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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3618 Reviews
$50 and over
American

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 29 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, 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

What 3,618 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.

3,618 Reviews
  1. Dotty

    Tampa

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We did the wine pairing NY Eve experience. Wow. Just wow. The chef selections paired with wonderful champagnes was spectacular from the first bite to the last. A once in a lifetime meal!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We live close and eat there generally once a month, and it never disappoints. My wife and I consider it one of our top 2-3 restaurants in the country. Highly recommended…

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  3. Bob

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service. Our server (Aleen) was top notch.

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  4. cassandra

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing! We have loved this place more than anywhere else since arriving to the area. The atmosphere service and food were all incredible. Our server Jack was very responsive and patient with us as we looked over our menu multiple times trying to decide among the many amazing items. This place really made our first anniversary so so special and we will most definitely be back again.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were not aware of DBAB until we found it on this app. After reading several positive reviews we decided to give it a try. We’ve eaten at some fine restaurants in our time but the ambience, service, and food at Dancing Bear are unrivaled by any of them! The location and decor are peaceful and welcoming. The fireplace alone is a must-see! Brad patiently explained every single item on the menu and gave us fabulous recommendations. He was on-time or ahead of us each time we needed anything. We shared the Trio of Dips, and chose the Butternut Squash Soup and Charred Caesar for starters, then topped it with the Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop and Truffle-Topped Filet. Every detail of every dish was fantastic! Only wish we had saved room for the Bread Pudding…but there’s always next time!!!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that your first visit to Dancing Bear was such a memorable experience. It’s wonderful to know that the ambiance, service, and food exceeded your expectations. Brad will be especially pleased to hear your kind words—he’s always eager to ensure guests have the best possible experience. The Trio of Dips, Butternut Squash Soup, Charred Caesar, and entrées all sound like a perfect choice! We’ll look forward to your next visit, and we hope you'll save room for the Bread Pudding next time!

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  6. Laura

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Filet mignon and Heritage Chicken was amazing. Cheese plate was interesting. Courtney was friendly, happy, and gave us great service.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you for sharing your experience, Laura! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Filet Mignon and Heritage Chicken—two of our favorites as well. Our cheese plate is designed to offer a unique tasting experience, and we’re glad you gave it a try. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to Courtney—she’ll be delighted to know she made your visit even more enjoyable. We look forward to serving you again soon!

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  7. Donnie

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was wonderful from the time we drove onto the property. The food was excellent, the service top-notch, and the ambience was beautiful. We were there for our 18th wedding anniversary and they made us feel very special. Can’t wait to return!!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review, Donnie! We're so honored that you chose us to celebrate your 18th wedding anniversary. It’s fantastic to hear that the food, service, and ambiance all made your special day even more memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience. Congratulations on 18 years, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

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  8. Satterfield

    VIP

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Top notch food and ambience. Make sure and get reservations or call ahead. Dinner and Sunday brunch were a treat and we will be back !
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad you enjoyed both dinner and Sunday brunch, and that the food and ambiance stood out. We definitely recommend reservations or calling ahead, especially during busy times. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience

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  9. Ryan

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been wanting to go here since we moved here a few months ago and finally went to their Sunday brunch and it was excellent. Staff was very friendly and kept offering ideas on other local areas to try. Next up will be to come back in 2 weeks for their dinner. Highly recommended!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for your kind words, Ryan! We're so glad you finally made it in for our Sunday brunch and had such a great experience. It's wonderful to hear that our staff was able to offer some helpful local recommendations, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in two weeks for dinner! We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again soon

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  10. DARYL

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food as always! Aileen is one of the best servers we have ever had!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for your kind words, Daryl! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the food once again. Aileen truly is one of our best, and we’re thrilled to know she made such a positive impact on your experience. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to her. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3618 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 29 times today
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
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  • Cookie Preferences
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