Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Gurnee, IL

UPDATE - Wine, Food and Service are still top notch! Added pictures of different dishes this time. Do not pass up the sweet chili calamari!!! Or the desserts! I had a friend suggest this place - He said that they had wine tasting and good food. Sounded like a place that I wanted to try. Well, he left out quite a bit! The wine options were very good. The folks helping with the wine tasting were fantastic and informative. The servers that we had at our table were very helpful and full of great information and suggestions. Everything that we had was SO good! The presentation on the plates made me want to dive in quickly! I surprised myself because I was able to get pictures before I started eating - for the most part! I wanted to try some of the desserts that sounded very good but I had no room left in my stomach. I did have room for a Carmel apple truffle - should have gotten more! I could go on and on about how good the food and beverages were BUT, I need to mention the amazing service. The servers paid close attention to our needs and the floor managers also checked in to make sure that everything was going well. I can't say enough about my experience at Cooper's Hawk. I can say that I can't wait to go back!

This is updated Double Review, #1 First a basic dinner: As a Coopershawk Ambassador wine club member it is obvious i enjoy Coopershawk. The wine selection is top notch, new wine selections change monthly as does the Chef selections for lunch and dinner. The Coopershawk menu will fit any taste, including vegan and life balance selections. The Prime sandwich is probably my favorite go to, but the the Chicken Giardiniera or the Dana’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken are tasty options as well. The combination of a flatbread-salad is a nice warm weather option, combine that with perhaps a pitcher of Coopershawk sangria and you will thank me later. I would suggest you make a reservation for the usual dinner hours, because with food and drink offerings here they are often very crowded. #2 Review, A Coopershawk Member Wine Club Dinner Event: I had the opportunity to attend the “Aloha Kauwela” Member dinner recently and you should also try a Member’s dinner. We started out with a Kraken’s whisper, dark rum cocktail. The first course was a King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread w/ butter and a Crispy Shrimp Lettuce Wrap. This course was tasty and well prepared and complimented by a Resling wine pairing. The Second Course was Polynesian Skirt Steak, Ginger Rice, Green Beans with pineapple grape tomatoes and cucumber relish. This course was wine paired with the red wine of the month “Vinho Tinto.” The steak was delicious and the course was a real taste of the islands. Finally, the third course was a Chocolate Maupie Pie which was make a dark chocolate ganache, coconut haupia mouse and toasted coconut sauce. This course was paired with a dessert wine, Vin Chocolate Almond, but i opted for a glass of the Super Tuscan because dessert wine are too sweet for my taste. The dinner is approximately $79 a person for creative food entrees and themes, great wine pourings, plus good and sometimes interesting conversations with other wine club members.

We made the drive down to Gurnee to go to Cooper’s Hawk a month ago and we’ve been there four weeks in a row! The food is great and, of course, the wine is on point. Some of the highlights include the smoked salmon spread, the crispy rice with tuna, the barbecue chicken salad, Dana’s Parmesan-crusted chicken, and the blackened ahi tuna. The place usually has a great vibe (we’ve only been on weeknights and it’s always jump in’). If you can sit in the bar area, that’s guaranteed to be lively. Also, they are great for gluten-free (GF or celiac). They even serve GF bread while you wait for your entrees and it’s actually good.

I love visiting the Gurnee Coopers Hawk! Deena is absolutely the best wine tender and provides exceptional service every time I visit this place. I love her welcoming, friendly demeanor, and she is one of the reasons I visit Coopers Hawk. Please keep employees like her around. In a world where everything is computerized and fasted paced, I love to interact with a person that welcomes you, make your guest feel seen and provides great customer service! Keep up the good work Deena! As long as you’re there I’ll keep coming back ❤️

Our server Veronica was very helpful always coming around to ask if we needed everything . The food and the wine was very good . We ordered Cooper's hawk red .My grandson's ordered the cheeseburgers with fries ,my husband ordered the county rigatoni ,my son-in-law ordered the shrimp and scallop risotto, my daughter order the braised short rib risotto an I ordered the Cooper's hawk chicken giardiniera. Everything was delicious 😋

First time here! We had a great experience. Our waitress Katie was so charming and pleasant. She made great recommendations and suggestions. She will be one of the main reasons to return. The food presentation taste was great. We loved it and plan to go back soon.

