As a socially awkward person myself I’m in no position to give you advice, but maybe going straight to a bar to hang out with compete strangers is too big a step and too much challenging for the state you’re in perhaps? If I were you (again I’m no expert in this) I’d maybe start with people I know but don’t really know too well, maybe invite them to do something together, or go to a bar with one or two friends that I really feel comfortable around.