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Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.6 (288 reviews)
PriceyNew American
Closed 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

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Cornbread
Rachael A.

Where do I even begin....this bistro exceeded expectations in all areas. We had a reservation but arrived a little early and started at the bar. Their seasonal cocktail list was very enticing and left me wanting to try several. I started with the ginger bear and it was delicious. We really enjoyed talking to the bartender, who crafted the best margarita I may have had to date. His service and expertise was much appreciated. After being seated, we started with the potato crab soup and Caesar salad....yum!! I wish I could have that soup right now. They served cornbread with shipped butter, this was nice to have. The entrees we ordered were the pork chop, chicken and meatballs, and kids pasta. They were so flavorful and delicious. Following dinner we were invited to enjoy the fire and s'more station. This was such a wonderful way to end the evening and so much fun for our daughter. The ambiance of this whole property was extremely well thought out from the drive up to the lights and cozy vibe. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. If we ever return to the area this will be a must.

Robert D.

The food here is actually local and fresh not just fake local and fresh. You can taste the difference, and that's what I like. This was my third visit, and once again, the food was good . Service, on the other hand, was on mountain time. It wasn't super busy, but our entrées took ages to arrive, and our server seemed to vanish into the forest now and then. When she was around, though, she was really friendly. Now, let's talk prices. This place is not cheap. We're talking $15 salads and soups, $23 charcuterie, $27 burgers, and a $55 steak and that's before you even consider drinks . Is it worth it? Maybe. I'm leaning toward yes, but I wouldn't call it a place I would want to be a regular at . Still, everything tastes fantastic, and the atmosphere is "rustic glam retreat." In short: great food, slow service, and prices that make you double-check you're not actually in NYC because last I checked, I was literally in the middle of the woods.

Dip trio + crab & corn chowder
Claire M.

A Townsend gem! Awesome food, service, and environment. Great for a date night! The dip trio appetizer, the trout, and the steak we're all so good. I also loved the complementary s'mores to seal the meal at the end of the night. Such a sweet idea!

Austin P.

Wow! Dancing Bear is a must stop for anyone visiting the Smoky Mountains! From the amazing service to the incredible ambiance to the delicious, well crafted menu, everything was spectacular. The cocktails are out of this world with The Black Maple Manhattan being the best mixed drink I have ever had. The Caesar dressing on the charred salad was fantastic while the filet is a must get! At the end of dinner, there is an open fire and smores bar for you to enjoy and wind down, so I do recommend indulging. Please please be sure to get a reservation a couple of weeks in advance though because they are busy! You will not be disappointed.

Cherie T.

Top notch experience from start to finish. Didn't love one of our apps (peppers), but overall a 5 star adventure. Service was beyond an atmosphere is 5+ stars.

Persimmon cheesecake
T N.

Found this place after enjoying a 6 mile hike... I was hungry. There was a wedding party when I arrived, the host tried to squeeze in a reservation for us but they were booked solid. Luckily, their bar also offered full service dining and an great assortment of alcohol. The pork chop was really good, in taste and size. Cooked to a perfect medium with a nice crust and moist center. The persimmon cheesecake seemed good in theory but the flavors just didn't do it for me. I like persimmons and cheesecake but the combination tastes like neither. It actually tastes like a pumpkin cheesecake.

Kenzey M.

My sister and I took our mom here for dinner for her birthday and it exceeded our expectations. When we arrived we were seated right away and the staff offered to take our picture for us. There was a post card on the table that had a happy birthday note For my mom. Our server was Monahan and he was awesome. Very friendly and attentive. We got the lobster and parsnip soup, green goddess salad, filet mignon, pork chop, pork belly and chicken and ricotta gnocchi. All sooo good! At the end of the night we went outside by the fire pit and made s'mores. The only thing I'd change would be the temperature in the restaurant, it was pretty warm inside.

Appalachian charcuterie board

The Appalachian board was INCREDIBLE. I would recommend to any first timer. It's honestly something I would come back for again and again. The house sausage made to perfection, the benne seed bacon was like something I've NEVER had before, and the pickled shrimp with the comeback sauce was INSANE. Coming from someone that doesn't like cold shrimp, it was out of the water. Literally. The waygu burger was delicious and cooked perfect, although sweet due to the jam, something to keep in mind! Fries were yummy and cooked to perfection as well. Lastly, the filet mignon. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed this meal. It's been a long time since I've walked out absolutely pleased. The port-reduction was sweet and a perfect dipper, the steak was so tender and the béarnaise sauce on top takes it to the next level! Pickled veggies, braised onion, and yummy tender Yukon potatoes. You really can't get any better than this plate right here in my opinion! Aside from the food, our sever was so kind, helpful, and very welcoming. We wish we would have got his name, he sure did elevate the experience overall and I hope to see him again! Our food came quick and we were even offered a tour of our charcuterie board!! we WILL be back!!!!

