LOL- I agree with the haterade! If the hosts can afford to have it at a club, that's great. A lot of clubs require members to spend a certain amount per year, so this may be an easy way for the host to fulfill their annual requirement.
Honestly, the guests are going to some trouble to go shopping for a gift, it's nice to treat them to a nice meal and get together. I always get dressed up for showers, so I don't know why they're complaining about that.
As people always say, it's an invitation and not a summons. If they don't like it, they can just decline. More yummy food for everyone else :-)