I am researching restaurant POS systems and would like to know what restaurant peeps are using, what they like, and what they don't!  Everything looks and sounds good when you talk to a rep, but you don't really know the strengths and weaknesses until you've had a chance to  see the system in action. Is it easy to separate checks and apply discounts? Is it easy to place orders and to customize orders? Stuff like that.

I've used POSi, Aloha, Micros, and Maitre'D and the winners were definitely POSi and Micros. maitre'D is a nightmare- run far, far away from it.
As a server of 8 years, my priorities in a POS system are as follows:
1. Being able to run credit cards by amount OR by item
2. Being able to split off items and allow someone to pay for them without closing the rest of the check (I thought this was common sense until I had to suffer through Maitre'D)
3. Being able to enter an entire order with multiple course at once, hold second and third courses, and ring them through when appropriate. If your kitchen has their shit together the Micros enter and send entire order then fire courses approach is fine too.
4. Clear category set up for apps, entrees, liquor types, etc.
5.  Having it add autograts that automatically adjust if a table orders more or splits the check, rather than having to get a manager to delete and reenter it each time.
6. A system that allows you to "send and stay" after ordering something or running a payment if you have multiple orders rather than having to re-swipe or ring in your employee number each time.
7. A system that allows you to allocate tips so that servers don't end up claiming more than what they're making

POSi pretty much dominates. I loved usig it- It is easy to use, straightforward, and very flexible, allows all kinds of crazy payment options, and allows holds for multiple courses. Micros and Aloha are very similar and both are okay. Squirrel is somewhat inconvenient, Maitre'D is the devil.

Sorry for the novel, hope this helps.

They all have ups and downs. Aloha and micros are fairly user friendly.

One program which I love is HotSchedules. It's not an operating system but a scheduling system that is super user friendly and convenient

Micros and Aloha are probably the most popular POS systems for restaurants in Hawaii.  However, Micros does have different versions. Most versions are similar though.  

Why are you asking about POS systems?

One thing that I can agree with Crystal is for the server and the system to be able to do things "automatically".  

For Servers:
The most popular functions AND complaints about a system are the ability to split checks and also for gratuities (or split checks with gratuities).  I have seen systems that will not update a gratuity when additional items are put on.

For Bartenders, the most BENEFICIAL is to have a "Fast bar" screen.  A screen that automatically pops up upon signing in that have THE MOST COMMON drinks on it.  

Oh, and the ability to type in mods actually helps a lot instead of servers having to put "hold" on everything and having to run to the kitchen or bar to tell them verbally what the "hold" is.  

Most systems can be programmed to allow certain server or manager restrictions.

But as far as most systems go, its a matter of learning the system. Some people choose to not learn it at all so when its "game time" they get flustered because they dont know how to use the system.

I second the comment about HotSchedules! It's awesome. Oh and about typing in mods- running to the kitchen for a "see server" gets old really really quickly.

What is your research for?

Thanks all!  Research to to find a system to replace a pretty old one that is difficult to work with...Trinitech. Figured best to hear it from people who use systems first hand than the reps...for the time being.

I enjoy using Aloha.

Micros sucks!  
Aloha is user friendly
and has the best software for managers to use...

I agree with Joe on  Aloha being easy for managers.  Whenever a server asked me for specific buttons on their screens, I could go to the office, bring up the program, change it, and two minutes later...its set and the servers think youre a god!