Opening a tab with OpenTab takes just a moment. From the home screen, tap the logo of the restaurant you’re visiting. You’ll confirm your payment method and default tip on a quick prompt, then swipe across your phone to open the tab. That’s it—your server sees the tab on their side, and you can start ordering.
As the team adds items on the POS, you’ll see them appear in your app in near real time. If you switch seats, move to the patio, or grab a high-top, your tab moves with you; just give your server a heads-up so they can keep things tidy on their end. Some restaurants choose to place a pre-authorization (hold) on new tabs—if they do, the amount is set by the venue.
If your server already started a manual tab before you opened one in the app, no problem. Ask them to merge that tab into your new OpenTab tab so everything lands in one place.
Open a tab
Tap the restaurant’s logo in the OpenTab app.
Confirm your payment method and default tip.
Swipe across your phone—your tab opens automatically.
Tell your server you’re using OpenTab (helps them match your tab instantly).
Pre-authorization
A hold may apply and is set by the restaurant (amount varies by venue).
Live updates
Your items appear in near real time as the server rings them in.
Moving around
Feel free to change seats/areas. Let your server know if you move; your tab won’t change.
If a POS tab already exists
Ask your server to merge the manual tab into your new OpenTab tab.