Clear Springs Restaurant
A legendary Texas eatery in a rustic barn, famous for its crispy fried catfish and towering onion rings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Clear Springs Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Texas eatery in a rustic barn, famous for its crispy fried catfish and towering onion rings.
"Come hungry for comfort food with a crispy Southern kick and a down-home atmosphere that wraps you in nostalgia."
Come Hungry!
Portion sizes are generous; come prepared to eat your fill and savor every bite.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't skip dessert! Reviewers highly recommend the peach cobbler or chocolate cake with ice cream.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (Southern)
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(830) 629-3775
Address
1692 Hwy 46 W, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Website
clearspringsrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Fried Catfish Platter
Indulge in the legendary fried catfish platter, a perfect blend of crunch and tenderness, served with coleslaw and beans.
Iconic Crispy Onion Rings
Savor their famous, colossal onion rings, a must-try appetizer with a crispy, flavorful coating.
Rustic Barn Ambiance
Enjoy a warm Texan atmosphere in a rustic, barnlike setting with vintage decor and lively vibes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Come Hungry!
Portion sizes are generous; come prepared to eat your fill and savor every bite.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't skip dessert! Reviewers highly recommend the peach cobbler or chocolate cake with ice cream.
Unique Seating Option
Request the crow's nest for a unique perspective overlooking the main dining area.
Share Large Portions
Consider sharing larger platters like the onion rings, as they can feed a group.
Tips
from all over the internet
Come Hungry!
Portion sizes are generous; come prepared to eat your fill and savor every bite.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't skip dessert! Reviewers highly recommend the peach cobbler or chocolate cake with ice cream.
Unique Seating Option
Request the crow's nest for a unique perspective overlooking the main dining area.
Share Large Portions
Consider sharing larger platters like the onion rings, as they can feed a group.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clear Springs Restaurant is celebrated for its incredibly crispy fried catfish and legendary, towering onion rings, served in a unique, rustic barn atmosphere. While the ambiance and service are consistently praised, some diners have noted that the catfish strips can be thin and lacking in fish flavor. Despite this, the generous portions and overall satisfying comfort food experience make it a highly recommended spot for a taste of Texas.
"If you’re craving comfort food with a crispy Southern kick and a down home atmosphere that wraps you in nostalgia, Clear Springs Restaurant delivers in every way imaginable.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a rustic, barn style setting adorned with vintage signage, Texas flags, and the kind of character you just can’t fake. The vibe is unapologetically Texan—warm, welcoming, and steeped in history. Lone Star beer signs and reclaimed wood walls set the tone for a laid-back yet lively dining experience.
Now let’s talk food because that’s where Clear Springs really shines.
The fried catfish platter is nothing short of legendary. Golden, crispy, and seasoned just right, each bite is a perfect blend of crunch and tenderness. Paired with classic coleslaw, flavorful beans, and fresh lemon wedges to brighten the dish, this plate proves why Clear Springs has earned its reputation. And those fries tucked underneath? Sneaky good.
To wash it down, their sweet tea hits the mark—ice-cold and refreshing, served in a no-frills cup that just feels right.
Service is fast, friendly, and familiar. You’ll feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.
Whether you’re swinging through for a casual lunch or making it a family night out, Clear Springs is that rare place where great food, local flair, and honest hospitality come together. If you’re anywhere near one, it’s more than worth the detour. Hell, it’s worth the trip.
Pro Tip: Come hungry and leave room for dessert if you can manage, the peach cobbler was the ticket."
XII Volt
"This is a neat little place. It's in a old barn and is full of antiques. It kind of open seating so the noise was moderate but it was also early so I could see where it could get load. I order the little buddy, and the fish was good and fresh and the shrimp was so good I wanted to eat the tails. Service was exceptional, spot on and the food was out in less than 5 minutes."
Rick Franks
"Dined here at Clear Springs, a rustic gem with a cozy small upstairs and lots of charming wood decor. The fried pickles were phenomenal, some of the best we’ve ever had, crispy and full of flavor. The “Choose 2” with fried catfish and shrimp was spot-on; their frying game is strong! Beans needed a bit more seasoning, and the coleslaw was average. The gumbo leaned more toward soup but was still good, not quite my style. Great vibe and solid food!"
Wes Mason
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The most famous dishes are the legendary fried catfish platter and the iconic, crispy onion rings.
The restaurant is set in a rustic, barnlike building with vintage decor, creating a warm, welcoming, and lively Texan atmosphere.
