We live in a time where it can feel like we dispose of trends as quickly as we embrace them.

There's something comforting, then, about knowing some things stay the same. Exactly the same.

Long-standing neighborhood taverns, affectionally known as "dive bars,'' are a great example of that. We don't enter the door of our favorite joint hoping for bigger flatscreens, trendy cocktails or a big investment in the atmosphere.

Quite the opposite — we want to order the same beer we've always ordered, from the same barkeep, ideally one who keeps a few of our secrets. Barstools and tables to feel well-worn, the pool table still dominates the same back corner - heck, the pay phone is still affixed to the wall by the restrooms, even if no one has used it in 15 years.

We asked our team of journalist

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