Very easy to do. If you go to a bar that also serves food like TGIF or applebees then you can also order some food as well

ok so go in and sit at the bar, usually at the end and order a drink. make small talk with the bartender or whomever is sitting down. you dont need a packed house but you do want a good level of noise in the area, more on this later. ok so you have opened a repoir with the bartender, you might want to ask a question like "hey is that Phil guy working this weekend?" , this will make the bartender think that you are a regular and that maybe he has seen you. ok so by now you are enjoying your 2nd beer, at this point you want to ask the bartender this exact question "hey what would be the best way in this city to find a roommate?", this again continues a new friendship with your new buddy the bartender. ive read a psychological report on service workers and how to befriend them for best results. so anyways by this time you have had food, 3-4 drinks and the bill is like $30 about. the bartender thinks that you are a really cool guy and probably expects a good tip . so if its even a little noisy you are all set to make your move. you place a fake phone call and start to talk about business, maybe throwing out terms like "units" and "deadline". you pretend that you really cant hear that well and put your free hand over your ear. act a bit frustrated then say this exact line so that the bartender hears you "Jeff, jeff im going to have to walk outside i can barely hear you....", now simply calmly walkout side and stroll around fake talking for 1-2 minutes, then fade to the side of the building and then suddenly and without warning sprint away as fast as you can until you cant run anymore. get in the car that should be about .5 miles away and calmly drive away. you are all set