Yes bars are a place to relax, socialize, watch the game, etc.
The ones that are pick up only are very grim. This is probably why the Savoy was so unfriendly - it was set up to dance to LOUD BAD music, buy expensive drinks, and was set up as a hook up bar. It was a place for lesbians and various hangers on to pick up on each other, fight in the parking lot, and in general engage in the drama filled les mating ritual. It had ->-bleeped-<-s too, there were some creepy guys around the place. It was not a friendly place.