First post!
A few years ago, I got frustrated with my friends and their drama when we would go out, so I started doing my own thing and going out alone. I thought it would be weird and I'd go right back to the group thing, but I actually like it. I've been living here for over 10 years, so I'm always see people I know out - friends, bartenders, bouncers, etc. - so it's pretty rare that I'm not talking to anyone. I even had a woman tell me once that she always saw me out with all these friends at the bars, which was kind of funny because I would be out alone.The best part is I can choose to go wherever I want, as opposed to dealing with a group consensus when you are out with friends, or people wanting to go to a bar that you don't like or whatever. It's nice to have complete control over the night.
So, I'd say it depends on your situation and your personality, but it works for me. 'Course, I have a GF now, so I usually drag her out with me. Heh.