Along Highway 46 West in New Braunfels, an unassuming barnlike building hides a surprise worth pulling over for. But locals know better. Clear Springs Restaurant has been serving up some of the freshest, most flavorful seafood in Central Texas for years, and the rustic exterior is just the beginning of what makes this place special.
Step inside and you’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with authentic Texas charm and a menu that proves you don’t need ocean views to get incredible fish.
1. Famous Onion Rings That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Walk into Clear Springs and you’ll notice something pretty quickly. Nearly every table has a towering plate of golden onion rings sitting front and center. These aren’t your average frozen-from-a-bag rings either.
Each one is hand-battered in-house with a seasoned coating that hits just right. The ratio of crispy batter to sweet onion is basically perfect, and they come out so fast you’d swear the kitchen has them on standby. Dip them in the homemade ranch and you’ll understand why people order the Texas-sized portion even when they’re already getting entrees.
Regulars swear by these rings, and first-timers usually end up taking half the order home. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned well enough that you could skip the sauce entirely if you wanted. But why would you?
The onion rings aren’t just a side dish here. They’re practically a rite of passage. Whether you’re splitting the half order or going all-in on the full tower, you’re getting something that’s been perfected over years of practice.
Pro tip from the locals: order them as soon as you sit down. They pair with literally everything on the menu, and you’ll want them hot and fresh. Plus, they disappear fast once they hit the table, so having your own stash is never a bad idea.
2. Catfish That Could Convert a Skeptic
Clear Springs knows catfish. Whether you order it fried or grilled, you’re getting fish that’s prepared with care and cooked to perfection. The fried version comes out with a handmade batter that’s light, crispy, and never greasy.
One reviewer who grew up eating Louisiana catfish said this was the best they’d had outside their home state. That’s high praise coming from someone who knows their way around Southern seafood. The grilled catfish gets just as much love, soaked in butter and lemon with seasonings that make you want to lick the plate clean afterward.
What sets this catfish apart is the freshness. You can taste the difference between fish that’s been sitting around and fish that’s handled right from the start. Clear Springs falls firmly in the latter category.
The portion sizes are generous too. When you order a catfish plate, you’re getting enough fish to fill you up without feeling like you’re eating batter with a side of fish. Each filet is meaty and flavorful, exactly what catfish should be.
Pair it with the pinto beans or coleslaw and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like real Texas comfort food. Whether you’re a catfish fanatic or trying it for the first time, this is the dish that keeps people coming back year after year.
3. Chicken Fried Steak Done the Old-School Way
Sometimes you just need a chicken fried steak that tastes like the one your grandma used to make. Clear Springs delivers exactly that. This isn’t some fancy reinvented version with exotic seasonings or trendy twists.
It’s traditional, straightforward, and cooked just right. The steak is tender, the breading is crispy, and the white gravy has that classic flavor that doesn’t try too hard. Some folks prefer their gravy with more pepper, but the kitchen keeps it mild and traditional, which actually makes it more approachable for everyone at the table.
The portions are Texas-sized, naturally. You’re getting a steak that covers most of the plate, smothered in gravy and served with your choice of sides. The fries come out hot and lightly seasoned, while the green beans are stewed Southern-style with plenty of flavor.
One regular mentioned that the chicken fried steak reminded them of home cooking, and that’s really the best compliment this dish could get. It’s not trying to be Instagram-famous or win awards for innovation. It’s just solid, satisfying comfort food made the way it should be.
If you’re torn between seafood and something heartier, this is your answer. You can always come back for the catfish next time. But once you try the chicken fried steak with a side of those famous onion rings, you might just become a regular yourself.
4. Fish and Chips That Rival Any Coastal Spot
You don’t expect to find outstanding fish and chips in the middle of Texas, but Clear Springs proves that location doesn’t matter when you know what you’re doing. The portions are huge, the fish is delicious, and the slaw that comes with it is surprisingly good.
One visitor called it the best fish and chips they’d ever had, and considering the competition from coastal restaurants, that’s saying something. The fish is battered perfectly, coming out crispy on the outside while staying moist and flaky inside. The breading doesn’t overpower the fish, which is a common problem with lesser versions of this dish.
The fries are restaurant-quality, hot and lightly seasoned, exactly what you want alongside fried fish. And that coleslaw? It’s not an afterthought.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned how good it was, with one saying it might be the best coleslaw they’d ever tasted.
The key is freshness. Everything tastes like it was just made, because it was. Clear Springs doesn’t cut corners on ingredients or preparation, and it shows in every bite.
If you’re looking for something that feels lighter than fried catfish but still satisfying, the fish and chips hit the spot. They’re filling without being heavy, flavorful without being greasy, and come with enough food to take home leftovers if you can’t finish it all in one sitting.
