I was recently on a band bus trip.  Sat evening ended up on a beer garden patio.  I had decided not to partake of alcohol on this trip.  Other people were drinking, some to excess, and smoking cigars.  They were sitting around joking and I would laugh even though I did not understand what they were saying was funny.  I felt really like that was a waste of time and not very interesting.  Nor was I really participating other than pretending to laugh.  In short, I felt out of place.  

Anyone feel that way?

At pubs? No. If I know the people and put away a few and am there to kick back, no. If i am not that familiar with the people and there are places to be or whatever then, hell yes.

Pubs can be ok. but I never go to them, only if there's a band or something else on.
I have to go to 'leaving dos' at work, but it's no fun, I always leave as early as I can, or sneak off without saying goodbye to anyone. I don't drink much, if at all, and don't like the noise and people getting/being drunk. It didn't bother me when I was younger, but then it was more about getting drunk, which felt like a kind of release. I don't feel comfortable in groups of more than 3 people most of the time, and etiquette of buying drinks for people or letting them buy you drinks is awkward. So you are not alone. Cigars are disgusting also.

There is normally an indoor/outdoor area for smoking these days. Sounds like you landed there.

I hate noisy/crowded pubs. I don't mind having a quiet drink with a friend or 2 at a pub that is not too crowded. These days with smoking banned indoors it is a lot more pleasant. I like playing pool as well, and most venues are pubs or similar.

I love pubs - but only quiet ones. I like to go out midweek, not Friday and Saturday nights. A few pints and a good book is my idea of heaven (it's also self-regulating - when you can't read anymore, you know it's time to stop drinking).

Lots of pubs in America are too noisy, so I hate and avoid going.
I went to Europe recently, and experienced one of the pubs. European pubs seem very nice and quiet in contrast to American ones.
I don't mind going to a pub like the one I went to in Europe.

I did not mind the pub and I do not care if other people drink or smoke.  I know I do not have to.

I just felt weird that people make jokes and I don't get it.  I pretend to laugh anyway.  I think I learned that around age 10.  I noticed that I think differently that other people.  I just felt very self conscious of it at pub.