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. Today, we’ll be comparing two popular options: Yelp Host vs. 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 syncs seamlessly with Yelp Guest Manager as well as other 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 works with Yelp Guest Manager or 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. It books reservations, handles waitlist requests, sends automated SMS updates, informs guests of wait times, and fields customer queries about hours, menu items and specials, prices, the restaurant’s address, and more.

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 reservation platforms 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 for up to 500 calls, 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, so they’re not counted toward the 500 per month limit.

Yelp Host setup

Setup for Yelp Host is straightforward, with customizable brand voice options. The system pulls information directly from a restaurant’s Yelp Page, meaning a painless and easy no-code setup that only takes 10 minutes. You can either set up call forwarding from your existing phone line or switch to a new number.

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 restaurants already in the Yelp ecosystem. Plus, you can get up to 30 days free, which means owners can give it a go without any commitment concerns.

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 top 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 integrates with a number of reservation platforms, including Yelp Guest Manager, OpenTable, SevenRooms, and Tripleseat. 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 what the monthly call limit is at that price point. They also offer a premium tier at $539 per month that 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. 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 their reservation platform. 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 users) and $0.25 per call after the 500/month limit, Yelp Host is one of the most budget-friendly AI solutions on the market. Its flat-rate pricing is transparent, making it accessible for small to midsize restaurants on tight budgets.
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
Takeaway: Yelp Host offers better value for small to medium 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 is a breeze for integration. It works with 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 major reservation platforms, including Yelp Guest Manager, OpenTable, and SevenRooms. It also integrates with Tripleseat for an additional fee.
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 handles reservations and helps seat guests with ease, creating a welcoming experience. 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 drives positive reviews.
Slang AI: Slang AI’s conversational AI sounds like a top host, excelling in upscale settings. It helps ensure a premium experience, especially for complex inquiries like private dining or dietary needs.
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 to see how it jives with you. You may be surprised at just how easy it is to use—and what a difference it can make for your business.