LVL folk are so nice, I can only imagine how bad this thread would have been trolled in a forum like OOT or SE.
Anyways, I'll defer to others about the best strip clubs to go nowadays and how they're handling transport as it's been a few years since I've gone to a strip club. About your other questions, since obv. your bf has never ever been to a strip club either
and plead ignorance about such things when you asked him, I'll try to help.
1. yes there typically is a cover charge and some clubs have a minimum drink purchase amount (like 2 drinks).
2. You can either get a table as suggested above or look around for "free" seating. the dancers will come up to you continuously, flirt and try to get you to purchase a lap dance or something more (like a trip to the champagne room in the back). There is no tipping the dancers, you just pay for what the lap dance costs. Make sure this amount is clear before the dance is performed. Politely refuse if you are not interested and the dancer will move along.
3. yes you slide bills into the thongs of the performers on the center stage.
4. only take cash with you and not a cent more than you want to spend for the evening. Leave the debit/credit card in the hotel room, it can only lead to bad things if you take it with you and use it.
Well that's all I got. I'm sure others will have more useful info to add here...