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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3600 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 39 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
At Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, we know that great food begins with fresh, quality sourced local ingredients. On our Modern Appalachian menu, Chef Jeff Carter and culinary team present seasonal and delicious dishes that are familiar and steeped in tradition yet enhanced with bold new dashes of flavor and component combinations that may surprise and delight you.

Dancing Bear provides a premium lodging experience. We bring the same commitment to excellence to our award-winning restaurant and full bar. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two or bringing the extended family together for a celebratory meal, we want your night out in Townsend to be a special experience. We offer a refined assortment of modern Appalachian cuisine — all served among elegant surroundings and calming wooded vistas.
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Regional American (Southern), Regional American (Contemporary Southern)
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–1:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (865) 336-2138
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Jeff Carter
  • Private party facilities
    Our Lodge Event Center offers beautiful, indoor and al fresco spaces, while our farm-to-table restaurant, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, provides fresh, local and artistic cuisine. Our award winning Chef Jeff Carter prepares elevated Appalachian fare, guaranteed to please every palate.
  • Private party contact
    Anna Bartlett: (865) 448-6000 ext. 3
  • Neighbourhood
    Knoxville
  • Cross Street
    Apple Valley Way
  • Parking details
    Parking is available just outside the restaurant in most cases. During special events such as concerts or weddings, parking is just off Highway 321 at the entrance to Dancing Bear next to Apple Valley Country Store with buses running people up to the restaurant and lodge event center.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Experiences

  • New Year's Eve - 5 Course Meal

    US$1.00 per party

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Join us at the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro to enjoy a pre-fix, coursed menu that you won't want to miss. Executive Chef Carter and Culinary Team will be preparing a Special handcrafted menu to bring you joy, while ringing in the New Year with your friends and family. There will be an optional tableside Wine Pairing available that will be sure to pair with our fixed menu. We can't wait to celebrate New Year’s Eve with you! *We are requiring all parties to add a CC on file to reserve a table for this special experience, which is what the $1.00 charge is, to get the table reserved. All other sales will be handled at the Bistro night of by your service member. Approximate price will be $115/pp++. Thank you! We look forward to serving you!*

What 3,600 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East Tennessee

    Best Overall

  • East Tennessee

    Best Food

  • East Tennessee

    Best Service

  • East Tennessee

    Best Ambience

  • East Tennessee

    Best Value

  • East Tennessee

    Innovative

  • East Tennessee

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Tennessee

    Romantic

  • East Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • East Tennessee

    American

  • Knoxville

    Best Overall

  • Knoxville

    Best Food

  • Knoxville

    Best Service

  • Knoxville

    Best Ambience

  • Knoxville

    Best Value

  • Knoxville

    Great for brunch

  • Knoxville

    Innovative

  • Knoxville

    Healthy

  • Knoxville

    Great for fine wines

  • Knoxville

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Knoxville

    Romantic

  • Knoxville

    Good for special occasions

  • Knoxville

    Lively

  • Knoxville

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers a magical dining experience nestled in the Smoky Mountains. With "fantastic food," "wonderful service," and a "beautiful atmosphere," guests rave about the farm-to-table menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, with highlights including the outdoor fire pit and live music.

3,600 Reviews
  1. Jo

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our experience was spoiled by out first moments arriving unfortunately. The paths were poorly lit outside so it was difficult to walk. Upon arriving 7mins early to our reservation time, the hostess indicated we would be sat on time and we could wait at the bar (where there was no seating) and there was no where else to wait. We were a party of 4 and I understood this to mean the server would not be able to get to us if we sat early however that context was not explained and it was stated briskly. We stood near the door for a few moments before being seated a few moments early. It was an awkward and slightly rude way to start what turned out to be a lovely meal. It’s unfortunate our first moments were unpleasant.

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  2. Rodion

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place!! Dancing Bear is a regular visit for my husband and me throughout the year but once a year we bring visiting family to share in our happy place. It’s become a tradition over the last several yrs. We have never been disappointed. From the wait at the bar until the stop at the fire pit for s’mores after our meal, it is always an enjoyable experience. Already looking forward to our next group visit!

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  3. Kenda

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food-the BEST! Very attentive to food allergies and always accommodating.

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  4. Kealey

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful Christmas brunch! We will return again soon
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for spending part of your holiday with us, Kealey! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas brunch. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another special experience!

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  5. Carla

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Brunch was amazing! We will definitely be back.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for the kind words, Carla! We're thrilled you enjoyed brunch and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

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  6. Jacquie

    Northern MI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wondering meal from the ambience to the food to the service! The halibut was delicious! Husband opted for the burger and loved it. Save room for dessert! We shared the cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake. Service was friendly and helpful!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, Jacquie! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed everything from the ambiance to the food and service. The halibut and burger are both excellent choices—it sounds like you and your husband picked the best of both worlds! And we couldn’t agree more about saving room for dessert; the cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake are such a perfect ending. We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable meal!

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  7. Kevin

    VIP

    E. Tennessee

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Once again Dancing Bear was an excellent dining experience. Our daughter who lives in London and is visiting for the holidays said the food was as good or better than any restaurant in London. Our server Brad provided outstanding service and is a true professional.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for your wonderful review, Kevin! We’re delighted to hear your dining experience at Dancing Bear was excellent once again. It’s an incredible compliment to know your daughter, visiting from London, found our food comparable to (or better than!) the amazing restaurants there. Brad will be thrilled to hear your kind words about his outstanding service—we’re lucky to have him on our team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable meals in the future!

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  8. Rick

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our 50th wedding celebration with family. It was wonderful and we were treated like the special moment in our life that only comes once in a lifetime.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary, Rick! We are truly honored to have been part of such a special moment in your life. It means the world to us that you and your family felt celebrated and well taken care of. We look forward to welcoming you back for many more beautiful memories in the future!

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  9. Theodore

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always the best visit. We spend all of are Celebrations with you.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Theodore, thank you for choosing us to be part of your celebrations—it means the world to us! We’re honored to be your go-to destination for special moments and look forward to making every visit just as memorable as the last. See you next time!

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  10. Keith

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff and manager Michell provided a excellent experience for my Wife and I. We eat here often and the service and food have always been excellent.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 7 days ago
    Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Keith! We’re thrilled to hear that both the food and service consistently meet your expectations. Michelle will be so grateful for your kind words—she truly goes above and beyond. We’re lucky to have such a fantastic team, and we look forward to continuing to provide excellent experiences for you and your wife. See you both again soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3600 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 39 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

7140 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Apple Valley Way
  • Neighbourhood
    Knoxville
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–1:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Regional American (Southern), Regional American (Contemporary Southern)
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking is available just outside the restaurant in most cases. During special events such as concerts or weddings, parking is just off Highway 321 at the entrance to Dancing Bear next to Apple Valley Country Store with buses running people up to the restaurant and lodge event center.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Jeff Carter
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Phone number
    (865) 336-2138
  • Private party facilities
    Our Lodge Event Center offers beautiful, indoor and al fresco spaces, while our farm-to-table restaurant, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, provides fresh, local and artistic cuisine. Our award winning Chef Jeff Carter prepares elevated Appalachian fare, guaranteed to please every palate.
  • Private party contact
    Anna Bartlett: (865) 448-6000 ext. 3
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  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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