Yelp Host vs. Slang: Which suits your restaurant’s needs?

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In the restaurant world, every missed call is a missed opportunity. Whether it’s a reservation, a take-out order, or a curious diner, every unanswered call can mean lost revenue and disappointed customers.

At the same time, restaurants can’t expect their front-of-house (FOH) staff to be manning phones constantly during peak hours. The solution: an AI-powered phone answering system that handles customer queries in real time. Let’s compare two popular options: Yelp Host and Slang AI.

Both of these voice AI systems can automate call handling, book reservations, and free up FOH staff to focus on the guest experience. Yelp Host launched in 2025 and is purpose built for restaurants to sync seamlessly with Yelp Guest Manager as well as work alongside all popular reservation platforms. Slang AI has been around a bit longer and was developed by seasoned Spotify engineers. Let’s take a look at both and see what restaurant owners can expect from these platforms.

What is Yelp Host?

Yelp Host is an AI-powered phone answering system that integrates with Yelp Guest Manager or works alongside whatever reservation system you use. Designed specifically for restaurants, it answers calls with a natural-sounding voice that can be customized to fit a restaurant’s brand and tone. Yelp Host can answer guests’ questions; filter spam calls; and text links to guests to make a reservation, join the waitlist, or place a takeout order. When paired with Yelp Guest Manager, Yelp Host can directly book on behalf of the guest, and all the information will flow directly into the restaurant’s reservation system in real-time.

Yelp Host also filters out spam and wrong numbers, saving time and frustration for busy staff. Conversations are transcribed for easy review, and complex calls can be routed to a team member. Its seamless syncing with Yelp Guest Manager prevents double-bookings and makes note of guest preferences like seating requests to personalize service.

Yelp Host pricing

Yelp Host is priced at $149 per month, which includes 500 calls per month and is only $0.25 per call after, with a discounted pricing of $99 per month for Yelp Guest Manager users. If you’re worried about excessive robocalls and wrong numbers taking up your quota, Yelp Host filters them out and they’re not counted toward the included 500 calls per month.

Multi-language support for both English and Spanish is also included. That’s something Slang charges an additional $99 per month for.

Yelp Host setup

Setup for Yelp Host is straightforward, with four customizable brand voice options. The system pulls information directly from your restaurant’s Yelp Page, meaning a seamless and easy, no-code setup that only takes 10 minutes. You can either set up call forwarding from your existing phone line or swap in your Yelp Host phone number on your website and other business platforms.

Yelp Host’s unique appeal

Yelp Host helps tap into Yelp’s huge diner network to boost visibility and encourage reviews. Its affordability and Yelp integration make it a strong choice for busy restaurants that need more FOH support. Plus, get up to 30 days free.

What is Slang AI?

Founded in 2019 by former Spotify engineers, Slang AI is another voice AI platform built for restaurants, with a tendency toward upscale venues and multi-unit operations. Its tech mimics the warmth of a host, handling reservations, menu questions, private dining inquiries, and FAQs.

Slang AI can direct callers to online ordering platforms, send SMS confirmations for reservations, and provide analytics on call volume, peak times, covers, common customer questions, and customer satisfaction.

It supports both existing phone numbers as well as new ones.

Slang AI pricing

Slang AI begins at $379 per month. It’s unclear from their website whether there is a monthly call limit at that price point. They also offer a premium tier that starts at $539 per month, which adds custom branding, reservation cross-selling, performance insights, and more. In addition to the plan tiers, Slang AI has two add-ons available: Tripleseat integration for $199 per month and bilingual support in Spanish for $99 per month.

Slang AI setup

Setup is fairly easy, taking about 30 minutes, and like Yelp Host, it has customizable voice options to reflect a restaurant’s brand. However, it does not come trained out of the box like Yelp Host does, and integration with complex tech stacks may call for some additional configuration.

Slang AI’s unique appeal

Slang AI can be especially useful for restaurants with multiple locations, as it can route customers to another location should one be full. VIP guests can be directly routed to staff or concierge lines. Their site claims a 96% customer satisfaction rate for the platform.

Yelp Host vs. Slang AI: a head-to-head comparison

A restaurant manager is holding a phone while using a laptop.

To help you make a choice, let’s compare Yelp Host vs. Slang AI across four key areas: ease of use, cost-effectiveness, integration, and guest experience.

1. Ease of use

Yelp Host: With a 10-minute, no-code setup, Yelp Host is made for speed and simplicity. The system seamlessly integrates with Yelp’s reservation platform, Yelp Guest Manager. Yelp Host pulls data straight from the restaurant’s Yelp Page, meaning brand consistency and accurate information.
Slang AI: Slang AI also prioritizes ease, offering a quick setup process that takes around 30 minutes. While integrating with multiple platforms may take a bit more effort, the system’s flexibility with phone numbers and different workflows means it’s accessible to staff.
Takeaway: Both platforms are user-friendly, but Yelp Host’s streamlined setup gives it a slight edge for restaurants seeking immediate implementation.

2. Cost-effectiveness

Yelp Host: At $149 per month for 500 calls (or $99 per month for Yelp Guest Manager customers) and $0.25 per call after, Yelp Host is one of the most budget-friendly AI solutions on the market. Its pricing is transparent, making it accessible for small to midsize restaurants on tight budgets. Plus, when you combine Yelp Host with Yelp Guest Manager, it’s under $250 per month, which means you get an FOH system and voice AI all for one very low price.
Slang AI: Starting at $379 per month, Slang AI is pricier at its base tier. Costs get even higher with the premium tier at $539 per month. Plus, there’s a $199 per month add-on for Tripleseat integration and a $99 per month add-on for Spanish support.
Takeaway: Yelp Host offers better value for small to medium-sized restaurants, while Slang AI’s pricing may suit event venues or very high-end restaurants that need Slang’s Tripleseat integration, reservation cross-selling, or VIP caller features.

3. Integration

Yelp Host: Yelp Host works alongside whatever reservation system you already have, so it’s easy to add it to your restaurant tech stack. Yelp Host also pulls information straight from your Yelp Page.
Slang AI: Slang AI integrates with several major reservation platforms.
Takeaway: Both systems offer integrations that make your AI phone and reservation systems work together. However, Yelp Host’s integration with a restaurant’s Yelp Page makes for a seamless setup experience that could be a differentiator for some.

4. Guest experience

Yelp Host: Yelp Host’s friendly, customizable AI gives callers the same care and attention that your staff would; and when paired with Yelp Guest Manager, it creates a seamless end-to-end experience—from the guest’s first phone call to when they show up for their reservation.

Additionally, its integration with Yelp Guest Manager allows restaurants to leverage guest data for personalized service, like favorite drinks, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. This helps build loyalty and drive positive reviews.

Slang AI: Slang AI’s conversational AI sounds just like a host would, excelling in upscale settings. It helps ensure a premium experience, especially for complex inquiries like private dining.
Takeaway: Both systems deliver excellent guest experiences. AI agents can become a valuable part of your team, letting your staff focus on the human aspect of the business.

Making the right choice

A restaurant team collaborates while using a laptop.

Yelp Host and Slang AI both tackle the pain of missed calls, boost phone reservations, answer inquiries, and filter spam. Yelp Host stands out for its affordability as well as its universal, easy setup. Slang AI can be valuable for high-volume or multi-unit restaurants that rely on robust analytics, reflecting its higher price.

For restaurants seeking a cost-effective, flexible solution, try Yelp Host free for up to 30 days. You may be surprised at just how easy it is to use—and what a difference it can make for your business.