I had been going out to bars and nightclubs but those places are so brutal and merciless I think it is kind of the hardest place to practice.

So what would be some better places while I get my chops?

One thing that helped me was going to more social events. My fiance's father is involved in a few (non-magic related) organizations and clubs, and sometimes invites us along. He loves telling his friends I'm a magician and watching me perform for them. So, maybe look into joining some social clubs or organizations, or just tagging along with members you know.
Also, I know the bar-scene can be brutal, but what has worked for me is 'Pub-crawls' with large groups. I usually go with a few friends, but in a large, planned pub-crawl. I do a few tricks at one of the bars for my friends, and then people on the Crawl I don't know usually start watching and ask for more. Also, people not on the crawl as well.

PRACTICE...REHEARSE... THEN, PERFORM!

Practice privately...........Rehearse.......privately........Perform in public

Practice to develop and perfect, sleights, or efficient prop "handling".

Rehearse to develop performing ability.

Rehearsal is the performance of the complete "set", act, show, etc. If one makes a mistake, THE SHOW MUST GO ON! One continues to the end of the set, act, etc. If one is performing in public, a set, act, etc. one does not stop performing. One CONTINUES to the end of the set, act, etc. (Have "outs"! --lines, gags, etc.)

PERFORM WHEN one has practiced and rehearsed enough that the "chances" of making a mistake are negligible.

Too many beginners are too anxious to show off their new trick, before they have developed a PRESENTATION!!!

"Those who think that magic consists of doing tricks, are strangers to magic. Tricks are only the crude residue from which the lifeblood of magic has been drained." --S.H. Sharpe

To add a new trick to one's repertoire, there are three "things" that must "happen":

1. Learn how it is DONE.

2. Learn how to DO it.

3. LEARN HOW TO DO IT, SO THAT IT ENTERTAINS AN AUDIENCE.

.....(MAGIC is NOT INHERENTLY ENTERTAINING!) The performer's "job", is to make the trick entertaining with his PRESENTATION!s