You have heard the whispers about the onion rings at Clear Springs Restaurant, and honestly, so had we. Tucked just off TX-46 in New Braunfels, this rustic, Western-themed spot pulls big crowds and even bigger appetites. We rolled in right at opening to see if the tower lived up to the talk and to taste what else keeps locals loyal.
Here is how it all stacked up, from crunch to comfort to that sweet tea glow.
1. The Legendary Onion Ring Tower, Put To The Test
You walk in and the onion ring tower practically orders itself. The stack arrives shattering-crisp, a glistening halo of thin-cut rings that crunch like fresh kettle chips. Seasoning leans savory with a gentle sweetness from the onion, no greasy aftertaste, and a salt finish that makes sharing harder than planned.
Dip into the house sauce for a tangy boost, but honestly, these do not need much. Half order is huge, a full order could feed your whole table with leftovers. If you chase legends, this one is earned, especially hot out of the fryer.
Tip: ask for extra napkins and pace yourself. The tower sets the tone for everything else at Clear Springs Restaurant.
2. First Bites: Fried Pickles and Fried Cheese
If onion rings start the show, fried pickles and fried cheese play the perfect opening act. The pickles arrive thin, crisp, and bright with vinegar, never soggy, with a peppery batter clinging tight. Drag them through cool ranch and you get crunch, tang, and cream in one bite.
The fried cheese cubes are molten comfort, browned just enough to snap before the gooey pull. Share both, because portions lean generous and disappear fast. Together, they preview the restaurant’s frying game: hot, quick, and clean.
These apps turn a casual lunch into an occasion. Order early so they land with your drinks and set up the meal to follow.
3. Crispy Catfish and Shrimp Combo
Catfish lovers, you are safe here. The fillets arrive crackly at the edges, flaky inside, and seasoned to stand alone without drowning in sauce. Shrimp share the same clean fry, a light crust that snaps, then gives way to sweet meat.
Fries come hot, coleslaw cool, and hush puppies ride the line between sweet and savory. Squeeze lemon for brightness and add cocktail sauce for a little heat. Portions are hearty, so pace yourself if appetizers kicked off strong.
It is the kind of plate that makes regulars out of travelers. Balanced, filling, and consistent, it hits that fried seafood sweet spot that Clear Springs has dialed in.
4. Firecracker Salmon: Sweet, Smoky, A Little Heat
When you want seafood without the fryer, the Firecracker Salmon steps up. The glaze is glossy, sweet, and smoky with a back-end tingle that builds but never bullies. The fillet lands tender and flaky, with just enough char to deepen the flavor.
It pairs well with a lighter side like green beans or a baked potato for balance. If you usually skip salmon at casual spots, give this a chance. It tastes like the kitchen knows its grill as well as its fryers.
Pro move: add a wedge of lemon to keep things bright. This dish keeps you satisfied while leaving room for dessert or one last ring.
5. Country-Fried Comforts: Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken
Craving pure comfort, no detours. The chicken fried steak or chicken arrives cloaked in crunchy batter with a peppery cream gravy draped like a warm blanket. Each cut feels tender under that crisp shell, never stodgy, and it tastes like Sunday suppers remembered.
Mashed potatoes soak up extra gravy, green beans add snap, and everything eats like a hug. Portions vary, but you will leave full and happy. It is the non-seafood anchor that still fits the house style.
If you are splitting plates, this is the one to balance seafood orders. The nostalgia and seasoning make it a reliable crowd-pleaser every time.
6. Sides And Sips: Coleslaw, Pinto Beans, and Sweet Tea
Sides at Clear Springs can quietly win the meal. Coleslaw brings cool crunch, pinto beans add heart, and both make fried plates feel complete. Some guests want bigger portions, but the flavors hit home, especially when everything is hot.
Now the sweet tea. It is Texas-level strong with a smooth, clean sweetness that never turns syrupy. You sip once and suddenly the glass needs a refill, which servers handle with cheerful speed.
Ask for lemon to dial in brightness. Beans pair beautifully with catfish and hush puppies, while slaw lifts the heavier bites. Together, they keep the table happy from first ring to final crumb.
7. Dessert Debate: Banana Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Or Skip?
Dessert at Clear Springs sparks debate, and that is part of the fun. The banana pudding divides the room, creamy and nostalgic to some, not a fit for others. The key lime pie, though, cuts sharp and bright, with a buttery crust and a legit citrus bite.
If you are full from rings and catfish, consider sharing one slice. Or sip tea and skip dessert altogether without regret. Service never rushes that decision, even when it is busy.
Personal take: key lime for a clean finish after fried plates. Banana pudding for comfort cravings and sweet tooths. Either way, you will leave talking about what to try next time.
8. Vibe, Service, And When To Go
Clear Springs feels like a living scrapbook. Barn wood, antiques, and neon touches create a cozy, lively room that hums at lunch and dinner. It gets busy, yet the crew moves like a well oiled machine, refilling drinks and pacing courses with practiced ease.
Expect a short wait at peak times, especially weekends. Arrive near opening or mid afternoon for the smoothest experience. Big groups fit easily, and staff handle special occasions with genuine care.
Parking is straightforward, prices are fair, and the vibe is all Texas hospitality. You come for onion rings, then keep returning for how well everything runs, plate after plate.