Pick the right QR for the right job
Before deciding placement, pick the right type of QR for each spot. A "scan to view our menu" sign on the front door does a different job than the same QR on a check presenter. Most restaurants only need three or four:
- Menu QR – opens the digital menu. Use the Menu QR tool.
- Wi‑Fi QR – joins guest Wi‑Fi without typing a password. Use the Wi-Fi QR tool.
- Google Review QR – opens your review form. Use the Google Review QR tool.
- Tip / payment QR – opens a tip or pay link. Use the Payment QR tool.
- Location QR – opens directions to your front door. Use the Location QR tool.
Front entrance and windows
Outside the door is where new customers decide whether to come in. A small front-window decal with a menu QR and one phrase like "Today's menu inside" lets undecided people preview prices and dishes from the sidewalk. A second small QR for hours/location is useful in tourist areas where people screenshot to come back later.
Avoid putting the review QR outside—it's awkward to ask for a review before someone has even sat down.
Hostess stand and waiting area
Guests waiting for a table have a few minutes of attention to spare. A simple two-card holder works well here:
- Menu QR – so they can browse and pre-decide. Reduces the time staff spend at the table answering "what's good".
- Wi‑Fi QR – so guests join the network early instead of asking the server later.
Tables
The table is the most contested QR real-estate. Avoid covering it with stickers. Most restaurants do best with one menu QR (table tent or printed insert) and a small follow-up QR delivered with the check.
- Menu QR – ideally optional; keep at least a few paper menus on hand for guests who prefer them.
- Tip / pay QR – on the check presenter, not on the table itself, so it appears when relevant.
- Review QR – on the back of the receipt or thank-you card, never on the table tent.
For more on guest-friendly menu codes, see menu QR codes without annoying guests.
Bar and counter
For bars, coffee counters, and quick-service lines, customers stand for a short time and rarely sit. Pick QRs that fit that window:
- Menu QR – at the start of the line, where people pick what to order.
- Wi‑Fi QR – at the seating area, not the order line (it slows the line otherwise).
- Tip / review QR – next to the card reader, after payment.
Restrooms
Restrooms are an underrated review-prompt location. Customers have a private moment, hands often free, and time to scan. A small framed sign with a Google review QR and a polite line ("If you've enjoyed your visit, we'd love a review") performs better than the same sign at the entrance.
Keep it tasteful—one frame, eye level, away from sinks and splash zones.
Takeout, delivery, and packaging
Takeout customers scan more codes than dine-in customers because they have downtime at home. Useful placements:
- Inside the bag – a small flyer with menu QR for next time and a review QR for this order.
- On the receipt – review QR plus a single line ("Thanks for ordering—reviews help us a lot").
- On the box lid or sleeve – an Instagram or location QR for repeat orders.
Receipt and check presenter
The check is one of the highest-attention moments in the meal. The customer is reviewing what they ordered, and they're already in a "decision" mindset. A single review QR plus one short line ("Reviews help small restaurants like ours") is enough.
Don't stack three QRs on the check. Pick one.
What to avoid
- Multiple identical QRs scattered around one table—it confuses guests.
- QR codes printed too small. Below about 2.5 cm (1 in) on a printed sign, scans become unreliable.
- Glossy lamination directly under bright pendant lights—glare kills scans.
- Asking for a review before the food arrives. Always wait until the experience is mostly over.
- Sticking QR codes over an existing brand mark or logo. Print fresh signage with the QR included.
Next step: Make any missing codes from this list. Most restaurants only need a menu QR, a guest Wi-Fi QR, and a review QR to cover 90% of these placements.