Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant on International Drive, Orlando


Tonight, we ventured to the bustling International Drive in Orlando to dine at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Despite the heavy crowd, we managed to secure a reservation. For most of our group, including my parents and Timber, it was their first visit.

Parking & First Impressions

Parking was a challenge, but we finally found a spot. The restaurant's parking area is quite busy, especially with the Orlando Eye nearby. Thankfully, we had a reservation, sparing us from the lengthy wait times.

The Atmosphere

Cooper's Hawk is known for its upscale dining experience. It's a bit pricey, but we were fortunate to have a gift card. The ambiance was lively and loud, indicative of its popularity. The restaurant features outdoor seating and a unique wine selection, including an almond wine that I had enjoyed on a previous visit.

Dining Experience

As we walked in, the noise level was quite high, reflecting a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is divided into a wine tasting area, bar, and dining room. We navigated through the crowd to find our reserved table.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Cooper's Hawk is extensive, offering a variety of options from appetizers like crispy brussel sprouts to entrees including chicken, steak, seafood, and pasta. They also offer a gluten-free menu upon request. One notable feature is their wine club, which allows members to enjoy exclusive wines and discounts.

Wine & Food Pairing

Our waitress provided a detailed explanation of their wine pairings. Each wine is paired with specific dishes, indicated by bin numbers on the menu. We sampled a few wines, including the chocolate almond and rhubarb wines. The almond wine stood out as a favorite.

Main Course & Dessert

For our main course, Timber and I shared the surf and turf, which included a filet and lobster tail. The dish was accompanied by excellent mashed potatoes and green beans. We also tried the life balance burger, fish sandwich, and their signature pretzel bread, all of which were delicious.

Dessert Experience

To cap off our meal, we ordered the creme brulee, a dessert I had previously enjoyed. It did not disappoint, providing a sweet and satisfying end to our dinner.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant was a delightful experience. Despite the noise and crowds, the food and wine were exceptional. The total bill was around $120, but with the gift card, it felt reasonable for the quality of the meal. We highly recommend trying the chocolate almond wine and the creme brulee. We'll definitely be returning to explore more of their menu.

Thank you for reading about our dining experience at Cooper's Hawk. Stay tuned for more restaurant reviews and culinary adventures!

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