Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Outdoor Dining - Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9
4.9
3813 Reviews
$50 and over
American
7140 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 53 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.

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 3,813 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

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Tennessee

    Romantic

  • East Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • East Tennessee

    American

  • East Tennessee

    Most Booked

  • Knoxville

    Best Overall

  • Knoxville

    Best Food

  • Knoxville

    Best Service

  • Knoxville

    Best Ambiance

  • Knoxville

    Best Value

  • 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 an exceptional dining experience with "wonderful service" and "impeccable food preparation." Guests consistently praise the "beautiful setting" and "warm, welcoming staff." The inventive menu features standout dishes like the "Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop" and "Chicken and Ricotta Gnocchi." A true gem in East Tennessee!

3,813 Reviews
  1. Darryl

    Orlando1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our waiter Seth was spot on, very attentive to our needs and very informative about the buffet. He checked back often , made sure we were all good. The buffet was outstanding in choice and in flavor. Awsome dining experience in a beautiful setting.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Leon

    E. Tennessee1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Good overall experience. I would recommend it to family and friends.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kevin VIP

    E. Tennessee28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Justin took great care of us, a very caring waiter. Warmly greeted by Tanner, he is always so pleasant and friendly
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you for your kind feedback, Kevin! We’re so glad to hear that Justin took great care of you and that Tanner made a warm impression as well. Both of them truly embody the welcoming atmosphere we strive for, and we’ll be sure to pass along your compliments. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful experience soon!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Tanya

    E. Tennessee8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Dancing Bear is consistently one of the best places to experience great food, thoughtful service, and an overall enjoyable time. Tip: get the charcuterie board. It's the best way to start your meal. Though that may make it harder to save from for one of there incredible desserts, such as the doughnut bread pudding or the lavender creme brulee!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bruce

    E. Tennessee12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very enjoyable dining experience. Nice location, relaxing surroundings, excellent food, good service.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you for your wonderful review, Bruce! We’re so glad to hear that you had an enjoyable dining experience and appreciated our location, surroundings, food, and service. We look forward to welcoming you back for another relaxing and delicious meal soon!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Wendy VIP

    Cincinnati14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely loved our experience here. The food was spectacular, the service was amazing (David was our server) and the smoked Man in Black was really tasty. We will be back if our travels bring us back to Townsend.
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you so much for the fantastic review, Wendy! We’re thrilled to hear you loved your experience, from the food to the service. David will be so grateful for your kind words—he truly goes above and beyond for our guests. We'll be sure to pass along your commendation to him, and we wish him all the best in law school! We hope your travels bring you back to Townsend soon, and we can't wait to welcome you again for another great meal!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Laurie

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We've been here before and it's always been great. One of my husband's favorite places!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you for your continued loyalty, Laurie! We’re so glad to hear that your visits have always been great, and that it’s one of your husband’s favorite places. We look forward to many more wonderful experiences with you both!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Leslie

    E. Tennessee1 review

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very good. 1 complaint is I ordered a glass of Napa Valley BV cabernet(menu said 2017 year). Wine was good. I ordered a bottle for approx $80. Drank a glass and took rest to nearby rental cabin where I later determined that bottles year was a 2022. Avg price for 2022 is $35 where as the 2017 was about $65.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Karen

    Atlanta4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another lovey meal. Highly recommend the Bear and all of the related venues in Townsend!
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you so much for the wonderful recommendation, Karen! We’re so glad to hear you had another lovely meal with us. We truly appreciate your support of Dancing Bear and the other venues in Townsend. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Steve

    E. Tennessee1 review

    2.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    The service was terrible. My server was very unfriendly and uncaring. Not at all what you would expect when paying $150 for dinner. Barely spoke to us and only came by to check on us once after we received our meal and only asked if we needed anything as he walked by. We finished our meal and sat there with the empty plates for 20 minutes before he came by again. When he brought the check, he put it on the table and walked away without speaking. He didn't say "Thanks", "Hope you enjoyed it", " Come again"...nothing. Then came back 5 minutes later to collect before we had a chance to put the payment on the table and asked "Is there a problem?" Really??? Worst server ever at any restaurant. A server at Applebees, Olive Garden, any place where there is a server would be 100 times better than this. The food was very good and I enjoyed it. But the server ruined the experience and I wont go back because of that.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is rated 4.9 stars by 3813 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 53 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
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 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