How to Display Digital Beer Menus: Complete Setup Guide for Breweries (2026)

Digital beer menus are transforming how breweries communicate with customers. If you're still using chalkboards or printed menus, you're spending hours each week on updates and dealing with constant customer questions about ABV, IBU, and beer styles.

This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up digital beer menu displays—from choosing hardware to going live in under 30 minutes.

Why Switch to Digital Beer Menus?

Before diving into the how-to, let's quickly cover why hundreds of breweries are making the switch:

• Time savings: Update your entire menu in 30 seconds instead of 30 minutes
• Cost reduction: Eliminate $200-500/month in printing costs
• Better customer experience: Show ABV, IBU, descriptions, and styles clearly
• Professional appearance: Modern displays signal a quality operation
• Real-time updates: Change beers instantly without touching a chalkboard

Now let's get into the setup process.

Step 1: Choose Your Display Hardware

The great news? You probably already have everything you need.

Option A: Use an Existing TV

Best for: Most breweries, taprooms, and bars

Any modern TV with an HDMI port works perfectly. You'll need:

• Screen size: 40-65 inches for wall displays (larger for high ceilings)
• Orientation: Portrait mode works best for tall beer lists; landscape for wide layouts
• Location: Visible from bar and seating areas
• Power: Standard wall outlet nearby

Cost: $200-600 for a new TV (if needed)

Pro tip: Check your back room—many breweries already have a spare TV gathering dust.

Option B: Use a Tablet

Best for: Smaller taprooms, table-top displays, or mobile menus

iPads, Android tablets, or Amazon Fire tablets all work:

• Minimum size: 10 inches recommended
• Mounting: Wall mounts or tabletop stands
• Power: Keep plugged in continuously
• WiFi: Must have reliable internet connection

Cost: $100-400 depending on tablet

Pro tip: Older tablets work fine—you don't need the latest model.

Option C: Use a Computer Monitor

Best for: Behind-the-bar displays, point-of-sale integration

Standard computer monitors connect easily:

• Size: 24-32 inches typical
• Connection: HDMI or DisplayPort
• Mounting: VESA mount compatible
• Usage: Great for staff-facing displays

Cost: $150-300

What About Smart TVs vs. Regular TVs?

You don't need a smart TV. Any TV with HDMI works perfectly. In fact, many breweries prefer "dumb" TVs because they're cheaper and won't auto-update or show unwanted notifications.

Step 2: Get a Streaming Device (If Needed)

If you're using a regular (non-smart) TV, you'll need a small streaming device to display your digital menu.

Recommended Options:

Amazon Fire TV Stick ($30-50)

• Easiest setup
• Built-in browser for web-based menus
• Reliable WiFi connection
• Remote control included

Roku Streaming Stick ($30-50)

• User-friendly interface
• Good browser support
• Stable performance

Chromecast ($30-40)

• Budget-friendly
• Works well for casting from phones
• Slightly less recommended for always-on displays

Raspberry Pi ($35-75)

• Ultimate flexibility
• Requires technical knowledge
• Popular with tech-savvy breweries
• Our namesake!

Do You Already Have a Smart TV?

If yes, skip the streaming device. You can display your digital menu directly through the TV's built-in browser.

Step 3: Ensure You Have WiFi

Your display needs internet to show real-time updates.

Minimum requirements:

• Speed: 5 Mbps download (most internet plans exceed this)
• Reliability: Consistent connection, not spotty
• Location: WiFi signal reaches your display location

Testing WiFi strength:

1. Stand where your display will be
2. Pull up WiFi on your phone
3. Check signal strength (3+ bars = good)

Weak signal? Consider:

• WiFi extender ($20-40)
• Mesh WiFi system ($100-300)
• Moving router closer
• Hardwired ethernet connection (most reliable)

Step 4: Choose Your Digital Menu Software

This is where breweries often get stuck. Here's what to look for:

Essential Features:

✅ Quick updates - Change beers in under 60 seconds ✅ Beer database - Search existing beers or add custom ones ✅ Customization - Match your brewery's branding ✅ Multi-display sync - Update once, changes everywhere ✅ Website integration - Embed on your site ✅ No technical knowledge required - Your entire staff can update

Popular Options:

Cloud-Based Solutions (Recommended)

• Updates from any device
• No local software installation
• Automatic backups
• Always-on reliability

Examples: RaspberryPints, Untappd for Business, BeerMenus

Self-Hosted Solutions

• Full control over data
• One-time cost (no monthly fees)
• Requires technical setup
• You handle maintenance

Examples: Original RaspberryPints (open source), TapList.io

POS-Integrated Systems

• Syncs with your point-of-sale
• Usually expensive ($50-200+/month extra)
• Limited customization
• Tied to POS vendor

Why We Recommend Cloud-Based Software

Most breweries succeed with cloud-based solutions because:

• Setup takes 15 minutes, not days
• Updates work from your phone
• No server maintenance
• Professional support included
• Free or low monthly cost

Step 5: Set Up Your Account (15 Minutes)

Let's walk through a typical setup using cloud-based software:

5.1 Create Your Account

1. Go to your chosen software provider
2. Sign up with email (no credit card needed for most free tiers)
3. Verify your email address
4. Complete brewery profile:
   • Brewery name
   • Location
   • Logo upload
   • Color scheme

Time: 3-5 minutes

5.2 Add Your Beers

Two methods:

Method A: Search the Database

1. Click "Add Beer"
2. Search by name (database has 1M+ beers)
3. Select correct beer
4. Verify ABV, IBU, style
5. Add to your taplist

Time: 30 seconds per beer

Method B: Create Custom Entry

1. Click "Create Custom Beer"
2. Enter beer name
3. Add ABV, IBU, style
4. Write description
5. Upload beer image (optional)

Time: 2 minutes per custom beer

Pro tip: Start with 3-5 beers to test the system. Add the rest once you're comfortable.

5.3 Customize Your Display

Set your preferences:

• Choose layout (grid, list, hybrid)
• Select fonts and colors
• Add your logo
• Set background image
• Choose what info to display (ABV, IBU, description, etc.)

Time: 5-10 minutes

Most software provides templates—pick one and customize from there rather than starting from scratch.

Step 6: Connect Your Display

Now for the fun part—seeing your digital menu live!

For Smart TVs:

1. Turn on your TV
2. Open the built-in web browser
3. Navigate to your display URL (provided by your software)
4. Bookmark it for easy access
5. Set browser to full-screen mode

Done! Your menu is now displaying.

For Streaming Devices:

1. Plug streaming device into TV's HDMI port
2. Connect device to WiFi
3. Download browser app (Silk Browser for Fire Stick, etc.)
4. Navigate to your display URL
5. Bookmark and set to full-screen

Time: 5 minutes

For Tablets:

1. Open Safari (iPad) or Chrome (Android)
2. Go to your display URL
3. Add to home screen
4. Tap the home screen icon to launch
5. Enable "Guided Access" (iPad) or "Kiosk Mode" (Android) to prevent accidental exits

Time: 3 minutes

Step 7: Optimize Your Display Settings

Make your digital menu look professional:

Screen Orientation

Portrait mode (vertical):

• Best for: Lists of 10+ beers
• Shows: More beers on screen at once
• Common in: Breweries with rotating taps

Landscape mode (horizontal):

• Best for: 3-8 beers with detailed info
• Shows: Large images, full descriptions
• Common in: Smaller taprooms, cocktail bars

Brightness & Contrast

• Set brightness to 70-80% (100% causes eye strain)
• Adjust based on ambient lighting
• Dim for evening ambiance
• Brighter for daytime visibility

Auto-Refresh

Enable auto-refresh so your display updates automatically:

• Every 60 seconds (recommended)
• Every 30 seconds (if you update very frequently)
• Manual refresh only (not recommended)

Sleep Mode Settings

Turn off sleep mode! This is crucial:

For TVs:

• Disable "auto power-off"
• Disable "screen saver"
• Set to stay on 24/7

For Tablets:

• Set "Auto-Lock" to "Never"
• Keep screen awake setting enabled
• Plug in continuously

Step 8: Mount Your Display

Professional mounting makes a huge difference.

Wall Mounting:

For TVs:

1. Purchase VESA-compatible wall mount ($20-50)
2. Find studs in wall (use stud finder)
3. Mount bracket to studs
4. Attach TV to bracket
5. Run power cable through wall (optional but cleaner)

For Tablets:

1. Get tablet wall mount ($15-40)
2. Mount at eye level (5-6 feet high)
3. Ensure charging cable reaches
4. Use cable management for clean look

Pro tip: Hire a handyman if you're not comfortable with mounting. It's worth $50-100 to do it right.

Tabletop Displays:

Use a sturdy stand:

• Weighted base for stability
• Angled for easy viewing
• Cable management built-in
• Easy to move if needed

Step 9: Train Your Staff

Everyone should know how to update the menu.

Basic Training (10 minutes):

Show staff how to:

1. Log into the admin panel
2. Mark a beer as "sold out"
3. Swap a beer (remove old, add new)
4. Update a price
5. Change a description

Create a simple checklist near your computer:

TO UPDATE MENU:
1. Go to [your-admin-url]
2. Log in with [shared account]
3. Click "Edit" on beer to change
4. Make changes
5. Click "Save"
6. Check display (updates in 30-60 seconds)

Advanced Features (Optional):

Train managers on:

• Customizing display layout
• Generating QR codes
• Exporting menus to PDF
• Embedding menu on website

Step 10: Go Live!

