Ever have a meal where everything was perfect? Me neither-until now. Lobster and corn bisque-amazing. Trout was excellent with veggies, grains, and a delightful sauce. Doughnut bread pudding- yeah- I said doughnuts. Eat here. read more

This was mine and my husband's second visit to Dancing Bear. It is a must if you're in the area. The food and service are impeccable- the filet, the pork chop, and all the desserts are top notch. Typically they have a fire pit with a s'mores station, which is such a nice little extra experience, but it was raining heavily tonight so we missed that, understandably. We did however see bear pass by on the grounds, which was so neat (at a safe distance of course). Overall, highly recommended for a special meal with people you love. read more

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This was honestly one of the best meals we have ever had. My wife and I came here for dinner last weekend while staying in Gatlinburg and we were blown away by the food, cocktails, service, and atmosphere. It's about an hour drive from Gatlinburg but 100% worth it, plus it's a beautiful drive. I had the Man in Black cocktail which was fantastic. We shared the mussels and pork belly burnt ends which we both loved. My wife had the burger and I got the trout with grits which was incredible and I can't stop thinking about. Our server took the time to explain where all the ingredients were from and how the chef prepared every dish. If we had more time we would have come back here for another dinner in a heartbeat. I cannot recommend this amazing place enough. read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - The Man in Black - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

We tried this restaurant for a date night on vacation the food and service were great. Was expecting a more upscale vibe but the atmosphere was relaxed which was fine with us read more

Was really looking forward to Sunday brunch here. Cool venue and nice folks there. Service, although nice, having to ask for a straw 4 times is a bit of a miss. Fairly small list of foods at the buffet and they couldn't keep them available. Out of bacon, out of waffles, out of bread pudding, out of grits, etc. Had to go back multiple times just to get the foods that were supposed to be available. The last "miss" was the assistant serving some of the foods at the buffet. She continued to complain (out loud to anyone who would listen) anout lack of staff and lack of support for her to do her job. Please use your inside voice. Food quality was good, the manager tried to help get missing food to our table which was appreciated. We're local but brought friends who were visiting...and we were a little bummed about the negative parts of the experience. Still enjoyed it regardless, hence the 3 stars. read more

I've been lucky to enjoy restaurants all over the United States. I can say with confidence that the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is among the very best experiences I've ever had. First, it isn't easy to find, as it is snuggled into the woods just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But, when you arrive, you are welcomed as one of the lucky friends who they have invited into the rarefied ambiance of this special bistro. The locally sourced food that makes up the majority of their menu allows one to make that ambiance part of you. There isn't anything on the menu that is like anything else you've ever experienced! The chef and his team are artists of the highest order. read more

Good. Nothing like it used to be. The noise is horrible. Not romantic as it used to be. Have been a patron for many years and now I'm not returning. It used to be 5 stars now I rate it in comparison to restaurants in Sevierville/pigeon forge. The noise is unbearable and service is mediocre. Will not be returning after 13years Of dining there. It's just a typical LOUD RESTAURANT in the area. Romantic =0 Ambiance =0. So sad to see an another fabulous restaurant just go downhill to accommodate the tourists. Won't be going back. read more

Amazing all the way around. Hidden gem. We will be back next time we are in the area. Fine dining in a clearing in the woods!

Looking for a classy place for dinner and top notch food. Look no further. It's the perfect place for a high end meal in the middle of pigeon Forge. The setting is superior. read more

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Delicious, upscale southern cuisine in a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere. Love this place. Dinner is great, so is the bluegrass brunch bear-fay on Sundays. Yum!! read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - Brunch, mimosas - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

What an amazing experience! As a fine food connoisseur this place blew me away! The ambiance walking in was stunning. Their Man in Black old fashioned bourbon drink was a top tier smoked drink. From their blistered shishito peppers, the staff, the entrees (one of the top filets I've eaten), to the complimentary s'mores. If you do not dine here you are truly missing out, and not just when considering the local area, I am talking nationwide! read more

What a magical place! Girls weekend and a local suggested Dancing Bear Bistro to us. We were able to make a reservation for the following night. What an amazing fine dining meal, amazing service and spectacular location. We loved it so much we went back the next morning for brunch! The brunch was so wonderful!!! Don't miss this gorgeous gem!!! read more

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Anniversary dinner. Started with a Raspberry Cosmo. Very nice. Had a glass of wine with meal. Their wine list is impressive. Husband had the Truffled Filet Mignon. I had the Crispy Glazed Pork belly. We are "simple folk" so the Filet description was a little intimidating to hubs. (8oz Angus Filet of Beef, Roasted Yukon Potatoes, Charred Romanesco, Peppers, Mushroom Duxelles, Truffled Hollandaise, Braised Cipollini Onion, Port-Rosemary Reduction) Ignore all that and get it. Wonderful dish. Took a star away because it was overly fatty for a Filet. The description of the Pork belly was also a lot but by far the best I've had. The star was the Brussel sprouts. I found the Pork belly fatty as well. Normally don't mind but because the pieces were big it took away from taste. The Brussel sprouts more than made up. I could have eaten my weight in these. If we get to go back I'll definately get these and explore more of this creative menu. read more

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We love vacations in Townsend, Tennessee. It's a place where we can hike and enjoy nature. We also love good food. The Dancing Bear definitely covers that! On a gorgeous property, the restaurant offers amazing service ! The food is positively fantastic. I ordered the hamburger which was literally the best burger I have ever had. I shared smoked trout cakes as a starter plate with my son and it was delicious. Everyone was pleased. Be prepared to spend some money if you go, but the management sees to it that you get what you came for. A perfect culinary splurge. read more

This is a beautiful resort in the heart of Townsend, Tn. situated on 40 acres. The original lodge & dining restaurant was destroyed in a fire in 2011 and the new owners chose to build 23 charming individual cabins, and a wonderful Bistro. Everything is decorated in a tastefully rustic style with a fireplace from one of the original buildings destroyed in the fire. There is a large patio for outside dining, as well as a couple of other dining areas. We were greeted by their very friendly Hostess Delaney, who suggested a table for two right by the large fireplace. The cozy fire was just what we needed on this cool evening. Our server, Michelle, was also very friendly and aptly able to answer all of our questions regarding the menu. She moved about the full dining room like a deer running through the forest not missing a thing. She would stop and chat and tell us interesting things about the items on the menu and how a lot of things are grown in the owners own garden! I chose the only vegetarian item on the entree section, and it was delicious! The sauce was amazing and it was made from cashews and the flavors were spot on!!! (My waistline appreciated the no cream & butter!!) The Fried Okra & Kale Salad was a delightful blend of crunchy textures & flavors . We ordered the fall appetizer plate which was delicious but the portions were also very small and hardly enough for two to share. Honestly, all of the portions were on the small size. They need to realize that we Southerners like to eat!!!! For dessert we HAD to order the Paw Paw cake! I mean seriously.....it is the South's forgotten fruit afterall ! I'm not sure how to describe it except to say that we really enjoyed it! Not real sweet and reminded us of a thick bread pudding. The vanilla ice-cream was a perfect accompaniment. The manager, Conner, was busy helping everyone and also keeping the fireplace stoked with wood and burning nicely. But he still had time to wander among the guests and stop to visit. Such a great guy and so nice to visit with! We definitely will be back! read more

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It would be so easy for this place to under-deliver. After all, it mostly serves tourists (like me), and it's located in a very small town with few other options (and no other towns immediately nearby). Furthermore, we had been traveling in Asheville the previous few nights where we expected four- and five-star experiences at their "chef"-driven restaurants, only to be disappointed night after night. Needless to say, we came to the Bear with tempered expectations! Fortunately, this place was just outstanding from end to end! Our server was a total delight that truly seemed interested in both us personally and in our dining (and drinking) experiences. We were in the mountains, so we knew we wanted something appropriate--like the trout dish--which was sublime (and pardon the hackneyed expression). It was served on silkiest grits that were unlike any we've ever tasted! Normally, we would have passed on the steak (you can get that anywhere), but we heard they had a reputation for slinging a superb steak, so we went for it...and again, we were completely impressed. The meat just *melted* on our tongues. The beer, wine and cocktails options were all fantastic, and because the entire meal was so enjoyable, we did something we never do: order dessert (and because of that, we ordered two of 'em!). read more

This was a top 10 dining experience, totally unexpected. Celebrating our anniversary with a hike up Mt Leconte, we hadn't made dinner plans. But yelp brought us to Dancing Bear and we had an incredible time. Our server Shelby made the whole experience wonderful, one of the best servers I've ever had. The place, ambiance and seclusion were wonderful, but it was the incredible attention to detail in the food that blew us away. We had the Appalachian Lunchable to start, then I had the Charred Caesar Salad, and we shared the prosciutto melon and peach. We got the burger and trout as our meals, neither of us could quite finish our portions but it was a struggle to stop because we were enjoying the flavors so much. Each dish was wonderfully composed, well cooked and had something surprising. We are so grateful to have stumbled across this option on Yelp. Thanks for a great anniversary dinner. read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - Appalachian Lunchable - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

This place lived up to every expectation that I had!! We went with my fiancé's grandparents - who love it and rave about it - and I totally get it now. We started with the Appalachian lunchable and the ravioli which were both phenomenal. The bacon in the lunchable was so unique and tasty. For my meal, I got the NY steak strip "sammich"... the horseradish mayo was so yummy and the meat was delicious. For dessert, we ended up tasting a few different ones: chocolate bread pudding, cheesecake (had to get strawberry because blackberry was out), and crème brûlée!! They were all really great, but the chocolate bread pudding was to die for. Would 10/10 recommend trying out this place! read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

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Perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with an exceptional meal, flawless service, and relaxed atmosphere. My husband and I dined here with another couple and had a great experience. The knowledgeable serving staff helped us select entrees and wine that would pair well, and they gave great advice. Our party had the cheese board appetizer, burgers, filets, trout, and salmon for our entrees, and crème brûlée with coffee for desert. We left stuffed and happy. This restaurant is located in beautiful Townsend and has a rustic lodge vibe that adds to the relaxed experience. read more

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Entering with high expectations can lead to disappointment at times. I'll start with the high points. We arrived at 6:15pm without a reservation just to see if we could inquire about getting seated. Due to a cancellation we were seated right away. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is set in a secluded area just off the main road in Townsend with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu is created daily with a limited selection of farm fresh foods that I'm sure creates winners and losers on new attempts, while also keeping the guests coming back to try new items. Unfortunately those are the high points. My wife and I both struck out on items we ordered. My $29 burger had a smoky, bacon that tasted more like country ham. I took it off. The burger itself was juicy and flavorful but not worth the long wait or price (not in my top 30 easily). My wife's chicken ratatouille was bland and unexciting. After ordering we waited over an hour for our food. We kept positive as our server stopped by to apologize but we understand it was a busy Saturday night. Before the meal arrived they even offered free dessert which we happily accepted. The desserts we chose were the chocolate cake and the fresh cobbler. Both seemed to be made with gluten free/sugar-free ingredients that tasted more like a protein bar to me. Oddly, we didn't finish our desserts which is rare for us . We will stick with the Greenbrier and the Peddler when we are in the area. read more

Absolutely one of our favorite restaurants! Excellent service and phenomenal food. By far the best place to eat in all of East Tennessee. read more

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Do you have an anniversary coming up? A graduation to celebrate? A big birthday to celebrate? Take yourself and your family to Dancing Bear!!! As a Maryville resident, THIS is where my family will be celebrating all major successes for the foreseeable future. It is a decadent, romantic, and absolutely wonderful dining experience. The restaurant is a part of the Dancing Bear resort, including coffee house, fabulous grounds including 41 acres, and hotel suites. Our server did an amazing job telling us about the menu and checking on us during the dinner without being invasive. She made sure everything was flowing perfectly. The food... if I get a say in my last meal, it would include the pork belly burnt ends appetizer. I want to smell like this item. I want to be this menu item. Crispy. Deliciously fatty. Flavorful. Perfection. We got this appetizer in addition to the very fun Appalachian Luncheable (charcuterie) which we also enjoyed (bacon, pickled squash, pimento cheese, and more). The freshly made rolls with butter and sorghum were also delicious! They did contain nuts, which I really enjoyed. We split a charred Caesar salad with fresh dressing and for our entrees ordered the pork chop with redeye (coffee) reduction and the filet. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the pork chop, and I let the perfectly medium rare filet melt in my mouth. Filet was accompanied by tender fingerling potatoes and asparagus. We couldn't choose between the fabulous options for dessert, so we chose both the blueberry pie and the pot de creme. My favorite was the pot de creme- imagine chocolate mousse but thicker than a Dairy Queen blizzard, topped with tart raspberry. Such a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere with delicious wines as well- highly recommend the day wines red zinfandel from Sonoma. Juicy with berries on the nose with a smooth and rich finish. Will be visiting again as soon as I can find another reason to celebrate! read more

We discovered this place in Townsend up the hill behind Apple Valley! Reservations are needed but we were lucky enough to get a seat outside. The weather was beautiful. Fall colors were awesome! The service and food was awesome. Aaron was our waiter and was great! We both had a salad and cocktail! Complimentary cheese bread and butter was brought out! I had the Trout and grits with a cream sauce with shrimp and crawfish! Awesome dish! Wife had the Chicken with root vegetables and loved it! It's upscale and a little pricey but worth it! read more

The food, ambiance and service are amazing. Such a hidden gem in east Tennessee. We have had dinner and Sunday brunch here. Everyone we bring is impressed. read more

First timer here for our 23rd wedding anniversary. Amazing place & I'm super picky. I'd like to say it's bad so I can keep it for myself but it was amazing. Our waiter William tended to us well. Never an empty glass, questions answered that I didn't even know I had and had suggestions that were spot on. Foods and drinks were better than any we have had over our years here in TN. Restaurant was not rushed and wonderfully intimate. read more

The food is a unique blend of flavors and oh so good. The service is excellent and we loved the mountain log cabin style atmosphere. We eat here every time we are in town and have loved every selection of our multi course meal. read more

We were lucky enough to host a post-elopement dinner for a group of 18 at Dancing Bear. The planning process was stress-free and the staff went out of their way to give us everything we wanted, they even drove to Knoxville to pick up our flowers! All of the food was incredibly tasty and the drinks were delicious- all of our guests complimented the food from the charcuterie, to the salads, sides, and mains. We even went back for dinner a couple of days later! We were all equally impressed by the service. Our waitress did an incredible job tending to everyone's needs extremely quickly. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough- especially if planning a small event. read more

Awesome fresh food. Awesome fresh food. Awesome fresh food. Awesome fresh food. Just go. Great vibe too. read more

Best option for fine dining near or far! It's one of our have to's when we are within 50 miles! So worth it!

The Appalachian Bistro has become our go to place for dining since moving to Maryville. We have taken friends, both local and out of town, friends there and they've been impressed by the ambiance, the food and the service, all of which are top drawer. The menu is rotated seasonally so there's always new choices and we've never had anything we haven't enjoyed. The staff is well versed on the menu and super helpful on menu selections. Aileen, the server on our most recent visit, deserves special mention. All in all, a highly recommended restaurant. read more

We come here every time on our annual trip. The atmosphere is beautiful. Our waitress Courtney was so friendly. The steak dinner was excellent. The Mellon and plum starter was perfect appetizer. read more

Checked all the boxes! I'm not easily impressed . I cannot use the word fantastic enough to describe William our server to chef Jeff. read more

A wonderful restaurant hidden in Townsend. The food, employees, and location were great! The manager and waiter had great recommendations and knowledge of the menu. A nice restaurant for date night and dressing up. read more

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Best fine dining around this area! Amazing atmosphere, beautifully kept outdoor space under the trees and the best staff friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. A must go for us every time. Thank you Dancing Bear Bistro!! read more

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My husband took me here for our date night while visiting TN. It was amazing! Not only was the weather perfect for dining outside on the patio, but the surrounding scenery was beautiful! Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The tequila cocktail was refreshing. And the food was absolutely delicious, we shared the lunchable which everything on it was yummy; pimento cheese, pickled veggies, olives, prosciutto, and salmon spread. I got the pork chop and my husband got the chicken, both were excellent. Overall very nice place that we would happily return to one day! read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - View from the patio - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

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Beautiful, star lit night to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We sat outside on the patio next to the firepit where s'mores are available. The food was excellent along with the ambience. Great service makes this our new favorite place to eat! read more

Arguably the best dining in Townsend, this beautiful venue, inside and outside, is a destination. Aaron was our server and he was very knowledgeable about the menu, cooking methods and ingredients. My date had a Cosmopolitan Martini and Aaron even knew the ingredients of it. I had Waygu burger (no bread ) and substituted broccoli for standard French frys. My date had Red Sapper on cous cous and a garden salad. Both meals were delicious. We topped it off with Cream Brulee. Including cocktails, our bill was $113 before tax ( beware Tn and local tax is ridiculous ). This is our third visit and stay at Dancing Bear Lodge plus dining at the Bistro. I highly recommend it. read more

Wow! I really enjoyed this place. It was an outstandingly great atmosphere. Apres dinner you can go and sit by the fire pit and they give you supplies to make s'mores. The food was very fancy and expensive but everything was delicious and crackling with freshness. I don't mind paying high dollar for fancy food when it's actually good and not from Sysco. Everyone was friendly and professional. They will explain to you that almost everything at your table is locally grown or farmed. They even adjust their menu sometimes daily based on what is available to them from their local vendors. I found that to be very impressive. Take a ride along the foothills Parkway to get to this place and enjoy the scenery. Then pull in for an awesome dining experience in both atmosphere and culinary art. read more

Food was delicious and the atmosphere was laid back and friendly. Our server, Gregor was a delight and we enjoyed his company throughout the evening. He was knowledgeable about the food and was quick to help with recommendations for not only the food and wine, but helped us with what to see next on our trip. The food was terrific and well priced for the quality. I loved the dessert and the overall atmosphere. You must go here!! P.s. if you are afraid to drive through the mountains during the evening hours- you can go through Pigeon Forge to Townsend easier. Just about the same travel time ( yet another recommendation from my new friend, Gregor!). read more

Excellent food and atmosphere, went here for my anniversary. The food was great, I had the sea scollops , wife had the salmon. Both excellent. I would say the food could have been a bit hotter other than that ...excellent! read more

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro - Waiting at the door - New American Near Me - Townsend, Tennessee

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