how do I know if the girls are taken. these guys look like the bro type guys and unfriendly. should I assume that they are taken? how should I approach? Whats a good opener? I live in Sacramento and a majority of the partys, bars, and clubs are this way..

Oh snap I'm not too far from Sacramento. Well from my experience in these situations, I would try to be friends with the guys first. Talk about anything from sports or how many hot women are at the venue that night. When you establish some sort of rapport with them, then you can find out if the two women are single or not. If they're not receptive to you, then it's on to the next group.

You can never really know if the girls are taken unless they're clung on to one guy holding hands and making out and shit (you're probably not going to see that). In your situation though, the guys ARE going to be protective of "their girls" at first. So befriend the guys and gain their acceptance. Trust me, just because the guys look like "bros" doesn't mean they're going to be dicks. They like socializing just as much as the next person.

Make sure you bring VALUE to the group. You can do this by having fun and slightly more energy than them. No one wants someone who is going to suck value from them. Really just have fun.

Talk and socialize with everyone in the venue. To open the group (or most likely just part of the group, it might even be just one guy in the group) you can almost say anything. If you're having fun and more energy then them you should be fine. I'm sure you want a couple opener examples.

"You guys look like you're having sooooo much fun tonight, what's your secret?"

"Did you guys just see what happened over there? The bar tender just spilled a drink all over that chick!" (If this happened)

"Where have I been all night? Looks like the party's over here!"

As you can see, the opener just puts you're foot in the door. See how responsive they are. Bust their balls for not looking like their having fun if they aren't they don't look like it.

A key note! If there is a group of 7 (5 guys and 2 girls) you're most likely not going to be opening the whole group, but just a few. Make friends with them and chug along with the rest.

My 2 cents.