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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3629 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 21 times today
  • 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

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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 3,629 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

    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

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.

3,629 Reviews
  1. Teresa

    VIP

    Greater Taipei

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and service! Highly recommend Dancing Bear.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for the wonderful recommendation, Teresa! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed both the food and service. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic experience at Dancing Bear!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Anne

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I both said that this was the best meal we'd had since moving to Tennessee almost 3 years ago!! We were celebrating our anniversary and the staff went out of their way to make it special for us. We will definitely be back!!!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    What a fantastic compliment—thank you for sharing, Anne! We’re so honored that your anniversary dinner at Dancing Bear was the best meal you’ve had since moving to Tennessee. It’s wonderful to hear that our team helped make the celebration even more memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you both back for another special evening!

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  3. John

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is always a great experience at Dancing Bear. I love the way it is tucked away in the beautiful smoky mountains. The best part to end the dinner is the outdoor fire pit with a fresh S'more for dessert!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    We're so glad to hear you had another wonderful experience at Dancing Bear, John! There’s truly something magical about dining in the Smoky Mountains, and ending the night by the fire with s’mores is always the perfect touch. Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to have you back for more cozy, memorable moments!

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  4. Anita

    VIP

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to Dancing Bear last evening to celebrate my husband's 81st trip around the sun! It is our go-to spot for all special occasions and when we just want to give ourselves a treat. Also, it is always the dining venue requested by family and friends who visit us in East TN. We had fried gulf oysters for our appetizer. They were excellent as was my entree of trout with grits and my husband's brined pork chop. Their staff is welcoming and personable - attentive without hovering. We had the added treat of being seated near the fireplace which was most welcome on a bitterly cold night. We love everything about the Dancing Bear - location, ambiance, service and especially the food. Not only do we love it but so does everyone we have ever treated to a meal there.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    What a beautiful way to celebrate such a special occasion—happy 81st to your husband, Anita! We’re honored that Dancing Bear is your go-to spot for both milestones and everyday treats. It’s wonderful to hear that the fried gulf oysters, trout with grits, and brined pork chop hit the mark for you both. And we agree, nothing beats a cozy spot near the fireplace on a chilly night. Thank you for sharing such kind words. We’re so happy to be a part of your celebrations, and we look forward to many more meals with you and your loved ones in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Eric

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service and food quality and Zoey was awesome.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for the great feedback, Eric! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed both the food and service. Zoey will be thrilled to hear she made such a positive impact! We can't wait to welcome you back for another excellent experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lisa

    E. Tennessee

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely wonderful! Cannot wait to go back! The Pork Belly was something that I wouldn’t have ever ordered but it was unbelievable!!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you so much for your kind words, Lisa! We love hearing that you stepped outside your comfort zone with the pork belly—it’s definitely a fan favorite for a reason! We’re thrilled to know your evening was perfect, and we’ll be ready to welcome you back with more unforgettable dishes. See you soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Brandi

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our second dinner at Dancing Bear. We booked this dinner as a 6 person experience with friends and celebrated my 10 year anniversary. We asked for Aileen, who is charming, informative, and so helpful! She took care of us at our first dinner. Her knowledge of the food menu and wine menu was quite impressive. We’re firm believers in asking servers for their suggestions, and Aileen absolutely wowed us with a beautifully crafted meal paired with gorgeous wines! This is a don’t miss restaurant, and you’ll be rewarded beautifully if you ask for Aileen!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Martha

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had such a great experience with our group of six here. Would absolutely recommend!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    We're so glad your group had a great time with us, Martha! Thank you for the recommendation—that means the world to us. We hope to welcome you all back soon for another memorable meal!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Brandon

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing dining experience! Pork chop was one of the best I’ve ever had!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for the glowing review, Brandon! We’re so glad you had an amazing dining experience with us, and it’s fantastic to hear the pork chop stood out as one of the best you’ve ever had! We can’t wait to have you back to enjoy more delicious dishes!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Elizabeth

    VIP

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had four children with us and the staff was so welcoming and made the kids feel great. It was also the best dinner! Love sitting by the fire after dinner and making smores also.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    We’re so happy to hear that your whole family had such a great experience, Elizabeth! Making everyone feel welcome—especially the kiddos—is what we’re all about. And you can’t beat ending the evening with s’mores by the fire! Thank you for your kind words. We’d love to see you back again soon for another cozy night by the flames!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3629 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 21 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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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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