1. i would never pay to get in a club in chicago. in nyc, maybe. i have lived in chi my whole life and know pretty much everyone in the scene, and if i don't, one of my friends will. so for the cover, no way. 2. as for the drinks, it goes both ways. often i drink free, but i pay to drink too. either way, i spend money either on drinks or on tips. personally, i prefer to give the money to the bartender as a tip.