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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.8
4.8
2968 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top tags:
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.

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2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 34 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Regional American (Southern), Regional American (Contemporary Southern)
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–12:45 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (865) 336-2138
  • Website
    http://dancingbearlodge.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • 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
  • Location
    7140 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
  • 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

Featured in

What 2,968 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

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 fine wines

  • East Tennessee

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Tennessee

    Romantic

  • East Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • East Tennessee

    Good for special occasions

  • 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

    Most Booked

2,968 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful place with delicious food. The waitress, Aileen, was very informative and personable. Loved all the local options. Definitely recommend.

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  2. Bluebugs

    Memphis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As soon as we walked in, they acted like they were pleased we were there. Everyone was polite and friendly. Not one time did we feel like they were just going through the motions. The ambiance was lodg like lots of wood and exposed beams. The seating area is small and cozy. So you have to make a reservation in advance. Because there is limited seating. The menu was limited, but there was enough variety to satisfy most people. I had the sorghum glazed chicken. It was tender, juicy, and delicious. It was what would be called medium rare. If it was any less, I would have been worried. So that shows the chief knows what he is doing. My wife had the red fish. The outside was blacked, yet the inside was tender and juicy. So again, you see the skill of the chief shine through. Dessert was a bread pudding and butterscotch creme brulee. Both were excellent. My only complaint would be street access. There is no lighting in the area to see the entrance clearly. We thought our GPS was trying to turn us into a ditch. Overall, it was a great night and an excellent meal.

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  3. CareyD

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were fantastic, and the restaurant is nestled in a beautiful location in the mountains.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago

    We're thrilled you appreciated our location nestled in the scenic mountains, Carey. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We hope to welcome you back soon for another delightful dining experience!

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  4. MEGANJ

    Western KY

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely gorgeous property, excellent service and the atmosphere was impeccable! The beef tip appetizer was melt in your mouth good and everyone in our party of 6 ranging in age from 14-70 enjoyed everything we ordered. Highly recommend!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for your kind words, Megan! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our property's beauty, excellent service, and impeccable atmosphere. It's fantastic to hear that the Beef Tip appetizer was a hit and that everyone in your diverse party had a great dining experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you all back soon for another delightful meal!

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the best restaurant we've experienced in Tennessee. fantastic in every way.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for the incredible compliment! We're honored to be considered the best restaurant you've experienced in Tennessee. Your praise means a lot to us. We're thrilled that you had a fantastic experience in every way. We can't wait to have the pleasure of serving you again!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was great from the start!! We happened to be early for our reservation expecting to sit at the bar and wait but we were immediately seated. Service was top notch including our waiter, Jack, who was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions! Food was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. They even offer endless free s’mores out by their fire. If ever back in this area, I would definitely go back!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled that your experience with us from the start was exceptional. We're delighted that Jack provided top-notch service and valuable suggestions. It's great to know that you enjoyed the perfectly cooked and wonderful-tasting food. Our S'mores by the fire are a favorite—glad you got to enjoy them! We'd love to welcome you back whenever you're in the area again. Thanks for choosing us!

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  7. Alex

    Nashville

    61 reviews

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow!!! Amazing food, well presented and tasted even better. Well worth your time. Can’t say enough good things about this meal. Five stars!!!!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for the glowing review, Alex! We're thrilled that you found our food amazing, well-presented, and delicious—it's fantastic to hear! Your five-star rating means a lot to us, and we appreciate your kind words. We can't wait to welcome you back for another exceptional dining experience!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brad was our waiter. We plan to ask for him when we visit again.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    We're thrilled to hear that Brad provided exceptional service during your visit! We'll make sure to pass along your compliments to him. We look forward to hosting you again, and we'll do our best to have Brad available for your next visit. Thank you for choosing us, and we can't wait to see you again soon!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant with great food and great service