This is one of our favorite places for date night. Deena consistently goes above and beyond, and every time she’s working, our evening is noticeably better.

Excellent food and awesome service. We had a much better experience this time than a few weeks ago. Our table had the sausage and buratta flatbread appetizer, pretzel-crusted pork chops, prime rib sandwich, churrasco steak with ahi tuna, carmel creme brulee, and the dark chocolate cake. All the food tasted wonderful. The PB&J old fashioned was outstanding as always, and I recommend it everyone. Our waitress was kind, engaging and remembered our orders perfectly. She brought up the wine club membership but was not pushy or aggressive like past staff we've encountered. We understand the importance of the sales pitch, but also greatly appreciated her not pressing further. It made the overall experience more enjoyable. I do wish the dining space had more character. The food stands on its own but the atmosphere could do better as a supporting character.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Experience Thanks to Deena Sanchez From the moment we arrived at Cooper’s Hawk, the experience was exceptional—but Deena is what truly made the night unforgettable. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail went far beyond what you’d ever expect. Deena greeted us with genuine enthusiasm and made us feel welcomed immediately. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings, offering thoughtful recommendations that were absolutely spot-on. What stood out most was how attentive yet effortless her service was. Our glasses were never empty, our questions were answered before we even asked, and she anticipated our needs with such grace. You can tell Deena truly loves what she does, and that passion translates into an exceptional guest experience. Cooper’s Hawk is already known for great food and wine, but Deena takes it to another level. She turned a wonderful dinner into a truly memorable experience. If you’re dining here, do yourself a favor and ask for Deena—you’ll leave already planning your next visit. Thank you, Deena, for setting the gold standard for hospitality!

Me and my family have been to this location a handful of times and always had a great experience! This time stands out due to our server Dani. Not only was she extremely personable, she made us all want to come back again and again! Such a gem. Kind, welcoming, professional and knowledgeable! Thank you Dani for making our experience so outstanding!

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Cooper's Hawk in Gurnee! From the moment we walked in, everything was welcoming and well-organized, but what truly made our visit memorable was the incredible service we received from Hannah. She was warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings. Hannah went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. Her timing was perfect, and she had the rare ability to make us feel like valued guests rather than just another table. The food and wine was delicious (as always at Cooper’s Hawk), But it was Hannah’s exceptional service that truly elevated our experience. If you’re visiting the Gurnee location, ask for Hannah—you’ll be in excellent hands. We’ll definitely be back soon!

Today one of the most consistent Restaurant Brands we have everfrequently dinned. For the price Food always consistent and at times a ten across the board. Service always on point and if a issue or concern is questioned immediate response and satisfaction is administered! By the way there brunches are excellent. Thanks Coopers Hawk!

I had the absolute pleasure of being served by America, and she exceeded every expectation. From the moment I sat down, her exceptional professionalism, attentiveness, and warm personality transformed the entire experience. Especially since she made each guest feel like they’re the most important person in the room. America truly stands out. Her knowledge and approachability make her a remarkable part of the team. I’ll definitely be back because of the unforgettable service she provided. If you’re lucky enough to sit at the bar when she’s working, don’t miss it!

We went in last week for our anniversary and had an amazing time. The food was great but the service was even better! Shoutout to America at the bar. She was so attentive and kind. Management should be so proud to have employees like her. It makes the experience as a guest so much better. See you again soon America!

We stopped in on Sunday afternoon for brunch. Food was great as always but what stood out was our waiter CJ. CJ's bubbly personality and attentiveness was truly the highlight of our visit. We eat out a couple times a week and CJ is in a league by himself. We will definitely be back and ask to be seated in his section!!!!!

