Welcome to Dancing Bear, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Townsend, Tennessee, where the spirit of the Appalachian Mountains comes alive on your plate. Our menu is a celebration of local ingredients, time-honored techniques, and innovative twists that capture the essence of Southern hospitality and the rich bounty of the region. Whether you’re exploring the Great Smoky Mountains or seeking a memorable dining experience in Townsend, Dancing Bear offers a taste of Appalachian charm you won’t soon forget.
Finger Foods to Share
Kick off your Dancing Bear experience with our tantalizing finger foods, perfect for sharing and sparking conversation.
Appalachian Charcuterie Board – 22
A delightful assortment featuring Benne Seed Bacon, House Made Sausage, Castelvetrano Olives, Pickled Shrimp, Smoking Goose Salami, and Benton’s 24-Month Country Ham. Complemented by creamy Charred Brie, sweet Quince Jam, crisp Pickled Vegetables, zesty Mustard, and an array of Crackers.
Artisan Cheese Board – 19
Indulge in a selection of fine cheeses including Buttermilk Blue Cheese, Julianna Goat, and Green Hill, alongside Thomasville Tomme. Served with Sea Salt Crackers, Spiced Nuts, Dried Fruit, Grapes, and Seasonal Jam. (V)
Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters – 16
Savor the taste of the Gulf with our Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters, accompanied by a zesty Comeback Sauce, refreshing Preserved Lemon & Frisee Slaw. (NF)
Trio of Dips – 14
A flavorful journey with SWV Sharp Cheddar Pimento Cheese, creamy Butter Bean Hummus, and delicate Smoked Salmon Rillette. Served with Sea Salt Crackers and Pickled Vegetables. (NF)
Small Plates & Salads: A Lighter Start
Explore our selection of small plates and salads, crafted to awaken your palate and complement your meal at Dancing Bear in Townsend TN.
Smoked Trout Cakes – 18
Delicate Smoked Trout Cakes served with Comeback Sauce, Pickled Vegetables, Baby Greens, Preserved Lemons, Trout Roe, and Creme Fraiche. (NF)
Black & Blue Beef Tips – 19
Tender Blackened Beef Tenderloin Tips paired with a tangy Blue Cheese Relish, smooth Celeriac Puree, vibrant Red Pepper Emulsion, herbaceous Chimichurri, Pickled Peppers, crisp Green Beans, and Celery Leaves. (GF, NF)
Scallops & Sunchokes – 24
Seared Scallops accompanied by Lemon Caramelized Sunchokes, creamy Pistachio-Sunchoke Puree, crisp Hidden Rose Apples, White Balsamic-Pear Gastrique, Frisee Salad, and crunchy Sunchoke Chips. (GF)
Confit Rabbit Pasta – 19
A comforting dish featuring Confit Rabbit Leg, Roasted Ham Hock Meat, Benton’s Bacon, Preserved Lemon, Local Oyster Mushrooms, Braised Onions, Smoked Chicken Veloute, Baby Kale, and Italian Apron Pasta. (NF)
Creole Mussels – 19
Steamed Moosabec Mussels infused with House-Made Tasso, Holy Trinity, Gumbo File, and Creme Fraiche. Served with Grilled Focaccia. (NF)
Veal Picatta & Pasta – 19
Crispy Veal Sweetbreads combined with Benton’s Bacon, Preserved Lemon, Crispy Capers, Local Oyster Mushrooms, and Italian Apron Pasta. (NF)
Pork Belly Hoppin’ Johns – 21
Mustard BBQ Glazed Smoked and Confit Pork Belly served atop Purple-Eyed Peas with Country Ham, Carolina Gold Rice, DBAB Hot Sauce Beurre Blanc, and Collard Green Kimchee. (GF, NF)
Lobster & Parsnip Soup – 14
Rich Lobster & Parsnip Soup with Lobster, Salsify and Tomato Relish, and fragrant Chive Oil. (NF, GF)
Green Goddess Salad – 12
Fresh Artisan Lettuce, Cucumber, Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Radish, Pickled Red Onion, Cornbread Croutons, and Spring Herb Dressing. (NF, V)
Charred Caesar Salad – 14
Honey Gem Lettuce with Fresh Parmesan Cheese, Cornbread Crumble, and Dried Heirloom Tomatoes. (NF, GF)
Beet, Cherry & Citrus Salad – 15
A vibrant salad of Pickled Red Beets, Marinated Baby Yellow Beets, Honey Whipped Greek Yogurt, Baby Greens, Dark Cherries, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Toasted Pine Nuts, Blood Orange Gastrique, and Citrus Supremes. (GF)
Main Courses: Appalachian Inspired Entrees
Indulge in our main courses, where Appalachian culinary traditions meet modern flair. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the best of the season and the region at Dancing Bear restaurant in Townsend TN.
Garden Vegetable Pasta – 29
Italian Apron Bucatini Pasta tossed with Spiraled Garden Squash, Artichokes, Baby Kale, Charred Baby Carrots, Confit Tomatoes, Benne Seeds, Sweet Peppers, Creamy Romesco Sauce, and Carrot Top Pesto. (V)
Sunburst Farms Trout & Grits – 35
Cornmeal Dusted Rainbow Trout from Sunburst Farms, served with creamy Shelton Farm Grits, Conecuh Sausage, Gulf Shrimp & Crawfish, and Preserved Tomatoes. (GF, NF)
Chicken & Ricotta Gnocchi – 32
Joyce Farms Airline Chicken Breast paired with Italian Apron Ricotta Gnocchi, savory Chicken & Bacon Meatballs, Benton’s Pork Jowl, Curley Kale, Peppercorn-Garlic Beurre Blanc, Cured Egg Yolk, and Parmigiano Reggiano. (NF)
Bistro Burger – 26
Niman Ranch Grass Fed Beef patty topped with Benton’s Bacon, Smoked Onion & Tomato Jam, Bibb Lettuce, Tillamook Cheddar, and Garlic Aioli, served on a Brioche Bun with Herbed Fries. (NF)
Appalachian Bouillabaisse – 36
A hearty seafood stew featuring Gulf Shrimp, Halibut, Mussels, Smoked Trout, Scallop, Red Pepper Rouille, Focaccia, Smoky Tomato Broth, and Chow Chow. (NF, DF)
Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop – 39
A generous 12 oz. Cheshire Pork Chop, brined in sweet tea and served with Green Tomato & Jalapeno Jam, Charred Baby Carrots & Green Beans, Tasso Spoonbread, Red-Eye Gravy Reduction, and Fermented Red Pepper Emulsion. (NF, GF)
Truffled Filet Mignon – 52
An exquisite 8 oz. Angus Filet of Beef accompanied by Roasted Yukon Potatoes, Charred Zavel Farms Cauliflower, Sweet Peppers, Mushroom Duxelles, Truffled Hollandaise, Braised Cipollini Onions, and Port-Rosemary Reduction. (GF, NF)
Visit Dancing Bear in Townsend TN and experience the true taste of the Appalachian Mountains. We look forward to welcoming you.
(V) Vegetarian, (NF) Nut Free, (GF) Gluten Free, (DF) Dairy Free