Cornbread
Carrie G.

Best meal of the whole trip. A little on the high end pricing side but totally worth every penny. From the drinks, dinner and dessert. Not pictured but consumed (almost licking the plate) was the doughnut bread pudding. A friend ordered the sweet tea pork rib and he said it was the best he has ever had. Even the kids in the party enjoyed their food. Bacon and crab soup was rated great. We managed to snag a reservation but I recommend making it early. They have lodging on site but we did not stay there. It was a fluke find but the best experience. It is a casual dress code even though it's a fancy environment which is great for travelers who hadn't expected to find this gem! Come comfy and leave full. Staff was super kind and attentive as well.

Front Entrance
Jeff T.

The best meal I've had this year. I really don't know what to expect from the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, TN. Six of us visited for dinner on a Thursday in November. We had a reservation and the friendly staff seated us quickly at a really nice table in a corner nook. It was away from the bar and it was quiet, so we could easily talk. Everyone loved their pre-meal beverages. I had the "Man in Black" cocktail. It was a smooth bourbon forward cocktail with one large ice cube that arrived smoked under a glass dome. It was delicious. I started with the "Creole Mussels" as my appetizer. It was a large portion of mussels in a delicious creamy sauce with onions, peppers, and homemade Tasso ham chunks. It also included a large piece of grilled homemade focaccia bread that managed to soak up the delicious sauce without getting soggy or limp. The entire dish was wonderful and it completely exceeded my expectations. I had the "Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop" for dinner. I can honestly say it was the tastiest pork chop I have ever eaten. It was juicy and perfectly cooked. It was served with perfectly charred baby carrots and green beans. But, what really made this dish, and the entire restaurant so special, were the amazing sauces. The pork chop arrived on top of two fantastic sauces; a "Red-Eye Gravy Reduction" and a "Fermented Red Pepper Emulsion". Both were delicious. The chop was topped with a "Green Tomato & Jalapeño Jam" which perfectly complimented the meat. The care and thought put into these amazing homemade sauces really made the meal special. Others in my dinner party raved about the "Butternut Squash and Apple Soup" and they loved the "Black & Blue Beef Tips." We shared three delicious desserts. The seasonal cobbler with apples and cranberries was voted the favorite with the bread pudding a close second. I ordered a decaf coffee to go with dessert, and a French press quickly arrived at the table. I drank half with dessert and then I took the final cup outside to enjoy around the fire pit while we made delicious complementary s'mores. Such a nice touch. The meal was perfect. This is a restaurant you should not miss. I highly recommend the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro.

Sunday brunch
Jennifer E.

Such a neat, cozy place. We had Sunday brunch on a cold and dreary day. The lit fireplace added charm and ambiance to the restaurant. The self-serve brunch (set up in an adjoining room) featured fresh fruit/yogurt/granola, salad, smoked salmon, roast beef, shrimp/grits, egg frittata, bacon, roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and yummy vanilla bread pudding. Everything was flavorful and hot. Our server was delightful and took care of our drink refills and promptly removed our used plates. Reservations recommended.

Six crazy good friends reunite for the Trentham - Whitlock wedding weekend!
Carolyn R.

The ambience as you arrive is pure Tennessee hospitality! Warm and beautiful! Our amazing server MICHELLE was helpful, knowledgeable and super efficient. Our other experience with KELLY HARRIS' at the venue was unmatched by any culinary and guest services that one could imagine. We are grateful for the entire evening. Oh- the food! Off the charts pork chop - super scallops & squash as well as the 3 dips! The craft cocktails were perfect and the wine selections as well. We were honored to be there and can't wait to return! A very SPECIAL place indeed.

Jason P.

This place is great Great food Great atmosphere Not very good beer options ( no bud light, ) but house drinks were very good Will def repeat next time we are in the area

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6 months ago

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5 months ago

Bougie - check it out for fine dining but definitely call and make a reservation...even in the off-season. They are popular!

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7 months ago

Beautiful spot up in the woods with Amazing food and drinks! Fire pits in the evening and the fall leaves make it gorgeous!

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6 months ago

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3 months ago

As always the food was amazing. The service is cordial and very friendly. While visiting Townsend it is a a favorite.

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