In this final installation of our Columbia Meat and Threes Head-to-Head, we are going to reveal the winner of our popular Columbia
LIZARD'S THICKET - 818 Elmwood
 |
Lizard's Thicket is all over the place around Columbia. In my estimation, that always places the restaurant at a disadvantage, as quality control usually goes down, organizational overhead is often up, menus are less apt to change when necessary, etc. When I first moved to Columbia
The sides at the Thicket were also a nice surprise for us. My green beans had some nice flavor added to them (a distinct pork flavor, probably ham) despite the fact that they were not fresh, local pickings. My macaroni & cheese was creamy and cheesy. As for the squash casserole, it might have been the single best side that I tried throughout this challenge.
Several in our group went after the Thicket's famous fried chicken. The Publican was very happy with his selection, and in our future fried chicken poll, the Thicket has earned a spot on the list. The Thicket's fried chicken, although it appeared deep fried rather than pan fried, was reportedly not over-cooked or too greasy. The final result was a proper nod to the traditional Southern fried chicken, perhaps as much as can be expected to a restaurant doing the kind of volume the Thicket on Elmwood does during lunch. On that point, take warning: this place was so packed, we were only able to find one parking spot in the lot at 12:10. Nearly every table had someone enjoying the home-style cooking.
Butter beans, stewed tomatoes & okra, mashed potatoes & gravy - each side was relatively well received by the Lunchmen that ordered it. Kali opted for one of the popular salad options and a bowl of vegetable soup. My photo does not do either justice since Kali had already set in on his meal, but take my word for it - the Thicket's soup is hearty, winter fare. I'll be going back in the late fall for a bowl of that soup and a cornbread muffin, I promise you. Rabbit, as you would expect, grabbed an entree salad; no complaints from our resident lettuce critic. His regular order at the Thicket is a salad with baked chicken, quartered tomatoes, carrots, and radicchio. They also offer a fried version for those wanting a little Southern flare without all of the guilt.
Overall, the price at the Thicket is about $2 more than Nathan's and $1 more than Compton's. Its atmosphere is busier and less relaxed as well. However, the quality of the food lifted the Lizard's Thicket over its competitors, and therefore we believe the Thicket - at least the Elmwood location - is best in class in this inaugural head-to-head challenge highlighting popular downtown meat & threes. The Thicket proves that quality can be controlled even in a volume operation with the right employees and the right fixin's. If you are looking for "real country cooking" without paying for top-end ingredients, the Thicket delivers on its promise.
Final Results: Proteins Sides & Veggies Atmosphere Price
1st Thicket Compton's Compton's Nathan's
2nd Nathan's Thicket Nathan's Compton's
3rd Compton's Nathan's Thicket Thicket
- Tank
Just to clarify, is Lizard's Thicket actually a Columbia-only chain? I always thought it was a Southern chain since there are more, or at least as many, Waffle Houses, Starbucks, etc. around town, but now that I'm in NC I realize I haven't really seen one anywhere else. If it is a Columbia-only chain, then I'll have some work to do it seems!
All of the Lizard's Thicket restaurants are at home in the midlands. There was a location in Greenville, but it was short lived.
Check out the powers of the internets:
http://lizardsthicket.com/locations
http://lizardsthicket.com/history
- The Publican