Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. East Tennessee
  4. Knoxville
  5. Knoxville
Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3588 Reviews
$50 and over
American
A photo of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro restaurant

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
$50 and over
American
Knoxville

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 31 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 3,588 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
  • 4.6Value

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.

3,588 Reviews
  1. Julie

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service. Dishes are selected to match the season. Specialty cocktails were crafted for the holidays which made the evening feel very festive. Staff were very friendly and attentive without being intrusive. There is a large fireplace inside to create a cozy ambiance as well as a fire pit outside with fixings for s’mores. A fun way to end the experience!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for the fantastic review, Julie! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the seasonal dishes and festive cocktails—there’s nothing like the holiday spirit to make a dining experience extra special. It’s wonderful that the ambiance, from the cozy fireplace to the outdoor fire pit with s’mores, added to your evening. Our team truly strives to provide the perfect balance of service, and we’re glad to hear you felt well taken care of. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable visit!

    Is this helpful?

  2. kelley

    New York City

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing as always! Steak and fried green tomatoes with Caesar salad was unreal
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for the wonderful review, Kelley! We’re so glad to hear you loved the steak, fried green tomatoes, and Caesar salad—what a combo! We can’t wait to have you back for another amazing meal. See you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jessica

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely wonderful meal and atmosphere. My favorite restaurant ever , The Dancing Bear is so magical ! You will not find better food . They chef really does amazing !
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you so much for such a glowing review, Jessica! We’re beyond thrilled to be your favorite restaurant, and we’re so glad you enjoyed both the meal and the atmosphere. Chef truly puts heart and soul into every dish, and it’s wonderful to hear that it made such an impact. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another magical dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Tim

    E. Tennessee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Reserved outside seating -although it was Dec, it was all enclosed with heaters and multiple fire pits. Jack our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Food was great. There was a large party of about 16 that came towards the end of our dinner. The noise level increased then, but prior to that it was very low
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for sharing your experience, Tim! We’re so glad you enjoyed the enclosed outdoor seating, especially with the heaters and fire pits to keep things cozy. It’s wonderful to hear that Jack took such great care of you and that the food met your expectations. We appreciate the feedback about the noise level—while we aim for a relaxed atmosphere, we’re glad it didn’t take away from your overall experience. We hope to welcome you back soon for another great meal!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alicia

    E. Tennessee

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Spectacular as always! The charred Caesar is AMAZING! The grilled halibut fantastic! And my hubby said the truffled filet was exceptional! And the s’mores dessert may be 1 of my new favorites! Alene is our absolute favorite server anywhere - she is knowledgeable, funny, and fantastic!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Alicia! We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your dinner—from the charred Caesar to the grilled halibut and truffled filet. And the s’mores dessert as a new favorite? We love that! Alene truly is a gem, and we’re lucky to have her on our team. She’ll be over the moon to hear your kind words. We can’t wait to see you again for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve—thank you for making us a part of your holiday celebrations!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Chris

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were promptly met at the door and seated. Our server Jack was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was extraordinary and our whole party had a wonderful dining experience.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Chris! We’re so pleased to hear that you were greeted promptly and that Jack’s attentive service made a positive impact. It’s wonderful to know that the food exceeded your expectations and that your entire party had a memorable dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you all back soon for another extraordinary meal!

    Is this helpful?

  7. April

    Mississippi

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Aliene was our server and she was a 10 all the way around . This restaurant is by far my favorite of all time. It is such a wonderful experience on all levels. I live in Nashville full time and have access to a lot of different culinary options and still have this as my #1. I just can’t say enough about the Dancing Bear
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you for such an amazing review, April! We’re truly honored to be your favorite restaurant—especially knowing you’re coming from a city as vibrant as Nashville with so many dining options. Your kind words mean the world to us! We’re so glad Aliene made your experience a 10/10—she’ll be thrilled to hear this. Creating a wonderful experience on all levels is what we strive for, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we’ve done that for you. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Dancing Bear again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  8. JoAnn

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was spectacular (our primary server was Ian). The food and drinks were delicious. We highly recommend the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 7 days ago
    Thank you for your kind words, JoAnn! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed a spectacular experience with us. Ian will be thrilled to know his service made such an impact. It’s wonderful to know you loved both the food and drinks – we strive to make every visit memorable. Thank you for recommending Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Steven

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic time at the Dancing Bear. The food was great. And the service was even better, our server Sissy was very timely and attentive even with handling many tables. Highly recommend.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on December 6, 2024
    Thank you for your wonderful review, Steven! We're so happy to hear you had a fantastic time at Dancing Bear and enjoyed the food. We’re especially thrilled to hear that Sissy took such great care of you! She’s a true gem, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to her. We appreciate the recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for another great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kelly

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, the food was excellent. Our server, Jack, was personable and knowledgeable. Always a great time!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on December 2, 2024
    Thank you so much for your continued visits and kind words, Kelly! It’s always a pleasure to welcome you when you’re in Townsend, and we’re delighted to hear that Jack made your most recent dining experience extra special. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments—he’ll be thrilled to know he left such a great impression. We’re honored to be part of your travels and look forward to seeing you again on your next visit. Until then, safe travels, and thank you for making us part of your time in the Smokies!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3588 OpenTable diners.

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

A photo of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro restaurant

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
$50 and over
American
Knoxville

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 31 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo