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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3681 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 p.m.
Booked 31 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • 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

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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

What 3,681 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

    Healthy

  • 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

    Romantic

  • Knoxville

    Good for special occasions

  • Knoxville

    Lively

  • Knoxville

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers an "outstanding dining experience" with "amazing food" and "fantastic service." Guests rave about the "perfect atmosphere" and "warm, friendly staff." The "creative menu" caters to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal. With its "romantic" and "peaceful" setting, it's ideal for special occasions and memorable evenings.

3,681 Reviews
  1. melissa

    Naples

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our anniversary and we had a amazing brunch the food was amazing and the staff were fantastic. I would highly recommend to try this place out. Thank you for making our anniversary special.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for celebrating such a special occasion with us, Melissa! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your anniversary brunch and that our team helped make it memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and wish you many more happy anniversaries. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

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  2. Amber

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for the Sunday Brunch and the food was excellent. We will be back in the future.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for joining us for Sunday Brunch, Amber! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the food. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kenneth

    Western NC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went with a group of friends and had a wonderful time. The atmosphere was incredible. Jack our server was very upbeat and went over the menu in detail. The staff was friendly and always smiling. We had the perfect evening
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for sharing your experience, Kenneth! We're so glad you and your friends had a wonderful time and that Jack helped make the evening special. Our team takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it’s great to hear that it showed. We hope to see you again for another perfect evening!

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  4. Danielle

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful restaurant. Excellent atmosphere and the food was great too. Ian was our server and he was very knowledgeable about the wines and menu. I would definitely recommend going and trying the Bistro for yourself. You won’t be disappointed .
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for your fantastic review, Danielle! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and Ian's attentive service. It’s wonderful to know his knowledge added to your experience. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back to the Bistro soon!

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  5. David

    E. Tennessee

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Filet was perfect! Our server, Brad, did a great job!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on February 17, 2025
    Thank you for the wonderful feedback, David! We're so happy to hear the filet was perfect and that Brad provided great service. We’ll make sure to pass along your kind words to him. We look forward to having you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jeremy

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food atmosphere is excellent! You won’t be disappointed.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on February 17, 2025
    Thank you so much for the great review, Jeremy! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We’re always excited to welcome guests and are glad we could meet your expectations. We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joseph

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, the food and service were outstanding. We always make it a point to visit the Dancing Bear when we are in the mountains, and it never disappoints. Kudos to Mark and Sharon Oldham for the special dining experience they have created. We cannot wait for our next visit!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on February 17, 2025
    Thank you for your continued support and for sharing such a lovely review, Joseph! We’re so glad to hear that, as always, the food and service met your expectations. The Oldham's have truly created something special, and we’re thrilled you always enjoy your experience at Dancing Bear. We can’t wait to welcome you back on your next visit!

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  8. Michelle

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual it was awesome! We always love the food and the service is top notch. Thanks again for a great visit. We will be back soon.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 5 days ago
    We’re delighted to hear that you had another great visit, Michelle! Thank you for your continued support and kind words about our food and service. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Becky

    VIP

    E. Tennessee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, outstanding food, with unmatched culinary flavors and creativity creating a wonderful Valentine's Day menu, We were celebrating 33 years of marriage as well so a very special treat for us.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on February 17, 2025
    Congratulations on 33 years of marriage, and thank you for such a thoughtful review, Becky! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the Valentine’s Day menu and that the flavors and creativity added to your celebration. It’s truly an honor to be part of such a special moment for you. We look forward to welcoming you back for many more memorable experiences!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Alison

    VIP

    E. Tennessee

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Dancing Bear Bistro Valentine’s Day five course menu with wine pairing was delicious. Outstanding service and a wonderful evening! So glad they did the wine pairing again this year. The chef continues to accommodate food allergies in a professional and delectable manner!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on February 17, 2025
    Thank you for your kind words and for choosing to celebrate Valentine’s Day with us, Alison! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the five-course menu with wine pairings and that the food was not only delicious but also accommodated your dietary needs. It’s wonderful to hear that our team, from the waiter to the kitchen staff, made your evening extra special. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable dining experiences!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3681 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 p.m.
Booked 31 times today
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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  • Cookie Preferences
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