Winner: Senses

There have, of course, been dance clubs in Memphis before. One hotspot in the ’90s even advertised itself as being as close to New York as it gets. But Senses has significantly raised the bar since opening in 2003. Located in an old warehouse near the Poplar-Union Extended overpass, the club is a huge rambling establishment that comes close to capturing the Boho chic of a hip Manhattan nightspot.

Despite the industrial surroundings, you can’t even get inside unless you meet the club’s stringent dress code (see their Web site for details). Once inside, party-goers can choose from among five bars to hang out in, ranging in mood from the serenity of the VIP Ultra-Lounge to the mania of the dance floor.

The whole place is wired with state-of-the-art light and sound systems that have gotten the club recognized in industry trade magazines. As for the music, it’s strictly the latest hardcore dance floor fillers, courtesy of deejay Mark Anderson and his crew.

2866 Poplar, 454-4081. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday; sensesthenightclub.com.

Finalists: Alfred’s on Beale, Club 152