If you live, or have lived, in the Chicago suburbs, COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANTS is likely one of your favorite restaurants for a great meal and a great glass of wine. 

Having lived in the NW suburbs, the South Barrington location was where I went for a glass of wine with my girls, or a dinner with the family and friends. Last week’s date night location though, turned out to be the original Cooper’s Hawk location in Orland Park. I didn’t realize that it was the first location opened in 2005, but ten years later, it’s still packed, doing great, and serving yummy food and drinks. 

As you may know, the front section of Cooper’s Hawk restaurants is the wine bar and store, where you can not only try new wines but also purchase for your home. They’re known for their WINE CLUB and it’s an awesome deal. There are four different memberships to choose from, based on the types of wine you’d like to receive (sweet, white, red, variety), and cost $18.99 (1 bottle per month) or $35.99 (2 bottles per month). If you’re a wine lover, sign up now. 

Now! On to the meal. 

Given the awesome wine list, I couldn’t decide at first, but then chose to start with a glass of the Cooper’s Hawk White. It was good. Really good. I’m not a wine expert, but it was light and fruity. The boyfriend went with his standard cocktail when under pressure – the mojito. CH has an Island Mojito and I definitely took a good sip of his cocktail to try. 

To start, I had the CRAB & LOBSTER BISQUE. It being a rainy Friday, soup is always soothing to the soul. Their bisque is full of seafood, creamy and comforting. 

Next up, we shared the Ahi Tuna Tacos. 

AHI TUNA TACOS [Blackened and Seared Rare, Citrus Slaw, Sriracha Cream,
Pico de Gallo, Avocado, Cilantro, Wasabi Cream]

These were awesome. Good pieces of ahi tuna, crunchy slaw… top it with avo and you have something I could eat everyday. The wasabi cream on the side was delicious, and was nice to cut through a bit of the richness. By the time we finished nibbling on these tacos, my glass of CH White was also finished 🙂 

The special of the day was a bone-in filet medallion served with Mary’s potatoes and a summer salad. Pretty easy choice for this carnivore. The carnivorous boyfriend went with the filet from the regular menu, along with a baked potato and mushrooms (per my request since he doesn’t eat veggies, smh). To go along with my entree, I chose a glass of Pinot Noir. 

My girl friends are all into Pinot lately, and while I’m usually a Malbec kinda red wine lady, Pinot Noir is a really nice choice. It’s not too heavy-bodied for me, and has a crispness to it that I feel other reds don’t have. I was very happy with the CH Pinot Noir. 

BONE-IN FILET MEDALLION [with Mary’s Potatoes and Summer Salad]

Perfect medium rare filet, creamy potatoes and that summer salad… I want to replicate it in my own kitchen. I think it had haricot verts, red/yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion and corn from the cob. So good. 

For dessert, we wanted something warm and comforting… A classic Apple Pie always works, but let me tell you… CH’s apple pie was absolutely perfect. The bottom crust is classic pastry crust, while the topping is a crumble/streusel. Add that scoop of vanilla ice-cream to start melting over it, and it’s just perfect. On a stressful day, I want to go to Cooper’s Hawk to have this Apple Pie with a glass of bubbly. (bin 35 as is recommended on the menu)

CRUMBLED APPLE PIE [Warm Caramel Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream]

By the time we finished our dinner, the restaurant was completely full and buzzing with lively conversations and customers happily sipping delicious wines. 

There are 8 Chicagoland locations now, so you have no excuse to not find your way to your nearest Cooper’s Hawk. 

It’s just GOOD.