Lizards Thicket, founded in 1977 by Bob and Anna Williams in Columbia, South Carolina, is a beloved family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Southern home cooking․ Known for its hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring classic dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and Southern staples․ Its commitment to traditional recipes and family-friendly atmosphere has made it a local favorite for decades․
Lizards Thicket prides itself on serving Southern comfort food with a focus on regional flavors, ensuring a welcoming dining experience for all ages․
1․1 Overview of Lizards Thicket and Its History
Lizards Thicket, a family-owned restaurant, was founded in 1977 by Bob and Anna Williams in Columbia, South Carolina․ It specializes in authentic Southern home cooking, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere․ The restaurant has grown over the years, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023․ Known for its traditional dishes, Lizards Thicket remains committed to serving high-quality, regional Southern cuisine․ Its menu features classic comfort food, including fried chicken, catfish, and signature sides, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike․ The restaurant’s history reflects a dedication to preserving Southern culinary traditions․
1․2 The Concept of Southern-Style Country Cooking
Southern-style country cooking at Lizards Thicket revolves around hearty, traditional dishes that emphasize local ingredients and homemade flavors․ The restaurant specializes in classic comfort food, such as fried chicken, catfish, and meat-and-three plates, which showcase the region’s culinary heritage․ The concept focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and generous portions, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of Southern culture․ Each dish is prepared with care, reminiscent of family recipes passed down through generations․ This approach ensures a genuine, satisfying dining experience that honors the roots of Southern cuisine while appealing to both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors․
Menu Categories at Lizards Thicket
Lizards Thicket offers a variety of menu categories, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options․ Popular choices include Meat and Three, sandwiches, and plates served with Southern-style sides and desserts․
2․1 Breakfast Menu Options
Lizards Thicket offers a hearty breakfast menu, available from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM daily․ The menu features Southern favorites like eggs, pancakes, grits, and biscuits․ Popular items include the “Meat and Three” breakfast plates, combining eggs, meats, and sides․ They also serve omelets, sandwiches, and country ham․ The restaurant accommodates dietary needs with egg substitutes and vegetarian options․ Breakfast dishes are served with traditional Southern sides, ensuring a satisfying start to the day․ The menu caters to both classic and modern tastes, making it a beloved choice for early risers․
2․2 Lunch and Dinner Menu Highlights
Lizards Thicket’s lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of Southern comfort food classics․ The signature Meat and Three format allows diners to choose a protein, such as fried chicken, catfish, or pork chops, paired with three sides like mashed potatoes, okra, or collards․ Other highlights include sandwiches, such as fried bologna or catfish fillets, and hearty dishes like meatloaf or baked ham․ The menu emphasizes traditional Southern flavors, with dishes prepared using farm-fresh ingredients․ The portions are generous, catering to both family dining and individual appetites․ This ensures a satisfying meal experience for all․
2․3 Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Options
While Lizards Thicket is known for its Southern comfort food, the menu also offers vegetarian-friendly options․ Dishes like fried okra, collards, and cornbread dressing provide plant-based choices․ For vegans, options are more limited, but the restaurant can accommodate dietary needs with modifications, such as egg substitutes or plant-based sides․ The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring flavors remain authentic․ While not entirely vegan-focused, Lizards Thicket strives to cater to diverse dietary preferences, making it a considerate choice for vegetarians and those seeking meat-free options in a traditional Southern dining setting․
Popular Dishes and Signature Items
Lizards Thicket is renowned for its Southern fried chicken, catfish, and the signature “Meat and Three Vegetables” format, offering hearty, flavorful dishes that embody classic Southern comfort food․
3․1 Fried Chicken and Sides
Lizards Thicket’s fried chicken is a cornerstone of its menu, celebrated for its crispy, hand-breaded exterior and juicy interior․ Served with an array of traditional Southern sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, and fried okra, this dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to authentic, homestyle cooking․ The chicken is typically paired with three sides, offering a hearty and satisfying meal․ This iconic dish, prepared with care, reflects the restaurant’s dedication to preserving Southern culinary traditions and providing a comforting dining experience for its patrons․
3․2 Southern Fried Catfish and Other Seafood Options
Lizards Thicket’s Southern Fried Catfish is a standout dish, offering a delicious blend of crispy, hand-breaded catfish served with three classic Southern sides․ Priced at $15․59, it’s a fan favorite for its flavorful and satisfying appeal․ The menu also features Fried Flounder at $11․39, providing a lighter seafood option․ Both dishes are prepared to perfection, maintaining the restaurant’s tradition of authentic Southern cooking․ The catfish, in particular, is a testament to the restaurant’s ability to deliver hearty, homestyle seafood that complements its rich culinary heritage․
3․3 Meat and Three Vegetables Format
