Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Menu (Update 2025)
Welcome to Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Townsend, TN. This bistro captivates with its warm ambiance and innovative menu that pays homage to the rich Appalachian region. The small plates, such as Scallops & Sunchokes and Smoked Trout Cakes, offer a delightful array of flavors, expertly highlighting local ingredients. For those who crave heartiness, the Chicken & Ricotta Gnocchi and Peppercorn Dusted Lamb Rack stand out as must-tries, merging comfort with sophistication.
Each dish tells a story, from the enticing Beets, Cherry, & Citrus Salad to the sumptuous Appalachian Bouillabaisse. The carefully curated selection extends to drinks and desserts, promising a memorable dining experience. The enchanting outdoor fire pits provide the perfect finale, creating an inviting atmosphere for sharing delightful moments. At Dancing Bear, every meal is a celebration of the Appalachian spirit—come indulge and discover your new favorite dish.
FINGER FOODS
APPALACHIAN CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Benne Seed Bacon, House Made Sausage, Castelvetrano Olives, Pickled Shrimp, Smoking Goose Salami, Benton's Country Ham, Charred Brie, Seasonal Jam, Pickled Vegetables, Mustard, Crackers
ARTISAN CHEESE BOARD
Buttermilk Blue Cheese, Julianna Goat, Green Hill, Thomasville Tomme, Sea Salt Crackers, Spiced Nuts, Dried Fruit, Grapes, Apple Butter (V)
CRISPY FRIED GULF OYSTERS
Comeback Sauce, Preserved Lemon & Frisee Slaw (NF)
TRIO OF DIPS
SWV Sharp Cheddar Pimento Cheese, Butter Bean Hummus, Smoked Salmon Rillette, Sea Salt Crackers, Pickled Vegetables (NF)
LOCAL MUSHROOM PASTA
Chestnut and Black Pearl Mushrooms, Mushroom Dashi Crema, Fire Roasted Artichokes, Confit Tomatoes, Turnips, Purple Kale, Italian Apron Pasta, Watercress Emulsion, Cashew "Parm" (VEG)
PEPPERCORN DUSTED LAMB RACK
Salsify Puree, Anson Mills Farro Verde, Charred Asparagus, Whole Grain Mustard & Thyme Jus, Salsify Chips, Stewed Winter Fruit Compote
SUNBURST FARM TROUT AND GRITS
Cornmeal Dusted Rainbow Trout, Virginia Mills Yellow Grits, Conecuh Sausage, Gulf Shrimp & Crawfish, Preserved Tomatoes (GF, NF)
CHICKEN & RICOTTA GNOCCHI
Joyce Farms Airline Chicken Breast, Italian Apron Ricotta Gnocchi, Chicken & Bacon Meatballs, Benton's Pork Jowl, Curley Kale, Peppercorn-Garlic Beurre Blanc, Cured Egg Yolk, Parmigiano Reggiano (NF)
BISTRO BURGER
Niman Ranch Grass Fed Beef, Benton's Bacon, Smoked Onion & Tomato Jam, Bibb Lettuce, Tillamook Cheddar, Garlic Aioli, Brioche Bun, Herbed Fries (NF)
SWEET TEA BRINED PORK CHOP
Grilled Cheshire Pork Chop, Green Tomato & Jalapeño Jam, Charred Baby Carrots & Green Beans, Tasso Spoonbread, Red-Eye Gravy Reduction, Fermented Red Pepper Emulsion (GF, NF)
APPALACHIAN BOUILLABAISSE
Gulf Shrimp, Halibut, Mussels, Smoked Trout, Scallop, Red Pepper Rouille, Focaccia, Smoky Tomato Broth, Chow Chow (NF, DF)
TRUFFLED FILET MIGNON
8 oz. Angus Filet of Beef, Roasted Yukon Potatoes, Charred Tri-Colored Cauliflower, Sweet Peppers, Mushroom Duxelles, Truffled Hollandaise, Braised Cipollini Onions, Port-Rosemary Reduction (GF, NF)
MAINS
SMALL PLATES & SALADS
SMOKED TROUT CAKES
Comeback Sauce, Pickled Vegetables, Baby Greens, Preserved Citrus, Creme Fraiche, Trout Roe (NF)
BLACK & BLUE BEEF TIPS
Blackened Beef Tenderloin Tips, Blue Cheese Relish, Celeriac Puree, Red Pepper Emulsion, Chimichurri, Pickled Peppers, Green Beans, Celery Leaves (GF, NF)
SCALLOPS & SUNCHOKES
Seared Scallops, Lemon Caramelized Sunchokes, Pistachio-Sunchoke Puree, Crisp Apples, White Balsamic-Pear Gastrique, Frisee Salad, Sunchoke Chips (GF)
CONFIT RABBIT PASTA
Confit Rabbit Leg, Roasted Ham Hock Meat, Benton's Bacon, Preserved Lemon, Local Oyster Mushrooms, Braised Pearl Onions, Smoked Chicken Veloute, Baby Kale, Italian Apron Pasta (NF)
CREOLE MUSSELS
Steamed Moosabec Mussels, House-Made Tasso, Holy Trinity, Gumbo File, Creme Fraiche, Grilled Focaccia (NF)
PORK BELLY HOPPIN' JOHNS
Mustard BBQ Glazed Smoked and Confit Pork Belly, Purple-Eyed Peas with Country Ham, Carolina Gold Rice, DBAB Hot Sauce Beurre Blanc, Collard Green Kimchee (GF, NF)
LOBSTER & PARSNIP SOUP
Lobster, Salsify and Tomato Relish, Chive Oil (NF,GF)
GREEN GODDESS SALAD
Artisan Lettuce, Cucumber, Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Radish, Pickled Red Onion, Cornbread Croutons, Spring Herb Dressing (NF, GF, V)
CHARRED CAESAR SALAD
Honey Gem Lettuce, Fresh Parmesan, Cornbread Crumble, Dried Heirloom Tomatoes (GF, NF)
BEETS, CHERRY, & CITRUS SALAD
Pickled Red Beets, Marinated Baby Yellow Beets, Honey Whipped Greek Yogurt, Baby Greens, Dark Cherries, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Toasted Pine Nuts, Blood Orange Gastrique, Citrus Supremes (GF)