If you’re looking for a place that combines great wine with delicious food under one roof, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant could be the perfect choice for you. This Illinois-based chain has become a nationwide favorite thanks to its one-of-a-kind concept bringing together a modern casual restaurant, full-service bar, tasting room, and retail wine shop all in a single location.
In this guide, we’ll cover every aspect of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant from its history to its menu, wine club, customer reviews, and how to make a reservation.
What Is Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant?
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is an upscale casual dining chain that blends the experience of a restaurant with that of a winery. It’s more than just a place to eat it’s a complete dining experience where guests can enjoy a meal, taste wine, and even take a bottle home with them.
History & Founding of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant was founded by Tim McEnery in 2005 in Orland Park, Illinois. After three years of working in restaurant management, McEnery noticed that very few wineries offered an on-site restaurant and that gap became the inspiration for this unique concept. It became Illinois’ first establishment to combine a winery and a restaurant under the same roof.
Over time, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant grew rapidly, reaching $280 million in revenue by 2019. That same year, Ares Management acquired the company in a deal valued at approximately $700 million.
The Cooper’s Hawk Concept Restaurant, Bar, Tasting Room & Retail Store
Every Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant location brings together four distinct components:
- Upscale Casual Dining Restaurant a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere
- Full-Service Bar offering both cocktails and wine
- Private Dining Room ideal for events and celebrations
- Napa-Style Tasting Room & Retail Gift Store for wine tasting and shopping
This combination is exactly what sets Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant apart from typical restaurants.
Locations & Cities Where Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Operates
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant currently operates around 69 locations across the following states:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Wisconsin
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Menu
The menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is specifically designed around wine pairing. Every dish is crafted to complement their in-house wines perfectly.
Appetizers & Starters
The menu kicks off with flavorful starters like warm pretzel bread, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and calamari. These dishes are light yet pair beautifully with wine.
Main Course & Entrées
Signature dishes at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant include:
- Pistachio-crusted grouper
- Chicken piccata with pasta
- Soy-ginger Atlantic salmon
- Pretzel-crusted pork chops
- Shrimp and scallop risotto
- Prime rib sandwich
Desserts at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Customer reviews consistently praise the desserts at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant especially the chocolate cake and tuxedo-dipped strawberries often served for special occasions.
Brunch & Weekend Specials
On weekends, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant also offers a dedicated brunch menu.
Lighter Calorie Options
For health-conscious diners, a separate lighter-calorie menu is available with portion and calorie details in mind.
Seasonal & Limited-Time Dishes
The company regularly rolls out seasonal items like the Raspberry Peach Spritzy Sangria and rotating seasonal chicken dishes.
Wine Selection at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Wine is truly at the heart of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The company produces its wine in its own private winery.
Tasting Room Experience
Every location features a Napa-style tasting room where guests can sample wines before their reservation. Tastings typically include a mix of reds, whites, dessert wines, and seasonal selections.
Red, White & Sparkling Wine Collection
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers a wide range of wines from light, sparkling options like Vinho Verde to full-bodied reds like Sangiovese. Each wine is thoughtfully paired with specific dishes on the menu.
Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club Membership & Benefits
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant runs one of the largest wine clubs in the world.
Wine Club Pricing
Wine club members regularly receive curated bottles at discounted rates, along with perks like tasting and dining discounts.
Exclusive Wine Club Dinners & Events
Members-only wine club dinners pair multi-course meals with award-winning wines a feature that has become extremely popular among regulars.
Dining Experience & Ambiance
Upscale Casual Dining Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is sophisticated but not stiff there’s no strict dress code, which is why it’s described as “upscale casual.”
Private Dining Rooms for Events
Birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events can all be booked in the restaurant’s private dining rooms.
Customer Service & Staff Hospitality
Most reviews highlight the friendliness and wine knowledge of the staff servers are often praised for guiding guests through wine pairings with confidence.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Reviews
Positive Customer Reviews
Guests frequently praise the wine quality, food presentation, and attentive staff at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Many describe it as their go-to weekly spot.
Common Complaints & Service Issues
Some reviews mention slow service and food arriving lukewarm during peak hours a recurring issue especially on busy weekend nights.
Ratings on Tripadvisor, Yelp & OpenTable
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has earned Travelers’ Choice awards on multiple platforms, placing it among the top 10% of restaurants reviewed.
Food Quality Feedback
The majority of feedback around food quality and presentation remains positive.
Wait Time & Service Feedback
Wait times at busy locations are a common concern that shows up repeatedly across reviews.
Pricing & Value at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Average Cost Per Person
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant falls in the mid-to-upscale pricing range entrées typically cost between $18 and $47, depending on the dish.
Is Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Worth It?
For wine lovers and anyone seeking a complete dining experience beyond just food, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers solid value for the price.
How to Make a Reservation at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Online Booking via OpenTable
Most locations accept reservations through platforms like OpenTable.
Walk-In vs Reservation Policy
Reservations are strongly recommended during peak hours, as walk-ins may face longer wait times.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Gift Shop & Merchandise
Wine Gift Sets
Curated wine gift sets are popular choices for birthdays and anniversaries.
Apparel & Accessories
Wine-themed apparel, decanters, and accessories are also available in the retail store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
What states have Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant locations?
Locations are spread across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Does Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant take walk-ins?
Yes, though reservations are recommended during peak hours.
Is Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for family dining, especially during lunch hours.
What is the dress code at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant?
There’s no strict dress code anything from casual to semi-formal is acceptable.
Final Verdict Should You Visit Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant?
Who Should Visit
Wine enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a dining experience paired with wine tasting will find Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant a great fit.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book a reservation in advance, especially on weekends
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early if you want to do a wine tasting
- Consider joining the wine club if you plan to become a regular
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant stands out as a must-try dining destination thanks to its unique winery-plus-restaurant concept, ideal for anyone who enjoys great wine paired with great food.
