Some places to meet new friends are better than others. The more of the following that apply to it the better:
It's somewhere where the situation breaks the ice for people and naturally gives them reasons to talk to each other.
It allows you to reliably see the same people several times, so you have a chance to get comfortable with them and gradually get to know them. It's not that you have one five minute chance to make a good impression and then you may never see them again.
It allows you to meet people you are similar to you, in terms of their hobbies and values. It's much more likely you'll click with each other and want to be friends.
It's somewhere where there's a core of regulars, but there are also new people to meet continually entering the mix.