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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3670 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 38 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

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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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

What 3,670 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

Diners' Choice Awards

  • 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 exceptional dining experience with "wonderful food and outstanding staff." Guests consistently praise the restaurant's cozy, elegant atmosphere and "amazing flavors" in dishes like filet mignon and trout with grits. The service is highlighted as "phenomenal," making it a "must stop" for special occasions.

3,671 Reviews
  1. Joseph

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    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!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing time out for Valentine’s Day. Food was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Margarete

    VIP

    Charleston

    59 reviews

    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was a lovely evening. Great food, great service, and a lovely setting. We had not dined out in years on Valentine’s Day. I am sure no one will ever exceed our experience at Dancing Bear. We love coming here. Thanks to all, the chef, staff and owners for an absolutely beautiful evening. ❤️

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  4. Matteo

    Atlanta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated Valentine’s Day one night early. And, it did not disappoint. It is the best dining experience in East Tennessee. 

    Is this helpful?

  5. Tim

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went the night before Valentines to avoid the bigger crowd. My reservation was for "outside " so I was concerned about the weather.The outdoor venue was enclosed and set up nicely with patio heaters and fire pits. The atmosphere was very nice and temps comfortable. Our server Jack was very attentive and a bit entertaining throughout. At the end of our meal we discovered that Jack had musical talents as well as he shared a few notes with us! We had a fantastic dinner.

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  6. Allison

    VIP

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always enjoy the food and drinks here! Wish you would bring back the leather couch to sit in front of the fireplace to enjoy cocktails

    Is this helpful?

  7. Ken

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was outstanding. Professional staff, great ambiance, food was fantastic. Special thanks to our server, Monahan. He is the best!! We already reserved for Valentines Day next year.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you, Ken & Marley, for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience and that Monahan made your evening even more special. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him—he’ll be thrilled to know he helped guide you through a memorable dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you back, especially for Valentine’s Day next year!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Danny

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful early birthday dinner. Very welcoming environment and a romantic atmosphere. The waitress acknowledged my birthday and made the night very special. She was very kind and attentive. Pork chop and beef tips were amazing! Will definitely be back to try other menu items!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for celebrating with us, Danny! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the warm atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious dishes. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with our team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable meals—happy early birthday!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Bill

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful Birthday diner for my wife. The entire meal was excellent starting with the Artisan Cheese Board followed by the Green Goddess Salad. The Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop was the best chop we’ve had. Delicious. Thank you for such a special birthday.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for celebrating your wife's birthday with us, Bill! We're thrilled to hear that every course, from the Artisan Cheese Board to the Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop, made for a memorable evening. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you both back for more special occasions!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Pamela

    VIP

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an excellent meal, service and atmosphere!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for your kind words, Pamela! We're thrilled to hear you consistently enjoy the meal, service, and atmosphere. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3670 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 38 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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
  • 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
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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