly connect with POS systems, providing advanced reporting and analytics. Keep in mind that specialized hardware is required for Digital Pour, and menu updates may take some time since they rely on a shared database. While official prices are not published, Digital Pour is known to be on the expensive side. However, if you prioritize extensive features and seamless POS integration, Digital Pour is worth considering, with an understanding that there might be additional costs associated with specialized hardware and menu update processes.

Pros:

• Seamless POS system integration.

• Comprehensive feature set.

• Advanced reporting and analytics.

Cons:

• Considered expensive (official prices not published).

• Specialized hardware required.

• Menu updates may take time due to shared database updates.

5. BeerMenus

Our final recommendation is BeerMenus. This long-standing player offers a range of features, albeit with a price tag attached. Some of their plans include custom designs at no additional cost and numerous social engagement features. They have an extensive beer database that allows for robust reports and analytics. However, it's important to note that their beer database primarily focuses on the US, which might be limiting for international customers. They also offer a free tier, but its functionality is relatively limited, and the premium plans can become expensive if you want access to all features. BeerMenus is a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive digital menu solution with a strong reputation in the beer industry and appealing design features.

Pros:

• Custom designs at no additional cost.

• Social engagement features.

• Strong reputation in the beer industry.

Cons:

• Design adjustments must be done on their back-end.

• Relatively expensive premium plans.

• US-focused beer database.

• Limited functionality in the free tier.

In conclusion, adopting a digital menu for your restaurant or taproom can provide numerous benefits, including showcasing your brand, gaining efficiencies, and providing a modern dining experience for your patrons. While there are many options available, we have researched and presented the top four digital beer menu solutions specializing in breweries and taprooms. Each option has its unique set of pros and cons, so it's vital to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. Regardless of which option you choose, incorporating a digital menu into your establishment can help you stay ahead of the competition and provide a better overall experience for your customers.