Yes, reviewers consistently mention that the portion sizes are very generous, so come hungry!
While specific reservation policies aren't detailed, the restaurant is family-friendly and can accommodate parties.
Reviewers highly recommend trying the peach cobbler or the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
Yes, you can request to sit in the 'crow's nest' area for a unique perspective of the restaurant.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Little Onion Rings in Texas? |
The clock on the wall at Clear Springs said it was eight minutes past lunchtime, and my son and I were hungry when we pulled into the parking lot – having pursued various directions out from the old German town’s main traffic circle onto the road that heads south to Seguin. Clear Springs Cafe, it turns out, is a charmingly rustic marriage of the kitschy Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo (you know, where your steak is free if you eat an ungodly amount of it within a time limit) and some sorta Joe’s Crab Shack Goes to Texas.
9 Most Delish Restaurants in New Braunfels
Clear Springs Restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Southern comfort in New Braunfels. Back on the country rounds of Texas Hill Country and housed in the old Clear Springs Hall and Store, this restaurant has been a family-owned and operated institution for over 35 years, serving up amazing dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more!. You’ll instantly feel at home in the large converted hall, complete with long wooden tables set cafeteria-style in a large room.
The Texas Restaurants That Have Become Local Favorites
Benno’sGalvestonBig Pines LodgeKarnackCappy’sSan AntonioChatman’s ChickenSan AntonioClear Springs RestaurantClear SpringsGilhooley’sSan LeonGreen’s Sausage HouseZabcikvilleThe Hunt StoreHuntThe J&PComstockJake & Dorothy’sStephenvilleJoe’s BakeryAustinJosephine’s KitchenSouth Padre IslandJosephine StreetSan AntonioKalachandji’sDallasKasraHoustonKhyber .
Where to Find the Best Burgers in New Braunfels
Clear Springs Restaurant nails the Texas roadside legend vibe without feeling contrived. Step into the barn-shaped, 1874 German saloon and you’ll see picnic tables, creaky floorboards, and antique finds lining the walls, all genuine and unforced. It’s casual enough to let the kids run around and roll in off the river wearing flip-flops.
Best 10 New Braunfels, TX RV Parks & Campgrounds
Popular spots include: Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Clear Springs Restaurant, Myron's and Gruene River Grill. There's also the Alpine Haus Restaurant, McAdoo's Seafood Company, El Nopalito and Fork & Spoon. Plus, there's a number of craft breweries and wineries near the city for travelers passing through to take advantage of.
15 Best Restaurants in New Braunfels (2025)
Head to Clear Springs Restaurant, where you’ll find an impressive selection of Gulf Coast favorites served in a laid-back atmosphere. From crispy fried catfish to buttery shrimp scampi, every dish is prepared to perfection. Don’t miss their signature fried dill pickles, a delightful appetizer that pairs perfectly with any meal.
15 Best Restaurants near New Braunfels, Texas to Try
Located in nearby Clear Springs on the country roads of the Texas Hill Country, this location resides in a historical building worth seeing, dating all the way back to 1869 when it was a local grocery. Casual and family friendly atmosphere. Bar at the front for drinks, generous and sharable portion sizes.
New Braunfels' Best Seafood Restaurant [Updated 2025]
When it comes to seafood, I believe Clear Springs is a standout in New Braunfels. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly and promptly seated. The first thing that caught my eye was the outstanding menu which boasted a variety of seafood options that made my taste buds tingle with excitement.
Fun Attractions in New Braunfels, TX
Taste the town at some of the state's finest eating establishments, including the Gristmill, Gruene River Grill and Clear Springs Cafe. Enjoy world famous German food, New York style pizza, flaming good barbeque, seafood and more.
Best Local Eateries & Breweries in New Braunfels Texas
For those in the mood for some down-home Texas comfort food, Clear Springs Restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Known for their onion rings and fried catfish, this eatery offers a rustic setting that’s full of old-school charm.
15 Best Restaurants in New Braunfels, TX for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1692 TX-46New Braunfels, TX 78130(830) 629-3775 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Clear Springs Cafe is a laid-back seafood and steak restaurant known for its rustic, barn-like setup.
Have a Great Time in New Braunfels, TX!
My favorite place to sit is the crows nest with a view of the first floor. Their onion rings are amazing. Order the small size.
chinese food hwy 46 new braunfels
China King Restaurant Closed 57 Photos 63 Reviews Chinese 1847 W State Hwy 46 New Braunfels Tx Restaurant Reviews Phone Number
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit