Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

Amazing dinner with friends at the rebuilt Dancing Bear. Tasty pork osso bucco and trout. The bread plate is unusual and not to be missed. Dessert was to die for. Jayden took great care of us in the server dept.

Last weekend, we had a young group in our mid twenties all gather for a meal at Dancing Bear’s top notch Bistro. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the quality of the food was a phenomenal experience. We had several courses which included oysters, salmon tartare, sweet potato ravioli, braised duck, sautéed vegetables, spaghetti squash, macaroni and cheese, and last but not least, the banana fosters for dessert (we were a big group). Each dish was beautifully presented by a highly attentive and pleasant waitress who clearly described each dish to us before it came out. Each dish carried a unique and refined flavor that speaks volumes about the quality of the chef at this restaurant.
Last but not least, the décor and the atmosphere was perfect for enjoying a classy and peaceful evening with friends. The music was audible; however the acoustics inside the restaurant were great in that it never got too loud, despite a packed floor, and it was easy to converse with everyone around the table.
This was my first time experiencing the Dancing Bear Bistro and I was so impressed with the quality of the evening that can’t wait to come back and bring more friends next time.

I was with a group who went to Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro this past weekend for a Saturday evening dinner. Good thing we had reservations! DB AB was packed! The full house gave the space a relaxed, fun, and inviting ambiance without the noisiness associated with your typical packed restaurant. We were greeted by a friendly young hostess and shown to our table quickly where our waitress was attentive, knowledgeable, and just all around friendly. Since we had a large group, we basically ordered all the smaller dishes (appetizers, salads, etc.) to share. Every single one of them tasted great and were presented exceptionally! Personal favorites were the Fried Goat Cheese Salad and Bisque with the Lobster. These small plates were laying the red carpet down for the entrée… We ordered both the Duck and the Vegetarian option and split them around the table. Both were exceptional in taste and presentation. I have read some of the reviews on DB AB here and find it hard to believe that people did not enjoy the entrees. The menu has a flavor and wonderful dish for every palate. Bananas Fosters was for desert… WOW! They use locally made ice cream (Lavender and Honey!!!) that truly made the dish. Also, the bar is stocked with a great sour beer on tap (which is terribly hard to find!) and some great wines to pair with dinner. Cocktails aren’t my thing but those who ordered them were loved them to the last drop!
Overall, DB AB has an inviting ambiance with an exceptional farm to table menu.

I am local to the area, this place has a restaurant that was called the dancing bear café. Funny thing is they just changed the name of the café to lodge and now the restaurant will not show in Unilocal categorized as a restaurant. So there for you can not see the latest review of their food. Here is a review for you. Save your money and time. There is a much better restaurant in Maryville called the foothills milling company, much better quality of food that will not make you stay up all night wishing you has not spent 138.00 for dinner at the dancing bear. they just opened the dancing bear café and after some not so nice reviews I guess they couldn’t stand the criticism. They should eat their own food, the same food they prepare for their guest.

This restaurant definitely stands out in Townsend and it’s nice to have a more upscale place to eat. The waitstaff was very nice and I recommend the oysters appetizer. The entrees were. Just ok. If I’d been at any other restaurant they would have been great, however, they just didn’t meet expectations here. The ingredients were fresh, but just not prepared as well as other restaurants that boast this caliber. We had both the steak and the crab stuffed trout. The dessert, a pastry wrapped cinnamon apple, also wasn’t anything special. The place is very pretty, and we did enjoy the fire and s’mores outside, but I don’t think we will come here again for dinner. I’d recommend it more for an appetizer and drinks. Expect to spend well over $ 100 otherwise, and feel unsatisfied. Foothills Milling Co in Maryville is a much better experience and a bit easier on the wallet. Go there instead.

I previously heard the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro described as the only place for foodies in the Smoky Mountains area. After doing all the touristy things, my husband and I wanted a really good meal on our last night in the area, so we ate at here.
It took us an hour to get there from Gatlinburg. We got there 10 minutes before they opened. The place was empty and I think we surprised them. We were seated right away and the waitress brought us an amuse bouche of in-​house buttermilk and cornbread and she explained that we should crumble the cornbread into the buttermilk. It was delicious. The buttermilk was tangy and the taste reminded me of plain yogurt. The cornbread added some sweetness and texture (although to be more authentic, I think the cornbread should been more savory).
My husband ordered the beef tenderloin with the seafood chowder to start. I had the tenderloin burger with the ambrosia salad. The burger was very simple – only meat, cheese, and bacon. The meat had a really good texture and taste. The ambrosia salad was incredible – a large variety of fruit with goat cheese, coconut flakes, and a nutty, sweet vinaigrette. My husband’s meal was great as well.

The Fried Okra, fresh from the garden, was amazing! My husband had the Crab Stuffed Trout, said it was the best ever. I had the beef tenderloin, which was cooked to perfection. We will be back.