Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. East Tennessee
  4. Knoxville
  5. Knoxville
Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3638 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 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

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
  • 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

What 3,638 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
  • 4.6Value

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

    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 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers an "absolutely amazing dining experience" with "wonderful food and service." Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this cozy restaurant is perfect for celebrations and romantic evenings. Guests rave about the "perfect ambiance" and "impeccable service," and recommend trying specialties like the pork chop and fried green tomatoes.

3,638 Reviews
  1. Brandon

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time visitor at the Dancing Bear Bistro and everything exceeded my expectations. I'm already planning a second visit! Thank you, Dancing Bear!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sherry

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The only thing I would not recommend is high top seating during winter months..other guest crowd your table to stand by fire place and it interrupts your experience!! I highly recommend the Sweet Tea Pork Chops!!!! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS..Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Chuck

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jon Wheeler was exceptional! The food was phenomenal ❤️ hats off to the chef, best brunch we have ever had.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kathryn

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dancing Bear is the best restaurant in East TN. We tried the Brunch today and it did not disappoint. I loved the cheesy grits and biscuits and gravy but everything was amazing. Service is always warm and friendly and they always take great care of their guests. Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bob

    VIP

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dancing Bear did not disappoint once again. The place is beautiful, service awesome and food delicious. 5******

    Is this helpful?

  6. Rachel

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love coming here! Food is phenomenal! Your servers are make the experience fabulous as well!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. LeAnne

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our dinner was spectacular! We all ordered filet mignon and it was fabulous! The ambience, service and food far exceeded our expectations! We also enjoyed the fire and smores after dinner…awesome!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Teresa

    VIP

    Greater Taipei

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and service! Highly recommend Dancing Bear.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on January 6, 2025
    Thank you for the wonderful recommendation, Teresa! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed both the food and service. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic experience at Dancing Bear!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Anne

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I both said that this was the best meal we'd had since moving to Tennessee almost 3 years ago!! We were celebrating our anniversary and the staff went out of their way to make it special for us. We will definitely be back!!!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on January 6, 2025
    What a fantastic compliment—thank you for sharing, Anne! We’re so honored that your anniversary dinner at Dancing Bear was the best meal you’ve had since moving to Tennessee. It’s wonderful to hear that our team helped make the celebration even more memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you both back for another special evening!

    Is this helpful?

  10. John

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is always a great experience at Dancing Bear. I love the way it is tucked away in the beautiful smoky mountains. The best part to end the dinner is the outdoor fire pit with a fresh S'more for dessert!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded on January 6, 2025
    We're so glad to hear you had another wonderful experience at Dancing Bear, John! There’s truly something magical about dining in the Smoky Mountains, and ending the night by the fire with s’mores is always the perfect touch. Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to have you back for more cozy, memorable moments!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3638 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
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
    (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
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo