Best food near me in Grayslake, IL

Great service by Aaron. We were seated immediately and enjoyed the enclosed patio

We like Center Cut a lot and go there often as it is a more upscale place in downtown Grayslake. However we are not a fan of live loud music while trying to eat and have a conversation with our dinner companions. If I’m going to see live music I know what I’m getting into and expect to listen and not try to talk during the show. Our reservations were for 5:30 on a Saturday evening, so we didn’t expect to have our conversation compete with live loud music.

It was another amazing experience at Cooper’s Hawk. The food was absolutely delicious! The atmosphere wasFrom the moment we stepped into Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, we knew we were in for a special evening, but our server Alexandria elevated the experience from excellent to extraordinary. Her infectious enthusiasm for both the menu and wine selection immediately set the tone for what would become a memorable dining experience. Alexandria's expertise with the wine list was particularly impressive. She helped us understand the wine club and we are now wine club members. She listened attentively to our preferences and guided us through Cooper's Hawk's extensive wine selection with the confidence of a seasoned sommelier and made a great recommendation. The restaurant's ambiance strikes that perfect balance between upscale and welcoming, with warm lighting and sophisticated décor that creates an intimate atmosphere without feeling stuffy. The winery's presence is elegantly incorporated throughout the entry space, with beautiful displays of their wines adding to the overall aesthetic. The food itself is a masterful fusion of contemporary American cuisine. We started with their signature pretzel bread, served warm with a honey butter that's simply irresistible. Our main courses were nothing short of spectacular. The Country Rigatoni was cooked to perfection. The shrimp scampi pasta had an exquisite sauce. Let’s not forget Mary’s potatoes. Some of the best restaurant quality tasted! But what truly set this evening apart was Alexandria's attentiveness to detail. She anticipated our needs before we even realized them ourselves, keeping water glasses full, timing each course perfectly, and checking in at just the right moments. Her genuine passion for hospitality shone through in every interaction, making us feel less like customers and more like welcomed guests in someone's home. Thank you to another amazing Christmas Eve, Cooper’s Hawk!