Chicago's reputation as a drinking city is as established as the skyscrapers that crowd downtown. Winter's hibernation period finds brief respite in the warmth of a local bar, and, post-thaw, street festivals and patios bring out locals determined to make the most of those few, sweet moments of sunshine and booze.

With over 200 neighborhoods and innumerable bars, residents in Chicago have the luxury of having a familiar and cozy corner bar and a favorite watering hole in any given neighborhood. In a city where the only constant is change, there are many bars that have withstood the test of time and relentless competition, becoming an anchor in their community. These are the 10 Chicago bars that have passed that test.

Photo by Brandon Olafsson

Aberdeen Tap - West Town

Featured on the T.V. series "Chicago's Best Corner Spots," this neighborhood tavern offers a great craft beer menu, quality gourmet pub fare, and a friendly atmosphere. Locals will agree that the pub grub here is to die for. The fried mac-and-cheese squares, duck grinder sandwich, and steak fries are just some of the delectable food options at this neighborhood mainstay. Aberdeen Tap also offers an outdoor patio with ample seating that's perfect for those warm nights to dine al fresco or just have a few beers with friends.

Hopleaf - Andersonville

This Belgian-inspired gastropub has been around since 1992 and offers more than 400 bottled beers and 64 drafts on tap. Hopleaf remains a classic neighborhood staple in Andersonville with loyal customers and locals packing in to try its famed steamed mussels and Belgian beer-paired dishes. With a laid-back vibe, good tunes, and a friendly staff, you'll forget this is a Michelin-rated establishment and not just a local hangout spot.

Photo by Brandon Olafsson

Green Door Tavern - River North

Established in 1921, The Green Door Tavern has remained a pivotal bar in River North. Full of antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and pieces of Americana, you'll wonder if you're really in a bar or in a history museum. The Green Door Tavern gives an old-school Chicago vibe with a firm foundation in local history - it's one of the few remaining wooden frame structures built after the Great Chicago Fire and it was a speakeasy during the Prohibition era. You'll enjoy a whiskey and cocktail list and brew selections as well as a delicious brunch and late-night menu.

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar - Bridgeport

This "slashie" - liquor store in the front, bar in the back - was opened in 1986 by the eponymous Maria Marzewski. Remodeled by her children Mike and Ed, Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar is as much of a destination for beer tourists as it is for dedicated locals. Maria's is currently the only establishment to sell craft and artisanal brews and spirits in Bridgeport. Formerly known as Kaplan's Liquors, Maria's now boasts over 450 different beers, a rotating cocktail and wine menu, and variety of distilled beverages. But Maria's reputation extends beyond serving up the neighborhood's most eclectic drink menu. The bar also has a longstanding relationship with Bridgeport's writers and artists, backing a string of publications and hosting art shows, all primarily created by locals.

Photo by Nik Brink

California Clipper - Humboldt Park

Dim red lights and vintage leather décor lends an air of classic chic to this neighborhood staple. Although it has a decidedly 1940s art deco vibe, the Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline-heavy jukebox throws the whole atmosphere in an unexpected direction, but is brought back to the Mad Men-era by live jazz and blues performances every few nights. They, of course, serve up classic cocktails like Manhanttans, Old Fashioneds, and Negronis.

Small Bar - Avondale

This cozy and unassuming Avondale bar immediately puts customers at ease. With popular pub grub, an extensive drink menu, and an outdoor beer garden, Small Bar's affordability is only matched by its authentic character. Blink, though, and you'll miss it - Small Bar's window-scarce dining area is tucked away on a quiet street corner in the predominantly residential Avondale neighborhood.

Photo by George McArdle

Whirlaway Lounge - Logan Square

Logan Square's cozy and cash-only neighborhood bar keeps the regulars coming back for more thanks to its variety of bottle beers and cheap cocktails. It's been in operation for over 29 years and is the definition of "no frills," with chairs you can't completely trust and sticky floors. But no matter - the neighborhood's booming bar scene has something for everyone and the Whirlaway Lounge stands proudly as the embodiment of the Logan Square of yesteryear.

Glascott's Saloon - Lincoln Park

Glascott's Salon in the North Side is what Cork and Kerry is to the South Side. This family-owned North Side Irish pub has been around since 1937 and offers an extensive drink menu. But one thing you won't find in this Irish pub is Irish cuisine. Instead you'll find a Greek menu serving up chicken kalamata, gyros, and tzatziki with pita bread that you can wash down with a pint of Guinness. The bar is also known for its specialty drink called the Glascott special that's made with Stoli O vodka, cranberry juice, and Red Bull that will get your pre-game started in proper fashion on a Saturday night.

Photo by Brandon Olafsson

The Charleston - Bucktown

This classic corner neighborhood bar underwent a transformation a few years ago that got rid of some of its (let's say unique) décor that consisted of a stuffed armadillo and lampshade made out of a ram's head. Now, The Charleston has a somewhat gothic-vintage decor that creates a dark and cozy atmosphere. You won't find big screen TVs here though, so if you're looking to watch the big game you'll need to go elsewhere. But what it does offer is a large selection of craft beers and cocktails as well as live music and DJs that attract an eclectic and vibrant crowd.

Cork and Kerry - Beverly

A staple along Western Avenue on the South Side neighborhood of Beverly, Cork and Kerry is a classic Irish pub serving up beers like Guinness, Smithwick's, and Harp Lager. The warmer months beckon locals thanks to a spacious beer garden that's also heated and enclosed during the winter months.