You’re driving down U.S. 30, dodging the usual Northwest Indiana traffic, and there it is—the heavy wood doors and that Napa-style stone exterior. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Merrillville is a bit of an anomaly. It sits right in the middle of a bustling retail hub, yet the second you step inside, the smell of oak barrels and expensive-sounding decanters makes you forget you’re five minutes from a Costco.
Most people think it’s just another chain restaurant. They’re wrong.
Honestly, calling it "just a restaurant" is like calling Disney World "just a playground." It’s a massive, multi-sensory machine designed to make you feel like a wine expert even if your usual palate starts and ends with a $9 bottle of Moscato from the grocery store. Whether you’re there for a loud birthday dinner or just picking up your monthly Wine Club bottle, the Merrillville location has a specific vibe that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in the Region.
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Why the Merrillville Vibe is Different
In a town like Merrillville, dining usually falls into two categories: fast-casual chains or old-school steakhouses. Cooper’s Hawk sits in this weirdly perfect middle ground. It’s upscale, but you’ll see people in everything from suits to hoodies.
The layout is intentional. You walk into the Tasting Room first. It’s intentional because they want you to linger. You see the retail shop, the truffles behind the glass, and the wall of wine before you even see a table. This isn't just a waiting area; it’s the heartbeat of the place.
Wait times on a Friday night? Brutal. If you don't have a reservation, you’re looking at an hour or more. But that’s the trick—you spend that hour at the tasting bar. You pay for a flight, chat with a server who likely knows more about tannins than you ever will, and suddenly, the wait doesn't feel like a chore. It feels like part of the date.
The Myth of the "Snooty" Wine Culture
There’s this misconception that you need to know "wine-speak" to eat here. You don’t. In fact, Cooper's Hawk Merrillville goes out of its way to simplify things. They use Bin Numbers.
Every dish on the menu has a number next to it. That number corresponds to a wine. If you order the Drunken Shrimp, the menu tells you exactly which wine pairs with it. No guesswork. No panicking while a sommelier stares at you. It’s wine for the rest of us.
The Food: More Than Just a Side Note
Let’s be real—sometimes "winery food" is just fancy cheese and three crackers for $20. Not here. The kitchen is a full-scale scratch operation.
- Dana’s Chicken: This is arguably the most famous dish they serve. It’s parmesan-crusted, served with Mary’s Potatoes (more on those in a second), and a lemon butter sauce that you’ll want to drink.
- Mary’s Potatoes: They aren't just mashed potatoes. They’re whipped to a point that should be illegal. If you're counting carbs, just give up now.
- The Pretzel Bread: This is the "free" bread they bring to the table. It’s served with whipped butter. People have literally written love letters to this bread. It’s salty, chewy, and usually disappears in thirty seconds.
One thing people often overlook is the Gluten-Free Menu. Most places offer a sad salad as their GF option. Cooper’s Hawk has an entire dedicated menu that mirrors their main offerings. It’s one of the few places in Merrillville where a Celiac can actually eat a multi-course meal without feeling like an afterthought.
Is the Wine Club Actually Worth It?
If you live in Northwest Indiana, you’ve probably seen the little black Cooper's Hawk bags in people's cars. The Wine Club is the biggest in the country for a reason.
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In 2026, the pricing for a one-bottle membership hovers around $24.49 a month. For that, you get a "Wine of the Month" that isn't available to the general public. But the real value isn't the bottle. It's the perks.
- Complimentary Tastings: Depending on your level, you get free tastings every month.
- Reward Points: You earn points on every dollar spent. These turn into $25 rewards pretty quickly if you eat there often.
- Birthday Rewards: They usually give you a free bottle or credit during your birthday month.
- Exclusive Events: The Merrillville location hosts "Wine Club Dinners" that are multi-course, themed events. They sell out fast.
Is it worth it if you only go once a year? No. But if you find yourself at the Southlake Mall area once a month, it basically pays for itself.
The Reality of the Tasting Room
The Tasting Room at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Merrillville is a sensory overload. It’s loud. It’s crowded. There’s a lot of clinking glass.
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic whispered conversation, the tasting bar is not the place. It’s a social hub. You’ll see groups of friends trying the "Sweet Flight" (which is basically juice with a kick) and serious collectors debating the merits of the Lux Cabernet.
Pro Tip: If you're a member, you can "swap" your wine of the month for almost anything else on the rack. Don't feel stuck with a Red if you only drink White. Just ask.
Private Dining and Events
Merrillville has a shortage of "nice" private rooms that aren't inside a hotel. Cooper’s Hawk has several.
They have rooms that can hold anywhere from 12 to 70+ people. These aren't just curtained-off corners; they’re actual private rooms with AV capabilities. They get used for everything from pharmaceutical rep dinners (a staple of the Merrillville economy) to rehearsal dinners. The pricing for these events usually starts with a food and drink minimum rather than a flat room fee, which makes it surprisingly affordable for mid-sized groups.
Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
The menu is huge. Like, encyclopedic huge. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
If you want the "true" experience, don't just order a burger. Try the Soy Ginger Salmon or the Braised Short Rib. These dishes are designed to stand up to the bolder wines they produce.
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And whatever you do, do not skip dessert. The Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée is the heavy hitter here. It’s thick, perfectly torched, and pairs with their dessert wines in a way that’ll make you want to cancel your gym membership.
Logistics: Getting in and Getting Out
The Merrillville location is at 2144 Southlake Mall.
- Parking: It’s a mall parking lot, so it’s massive. You won’t struggle to find a spot, but you might have to walk a bit during the holidays.
- Reservations: Use the app. Seriously. Do not just show up at 6:30 PM on a Saturday and expect a seat.
- Hours: They generally open at 11:00 AM. If you want a quiet lunch, go around 1:30 PM after the initial rush dies down.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Merrillville, keep these specific strategies in mind:
- Download the App First: Even if you aren't a member, you can check wait times and browse the bin numbers ahead of time.
- Try the "Bin 61": It’s their Sparkling Almond wine. It sounds weird. It tastes like a wedding cake in a glass. It’s their best seller for a reason.
- Ask for "The Swap": If you’re doing a tasting and you hate dry reds, tell the server. They are almost always happy to swap a pour for something you’ll actually enjoy.
- Check the Seasonal Menu: They rotate items every few months. The "Chef’s Recommendations" are usually where the freshest, non-standard ingredients live.
The Merrillville location manages to feel like a destination even though it's surrounded by parking lots. It’s the consistency that keeps people coming back—you know exactly what that pretzel bread is going to taste like every single time.
For your next visit, try arriving 30 minutes before your reservation. Head straight to the tasting bar, grab a flight of the Lux wines, and let the chaos of the mall melt away. It’s the best way to transition into the "Napa" mindset without leaving Lake County.