Built In 1873, Clear Springs Restaurant Is A Longtime Icon In Small-Town Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published December 14, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you like your meals with a side of local history, then start planning a trip to Clear Springs Restaurant in Nacogdoches. One of the best small-town restaurants in Texas, the building that houses this iconic eatery dates to 1873, and the restaurant has been serving up the best homestyle fare you’ll ever eat for several decades. Whatever you do, make sure to order the onion rings!
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Nacogdoches, Clear Springs Restaurant has a history almost as rich and fascinating as the city itself. The land on which the building sits was surveyed by the James Bowie, and the restaurant was constructed in 1873 to serve as a dance hall, store, saloon, and cotton storage facility.
Inside, the atmosphere is the epitome of small-town Texas charm. From the wooden chairs and red-and-white checkered tablecloths to the deer heads and vintage memorabilia on the walls, you'll immediately feel right at home.
When it comes to the menu, your eyes will definitely outpace your stomach - there's just so much delicious food to choose from! Make sure to start with an order of their World Famous Onion Rings. They're world-famous for a reason!
As far as entrees go, the fried seafood baskets are always a winner. Choose between shrimp or catfish, or get a combination of the two if you're feeling indecisive. Fried catfish and oysters are also available as part of a combo platter.
Keeping the seafood train rolling, you'll also see grilled shrimp, salmon, and catfish, as well as bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlic shrimp, and blackened catfish.
Other fan favorites include several different cuts of steak, ribs, meatloaf, fish and chips, chicken strips, and a variety of other homestyle dishes. Sides include all the usual Southern suspects such as seasoned rice, coleslaw, pinto beans, and more.
If all you're craving is a big, juicy burger, you'll be delighted with the mouthwatering options on the menu. Keep it classic, or go wild with a finger-licking good bacon cheeseburger. Other handhelds include chicken sandwiches and tacos.
Don't forget to save room for dessert! Whether you're in the mood for homemade banana pudding, peach cobbler, or a big slice of tangy key lime pie, there's a sweet treat for everyone here.
Have you ever eaten at Clear Springs Restaurant? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more things to do in Nacogdoches – did you know it’s the oldest town in Texas?
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