Cooper's Hawk is a casual wine bar and restaurant chain with a winery on-site
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant combines a full-service restaurant, wine bar, and working winery under one roof. The chain operates locations across the United States, each featuring the same core model: you can order food, drink wine made at their facility, and watch the winemaking process happen in the building. Unlike a traditional wine bar that sources from other producers, Cooper's Hawk makes its own wine on-site, which means the wine list changes with their production schedule and inventory.
The restaurant side serves American casual dining — steaks, seafood, pasta, and sandwiches — with wine pairings suggested for each dish. The bar area is designed for both wine-focused visits and casual drinks. Most locations have a tasting room where you can sample wines before ordering by the glass or bottle, and many sell bottles to take home.
Key Takeaways
- Cooper's Hawk makes wine on-site at each location, so the wine selection and availability vary by restaurant and change throughout the year.
- You can visit just for wine and appetizers at the bar, or sit down for a full meal in the restaurant section.
- Wine tastings are usually available at the bar, and staff can explain what's currently in production and what's available by the glass.
- Most locations offer wine club memberships that provide discounts on bottles and sometimes exclusive access to limited releases.
- Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, but walk-ins are typically seated at the bar or in the lounge area.
How the wine selection works at Cooper's Hawk
Each Cooper's Hawk location produces its own wine, which means the bottles you can order depend on what that specific restaurant has made and what's currently available. The winery operates on a production cycle — they're always making something, but not every wine is available at every time. A wine that's sold out at one location might be in stock at another, or might return in a few months when the next batch is ready.
The wine list typically includes reds, whites, rosés, and sometimes dessert wines or sparkling options. Wines are offered by the glass, by the bottle, or as part of a tasting flight — usually three or four small pours that let you sample different styles. The staff at the bar can tell you what's new, what's running low, and what pairs well with the food menu. If you find a wine you like, you can buy bottles to take home at retail prices, which are usually lower than the by-the-glass markup.
What to expect when you arrive
When you walk in, you'll see the bar area near the entrance and the dining room beyond it. You can sit at the bar, in a lounge area, or request a table in the restaurant. If you're coming for wine and appetizers only, the bar is the fastest route — you can order when ready and don't need a reservation. If you want a full dinner, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, calling ahead to reserve a table is a good idea, though many locations will seat walk-ins at the bar or in a waiting area.
The bar staff are trained to discuss the wines and can pour tastings if you're not sure what you want. There's no pressure to buy a full bottle; ordering by the glass is normal and expected. If you're new to wine or unsure about your preferences, telling the bartender what you usually drink — "I like crisp whites" or "I prefer bold reds" — will get you a recommendation from what's currently available.
Food and wine pairing at Cooper's Hawk
The menu is designed with wine pairing in mind. Each dish has suggested wine pairings listed, which can be helpful if you're not sure what to order with your meal. The food is American casual — think grilled salmon, ribeye steaks, pasta dishes, and burgers — rather than fine dining. Prices are moderate, and portion sizes are generous.
You don't have to follow the suggested pairings; the staff can also make recommendations based on what you're ordering and what you like to drink. If you're ordering an appetizer and wine at the bar, the portions are still substantial enough for a light meal. Happy hour pricing on wine and food is common at many locations, though hours and discounts vary by restaurant.
Wine club membership and taking wine home
Most Cooper's Hawk locations offer a wine club membership that provides monthly discounts on bottles, exclusive access to limited releases, and sometimes special events or tastings. Membership is optional and typically costs nothing to join, though you commit to purchasing a certain number of bottles per month or quarter. The discount usually ranges from 10 to 20 percent off retail prices, which can add up if you're a regular buyer.
You can purchase bottles to take home at any time, whether you're a member or not. Retail prices are set by the location and are typically lower than what you'd pay for the same wine by the glass at the bar. If you find a wine you like during a tasting, you can ask the staff how many bottles they have in stock and whether it's available for purchase that day or if you need to order it.
Visiting during peak times and making reservations
Cooper's Hawk locations are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, especially between 6 and 8 p.m. If you want a table in the dining room during these times, a reservation is strongly recommended. You can usually call the restaurant directly or reserve online through their website or third-party reservation platforms. Walk-ins are accommodated, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour for a table.
The bar area typically has shorter waits and doesn't require a reservation. If you're flexible about timing — arriving before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. on weekends, or visiting on a weekday — you can usually get a table without calling ahead. Lunch service is typically less crowded than dinner, and many locations offer lunch specials on wine and food.
What makes Cooper's Hawk different from other wine bars
The main difference is the on-site winery. Most wine bars buy their inventory from distributors and wholesalers, so the wine list is relatively stable. At Cooper's Hawk, the wines are made there, which means the selection is tied to production and inventory. This creates a sense of discovery — you might find a wine one visit that's gone the next, or discover a new release you've never tried before.
The casual atmosphere is another distinction. This isn't a high-end wine bar with sommelier-led tastings and $100 bottles. It's a neighborhood restaurant where wine is central to the experience but not the only reason to visit. You can come for the food, stay for the wine, or vice versa. The staff are knowledgeable but approachable, and there's no expectation that you know wine terminology or have refined tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know about wine to visit Cooper's Hawk?
No. The staff are trained to help you find something you'll like based on your preferences, and you can order by the glass to try different styles without committing to a bottle. Wine tastings are available at the bar, and the menu includes food and wine pairing suggestions if you want guidance.
Can I visit just for wine and appetizers without ordering a full meal?
Yes. The bar is set up for this exact scenario. You can order wine by the glass or a tasting flight, pair it with appetizers or small plates, and stay as long as you like. No reservation needed — just walk up to the bar.
Are the wines at Cooper's Hawk available anywhere else?
Cooper's Hawk wines are produced on-site and sold primarily at that location and online through their website for shipment to states that allow it. You won't find them at liquor stores or other restaurants. Availability and shipping options vary by state.
What if I don't like the wine I ordered?
Tell the bartender. Most locations will pour you something different if you're not happy with your selection. The staff want you to find something you enjoy, and they have other options available to try.
How much does wine cost at Cooper's Hawk?
By-the-glass prices typically range from $6 to $12, depending on the wine and location. Bottles range from around $20 to $50 for most selections. Retail prices for bottles to take home are usually lower than the by-the-glass markup, and wine club members receive a discount on all purchases.