Best Casual Restaurants in Lake Villa

Beautiful ambiance, great cocktails made by the bartender. All food was enjoyed and the portions were very nice size ( not skimpy). The owner ( or manager) was on site and was greeting people to make them comfortable. We will be back.

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!

My friends and I have been coming to Austin's for years on a monthly basis. We are very satisfied with everything about this restaurant, food, service and atmosphere. We are recognized and greeted with a friendly smile every time we go there. I recently tried the Pot Roast Cheese Wedges and they were phenomenal! You will not regret the decision to dine here.

Good and waiter were great. The only problem was that are table was right by the door and it was a cold night. For the money I didn’t want wear my coat while I was enjoying my meal.