Joe’s Imports opened Feb. 15, which is appropriate, because the concept feels like a valentine tossed in the direction of Joe Fiely, the restaurant group’s operating partner and wine director — and one of the original partners at Mia Francesca back in 1992, when the vino was poured into juice tumblers. Francesca’s wine program has grown by leaps and bounds since then, and in a way, Joe’s Imports is Fiely’s reward, a 65-seat space where he can share his passion for wine with a presumably appreciative audience.

Fiely rhymes with smiley, an association you’ll never forget once you’ve met the man. Fiely’s smile is so omnipresent, it might have been tattooed in place, and it’s never so broad as when he’s talking about wine. He beams with unbridled joy, seemingly thrilled to engage with customers. Every bottle on his list has a story, and Fiely is happy to relate them all.

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From Goth food and artisan tacos to an intimate wine bar from a popular restaurant group and a rum hideaway within a tiki lounge, the new restaurants and bars that hit Chicago in last month are nothing if not diverse. Read on for the scoop, and keep scrolling for a comprehensive list of the best overall restaurants in Chicago, too.

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Seeking to train or broaden your wine palate? Spend some time at Joe’s Imports (813 W. Fulton Market, West Town), a sleek wine bar with offerings from around the world. You can choose from more than 250 bottles — all of which are available to buy and take home — or a range of red and whites by-the-glass.

Fittingly, the space is reminiscent of a cellar; it’s cozy, narrow, and fortified by brick. One extra special touch: Wine director Joe Fiely is always around to offer drink recommendations or lively conversation.

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You’re here because: You’re in the mood for a pre- or post-dinner bite paired with wines inspired by operating partner and wine director Joe Fiely’s global travels. The rustic space is on the intimate side, making it ideal for date night.

You’re dining on: One of 40 wines offered by the glass, quartino or bottle, paired with small plates like the addicting fried Parmesan puffs, foie gras deviled eggs or bluefin tuna carpaccio. Find a wine you love? Grab a bottle to go from their retail selection.

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​Joe’s Imports offers more than 250 bottles and between 10-20 wine by the glass, as wel as shared plates meant for pairing.

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The owners of Glazed and Infused have traded doughnuts for wine and pastas as they’ve switched up their Fulton Market space to open Joe’s Imports tonight. The restaurant’s named after Joe Fiely, operating partner and wine director for Francesca’s Restaurant Group. Wine is in the spotlight with more than 250 bottles including 10 to 20 red and white by the glass.

Many of those wines will be available to go. But for those dining in, the menu includes fresh pastas, small and large entrees, and other food that goes well with wine. The space seats 65, and there’s going to be a 15-seat patio. Francesca’s brought in 555 Design to renovate the doughnut shop.

Check out the space and the food below. Joe’s Imports opens Friday night in Fulton Market.

Joe’s Imports, 813 W. Fulton Market, (312) 736-1750, open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Monday through Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. The kitchen stays open until midnight every day except Sunday when it closes at 10 p.m.

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Combined with a full menu by Peter DeRuvo (corporate chef for Francesca’s Restaurant Group), Joe’s Imports, occupying the space that housed the recently closed Glazed and Infused doughnut concept (also a Francesca’s property), will feature a global wine list of familiar names and new finds. Fiely is the wine director (and operating partner) for Francesca’s Restaurant Group and designed the wine programs at Davanti Enoteca and The Purple Pig. At Joe’s Imports, he’ll offer more than 250 wines by the bottle, and a rotating selection of 10 to 20 wines by the glass. Joe’s has a retail license and will sell bottles for carryout. Not surprisingly, the menu is heavily Italian and offers a number of “paired” dishes that include a matching glass of wine.

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