Category: Best Restaurants

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants–Chicago

I don’t really know why I don’t go to Cooper’s Hawk more often! I was there the other night and realized that it is one of THE BEST restaurants on the North Shore. Now, for those who know me well, you’re probably thinking I’m saying this because my first date with my boyfriend was there, and yes, it does hold a special place in my heart for that reason. But honestly, Cooper’s Hawk is really, really a top-notch place in many ways.

The ambiance is great. It’s decor is cozy and comforting, yet it’s got style and it’s hip. The bar area is always fun, and the crowd tends to be a combination of locals and business travelers who are staying at one of the nearby hotels.

Let’s start with drinks. Cooper’s Hawk is a winery, meaning that all their wines are Cooper’s Hawk. They don’t carry any other labels. I’ve had reds and I’ve had whites and I can honestly say, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad glass of wine there. The best part is, they are very reasonably priced. Glasses start at $6.25 and the most expensive is $12.00, but most of the wines run about $7.00 a glass.  They also have a full martini and sangria menu.

Let’s get to “the meat” (literally.) I think I’ve been to Cooper’s Hawk four times. Here are a few things I’ve had. A delicious Pistachio crusted grouper, Caprese flatbread, and my favorite thing of all, the Blackened Bleu Steak Salad. THE BEST!! Other things that look great are blackened bacon-wrapped sea scallops, chopped wedge salad, and pepperjack cheese with jalepeno bacon burger. Another really nice touch is that they give you this pretzel bread that is to die for!! But try not to eat too much of it because the food is so good.

I have to be honest, I’ve never had dessert at Cooper’s Hawk, but here’s what looks the best to me: Reese’s Ice Cream cookie and crumbled apple pie. They also have a wine and chocolates platter that includes three sweet wines, if that’s what you’re into.

Cooper’s Hawk has a children’s menu if you want to bring the kiddies. It’s only $5.99!

One last thing I want to mention. When you walk into Cooper’s Hawk (they have 8 locations in Chicago but I’m talking about the Wheeling location) there’s this really pretty tasting room that is also a gift store.  So, you can just go there to taste some wines and shop. They have lots of really cute wine and food related items that make great gifts. And while you’re there, you can get a few tastes and take home a bottle of something you like.

Cooper’s Hawk… Loving that place!

Editor’s Note: Cooper’s Hawk opened in 2005. They tout having one of the largest wine clubs in the country. They develop 12 to 15 blends exclusively for the wine club members.

Cooper’s Hawk has multiple locations and produces more than 125,000 cases of wine per year. See our business directory for their specific midwest locations. Video by Cooper’s Hawk.