Some meals taste like a Sunday at grandma’s house, even on a Tuesday. At Lizard’s Thicket on Elmwood Avenue in Columbia, plates of fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread land on the table quickly and without a big bill.
The family-owned spot has been feeding the city for decades, and locals and travelers keep coming back. Here is what to expect before you pull up.
A Southern Kitchen on Elmwood Avenue
Tucked at 818 Elmwood Ave in Columbia, Lizard’s Thicket is the kind of place you might drive past without a second look. That would be a mistake.
Behind the plain exterior sits a busy kitchen turning out down-home Southern cooking from early morning to evening.
Google lists it as an American restaurant, but anyone who has eaten here knows it is really about Southern favorites. Fried chicken leads the way, joined by a long lineup of vegetables, casseroles, and breads.
The setting is low-key, with no fuss and no pretense.
With a 4.2-star rating across more than 3,300 reviews, it has clearly earned a loyal following. Some guests stumble in after searching for the best soul food in town.
Others have been coming for years and treat it like a second kitchen.
Family Roots Since 1977
Back in 1977, a family started a restaurant in Columbia, and the name stuck around long after the bell-bottoms went out of style. Lizard’s Thicket is still family-owned, and regulars say you can taste it in every bite.
One recent visitor called it a real Columbia institution.
The business has grown into a small chain with more than one location around the city. Out-of-town guests sometimes get confused by that.
One couple visiting for their anniversary landed at another branch first, then found their way to Elmwood and said the experience beat their expectations.
That growth has not erased the homegrown feel. Diners describe a small-town atmosphere, even though the restaurant sits close to a main highway in a capital city.
It feels less like a chain and more like a neighborhood fixture that just happens to have siblings.
Fried Chicken and Other Main Plates
Crunch first, questions later. The fried chicken is the star here, and plenty of reviewers say it is well seasoned and never dry.
One guest who admits to not loving Southern food still came away impressed.
Chicken strips get praise for their flavorful crust. Baked chicken has fans too, with one diner saying the white meat was seasoned just right.
Pork chop lunches also show up on happy plates.
Not every report is glowing. A drive-thru customer recently felt a fried pork chop tasted off and questioned the frying oil, and another found bone pieces in baked chicken on a salad.
Most visitors leave satisfied, but results can vary from day to day.
Plate sizes help you match your appetite. A small plate with two tenders and two sides was called the perfect size by more than one guest.
The Vegetable Lineup
Ask a regular what they order, and they might list sides before mentioning meat. Collard greens come up again and again, along with squash casserole, black-eyed peas, fried okra, and mac and cheese.
Reviewers often praise the excellent variety.
One fan called the creamed corn unreal and said the collards tasted perfectly fresh. Another loved the potato salad and dressing next to a pork chop.
Cole slaw, rice and gravy, and candied yams also appear on plates.
Opinions do differ. A few diners found the collards bland or the mac and cheese dry and crumbly late in the day.
Candied yams did not win over one first-timer either.
Still, mixing and matching is half the fun. Build a plate of three favorites and you will see why vegetables get so much love here.
Cornbread, Dressing, and Rolls
Thirty-seven reviews mention the cornbread, which says a lot about a side that costs almost nothing to add. One visitor said it tastes great and nothing like a floury box mix.
That kind of compliment matters in the South.
Cornbread dressing gets its own love. A guest said the dressing with gravy reminded them of their mother’s on Thanksgiving Day.
That is about the highest praise comfort food can earn.
Rolls and corn muffins also come along with meals. One takeout customer mentioned the staff tucked in extra rolls and corn muffins without being asked twice.
A recent drive-thru diner felt the cornbread was dense and chewy, so your batch may differ. Most folks, though, sop up their gravy happily.
Breakfast From Six in the Morning
Early risers, rejoice. The doors open at 6 am every day of the week, which makes this a handy stop before work or a road trip.
Breakfast has quite the fan club. One reviewer was even told by a friend to only go for breakfast.
A holiday visitor praised a delicious morning meal and called out a server by name for wonderful service.
A drive-thru customer raved about the creamed chipped beef on Texas toast and a BLT, calling both amazing. That beef dish is a classic you do not see on many menus anymore.
Keep timing in mind. One diner who arrived early had to wait until 11 for lunch to be served, so plan your cravings around the switch.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Grilled pound cake. Say it slowly.
A slice gets toasted and served with vanilla bean ice cream, and an anniversary couple almost forgot to snap a photo before digging in.
Carrot cake has its backers too. One guest grabbed a piece to go after a huge meal and reported that it was really good.
With portions this filling, taking dessert home is a smart move.
The peach cobbler is a different story for at least one diner. They found the crust doughy and undercooked, despite the server hyping it up.
So the safe bet seems clear. Go for the pound cake, and treat the cobbler as a gamble.
Speedy Service and the Drive-Thru
Hungry and in a hurry? Food here often arrives in less than 10 minutes, according to one first-time guest.
Others say plates come out swiftly and hot.
The drive-thru is a big deal, mentioned in 63 reviews. A customer said the worker at the window was awesome.
Call-ahead orders work well too.
One touching story stands out. A caller explained her father was in the hospital, and staff packed the food separately, added extra rolls, and double-bagged his soup.
Servers earn lots of praise for being friendly and chatty. A few hiccups happen, like one diner waiting too long for a soda refill, but most leave feeling welcomed.
Atmosphere, Seating, and Who Will Love It
Picture a room where you can actually hear your friends talk. One guest said the noise level was just right for conversation.
The vibe is casual and relaxed.
The seating area is small, and the parking lot is tiny. A visitor noted the spot can be a bit hard to reach and did not spot a wheelchair ramp, so plan ahead if access matters.
On the plus side, that same guest enjoyed views of the city skyline.
Crowds vary. One lunch found the room about 95 percent full, while a Sunday evening had no wait at all.
Travelers, families, and comfort-food lovers all fit in well. Guests mention clean tables, utensils, and restrooms, though one noticed an empty soap dispenser.
Prices, Hours, and a Final Word
Two people, a full meal, under $25. That is what one happy diner reported, and the listed price range of $10 to $20 per person backs up the budget-friendly reputation.
There are no senior or military discounts, so a generous tip feels fair.
Hours are simple to remember: 6 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. Call +1 803-779-6407 or visit lizardsthicket.com for menu details.
You will find it at 818 Elmwood Ave, close to the main highway.
Is it perfect? No, and some reviews point to off days in the kitchen.
But for hearty Southern plates served fast and cheap, most guests say it hits the spot. Order from the wall board, grab extra cornbread, and see for yourself.
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