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Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3750 Reviews
$50 and over
American
7140 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
10:00 PM
Booked 40 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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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
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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 - Prix Fixe Dinner

    $1.00 per party

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2025 only
    We will be hosting a multi-course, fixed price meal for $135++ without an A La Carte option. Dietaries will be accommodated to the best of our ability. *We are requiring all reservations 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 staff member. Approximate price will be $135/pp++. Thank you! We look forward to serving you!*

Private dining

What 3,750 people are saying

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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 Ambiance

  • East Tennessee

    Best Value

  • East Tennessee

    Innovative

  • East Tennessee

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Tennessee

    Romantic

  • East Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • East Tennessee

    Good for special occasions

  • East Tennessee

    American

  • East Tennessee

    Most Booked

  • Knoxville

    Best Overall

  • Knoxville

    Best Food

  • Knoxville

    Best Service

  • Knoxville

    Best Ambiance

  • 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

    American

  • Knoxville

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers "great food and great service" with a "relaxing and high-end dining experience" in a beautiful mountain setting. Guests rave about the "amazing food," "wonderful service," and "beautiful atmosphere." It's perfect for special occasions and boasts "unmatched culinary flavors and creativity," ensuring an exceptional dining experience.
3,750 Reviews
  1. Elizabeth

    E. Tennessee1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Maggie was excellent, she was pleasant and provided great service

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jordan

    E. Tennessee2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    They did a good job, I just wonder what was on that dang dessert menu. It’s not on their website and not offered when you sat down. I was too full to order one but I’m dying to know what I could’ve had lol

    Is this helpful?

  3. Susan

    E. Tennessee12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was all excellent. Atmosphere is charming and soothing. Justin took very good care of us! Terrific server!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rayma

    Cincinnati1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The welcome we received from the host was professional and extremely personable. Aline was exceptionally informative and knowledgeable regarding all questions we had about food and drink items on the menu! I plan to return next time in the area.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Richard VIP

    Washington DC16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent cuisine and service. Will always return for an upscale dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kenny

    E. Tennessee1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our first time there. Great experience. Our server Monahan, was fantastic. We were not rushed and were able to enjoy the beautiful setting.

    Is this helpful?

  7. HAROLD

    E. Tennessee1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely awesome experience! Atmosphere, service , food all top rated. One of the best dining experiences I have had!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 3 days ago
    Wow, thank you for such a fantastic review, Harold! We're thrilled to hear that everything from the atmosphere to the service and food made for one of your best dining experiences. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable visit!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Carl

    Indiana4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing. Top 5 restaurants I’ve been too in my life. Every aspect of this restaurant is 5 stars. Do yourself a favor and book this restaurant right now.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for the incredible review, Carl! We're so honored to be one of your top 5 restaurants, and we're thrilled to know that every part of your experience exceeded your expectations. We'll make sure Cissy hears your kind words—she'll be so appreciative! We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable visit soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Leslie

    Tahoe2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service. The scallop appetizer was very good
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for the great review, Leslie! We’re so glad you enjoyed the food and service, especially the scallop appetizer. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jeff VIP

    Atlanta5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service were both exceptional - with everyone going beyond to meet our needs. Maggie was a fantastic server - professional, knowledgeable, courteous and just simply a very nice person. Highly recommend the Dancing Bear as we have been there many times. As always, and exceptional restaurant - highly recommended.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 4 days ago
    Jeff, thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Maggie provided fantastic service and that you enjoyed your meals. We truly appreciate your feedback regarding the substitution request. We aim to make sure every detail of your experience is as smooth as possible, and we’ll definitely take your comments into account for future improvements. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another great dining experience soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3750 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. East Tennessee
  4. Knoxville
  5. Knoxville

Make a reservation


Booked 40 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
  • Neighborhood
    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
  • 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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