The Top 7 Security Cameras for Bars and Restaurants

If you have a bar or restaurant, security should be a top concern. And one of the best ways to ensure your establishment’s safety is by installing a security camera system that will deter crime and serve as proof in case something does happen.

That said, a security camera system can be a hefty investment. Starting up already costs a lot of money, so you need to choose one that will give you the best bang for your buck. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best security cameras for bars and restaurants.

Why You Need Security Cameras for Your Bar or Restaurant

Installing a security surveillance system means you care about the safety and security of your establishment, employees, and patrons.

When you get a security camera system, you’re actively preventing crime from happening: petty thieves, vandals, and dine-and-dashers will think twice because they know there’s a high chance they’ll get caught.

Having a camera will also ensure that your employees are on their best behavior. That could mean following health and safety protocols, being honest behind the registry, or being courteous towards your patrons.

What to Look For in a Bar and Restaurant Security Camera

There are many security cameras in the market today, all of which are marketed as the “best” for your establishment. The truth is, the best security cameras depend on subjective factors, such as your needs, preference, and budget.

This section will discuss the factors you should consider when picking the best security cameras for your bar or restaurant.

Weatherproof Rating

A weatherproof rating is important if you want your cameras to be sturdy. Granted, you likely won’t need an IP66 rated camera if you just want to monitor the cash register, but there are still areas in and around your bar or restaurant that do need one. 

For instance, areas that are exposed to harsh conditions like the kitchen and the parking lot will benefit greatly from cameras that can withstand bad weather. Consider a system with a high weatherproof rating especially if you’re based in a location with frequent thunderstorms or tornadoes.  

Video Quality

A security camera is pretty much useless if the videos always turn out grainy, pixelated, and with low-resolution. After all, if you want to use the cameras to identify culprits, the video quality needs to be high enough to actually make out their faces.

Night Vision

A camera that works well during the day might not work as well in the evening, so you need to get something that has low-light or night vision features. Some of these cameras use infrared technology to capture movement even when the lighting is not ideal.

Camera Control

Fixed cameras may be cheaper, but their view tends to be relatively narrow. This makes them inadequate when monitoring large areas, such as the main dining area or bar. 

PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras can solve this problem. These cameras allow you to control their movement, making them able to cover a 360-degree angle. They even come in automated varieties.

Additional Features

Some modern surveillance systems now have smart features to make your life as an owner or manager much easier. For example, there are systems with remote viewing capabilities. This way, you can monitor your establishment from any device and location, or even monitor multiple establishments simultaneously.

The Best 7 Security Camera Systems for Bars and Restaurants

Now that we know what to look for, here are the seven best surveillance camera systems that you can get for your bar or restaurant.

SureVision 4K IP Bullet Camera

Bars and restaurants need many different camera types. You need an HD camera in the main dining area, but you have to prioritize weatherproofing and night vision in outdoor spaces. What if you can have just one solution for everything? If that’s what you want, you should check out the SureVision 4K Bullet Camera System.

This complete system features all the essentials of a surveillance system, including two HD cameras, two cables, one hard drive with 1TB of storage, and a network video recorder. It also comes with remote viewing capability at no extra monthly charge. Each camera has 8 MP with a 3840×2160 resolution, an IP67 weatherproof rating suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and infrared night vision of up to 100 feet.

The price starts at $1,499.99, but there are options to upgrade the NVR, the hard drive storage, and the cable length for a fee. You can add a crimping tool and a monitor, as well, for an additional fee.

UniView 4K Starview Camera

Video quality is one of the most important aspects of a security camera system. After all, all the surveillance cameras in the world won’t be of any use if you can’t recognize anyone in them. That’s why if ultra-clear vision is your preference, you can’t go wrong with the UniView 4K Starview Camera.

This camera system features 8MP cameras with 4096 x 1800 resolution at 30FPS. It can deliver crisp visuals whatever the conditions may be with its patented StarView illumination technology. Its most standout feature, however, is its smart video analytics–the system’s software can analyze behavior, detect exceptions, identify elements, and create statistical calculations based on the data that it gathers.

You can get a quote for the system’s price by contacting a sales representative on their website.

Panasonic WV-S3131L

If you need something covert and compact but still powerful, the Panasonic WV-S3131L Dome Camera is a great choice for you.

At only 4.1 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall, this little gem can record videos in 1080p at 60FPS. It can provide a 180-degree view of the area, and you can even customize its viewing angles with its pivot hinge. It also has infrared capabilities that allow it to see 49 feet into the night, even compensating for low-light scenarios. 

You can get these cameras by accessing their store locator to figure out who’s selling them in your area.

Axis Communication 4MP Camera

Need protection on a budget? Axis Communication’s M2026-LE Mk II 4MP camera delivers outstanding quality for a great price.

It records a maximum resolution of 1440p at 60FPS, satisfying the need for a crisp and clear view of your bar or restaurant. It has a 105-degree fixed view with a wide dynamic range (WDR) and IR illumination features, wireless connectivity, and several analytic functions like intrusion, loitering, and motion detection.

You can purchase this camera for around $400 on Amazon.

Google Nest Cam

The Google Nest IQ Camera is primarily made for the household, but its great features can also serve any bar or restaurant.

This camera offers a wirelessly connected crystal clear video recording of the area. It can record 1080p videos at 30FPS so that you can see sensitive regions such as registries, doorways, and the office. It even has a great night vision function and can recognize faces and voices. With the Google Nest IQ, you can set up smart alerts and even an emergency call feature right from the app’s home.

You can buy the Google Nest Cam for around $100 to $200 on Amazon.

Reolink RLK8-800B4

Don’t want to deal with the installation hassles of getting a new surveillance system? The Reolink RLK8-800B4 is here to help if you’re willing to pay for its premium price.

This product is a true plug-and-play system, and you don’t need any experience to install it. It connects via a single 330-feet cable and features an ultra-clear 4K HD video feed with its 8MP camera with 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution. With this kind of clarity, you can count your kitchen’s inventory right from your office. Lastly, it also has 24/7 recording, 2TB of storage expandable to 4TB, and simultaneous feeds from 8 cameras.

You can get these premium security camera systems on their website for only $556.99. There are other systems with comparable features with different kinds of cameras available, too.

LaView Ultra HD 4K

Another product that offers ultra-HD video quality, the LaView Ultra HD 4K surveillance system displays the honed strength of an analog system without all the complexity.

This surveillance system features four Ultra-HD cameras that have 8.3MP and 4K resolution. It also has a weather-proof rating of IP67 so that you can place it anywhere you want, and you will still get a crisp and clear recording. Although it has an analog system that connects through wires, you can still avail yourself of remote viewing without any additional fees.

You can get this reliable and super-clear system for $599.00 on their website. You can also catch discounted prices once in a while.

Choosing the Best Security Cameras for Your Bar and Restaurant

Installing a surveillance system is one of the best things you can do to protect your bar or restaurant. That said, before you buy, carefully consider the camera’s features first to make sure that it’s suitable for your needs.

Once you’ve determined what you need, feel free to check out the top seven picks that we have on this list and choose the right one for your bar or restaurant!