Joe's Imports

"It’s 5pm and you just need a glass of wine, some food, and time to complain with your colleagues. But you’re competing with all the other overworked people in the neighborhood who want to vent about their day, too. Head to Joe’s, an easy-to-get-into wine bar with tasty small plates, and order dishes like ricotta with honey, meatballs, or the pasta of the day. As a bonus, after being trapped inside a too-cold cubicle all day, this place has a nice patio where you can enjoy some fresh air while discussing the source of that weird smell in the office stairwell." - adrian kane

"Joe’s is a good choice when you’re interested in potentially moving this person into first or second-tier territory. It’s a nice wine bar in the West Loop, and the Italian small plates are really good—plus, you’re probably going to be sharing things. If you need to wait for seats, do a little team-building activity and strategize about what to order. We like the fried artichoke, parmesan puffs, and ricotta gnudi with confit pork cheek." - adrian kane

"The wine list is only one of the many charming things at Joe’s Imports. This lauded wine bar blossoms during patio season, where customers can enjoy light pét-nats and ramatos outdoors." - Adam Rothbarth

"On Joe’s Imports’s 40-seat patio, which is strung by lights and surrounded by flowers, choose something from the constantly changing menu of wines from around the world, then pair it with the chef’s choice of cheese and salumi. Finish on a sweet note with bread pudding and a glass of moscato." - Samantha Nelson

"Jeppson’s Malört is the celebrated bitter liquor favored by two-fisted Chicago drinkers that’s seen a renaissance in popularity in recent years. CH Distillery in West Loop bought the brand in 2018, and the feared drink is now available to be shipped nationally." - Ashok Selvam