Best Inventory App for Bars in 2026
Bar inventory has unique challenges: hundreds of bottles, precise pours, and beverage-specific tracking. We compared the top inventory tools for bars, nightclubs, and craft cocktail programs.
Fast Bottle Counting
Bar inventory means counting hundreds of bottles. The app needs to make counting fast and painless.
Affordable for Margins
Bar margins are tight. Inventory software shouldn't eat into your profits — it should protect them.
Works in Real Conditions
Bars are dark, busy, and have spotty WiFi behind the bar. The app needs offline mode and a clean interface.
Team-Friendly
Bartenders aren't inventory specialists. The tool should be intuitive enough that any staff member can count.
86
$99/mo — Our Pick
- $99/month — most affordable option
- Same-day setup — no 5-week implementation
- 5 team members included free
- Mobile-first with robust offline mode
- No POS required — works standalone
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Why #1: 86 is purpose-built for bars who want simple, fast inventory without enterprise complexity or pricing.
The Competition
How other inventory tools compare for bars.
Pros for this category
- AI image recognition designed for bottles
- Strong beverage-specific features
- Unlimited users included
Cons for this category
- $199-799/mo is expensive for most bars
- AI features add complexity
- Higher tiers prohibitive for independent bars
Verdict
The best beverage-specific tool if budget isn't a concern. But at 2-8x 86's price, it's hard to justify for most bars.
Pros for this category
- Comprehensive vendor management
- Recipe costing for cocktail programs
Cons for this category
- $199-249/mo + $500 setup is steep
- Built more for food than beverages
- 5-week implementation
Verdict
Better suited for restaurant inventory than bar-specific needs. Most bars will find it overcomplicated.
Pros for this category
- POS included for bar operations
- Good analytics for pour tracking
Cons for this category
- Inventory features require back-office login
- Mobile app rated 2.8/5
- Not beverage-specialized
Verdict
Works as a combined POS + inventory solution, but not purpose-built for bar inventory counting.
Pros for this category
- Automated invoice processing for bar orders
- Good POS integration
Cons for this category
- $330/mo is expensive
- Invoice-focused, not counting-focused
- Requires POS integration
Verdict
Better for bars processing many invoices, but overkill for straightforward bottle counting.
Pros for this category
- Complete management suite
- Strong reporting
Cons for this category
- $289-635/mo is enterprise pricing
- Designed for restaurant groups, not bars
- Massive overkill for bar inventory
Verdict
Not the right fit for bars. Built for multi-location restaurant enterprises with complex accounting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best inventory app for a bar?
How is bar inventory different from restaurant inventory?
Can 86 handle hundreds of bottles?
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Built by Hector, owner of Zaco's Tacos
A restaurant owner who solved his own problem.