While the rest of Old Town slowly adapts to the new commercial landscape, Dante’s holds true to the downtown core’s less than savory roots. With its warm indoor fireplace and exposed brick interior, the club has the feel at times of a cozy ski lodge. But its low lights and dark corners conjure naughtier intentions, helped by the fact the stage is a regular home for burlesque shows and pole dancing exhibitions. Musically, Dante’s tends to opt for grittier fare: beer-soaked garage rock, sleazy metal, and underground hip-hop. It’s also the longtime home for Karaoke from Hell, a live band karaoke experience with a deep songbook and a lot of volume. ROBERT HAM