Dina at Cooper’s Hawk was absolutely phenomenal. We’ve been coming to Cooper’s Hawk for years, and at this point, we honestly only come when Dina is working. That’s how good she is. From the moment we sit down, she makes the entire experience feel personal, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable. Her knowledge of the wines is impressive without ever being pushy, and she explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand and fun. You can tell she truly loves what she does. She’s attentive, warm, and perfectly paced with the pours, always making excellent recommendations based on our preferences. The service alone elevates the entire visit. If you’re doing a wine tasting or just want an exceptional experience, ask for Dina. She is a total standout and a huge asset to Cooper’s Hawk. We will absolutely keep coming back because of her.

just wanted to take a moment to summarize our Recent visits to Cooper’s Hawk in Gurnee Illinois. We recently dined there for the second time and again enjoyed our wine tastings and food. On our first trip, we decided to join the club and really have not regretted it since doing so. One of the main reasons is the courteous welcoming of the staff, especially from one of the people that greet you at the wine tasting table. Her name is Anna Maria Galvin, and she is such a delight that it makes you want to keep coming back. Her personality and attention to your needs is beyond reproach and she is one of the reasons we signed up for the membership. The current new manager was also very helpful and attentive to us as was the receptionist and everyone else on the staff. The drinks are excellent. The bartender on our recent visit could not have been more attentive to our needs, As she voluntarily comped us a drink order Because we had no idea, the order was so large and we could not drink it (A Very classy move for a bartender to do, you hardly see that at all anymore,) Well done !! and most graciously appreciated. The food is extremely good and the atmosphere is perfect. My wife and I always look forward to our visits To this restaurant and look forward to many more in the future Well, done to all at Cooper’s Hawk in Gurnee, Illinois.

Came in last night for an anniversary dinner. As packed as they were, everyone was absolutely fantastic. The vibes last might were immaculate, we had a wonderful time. Food was top notch, the drunken shrimp was SO good. Whoever the bartender was, knew how to make an old fashioned the proper way. Killer job everyone. Will definitely be back.

This is my second time coming to the Cooper’s Hawk out in Gurnee and for good reason. The food is always amazing, the atmosphere is always welcoming, and the service is always excellent. Most importantly, I love seeing my favorite and best employee, Deena. Deena’s down-to-earth personality, attentiveness to customers, and commitment to ensuring everyone’s needs are met are truly outstanding! Cooper’s Hawk is fortunate to have such an amazing and valuable woman to work at their restaurant!

Compliments to the chef! This month’s recommendations were amazing as always. America was just as great! I don’t drink wine very often and she was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out a bottle for the table. Management is always very friendly.

I absolutely love our server, Dustin. Anytime we come in we ask for him specifically. Food is great, atmosphere is great, but the great service beats everything! We have never left disappointed having him has our server. Any minor issues he has always taken care of instantly.

We had a wonderful experience at Cooper’s Hawk Gurnee! The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our waitress, Reanna W, was absolutely fabulous—attentive, friendly, and incredibly helpful when I was torn between a few dinner options. She made great recommendations and truly elevated our experience. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and highly recommend asking for Reanna!

We had such a wonderful experience at Cooper’s Hawk, thanks largely to our amazing waiter, Andrew. He was incredibly pleasant, attentive, and welcoming from the moment we sat down. Our group included four children—two under two and two younger children—so dining out can often feel stressful and intimidating. Andrew made us feel completely at ease and never once made us feel like an inconvenience. Like most outings with little ones, the babies definitely made a bit of a mess on the floor. Even though we tried our best to clean it up ourselves, it ended up being more than we could manage. Andrew handled it with such grace and kindness, which truly meant a lot to us. He gave great recommendations, including the egg rolls, which were absolutely delicious, and everything we ordered was fantastic. Our friends, who are members and have visited the Gurnee location before, were just as impressed. Even though we live within walking distance, this was our first visit—and it certainly won’t be our last. Because of this experience, we’ll definitely be back, and we’re very likely becoming members as well. Thank you, Andrew, for making our visit so enjoyable and family-friendly!

