The winter months may bring lower temperatures and colder nights, but Lucy’s on the Lake has made provisions.

Strategically placed heaters throughout the restaurant’s expansive patio seating section mean comfort food aficionados can still enjoy piping-hot fried chicken, sides and a great view of the lake.

“We’re still doing some great stuff year-round even if people aren’t thinking [of going to the] lake in the winter,” Lucy’s Director of Operations Alan Richardson said.

Located at 290 N. RM 620, Lucy’s on the Lake is one of four Lucy’s locations in the Austin area, with the flagship location on South Congress Avenue. The eateries offer an innovative take on comfort food classics, especially fried chicken.

Lucy’s offerings include Gulf oysters, salads, side dishes, pies and a full bar.

Owner James Holmes opened the original location in 2011, and the company has since expanded to locations on Burnet Road and Cedar Park.

“We’ve quickly grown to be an Austin institution, and people are surprised when they hear that we are so young, relatively speaking,” Richardson said. “We feel like an old soul here in Austin, and it’s nice to bring that to the [Lake Travis] area.”

Lucy’s on the Lake originally included an expanded menu that has been scaled back and adjusted since the restaurant opened in 2018.

Richardson said this move proved to be addition by subtraction.

“We were trying some new things that were unique to expand, but we realized that none of the people ordered that,” Richardson said. “When people come to Lucy’s they want the fried chicken, the oysters; they want the fried pickles; they want the classics.”

Lucy’s on the Lake boasts an expansive view of Lake Travis and the Hill Country, making this location unique to the others. For Richardson it is a major selling point to bring customers.

“You see that look on people’s faces, and that’s what reminds me, and all of us, how amazing that view is,” he said.