Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant Opens in Gurnee

By: Nick Borowitz 11/09/2022

Wine lovers and luxury dining fans can finally rejoice with Gurnee’s newest restaurant. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant officially opened its latest location on Monday, November 7.

 

 

 

 

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The restaurant is adjacent to the College of Lake County’s Advanced Technology Center. The two locations share a parking lot at West Grand Avenue and Rollins Road.

Construction began on the sub-frame of the building early last year, with many waiting in anticipation of the announcement that the new building would be, in fact, a Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Residents kept guessing because the renovations on the former Lowe’s building began simultaneously with its conversion to the Advanced Technology Center.

Visit Lake County had the opportunity to attend a preview on Thursday, November 3. The restaurant took the chance to show off some of the appetizers, entrees and desserts. They treated those in attendance to wine pairings with each sample served.

A display table with the appetizer, entrée and dessert samples and their wine pairings

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant held a soft opening on Saturday, November 5. Mayor of Gurnee Thomas Hood welcomed the new restaurant. Bianca Viamontes, the General Manager, followed the address with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Bianca Viamontes, General Manager, cuts the ribbon with Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant staff

Mixing and mingling followed with ample wine samples and complimentary tastings.

After the ceremonial presentations, dinner was ready for service. Some of the highlights of the modern menu include rustic appetizers, soups and salads, seafood, chicken, steaks and chops, succulent sides, burgers, pasta, vegetarian entrees, Life Balance choices (600 calories or less) and many more.

The Cooper’s Hawk brand in the past partnered with Lake County Libation Trail partner Lynfred Winery in Highland Park and Wheeling. The founder of the establishment, Tim McEnery, who also used to be an employee of Lynfred Winery, created a collaborative red wine called Origins - A Taste of Where it All Began. Besides their delectable fare, the new Gurnee business offers over 50 selections of award-winning vino.

The upscale eatery chain first opened its doors in 2005 in Orland Park. This location is the second Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant to open in Lake County after one opened earlier this year in Kildeer.

For more information about Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Gurnee, continue here. To view all of the dining options Lake County has to offer, click here.