The best virtual queue app for restaurants in 2026 is ScanQueue — it handles the walk-in rush with QR code check-in, SMS notifications when tables are ready, and real-time wait time estimates that keep guests from walking away. But depending on your needs, other platforms like Waitwhile and Yelp Waitlist may be worth considering.
Restaurant queues are a unique challenge. You're managing party sizes, table turnover, peak rushes, and guest expectations simultaneously. According to TouchBistro's 2025 State of Restaurants Report, 60% of restaurants report that managing walk-in guests is their biggest front-of-house challenge. A Cornell Hospitality Research study found that restaurants using digital waitlists see 25% fewer walkaway guests and 15% faster table turns.
Here's our honest assessment of the best options available.
What Restaurants Need in a Waitlist App
- Party size handling — Different groups need different table configurations
- SMS/voice notifications — Guests wander off; you need to reach them reliably
- Walk-in and waitlist focus — Not every restaurant needs reservation management
- Wait time estimates — Accurate estimates keep guests patient and reduce complaints
- No-app check-in — Guests should join the queue in seconds, not minutes
1. ScanQueue — Best for Walk-In Restaurants
ScanQueue excels at the walk-in experience. Guests scan a QR code at the entrance, enter their name and party size, and see their position in real time. When their table is ready, they get an SMS or voice call — no hovering at the host stand required.
The free tier is genuinely useful: unlimited queue entries, a QR code, and a dashboard. Paid plans add SMS notifications, analytics, and multi-service queues (useful for restaurants with separate bar and dining queues).
- Pricing: Free. Growth: $99/mo. Pro: $249/mo.
- Best for: Walk-in focused restaurants, cafes, casual dining
- Standout: Voice call notifications (95%+ answer rate vs 20% SMS open rate for some demographics)
2. Waitwhile — Best for Reservation + Waitlist Combo
Waitwhile blends queue management with appointment scheduling, making it ideal for restaurants that take both reservations and walk-ins. The interface is polished and the guest experience is smooth.
- Pricing: Free (1 location, limited). Paid from $59/mo per location.
- Best for: Fine dining and restaurants that mix reservations with walk-ins
- Standout: Integrated booking calendar alongside the waitlist
3. Yelp Guest Manager — Best for Discovery + Waitlist
Yelp Guest Manager (formerly Yelp Waitlist) lets diners join your waitlist directly from your Yelp listing. If your restaurant gets significant Yelp traffic, this creates a seamless discovery-to-queue pipeline.
- Pricing: From $99/mo. No free tier.
- Best for: Restaurants that rely on Yelp for discovery
- Standout: Direct Yelp integration — guests join your waitlist from your listing
- Limitations: Yelp-dependent. No benefit if Yelp isn't big in your market.
4. TablesReady — Best Budget Option
TablesReady (formerly Table's Ready) is a focused waitlist tool with straightforward pricing. It handles the basics well: add guests, send notifications, track wait times.
- Pricing: From $59/mo. 14-day free trial.
- Best for: Budget-conscious restaurants needing reliable waitlist basics
- Limitations: No free tier. Fewer features than top competitors.
5. NextMe — Best for Very Small Venues
NextMe is simple and affordable. The free tier handles basic waitlist needs, and the interface is clean. Best for small restaurants or food trucks that need something quick and functional.
- Pricing: Free tier available. Pro from $55/mo.
- Best for: Small cafes, food trucks, popup restaurants
- Limitations: Limited restaurant-specific features. No party size optimization.
Pro Tip — The "Bar Tab" Strategy: Whatever platform you choose, train your host to direct waiting guests to the bar. Restaurants using a digital waitlist combined with a bar waiting strategy see $25+ in additional pre-meal spending per waiting group.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Free Tier | Paid From | Party Size | SMS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScanQueue | ✓ | $99/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Walk-in restaurants |
| Waitwhile | ✓ | $59/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Reservations + walk-ins |
| Yelp Guest | ✗ | $99/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Yelp-heavy markets |
| TablesReady | ✗ | $59/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Budget waitlist |
| NextMe | ✓ | $55/mo | ✗ | ✓ | Small venues |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free waitlist app for restaurants?
ScanQueue and NextMe both offer free tiers. ScanQueue's free plan includes unlimited queue entries and a QR code. NextMe offers basic waitlist functionality at no cost.
Do customers need to download an app?
Not with ScanQueue, Waitwhile, or NextMe. Guests scan a QR code and join via their phone browser. No app download means higher adoption rates — critical during a busy rush.
How do I notify guests when their table is ready?
All platforms on this list support SMS notifications. ScanQueue also supports voice call notifications, which have a 95%+ answer rate compared to 20% SMS open rate in noisy environments.
Can a waitlist app help reduce walk-aways?
Yes. Research shows that restaurants using digital waitlists see 20-35% fewer walkaway guests because customers get real-time wait estimates and the freedom to wait elsewhere.
The Waitlist App Built for Restaurants
QR code check-in, SMS + voice notifications, party size handling, and real-time wait estimates. Free to start — see plans.
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Queue Management Experts
Helping businesses reduce wait times and improve customer experience with smart queue management solutions.
