You might consider that meetings friends is more of an attitude than a place to be. I make friends everywhere. It's not easy, I usually need to be the first to say "Hello." But, if I were out to make new friends I'd go hang out where people of my similar age hang out. For me, that would be Starbucks, bookstores, and upper scale resturaunts. I take a book with me, get a table, and strike up a conversation with someone at the next table.
Just my .02