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Dance den Foundation ups the swank factor of Essex Street with mini-chandeliers, high-end cocktail infusions, and—wait for it—a gold stripper pole. It’s the latest venture for Ronnie Kaplan, who previously ran clubs One 51, Suede, and Cherry Lounge. The long space is divided into two areas: a long bar up front, where you can sip one of those infusions (or Foundusions), and an open area in back, where everything is designed for dancing, from the deep banquettes to the low metal tables. Kaplan and his partners Jay DeLalla and Joe Torres wanted to concentrate on the music with this club, meaning that bottle service is relatively cheap (under $300 for a bottle of Ketel One), the door policy is open, and there’s never a cover. As a result, the club draws everyone from wet-behind-the-ears NYU kids in button-front shirts and loafers to seasoned clubbers in tops cut down to there and skirts cut so you can’t even see them. The stripper pole seats are usually the first to go, so get there early if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, the party picks up around midnight and continues all night long. — Jillian Goodman