POS Comparisons

Lavu vs Grubhub Direct: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio • Nov 16, 2025 • 3 min read

When comparing Lavu vs Grubhub Direct, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to restaurant point-of-sale technology. Lavu, rated 4.3/5, offers Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. Meanwhile, Grubhub Direct, rated 3.9/5, provides Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Lavu vs Grubhub Direct

FeatureLavuGrubhub Direct
CategoryRestaurantSoftware
Starting Price$99/month (Starter)Free setup + processing fees
Rating4.3/53.9/5
Target BusinessSmall BusinessSmall Business to Mid-Market
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialYesNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForQuick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devicesRestaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery

Lavu Overview

Lavu POS is an iPad-based point-of-sale system designed for restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks. Features customizable menus, dual pricing options, kitchen display systems, and offline capabilities. Staff can master the system in under 15 minutes.

Lavu is offered by Lavu Inc. (founded 2010) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.

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Key Features:

  • Customizable iPad interface
  • Dual pricing (cash/card)
  • Kitchen display system
  • Online ordering
  • Self-ordering kiosks
  • Inventory management

Grubhub Direct Overview

Grubhub Direct allows restaurants to accept online orders directly through their website without marketplace commissions. Includes order management and optional delivery through Grubhub drivers.

Grubhub Direct is offered by Grubhub (Just Eat Takeaway) (founded 2004) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools
  • Analytics

Feature Comparison

Lavu Features:

  • Customizable iPad interface
  • Dual pricing (cash/card)
  • Kitchen display system
  • Online ordering
  • Self-ordering kiosks

Grubhub Direct Features:

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  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools

When comparing features, Lavu stands out with 15-minute staff training, while Grubhub Direct differentiates itself with Commission-free direct orders. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectLavuGrubhub Direct
Starting Price$99/month (Starter)Free setup + processing fees
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeMid-rangeBudget
Free TrialAvailableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

Grubhub Direct is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Lavu

Pros:

  • Easy to learn (15 minutes)
  • iOS/Apple integration
  • Highly customizable
  • Offline capabilities
  • Dual pricing saves on processing

Cons:

  • No free plan
  • Cannot cancel before term
  • Hardware dependent on Apple
  • Price increases reported

Grubhub Direct

Pros:

  • No commission on orders
  • Grubhub delivery available
  • Marketing support
  • Free to set up

Cons:

  • Delivery fees apply
  • Less known than marketplace
  • Limited customization

Who Should Choose Lavu?

Lavu is ideal for Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.

However, Lavu may not be the best fit for Businesses without Apple hardware, those needing free options.

Who Should Choose Grubhub Direct?

Grubhub Direct is ideal for Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.

However, Grubhub Direct may not be the best fit for Those avoiding third-party delivery platforms.

Our Recommendation

Both Lavu and Grubhub Direct are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Lavu if you’re Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. Choose Grubhub Direct if you’re Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Lavu has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 3.9). Also, choose Grubhub Direct if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.

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Written by

Sarah Martinez

Restaurant Technology Editor
Verified Expert

Sarah Martinez is a Restaurant Technology Editor with 8 years of experience covering the hospitality industry. She has interviewed hundreds of restaurant owners and published extensive research on POS adoption trends. Sarah previously served as Senior Editor at Restaurant Business Magazine and is a regular speaker at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Former Senior Editor, Restaurant Business MagazineNRA Show Speaker (2021-2024)Published in Nation's Restaurant News
Expertise:
Restaurant TechnologyFood Service OperationsPOS Pricing AnalysisIndustry Trends