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted that you enjoyed our restaurant, food, and service. Your support means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back soon for another wonderful experience!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and the food was amazing. Great value for the price.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with both our service and food! Your satisfaction means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your support. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you again soon!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience1
    We had to stand for 15 minutes waiting to be seated for our reservation. We had a child with us and a guest wearing heels. Very disappointing. The outside enclosed seating was cold. I got the last few green beans before a fresh batch came out. They only gave me a few and they were oily. The stuffing I ate was dry. Our bill was over $400.00 plus $80 tip. Very expensive! Our server was good. Based on our past meals at Dancing Bear, I would recommend going for dinner there, but never again on Thanksgiving! Very disappointing in general!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 2 days ago

    Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Unfortunately, because this is an anonymous review, I was unable to look further into the situation. While we are happy to hear you enjoyed the service provided at your table, we clearly missed the mark otherwise. We would like to note there is always seating outside by the firepit where we also had complimentary cider, hot chocolate, and coffee to enjoy while you waited. We apologize if you were not comfortable in our enclosed covered patio area and wish we had been made aware, as we are always happy to move heaters or provide blankets if needed. As I am limited in my response here to 800 characters, please feel free to email me directly at emma@oldhamhospitality to further discuss your experience. Thank you!

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  12. RaymondN

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving dinner was outstanding and Brad, our server made the experience so nice. We are planning on dinner and brunch very soon.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago

    We're incredibly grateful for your kind words about our Thanksgiving dinner, Raymond! It's wonderful to hear that Brad enhanced your experience—we'll make sure to pass along your compliments. We can't wait to welcome you back for dinner and brunch soon. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to serving you again!

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  13. RalphW

    Bristol

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful experience at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words, Ralph! We're thrilled that you've had such consistently wonderful experiences at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. Having guests like you enjoy their visits is what keeps us inspired! We look forward to continuing to provide delightful experiences for you.

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  14. EllenS

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed our wonderful dinner and Jack’s service. I would have preferred the main dining with its cozy ambience and our one night of dining as opposed to the outer patio. We had a family nearby that was loud. Food, service, campfire with s’mores The best!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Ellen! We're delighted that you enjoyed your wonderful dinner and that Jack provided excellent service. We're thrilled that you found the food and service to be top-notch! It's wonderful to know that you appreciated the campfire with S’mores. We hope to welcome you back soon and provide a more intimate dining experience in our main dining area.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, intimate setting and beautiful surroundings.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank for taking the time to leave us a review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

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  16. MattieB

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful farm to table restaurant, the ambience is so warming.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled that you appreciated our farm-to-table concept and found our restaurant's ambiance warm and inviting. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and sourcing fresh, local ingredients are fundamental to what we do. We're delighted that it resonated with you during your visit. We look forward to welcoming you back for another delightful experience!

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  17. JenniferH

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great meal and great ambiance - perfect mountain brunch!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Jennifer, thank you for taking the time to leave us such a kind review. We hope so serve you again soon.

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  18. JulieH

    E. Tennessee

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed brunch for the first time at Dancing Bear and it did not disappoint! There were breakfast stand bys like bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and then extras like shrimp & grits, smoked salmon, chicken & waffles, sliced ribeye, yummy roasted harvest vegetables, green salad with a light citrus dressing and fixings for yogurt/fruit/granola. And did I mention the $5 mimosas?!?!? We will definitely be back. The food is so good and the ambience cant be beat. So woodsy with a natural outdoor vibe. We also chose outdoor seating and were worried it would be too cold... but with plenty of heaters it was delightful! 10/10!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful brunch experience with us, Julie! We're thrilled to hear that our brunch offerings exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic that you enjoyed a wide array of breakfast favorites and extras, from Shrimp & Grits to Chicken & Waffles—plus those $5 mimosas! We're delighted that the variety of options left a positive impression. We're grateful for your glowing review and can't wait to welcome you back for another delightful brunch!

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  19. KeissaC

    Miami - Dade

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing on every level. Will always be a repeat customer.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled that you enjoyed a great meal and soaked in the wonderful ambiance during your mountain brunch with us. We can't wait to have you back for more delightful moments!