5. Salmon That Makes Seafood Lovers Do a Double Take
One couple boldly declared it the best salmon they’d ever had, and they weren’t exaggerating for effect. Clear Springs takes salmon seriously, offering it grilled or blackened depending on your preference. Either way, you’re getting fish that’s cooked to perfection.
The blackened version comes with a spice blend that adds flavor without overwhelming the natural taste of the salmon. It’s seasoned just enough to give it character while letting the quality of the fish shine through. The grilled option is equally impressive, often served with butter and lemon that complement rather than mask the salmon’s flavor.
What’s remarkable is the consistency. People who’ve been coming here for years say the salmon is always excellent, never dry or overcooked. That kind of reliability is rare, especially with a fish that’s notoriously easy to mess up.
The portion sizes are generous, as you’d expect from a Texas restaurant. You’re getting a substantial piece of salmon that actually fills you up, not some tiny filet that leaves you eyeing the appetizer menu afterward.
Pair it with the crispy new potatoes or another side and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you rethink what’s possible at a landlocked seafood restaurant. Who needs the coast when you’ve got Clear Springs doing salmon this well?
6. Rustic Atmosphere That Feels Authentically Texas
Before you even taste the food, the atmosphere at Clear Springs sets the tone. This isn’t some corporate chain trying to fake a country vibe with a few horseshoes on the wall. The place genuinely feels like stepping into an old Texas barn, complete with farming-style decor and authentic touches throughout.
The building is two stories, and if you can snag a seat upstairs, do it. The view adds something special to the whole experience, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the bustling restaurant below. The rustic decorations aren’t just for show either.
Guests consistently mention how the atmosphere makes them feel welcome and relaxed. One reviewer said it felt like “real deal Texas,” while another called it a “nostalgic time capsule full of southern hospitality.” That’s not marketing speak. It’s what happens when a restaurant commits to its theme and backs it up with genuine warmth.
The space is big enough to handle crowds without feeling cramped. There’s ample indoor seating, and even on busy nights, the layout keeps things comfortable. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, the setting works.
Sure, some of the decor could use a dusting now and then, but that’s almost part of the charm. This is a working restaurant that prioritizes food and service over pristine Instagram aesthetics, and honestly, that’s refreshing in today’s world.
7. Service That Keeps Up Even When It’s Slammed
Fast service at a busy restaurant is one thing. Fast service that’s also friendly and attentive? That’s where Clear Springs really shines.
Multiple reviewers mentioned how quickly their food arrived, with one joking that the onion rings must have been teleported to their table.
But speed isn’t everything. The servers here actually pay attention. They keep drinks filled throughout the meal, catch mistakes before they become problems, and handle large parties with ease.
One server named Patrick got called out specifically for managing multiple tables with a “chill demeanor” and “peaceful vibes” even during a crazy-busy shift.
Another server, Nevaeh, was praised for her compassionate and deliberate service during a difficult occasion when a family gathered to celebrate a loved one who had passed. That kind of emotional intelligence doesn’t come from a training manual. It comes from genuinely caring about the people you’re serving.
Are there occasional slip-ups? Sure. One family had their order mixed up, and another felt their server didn’t mention an upcharge for substituting sides.
But here’s the thing: management responds to feedback and tries to make it right. That’s increasingly rare these days.
The overall pattern is clear. The staff at Clear Springs takes pride in their work, treats guests with respect, and hustles to make sure everyone leaves happy. When you combine that with great food and a fun atmosphere, you’ve got a winning formula.
8. Sides and Extras That Steal the Show
Sometimes the sides are just an afterthought, something to fill space on the plate. Not at Clear Springs. The pinto beans have a nice smoky flavor that tastes homemade, not dumped from a can.
The green beans are stewed Southern-style, seasoned well and tender without being mushy.
That coleslaw keeps getting mentioned in reviews for good reason. It’s creamy, fresh, and balanced, the kind of slaw that actually complements fried fish instead of just sitting there ignored. One person said it might be the best coleslaw they’d ever had, which is bold but apparently justified.
Then there are the hush puppies, which come with several dishes and are “to die for” according to multiple guests. They’re crispy outside, soft inside, and seasoned just enough to make them addictive. The fried pickles are another fan favorite, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Even the fries deserve a mention. They’re hot, lightly seasoned, and exactly what a good restaurant fry should be. Nothing fancy, just solid execution.
The mashed potatoes are buttery and smooth, though some reviewers suggest skipping them in favor of the standout sides like beans or slaw.
The point is, you’re not just getting a great entree here. The whole plate comes together, with sides that show the same attention to detail as the main dishes. It’s that kind of consistency that turns first-time visitors into regulars.