Never a bad time when we come here. The wine club is always a steal, especially if you do a tasting and then girl dinner (appetizers and dessert, again never had a bad meal). The staff at the tasting counter is always cheerful, the Brussels sprouts are delectable, the desserts are different than anywhere else. Tonight, Reanna was super attentive, gave amazing recommendations, and was simply a joy. We'll definitely be back for more!!

I wanna give a big shoutout to the hosting team. Cassie and the rest of the hosts are amazing. When I come in they’re friendly and very timely with seating. The food is always great and the service/atmosphere speaks for itself. Overall great time every time no matter the day. Keep up the great work guys. (I do recommend joining the wine club comes with many perks that should be taken advantage of.)

Today my husband and I got lunch at Coopers Hawk and our service was phenomenal! Dustin was our server and he did an amazing job. He was quick, attentive and very personable. Our food came out as ordered and delicious. Our drinks were always full and the modifications we requested for our meals were spot on. Thank you Dustin for the amazing service today. I hope we are lucky enough to have you as our server again in the near future!

I had the pleasure of being served by America, and she is truly exceptional. From the moment I sat down, her professionalism, attention to detail, and warm personality elevated the entire experience. She crafts cocktails with genuine skill and creativity, and somehow still manages to make every guest feel like the highlight of her night. In an upscale environment where service matters just as much as the food and drinks, America stands out in the best way. She’s knowledgeable, personable, and an absolute asset to the restaurant. I’ll definitely be returning because of her outstanding service. Highly recommend grabbing a seat at the bar when she’s working!

I took my sister-in-law to late lunch/early dinner At Cooper’s Hawk in Gurnee today. I was actually quite surprised at 3:30pm that the parking lot was so crowded! I usually make a reservation, but I figured it wouldn’t be necessary at this time. However, the attendant at the front desk said we could still be seated without a reservation and if they would let me know so we sat for a little while and then got a lovely table in the back Our waiter was Aaron J. He was wonderful, very kind and also very knowledgeable about the menu. Although I’ve been to Cooper’s Hawk many times in Gurnee, I was intrigued by the Description of the grouper dish in the menu. He was able to describe it, and I decided to order that my sister-in-law ordered the pork ribeye which she enjoyed very much. The grouper was wonderful, especially paired with the substitution of fingerling potatoes instead of the Mary’s potatoes as well as some tender asparagus! After dinner, Aaron J Tempted us with dessert and we decided to get the truffles which were both very good. All in all a lovely afternoon/early evening, And if I thought it was crowded at 3:30 it was really crowded by 5:30! Thank yous to Aaron J and his colleagues for a great meal. Any spelling/grammatical errors in this review I will blame cheerfully upon talk to text ☺️

Fantastic food and service tonight celebrating our wedding anniversary. I forgot our servers name (thanks to the Paloma) but she was very kind and attentive. Hopefully this review reaches her. I had the surf and turf. The filet medallions with Parmesan crust were so damn good. I chose grouper for the surf. Terrible choice and was definitely served an either very strange piece of fish or extremely over cooked. Regardless the matter was handled promptly and politely. So thank you to our server and management. Can’t wait to come back

I normally don’t leave reviews, but Jessica truly deserves one. She was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, and handled everything with ease even while it was busy. She made our visit feel comfortable and enjoyable from the moment we sat down. You can tell she genuinely cares about her guests and her work. Because of our experience with Jessica, my husband and I will happily go out of our way to visit the Gurnee location instead of the Wheeling location from now on. Service like hers is why we keep coming back.

This is a great wine bar and restaurant. The wine tasting bar welcomes you when you arrive. It is almost always busy. The restaurant is upscale but casual, perfect for a business lunch or dinner without breaking the bank. I take my clients here, and it's also a great place to go with friends and family. The wine menu is exhaustive, although the every day wine from the cask is yummy. I have never had a bad or even decent meal - they have all been delicious with tons of flavor, and perfectly cooked. The servers are friendly and helpful. We joined the monthly wine membership because we liked the restaurant and the wines so much. There are areas that can be sectioned off for private parties. I prefer outside dining, weather permitting, which is much less noisy than indoor dining. They have heat lamps, so outdoor dining is available 3 seasons a year.

