This Southern-style meat-and-three restaurant prices each vegetable side separately, so planning your plate matters. If you are looking for the Lizard’s Thicket Menu with Prices, you have come to the right place. We have broken down the current costs, portion sizes, and the best ways to save money on your next visit.
Lizard’s Thicket is a beloved Columbia, South Carolina institution. They have been serving up homestyle cooking since 1989. The menu is extensive, but the pricing structure is actually pretty simple once you understand the basics.
Let us walk you through every section of the menu. We will cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the all-important vegetable sides.
Lizard’s Thicket Menu With Prices
Before we get into the specific items, you need to know the core concept. This is a “meat-and-three” style restaurant. That means you pick a main protein and then you pick your sides. The sides are not included in the meat price. They are charged separately.
This is where most people get confused. You might see a price for “Fried Chicken” and think that is the total cost. It is not. You have to add the cost of the vegetables or salad on top of that.
Here is the breakdown of the current menu structure and the associated costs.
Breakfast Offerings And Costs
Breakfast is served all day on weekends and until 11:00 AM on weekdays. The pricing here is straightforward.
- Two Eggs Any Style: $5.49
- Pancake Platter: $6.29
- French Toast Platter: $6.79
- Country Ham & Eggs: $9.99
- Steak & Eggs: $11.49
- Biscuits & Gravy: $4.99
You can add a side of bacon or sausage for an extra charge. Grits are a popular add-on as well. They usually run about $2.49 for a side order.
Lunch And Dinner Meat Prices
This is the main event. The price of your entree depends on the protein you choose. Chicken and pork options are usually the cheapest. Steak and shrimp are at the higher end of the scale.
Here are the current prices for the main dishes. Remember, these prices do not include your sides.
- Fried Chicken (2 pieces): $6.99
- Fried Chicken (3 pieces): $8.49
- Chicken Breast (Grilled): $7.99
- Chicken Tenders (3): $7.49
- Country Fried Steak: $8.99
- Liver & Onions: $7.49
- Roast Beef: $8.79
- Meatloaf: $7.99
- Pork Chops: $9.49
- Fried Shrimp: $10.99
- Flounder (Fried): $9.49
- Country Ham: $8.49
- BBQ Pork: $8.29
These prices can shift slightly depending on the location. Stores in tourist areas might have a slightly higher price point. But generally, these are the numbers you will see on the board.
Vegetable Side Prices
Here is the critical part. The vegetables are priced individually. You do not get a discount for ordering three versus two. Each side is charged at a flat rate.
Currently, a single vegetable side costs $3.29. This includes all the standard options. You are not paying extra for mac and cheese versus green beans. They are all the same price.
Here are the typical vegetable choices available daily:
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- French Fries
- Green Beans
- Corn
- Cole Slaw
- Black Eyed Peas
- Rice and Gravy
- Fried Okra
- Seasoned Cabbage
If you want a salad instead of vegetables, that is also priced at $3.29. A side salad with dinner is a great option if you are watching carbs.
Plate Combinations And Pricing
To understand the total cost, you need to do some quick math. Let us look at a standard plate.
A “Meat and Two” is a popular choice. You get one meat and two vegetables.
Here is the cost breakdown for a Meat and Two:
- Choose your meat (e.g., Fried Chicken 2pc at $6.99).
- Add two vegetable sides (2 x $3.29 = $6.58).
- Total cost for the plate: $13.57.
If you get a “Meat and Three” (one meat, three sides), the math is different.
- Meat (e.g., Meatloaf at $7.99).
- Three sides (3 x $3.29 = $9.87).
- Total cost: $17.86.
As you can see, the price adds up quickly. It is not uncommon for a single diner to spend over $15.00 for a lunch plate. This is important to know before you go.
Sandwiches And Light Fare
If you do not want a full plate, they offer sandwiches. These are more affordable options.
- Chicken Salad Sandwich: $6.99
- BLT: $6.49
- Grilled Cheese: $5.49
- Hamburger Steak Sandwich: $7.99
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: $6.79
Sandwiches usually come with a pickle spear. You can add a side of chips or a small salad for an additional cost. French fries are not automatically included with sandwiches.
Kid’s Menu Pricing
If you have children, the kid’s menu is a better value. These meals are smaller but come with a drink and a side.
Kid’s meals are generally priced between $4.99 and $5.99. They include a small entree, one side, and a drink.
