You might not anticipate discovering a Napa-style wine tasting room and restaurant with ideal food and wine pairings in a mall, yet that’s exactly what has fueled the fervent fanbase for Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.
The Chicago-based restaurant chain first launched the concept in 2005 and has since grown across the nation, now boasting multiple locations in Florida, including one situated on the upper-level east wing of The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens.
From the outset, several distinctive elements served as key points when establishing the Cooper’s Hawk concept: to create a refined casual dining experience featuring a full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, a wine tasting area, and a retail gift shop, all combined under one roof.
Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully crafted to pair seamlessly with the signature Cooper’s Hawk wines produced in their own winery. Whether your preference leans toward a robust red or a refreshing white, knowledgeable servers are eager to guide you through the approachable wine list to help you select the ideal pour.
While wine is undeniably the centerpiece here—with happy hour specials and wine club memberships offering new selections each month—the restaurant also boasts an enticing craft cocktail menu, showcasing innovative drinks like the Tajín-Spiced Paloma, PBJ Old Fashioned, Island Mojito, and Strawberry Mule.
Our server mentioned that one of their most sought-after appetizers is the Drunken Shrimp—rightly so. Four sizable shrimp arrive wrapped in crispy bacon, drenched in a zesty tequila lime butter sauce, and accompanied by fresh guacamole.
The Thai lettuce wraps, served with sesame peanut, cashew, and sweet chili sauces, are equally delightful. A generous platter of deconstructed ingredients, featuring sweet chili glazed chicken, Asian cabbage slaw, crunchy wontons, and pineapple, awaits to be topped with fresh pieces of lettuce.
If you’re uncertain about which wine complements each dish, the restaurant has thoughtfully placed suggested pairings next to each menu item, doing the research for you.
Other enticing starters include Over the Border egg rolls, a candied bacon and artisan cheese plate, and roasted vegetable and goat cheese flatbread. And speaking of bread, their warm pretzel bread is so irresistible that you’ll find it hard to leave any behind, but do try to save some room for the main courses.
Notable entrees include the standout Country Rigatoni, prepared with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and chicken in a delectable tomato garlic cream sauce, as well as Shrimp and Scallop Risotto, featuring sweet corn, asparagus, peas, and spinach, all enhanced with a luxurious drizzle of white truffle oil.
If you have any space left, consider pairing a dessert wine with one of their signature sweet treats, which include Cooper’s Hawk chocolate cake, house-made truffles, and salted caramel crème brulee.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is located at 3101 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Image Source: Trip Advisor