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  20. DarylD

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all the way around! Service was top notch!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a kind review, Daryl! We hope to see you again soon.

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  21. RachelG

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a beautiful experience. Excellent is not a strong enough word to describe our meal. The flavors, textures and presentation of each dish were perfect. The descriptions and suggestions from our knowledgable server worked wonderfully together.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your heartwarming review, Rachel! We're thrilled to hear that your dining experience with us was beyond excellent. It's wonderful that the flavors, textures, and presentation of our dishes resonated so perfectly with you. We take great care in crafting each dish to create a memorable culinary experience. We're delighted that our knowledgeable server's descriptions and suggestions complemented your meal so well. Providing a seamless and enjoyable dining experience is always our goal. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more beautiful experiences!

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  22. ANGIED

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's delicious. 2nd time we've eaten there. There is SO many different things we wanted to try, and with 6 in our party, everything was absolutely to die for.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you found our menu offerings delicious and that everything you tried with your party of six was absolutely delightful. We love that you found so many enticing options on our menu! It's fantastic to know that your second visit was just as satisfying as the first. We appreciate your support and can't wait to have you back to explore even more of our offerings!

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  23. AnneH

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I wish I had more special occasions to dine at Dancing Bear. It's a beautiful place, suitable for groups, or for two, and is a unique venue for special events. The food and the service is excellent.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words, Anne! We're thrilled to hear that you've enjoyed your experiences at The Bistro! We're honored to have been a part of your special occasions. Whether for intimate gatherings or larger groups, we aim to create a beautiful and unique setting for all our guests. We're grateful for your support and hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments, be it for special events or any occasion.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great every time. Great atmosphere and service. Great evolving menu.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you've consistently had a great experience with us. Maintaining a great atmosphere, top-notch service, and an evolving menu is what we strive for, and we're delighted it resonates with you. We look forward to providing many more great experiences!

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  25. HannahM

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite restaurants, and eating here is always a highlight of our trips to the Smokies. The kitchen has upped its game since the pandemic, with some interesting new choices on the small plates menu. Service is friendly and attentive but not intrusive. Great bar and wine list, and the staff helped us select a great bottle of red wine within our preferred price range without trying to upsell us. Easy to spend a lot of money here, but we never feel we didn’t get good value for the outlay.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your continued support and for choosing our restaurant as a highlight of your trips to the Smokies, Hannah. We're thrilled to hear that you've noticed the evolution of our menu and appreciated the new choices on our small plates menu. Ensuring a memorable dining experience while being attentive to our guests' preferences is always our goal. We're delighted that our service team provided a friendly experience, guiding you through our bar and wine selections without pressure. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

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  26. MargaretT

    Atlanta Metro

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service, drinks and food. Met our expectations and then some! Highly recommend! 5 stars

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your wonderful review, Margaret! We're thrilled that we not only met but exceeded your expectations with our service, drinks, and food. Your recommendation means the world to us! We're grateful for your support and look forward to delivering more exceptional experiences in the future.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good and service were both excellent. We will be going back again and again.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you enjoyed both our food and service during your visit. It's fantastic to know that you plan on returning—nothing makes us happier than having happy and satisfied guests like you! We look forward to welcoming you back for many more excellent experiences.

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  28. AllenB

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great spot for a high quality, romantic, rustic meal brimming with ambiance. Drinks by the fire pit while we waited for our table was a perfect way to begin the experience.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your lovely review, Allen! We're thrilled to hear that you had a high-quality and romantic dining experience with us! Starting your evening with drinks by the fire pit sounds like the perfect way to set the mood! We're delighted that it added to your overall experience with us. Creating memorable and romantic moments is what we strive for, and we're grateful that you chose our spot for such an occasion. We look forward to welcoming you back for another delightful experience as a Friend of the Bear.