- Chicken Tenders (2): $5.49
- Mini Corn Dogs: $4.99
- Spaghetti: $4.99
- Grilled Cheese: $4.99
This is a much better deal than ordering a full adult plate for a child. The portions are appropriate for kids under 10.
Desserts And Beverages
You cannot leave without trying the desserts. They are famous for their banana pudding and cobbler.
- Banana Pudding: $3.49
- Peach Cobbler: $3.99
- Apple Pie: $3.49
- Chocolate Cake: $3.79
For drinks, you have the standard options. Sweet tea is the go-to choice here.
- Soft Drinks: $2.99
- Sweet Tea: $2.99
- Coffee: $2.49
- Milk: $2.49
Drinks are refillable if you dine in. This is one area where you can get a good value.
Daily Specials And Value Meals
If you want to save money, you need to pay attention to the daily specials. These are not always advertised on the main menu board. You have to look for the specials board or ask the cashier.
Many locations offer a “Blue Plate Special” on weekdays. This is usually a specific meat with two sides for a set price. It is often cheaper than building your own plate.
Here is an example of how specials work:
- Monday: Meatloaf Special – $8.99 (includes two sides)
- Tuesday: Fried Chicken Special – $9.49
- Wednesday: Country Fried Steak Special – $9.99
These specials are usually only available during lunch hours (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). They are the best way to get a full meal without breaking the bank.
Senior And Military Discounts
Lizard’s Thicket offers discounts to certain groups. If you are a senior citizen (usually 55 and older), you can get a discount on your meal.
The senior discount is typically around 10% off your total. You do not need a membership card. You just need to ask for it when you order.
Military personnel and veterans also receive a discount. This is offered as a thank you for their service. You will need to show a valid military ID to receive this discount.
These discounts can help offset the cost of the sides. If you are ordering a meat-and-three, the 10% discount can save you almost $2.00.
To Go Orders And Catering
If you are ordering takeout, the prices are the same as dining in. There is no upcharge for to-go boxes.
However, you need to be careful with the portion sizes. The to-go boxes are filled generously. If you order a meat-and-three to go, you might actually get two meals out of it.
For catering, the prices are different. They sell family-sized trays of meats and sides. These are priced by the pound or by the half-pan.
Here is a rough estimate for catering trays:
- Vegetable Sides (Half Pan): $45.00
- Fried Chicken (Tray): $55.00
- Roast Beef (By the Pound): $12.99
Catering orders require 24 hours notice. It is best to call the specific location to get an exact quote for your event.
How To Order To Save Money
You can control your final bill by making smart choices. Here are some tips for keeping your cost down.
- Skip the drink. Water is free.
- Get the daily special instead of building your own plate.
- Ask for the senior or military discount if you qualify.
- Share a dessert. The portions are large enough for two people.
- Order the smaller portion of fried chicken (2 pieces instead of 3).
You can also ask for extra gravy on the side. It is free and can make the rice and mashed potatoes go further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price of bread included in the meat and three?
Yes, cornbread or rolls are included with your entree order. You do not pay extra for the bread. You can ask for more bread at no additional charge.
Can I get a half order of vegetables?
No, the sides are served in standard portions. You cannot order a half portion of a vegetable at a reduced price. You have to pay the full $3.29 for any side.
Does the Lizard’s Thicket menu with prices vary by location?
Yes, prices can vary slightly. Locations in Lexington or Irmo might have different prices than the downtown Columbia store. The variance is usually only a few cents or up to fifty cents on entrees.
Are there any gluten free options on the menu?
Yes, you can get grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen. The fried items are not gluten free. You should ask to speak to a manager if you have a severe allergy.
Do they accept credit cards?
Yes, all locations accept major credit cards and debit cards. They also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay at the register.
We hope this guide to the Lizard’s Thicket menu with prices helps you plan your meal. The food is always good, but it is nice to know what you are going to spend before you get in line. Go ahead and decide on your three sides before you arrive, because the line moves fast and you will feel pressure to decide quickly.
The total for a standard lunch plate is going to run you about $15.00. If that seems high, stick to the daily specials or just get a sandwich. The quality of the ingredients is high and the portions are very generous. You will likely have leftovers to take home for dinner.
Remember to check the specific store hours before you go. Most locations close at 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. They do not stay open late. Breakfast is a great deal if you go early, but the lunch rush starts right at 11:00 AM. If you go at noon, expect a line out the door.
We hope you enjoy your meal. The service is always friendly and the tea is always sweet. Just be prepared for the pricing structure and you will have a great experience. Do not forget to grab a banana pudding on the way out, it is worth the extra few dollars.