Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

We love the Appalachian Bistro at the Dancing Bear. We come to Townsend a couple times a year and always make a reservation while we’re here! The food is seasonally fresh, so the menu is ever changing. Items on the menu are marked “GF” and the wait staff is very knowledgeable. The chef is conscientious about keeping me safe. And the food is scrumptious!!! We split two gluten free apps (tenderloin tips and crispy pork belies) I had the halibut as my entree which came with black rice, and a chocolate martini for dessert!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

It was really lovely but I think I got glutened here. They made substitutions for our cheese board but something must’ve fallen through the cracks. This place is probably fine if you stick to the stuff labeled GF, but I’d be weary of having them freestyle the non-GF items like some have suggested.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

As other have said the cornbread is gluten free! The first question the waitress asked was if there were any food allergies to be aware. Food and service was excellent. They offer a gluten free menu and are also able to modify other offerings to make them GF.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Beautiful restaurant with friendly, knowledgeable staff. The menu clearly marks GF items, and if something isn’t GF, the kitchen makes substitutions. The food is incredibly delicious. Overall, a fantastic experience!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Hands down, an experience of a life time. Menu’s are printed daily with knowledgeable servers. Gluten free corn bread was served in place of rolls with plenty of delicious gluten free options on the menu. Highly recommend!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Fabulous! Server and chef met with me to discuss options. Answered all my questions and extremely knowledgeable about cross contamination/hidden gluten (such as soy sauce). Food was exceptional!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good selection of healthy options

We were served by the bartender who was clearly very knowledgeable and helpful when I said 'Celiac'. I've only been to one other place that has said 'almost everything we can make gluten free'. They brought out (good!) gluten free crackers with the cheeseboard and my made the soy brised pork with grits gluten free. It was an amazing experience and I cannot recommend enough!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

This restaurant doesn’t have a gluten free menu; instead, the chef makes adjustments up your meal to make it gluten free. It was amazing to have the whole menu available to me, and for the food to be excellent as well. It’s expensive, but hands-down the best good I’ve had in this area.

Celiac friendly?

Yes