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  29. joannk

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    2nd time we’ve been to the venue in the last 6 months. It is a true gem!!!! Wonderful place to take any friends or family you have visiting to enjoy the ambience of Tennessee at its finest.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your continued support and for sharing such kind words! We're thrilled that you consider our venue a true gem and that you've enjoyed the experience enough to return. Creating a space that captures the essence of Tennessee's finest ambience is what we aim for, and we're delighted to know that it resonated with you and your guests. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to continue providing memorable moments for you and your loved ones.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and food! Came highly recommended from friends, and we will definitely be returning.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with both our service and food. It's fantastic to know that our restaurant came highly recommended by your friends and that you plan to return. We look forward to having the pleasure of serving you again!

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  31. StacyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was fantastic, the atmosphere and food were perfect! We had a great time!!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We're thrilled that your visit was marked by exceptional service from our server and that you found the atmosphere and food to be perfect. Creating enjoyable moments is what we strive for, and we're delighted to hear that you had a great time with us! We hope to serve you again soon as a new Friend of the Bear.

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  32. LynnO

    E. Tennessee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dancing Bear offers very elegant dining in a beautiful area off the beaten path. We have frequented this restaurant for several years now for special occasions, such as birthdays. They now have a new chef and the food experience has escalated even more. We highly recommend Dancing Bear for a lovely night out.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your heartfelt recommendation, Lynn! We're honored to have been a part of your special occasions over the years, and we're delighted that you've noticed the evolution of our dining experience. Our team is thrilled to know that our chef's culinary direction has enhanced your visits even further. Creating memorable moments is what we aim for, especially during celebrations like birthdays. We're grateful for your continued support as a long time Friend of the Bear! We look forward to providing many more delightful evenings for you!

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  33. CookieMan

    Tampa

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Brad, our waiter, was fabulous. His experience and knowledge was excellent…he anticipated our needs and was very prompt. It was our anniversary, initially seating was not the best but the 3rd time turned out perfect. Out first DB experience & will not be our last.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you for choosing the Bistro for such a special occasion! We apologize for any inconvenience we caused with the seating, and we're happy to hear we were able to accommodate you. Third time's the charm, right? Next time, we will make sure we get it right the first time though! We hope you had a memorable experience and we look forward to serving you again!

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant to eat at, beautiful setting and outstanding food and service.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you for your 5-star review! We look forward to serving you again!

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  35. PatS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was amazing! Our waitress was top notch with great recommendations. The place is Beautiful.

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 24, 2023

    Thank you for your incredibly kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with both our food and service. It's fantastic that Zoe provided top-notch service and excellent recommendations to enhance your visit. We take pride in our beautiful establishment and are delighted that you found it appealing. Creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment is important to us. We're truly grateful for your support and hope to have the pleasure of serving you again soon!

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  36. Anthem

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    We love Dancing Bear this time unfortunately they got one of the diners with us the wrong meal and didn’t bring the right meal to him until all of us were done with ours about 40 minutes later!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fantastic experience! We are visiting from MD and got a referral to this restaurant. Aileen’s service and food recommendations were top notch. We loved everything about our experience at the Dancing Bear Bistro!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you for visiting us all the way from MD! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience, and we hope Aileen made it memorable. We look forward to serving you again!

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  38. DavidB

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Solid food, service, and ambiance. Visited during a hiking trip to the Smoky Mountain NP. Great location!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you for joining us, David! We appreciate you taking some time during your trip to enjoy the Bistro. We look forward to serving you again!

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  39. NathanC

    Western KY

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you! Absolutely a wonderful experience! There were 4 of us We each ordered some thing different. None disappointed! Absolutely delicious!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you for your kind review and Private Note, Nathan! We hope you and your guests enjoyed your Bistro experience. We look forward to serving you again!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dancing Bear is a hidden gem! It never disappoints and is a must every time we come to the Smokies. Honestly it’s our favorite restaurant of anywhere we have visited!

    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thank you! We are honored to have become a staple in your Smoky Mountain adventures, and we hope we can maintain our position as your favorite restaurant. We look forward to serving you again!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 2968 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 34 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–12:45 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • 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
  • Website
    http://dancingbearlodge.com/
  • 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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