Here's what I do, and I would encourage you to share your ideas as well because I love to try new things too.

Before going out to meet up with my friends, I make myself stop by a few random places (Best Buy, grocery store, convenience store, another bar, etc) and my goal is to have five 2-3 minute conversations with random people, whether it's a patron or someone who works there. No expectations, not trying to get anyone's numbers, just having off the cuff conversation and meeting new people. It gets me talking to strangers and thinking on my feet, and that mixed with blasting some good "pump-up" music as I drive from place to place really helps me get into my groove.

What do you do?