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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3576 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 26 times today
Experiences are available.
  • 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

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Southern, 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
  • Area
    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

    USD 1.00 per party

    Prepaid

    31 Dec 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 3,576 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East Tennessee

    Best Overall

  • East Tennessee

    Best Food

  • East Tennessee

    Best Ambience

  • 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

    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 "fantastic dining experience" with its farm-to-table menu featuring fresh, seasonal flavors. Guests rave about the "excellent service," "beautiful setting," and "amazing food." The cozy, rustic ambiance combined with attentive staff makes it a perfect spot for special occasions. Highly recommended!

3,576 Reviews
  1. Kelly

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    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 today
    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?

  2. Liz

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and outstanding staff! Such a warm and cozy experience on a cold autumn evening. Perfection!

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  3. Judith E

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect meal to celebrate our anniversary. Courteous staff, delicious food and drinks. Will definitely return for the holidays.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you for choosing Dancing Bear to celebrate such a special occasion, Judith! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed a perfect meal, along with our courteous staff and delicious food and drinks. It means so much to us to be part of your anniversary memories, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for the holidays—there’s something truly magical about this time of year at Dancing Bear. Until next time, cheers to more celebrations and unforgettable moments!

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  4. Mollye

    Western NC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We go to Dancing Bear often. We love the whole vibe. The food was excellent, and our waiter Ian was there to answer any question and met every need .
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Thank you so much for your kind words and for being such loyal guests! We’re delighted to hear that you love the vibe at Dancing Bear and that Ian took such great care of you—he’ll be thrilled to know he made your visit special. It’s always wonderful to welcome you, whether for dinner or a cozy cabin stay. Your continued support means the world to us, and we’re so glad the Bistro consistently delivers an incredible experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

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  5. BrianG

    Orlando

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and service!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded today
    Brian, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  6. jean

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service! Enjoyed our dinner experience.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for your kind words, Jean! We're delighted you had an enjoyable dinner experience and that every course impressed with flavor and presentation. We'll be sure to pass your compliments along to Maggie—she’ll be thrilled to hear she made your evening even more special. We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable meal!

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  7. Cindy

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent. I was here once in June & loved it. Back in YN from Oakland CA to visit Dollywood at krismas with my husband & had to take him to the Dancing Bear. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope to eat hear again some day! This is the best spot you will find in this region of TN. Well worth the drive from Pigeon Forge area!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for your wonderful review, Cindy! We're thrilled you returned to Dancing Bear and that your husband enjoyed it as much as you did. It's always an honor to be part of your Tennessee adventures, especially during the holiday season! We hope to welcome you both back again soon—there’s always something special waiting for you here. Safe travels!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Rich

    E. Tennessee

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    WE love Dancing Bear and frequent often. Brought our son and daughter-in-law in last night to celebrate her birthday. We were placed in the first table near the window and the check in. Entry door opening and closing and we were so cold. Everything else was perfect but really spoiled our experience as we were so uncomfortable and couldn't wait to get out in a warm car. Richard Fallat
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for sharing your feedback, Richard. We're so glad to hear that you love Dancing Bear and chose to celebrate such a special occasion with us. However, we're saddened to hear that the seating near the door made your experience uncomfortable. Your comfort is important to us, and we’ll take this into consideration for future seating arrangements, especially during colder weather. We’d love the chance to make it up to you and ensure your next visit is nothing short of perfect. Thank you for letting us know, and we hope to welcome you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kevin

    E. Tennessee

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Once again great birthday celebration at Dancing Bear. Tanner tended to a beautiful fire, and Big Jack provided outstanding service. Favorite restaurant in Knoxville area
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for celebrating another special birthday with us! We’re delighted to hear that Tanner kept the fire glowing and that Jack delivered exceptional service. It’s an honor to be your favorite restaurant in the area, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more memorable celebrations. Cheers to many more!

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  10. Ross

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was delicious --we ate too much. Lots of variety and accommodations for vegetarians/ vegans. Server was excellent, with recommendations for both food and beverages. This will become somewhere we go whenever we're in the area.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for such a lovely review, Ross! We're thrilled you enjoyed the food and found options that catered to everyone's preferences. It’s wonderful to hear our team’s recommendations enhanced your experience. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next visit to the area!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3576 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 26 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
  • Area
    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, Southern, 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
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