You're ready! Here's your launch checklist:

✅ Display is mounted and powered on ✅ Internet connection is stable ✅ Menu shows all current beers ✅ Prices are correct ✅ ABV/IBU data is accurate ✅ Display is visible from key areas ✅ Staff knows how to make updates ✅ Backup plan exists (if WiFi goes down)

Soft launch tip: Run both your old menu (chalkboard) and digital display for 2-3 days. This gives you time to catch any issues while your team gets comfortable.

Common Issues & Solutions

"My display keeps going to sleep"

Solution: Disable all power-saving settings. For Fire Stick, go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Screen Saver > Start Time > Never.

"The menu isn't updating"

Solutions:

• Check internet connection
• Verify auto-refresh is enabled
• Manually refresh browser
• Clear browser cache

"Text is too small to read"

Solutions:

• Increase font size in software settings
• Move display closer to seating
• Use larger TV
• Choose list layout instead of grid

"Display shows 'No Signal'"

Solutions:

• Check HDMI cable connection
• Ensure streaming device has power
• Switch to correct HDMI input on TV
• Reboot streaming device

"WiFi signal is weak"

Solutions:

• Add WiFi extender
• Use ethernet cable instead
• Upgrade router
• Reduce interference (move away from microwaves, metal)

Beyond Basic Display: Next-Level Features

Once you're comfortable, consider:

Website Integration

Embed your menu on your brewery website:

<iframe src="your-menu-url" width="100%" height="800px"></iframe>

Customers can see your menu before visiting.

QR Code Menus

Generate QR codes for:

• Table tents
• Posters
• Merchandise
• Social media

Customers scan to see full menu with descriptions.

Printed Menu Export

Still need occasional printed menus?

• Export your digital menu to PDF
• Print for special events
• Create food/beer pairing menus
• Generate to-go menus

Multiple Display Locations

Sync multiple screens:

• One behind the bar
• One in dining area
• One outdoors (weatherproof required)
• All update simultaneously

Untappd Integration

Show live customer check-ins:

• Recent reviews
• Popular beers
• Social engagement
• Real-time feedback

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Here's a realistic budget for getting started:

One-Time Costs:

• TV or tablet: $200-600 (or $0 if using existing)
• Wall mount: $20-50
• Streaming device: $30-50 (if needed)
• WiFi extender: $20-40 (if needed)
• Installation: $50-100 (if hiring help)

Total one-time: $320-840 (or as low as $30 with existing hardware)

Monthly Costs:

• Software: $0-20/month depending on tier
• Internet: $0 extra (you already have WiFi)

Total monthly: $0-20

ROI Timeline:

If you're currently spending:

• $300/month on printing menus
• 5 hours/week updating chalkboards ($520/month at $25/hour)

You'll save $820/month with digital menus.

Payback period: Less than 1 month, even with new hardware purchase.

Best Practices for Maximum Impact

Keep Content Fresh

• Update beer descriptions weekly
• Rotate featured beers
• Highlight new arrivals
• Mark seasonal offerings

Use High-Quality Images

• Upload brewery photos
• Show beer in glass (not just can/bottle)
• Include brewery logo
• Use consistent image style

Organize Logically

• Group by style (IPAs, stouts, lagers)
• Order by ABV (light to heavy)
• Alphabetical within categories
• Put best-sellers first

Include Helpful Information

• ABV percentage
• IBU rating
• Beer style
• Brief tasting notes (3-5 words)
• Brewery location (for guest beers)

Monitor & Iterate

• Watch which beers customers ask about
• Track which info they look for most
• Adjust layout based on feedback
• Test different color schemes

Conclusion: You're Ready to Go Digital

Setting up digital beer menus is simpler than most brewery owners expect. With the right hardware (often what you already have) and user-friendly software, you can be live in under 30 minutes.

The time savings, cost reduction, and professional appearance make this one of the highest-ROI investments a brewery can make.

Ready to get started?

1. Check what hardware you already have
2. Sign up for digital menu software (start with a free tier)
3. Add 3-5 beers to test
4. Display on your TV or tablet
5. Refine and launch

Within a week, you'll wonder how you ever managed with chalkboards.

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About RaspberryPints: We provide cloud-based digital taplist software designed specifically for breweries, taprooms, and craft beer bars. Update your menu in 30 seconds, sync across all displays, and eliminate printing costs. Try it free →