How does one hit the bars alone? I've done it a few times. And I feel incredibly awkward each time. Would love your thoughts.

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I put it into practice last night. I got to the bar a little early around 9:30 pm. I talked to anyone and everyone. The bartender, other guys, older couples, "unattractive girls", lesbians, people I recognized. It worked fairly well. It was my first night semi-successful night out of going alone. It's a good primer for future nights if I have to go out alone. I talked to 20 people total that night, and approached 3 groups of women. I didn't get any numbers or make-outs but that's for next time.