We always have a great time here. The food is delicious, and the employees provide the best service possible, even when it’s very busy. Deena is such a sweetheart during our wine tastings—she takes her time to explain everything and always gives great suggestions on wines to try. She always has a smile on her face, and I love that! We’ve been here many times, and other employees who truly make a difference and go above and beyond, just like Deena, are Yvania, Ashley, Patric, Luis, and Tony. These employees know what great customer service is and deliver it every time. Keep up the amazing work, everyone, and thank you! 🤗

Our sorority recently held a sisterhood dinner at Cooper’s Hawk on Jan 19, 2026, and I want to give a huge shout-out to Aaron J. for his incredible service! Managing a table of 12 women is no small feat, but Aaron was exceptionally attentive, checking in on us frequently to ensure we had everything we needed. ​The only suggestion I have for the restaurant regarding large groups is the timing of the food. I’d love to see dishes brought out as they are prepared rather than waiting for the entire order; it would definitely improve the flow for big parties. That said, Aaron made our night wonderful!"

I took my wife out for her birthday and the staff was amazing, the atmosphere was spot on and the food was delicious. I apologize in advance, not sure how to spell our waiters name.... Virgel was knowledgeable about pairing wines, friendly, helpful, attentive and fun! We will definitely be back, and I highly recommend trying this place out.

It’s always a great time coming here. I haven’t had any issues while doing the wine tasting or getting dinner. Definitely friendly staff that work here and management makes sure to check in on your table as well. Highly recommended establishment if you have been give them a try it’s worth it.

Its a great place to hang out with friends. We did the wine tasting and it was great! I had the shrimp scampi pasta with a side of mashed potatos.

Service was lacking tonight. Took a while to get to us and the server came by at the end of our meal. Steaks were slightly over done. Grouper was fantastic. Normally Coopers is outstanding, but definitely off the mark tonight. Hopefully the trend doesn’t continue.

If I could give a 3.5 I would. The restaurant was very clean, we had a voucher for a wine tasting for 4 which was very fun. 100% recommend. However, we had a reservation for 7:30, we arrived there at 6:30 for the wine tasting and the table was empty the whole time. The food portions were smaller than expected, but the quality was good. However two out of 7 plates we ordered were cold as if they say for a while before they were served to us. Thankfully the manager comped a plate and replaced it with a fresh one, however by the time it got to our table, everyone was done eating and ready to go. It was a nice dinning experience but not sure if I’d return.

Looks like they failed imus for my wife's birthday. It could have been the day,size of party or other things but I was not overly pleased. Also having to wait 20 minutes for a table that had been reserved months in advance. In a nearly empty part of the restaurant. I expected more sauce on my pasta. Soup dish was not cleaned prior to heading to The table andservice was SLOW. Don't get me wrong, this is still a great place to meet and eat but we were just let down today.

I don't normally leave but I was quite disappointed last night. I came here with my boyfriend a while back and had a great experience, so we decided somewhat last minute to treat his mom to dinner. We arrived early on a Sunday, fully expecting there might be a wait, which we were completely fine with. Unfortunately, the hostess at the front desk was very rude when we told her we did not have a reservation. She told us we could wait in the bar area for first come first serve high top tables. We then asked how long the wait would be for a regular dining table, and she seemed very annoyed and unfriendly when responding, saying it would be a 45 minute wait. That was perfectly fine with us. I agreed and asked if we could go ahead and put our name down, and she responded in an annoyed and dismissive manner, saying she would do that. Her attitude throughout the interaction was cold and unwelcoming. It was really disappointing to be treated this way, especially since we were patient and understanding about the wait/busy day. A simple and courteous explanation acknowledging that it was busy and thanking us for our patience would have made a big difference. Instead, the lack of hospitality and the rude attitude led us to take our business elsewhere.