Lizards Thicket’s signature Meat and Three Vegetables format offers a quintessential Southern dining experience․ Priced at $14․39, this option allows guests to pair a selected meat with three sides from a variety of traditional dishes․ Popular choices include fried chicken, pork chops, and catfish, accompanied by classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, okra, and collards․ For $16․79, diners can opt for chicken strips instead․ This format embodies the restaurant’s commitment to hearty, homestyle meals, making it a cornerstone of their menu and a favorite among regulars and newcomers alike․
Family Dining and Kids Menu
Lizards Thicket emphasizes family dining with a kids menu offering smaller portions of classic dishes like fried chicken and vegetables, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all ages․
4․1 Kids Menu Options and Portion Sizes
Lizards Thicket’s kids menu provides smaller, kid-friendly portions of classic dishes like fried chicken, vegetables, and Southern favorites․ Each meal includes a drink and a choice of biscuit or toast, ensuring a balanced and satisfying option for children․ The portion sizes are designed to cater to younger appetites without compromising on flavor or quality․ This makes Lizards Thicket an excellent choice for families, offering a welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals for all ages․ The menu is thoughtfully crafted to accommodate children while maintaining the restaurant’s signature Southern charm and hospitality․
4․2 Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Amenities
Lizards Thicket offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that caters to families, making it an ideal spot for family dining․ The restaurant provides highchairs for young children, ensuring comfort and accessibility․ With ample parking and a cozy setting, families can enjoy a stress-free meal together․ The welcoming environment, combined with its Southern charm, creates a memorable experience for all ages․ Lizards Thicket’s commitment to hospitality extends to its amenities, ensuring families feel right at home while savoring authentic Southern cuisine․
Special Events and Traditions
Lizards Thicket celebrates New Year’s Day with a traditional Southern meal, serving thousands annually․ It’s their busiest day, honoring a long-standing community tradition․ They also offer a special Thanksgiving menu, ensuring a festive experience for families․
5․1 New Year’s Day Tradition and Special Meals
Lizards Thicket is renowned for its New Year’s Day tradition, serving thousands annually․ The restaurant offers a special Southern-style meal featuring dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken․ This event is deeply rooted in Southern culture, symbolizing good luck and prosperity․ Families gather to enjoy hearty plates, making it the busiest day of the year for the restaurant․ The tradition highlights Lizards Thicket’s commitment to community and culinary heritage, ensuring a memorable start to the year for its patrons․
5․2 Thanksgiving Day Menu and Hours
On Thanksgiving Day, Lizards Thicket offers a special menu featuring traditional Southern dishes, including turkey, dressing, and seasonal sides․ The restaurant operates from 6 AM to 7 PM, accommodating families seeking a festive meal without the hassle of cooking․ The menu highlights classic comfort food, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce, alongside their signature fried chicken and catfish․ This special menu is a beloved tradition, providing a warm and welcoming experience for those celebrating the holiday․ Lizards Thicket ensures a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving for its patrons every year․
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
Lizards Thicket offers egg substitutes and uses farm-fresh eggs, ensuring dietary accommodations․ They emphasize food safety, with a note on the risks of consuming raw or undercooked items․
6․1 Egg Substitutes and Dietary Accommodations
Lizards Thicket offers egg substitutes and egg whites upon request, catering to diverse dietary preferences․ The restaurant emphasizes food safety, noting that consuming raw or undercooked eggs or meats may increase health risks․ This consideration ensures guests with specific dietary needs can enjoy their meals safely․ The menu also features vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and flexibility․ By providing these accommodations, Lizards Thicket supports a wide range of dietary requirements while maintaining its reputation for authentic Southern cuisine․
6․2 Food Safety and Cooking Practices
Lizards Thicket prioritizes food safety and adheres to strict cooking practices to ensure a secure dining experience․ The restaurant cautions guests about the risks of consuming raw or undercooked meats, eggs, or seafood, as this may pose health risks․ Meals are prepared with care, using fresh ingredients and traditional Southern cooking methods․ By maintaining high culinary standards, Lizards Thicket upholds its commitment to serving safe, wholesome dishes while preserving the authentic flavors of its regional cuisine․ This dedication to quality and safety has earned the restaurant a loyal following over the years․
Lizards Thicket offers an authentic Southern dining experience with its rich flavors, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to tradition, making it a beloved cultural and culinary destination․
7․1 Overall Dining Experience at Lizards Thicket
Lizards Thicket provides an exceptional Southern dining experience, blending warm hospitality with authentic regional flavors․ The restaurant’s comforting atmosphere and hearty portions ensure a satisfying meal for all guests․ With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Lizards Thicket delivers a true taste of Southern home cooking․ Families and food enthusiasts alike appreciate the variety of menu options, from classic fried chicken to seasonal specials, making it a cherished destination for casual and celebratory dining alike․ The commitment to quality and tradition shines through in every dish served․