Bars are the promised land and that is coming from someone that goes alone. Go directly to the stools, you will usually stand out there. Leaning back, cross legged with my knee on the bar is my signature pose :0). Talk to the depressed guy next to you, the person that is ordering whoever. Positive attitude and pretend to GAF about what they are saying.
Now that you have social proof, make your approaches. Positive attitude and pretend to GAF about what they are saying. The bigger your social proof. Now you have established home bases.
Know your limits. All I carry now is $40 and my ID, once I get into that 8-10 shot range, I have a .05% chance of getting laid.