It's all about your attitude. Not all bars are the same, and not all nights at a particular bar are the same. The main group of guys I go out with, each one of us has a very different thought on the whole bar scene.
Guy #1: Hates bars, but tags along with us because he has nothing else to do.
Guy #2: Hates bars, but once he gets drunk always has a good time.
Guy #3: Has no money so he only comes out to bars when we drag him along.
Guy #4: Realizes bars are really the only place to go at nights, and figures it's where he needs to go to find girls.
Me: I usually have a blast when I go out. I'm generally the life of my group, and many of my friends have told me they keep coming out with us because of how much fun I have.
So, the majority of my group would agree with you that bars suck. But, since they follow Guy #4 and myself around, we end up at bars and usually have a great time. The point I'm trying to make is, there is nothing at a bar to make you have a good time on it's own. That's why most of my friends hear "bar" and they start complaining. You need to just have fun socializing with friends, enjoy a night out, and hope you can find some cute girls. Sitting at a table staring at everyone who walks in the door, hoping it isn't some old married chick isn't gonna be a good time.
Try to find bars that have a dance floor, or maybe karaoke (you don't need to sing, but the atmosphere is usually more open. Very easy to meet people). In my opinion, dance clubs can be fun (if you are into that), but it's even harder to get a girl than at a bar. So, you may feel like you are making more progress at a dance club, but it may not translate into real success. All depends on your game, and maybe a bit of luck.