Southern cooking at Lizard’s Thicket follows a breakfast-until-2 PM pattern, meaning late risers might miss the biscuits entirely. If you are trying to plan a meal around their busy schedule, you need to know the exact Lizard’s Thicket Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you head out the door. This guide breaks down the daily service times, holiday exceptions, and the best ways to avoid showing up when the kitchen is closed.
Most locations stick to a simple routine. They open early for breakfast, serve lunch right after, and then close the doors by mid-afternoon. There is no dinner service, which catches many first-timers off guard. You have to plan your day around their clock, not the other way around.
Lizard’s Thicket Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Every single Lizard’s Thicket restaurant operates on a breakfast and lunch only model. The standard hours are consistent across the Columbia and Lexington locations, but you should always double-check your specific store. The franchise owners have a little wiggle room, but the core schedule is the same everywhere.
Standard Daily Operating Schedule
The weekday and weekend hours are slightly different. Here is the breakdown you need to memorize:
- Monday – Friday: Open at 6:30 AM, close at 2:00 PM
- Saturday: Open at 7:00 AM, close at 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Open at 7:00 AM, close at 2:30 PM
Breakfast is served from opening until 11:00 AM on weekdays. On weekends, breakfast runs a little longer, usually until 11:30 AM. The lunch menu kicks in right after breakfast ends. If you walk in at 11:15 AM on a Tuesday, you are too late for eggs but right on time for fried chicken.
Why The 2 PM Closing Time Matters
The 2 PM cutoff is not a suggestion. The staff starts cleaning the steam tables around 1:45 PM. If you arrive at 1:50 PM, you might get turned away. The kitchen needs time to break down the line and prep for the next day. Do not assume you can grab a late lunch at 2:30 PM, because the doors will be locked.
This schedule works well for early birds but is a nightmare for shift workers. If you work nights, you will need to adjust your eating habits. The restaurant is completely dark and closed by the time most people are thinking about dinner.
Holiday Hours And Closures
Holidays are where things get tricky. Lizard’s Thicket closes completely on some major holidays and shortens hours on others. Here is what you can expect:
- Thanksgiving: Closed all day
- Christmas Day: Closed all day
- New Year’s Day: Open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM only
- Easter Sunday: Closed all day
- Independence Day: Open regular hours, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Labor Day: Open regular hours, 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve usually have shortened hours. Most locations close by 12:00 PM on these days. The managers often post signs a week in advance, so pay attention when you walk in.
How To Confirm Your Local Store Hours
Do not rely on third-party websites like Yelp or Google Maps. They are often wrong. The most reliable method is to call the store directly. Here is a quick step-by-step process:
- Find the phone number for your specific location on the official Lizard’s Thicket website
- Call between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the staff is less busy
- Ask for the manager and confirm the holiday schedule
- Check the official Facebook page for last-minute changes
If you are driving from out of town, call ahead. There is nothing worse than showing up to a locked door after a 30-minute drive.
Breakfast And Lunch Menu Cutoff Times
The menu switch is strict. Breakfast items like grits, eggs, and pancakes are only available until 11:00 AM on weekdays. The lunch menu, featuring fried chicken, meatloaf, and country fried steak, starts at 11:00 AM sharp. You cannot order a biscuit at 11:05 AM. The cooks will tell you no.
On weekends, the breakfast window extends to 11:30 AM. This gives you a little more time to sleep in. However, the lunch rush starts immediately, so expect a line if you arrive right at the switchover.
Peak Hours And Wait Times
If you hate waiting, avoid the 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM window. That is when the lunch crowd hits hard. The best time to visit is right at opening or around 1:30 PM, when the crowd has thinned out. The food is freshest at opening, but the selection is still good late in the day.
The Sunday after church is the busiest time of the week. The line can stretch out the door by 12:30 PM. If you want a quiet meal, go on a Tuesday morning instead.
Final Tips For First-Time Visitors
Bring cash or a card, both work fine. The staff is friendly but moves fast. You order at the counter, then find a seat. The tea is sweet and comes in a huge glass. Do not forget to try the banana pudding, it sells out by 1:00 PM most days.
If you are planning a family gathering, call ahead to see if they can accommodate a large group. The dining room is big, but they do not take reservations. You just have to show up and wait your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lizard’s Thicket Serve Dinner?
No. Every location closes at 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM. There is no dinner service at any store.
What Time Does Breakfast End At Lizard’s Thicket?
Breakfast ends at 11:00 AM on weekdays and 11:30 AM on weekends. After that, only lunch items are available.
Is Lizard’s Thicket Open On Christmas Eve?
Most locations close early on Christmas Eve, usually by 12:00 PM. Call your local store to confirm the exact time.
Are The Hours Different For The Columbia Locations?
No, all locations follow the same general schedule. However, individual franchise owners can adjust hours for special events or staffing issues.
Can I Order Takeout During The Holiday Hours?
Yes, takeout is available during all open hours. Just call ahead and they will have your order ready at the counter.
Plan your visit around the 2 PM closing time and you will have a great meal. The fried chicken is worth getting up early for. Just remember, if you snooze, you lose. The kitchen closes at 2 PM sharp, and they will not make an exception for anyone.