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Having a designated space to do this is a good idea, ppl will if they want and won’t if they don’t
Definitely an unpopular opinion, take me upvote. I’m someone who doesn’t enjoy talking to strangers or being bothered in public spaces. If I’m somewhere alone, chances are I either want to be alone, or I’m doing something I need to do and am just trying to get it done and leave. We’re certainly not ALL perpetually lonely. Many people enjoy alone time, and you’ve listed several different places that are popular for people to go / do by themselves for that reason. 
That being said, your idea of having a designated space for people who DO want to socialize is an interesting idea. Like-minded people could convene in that area with the expectation of socializing with strangers, and those who don’t want to could go about their time unbothered. A win-win situation, if you will. >

Let me guess. You live in a city? >

I do! Right in the middle of one lol. >

Yeah that's a very city mindset to not understand the friendliness of people going past saying hello. Smiling and nodding or starting a casual chat for 5 minutes then getting on with their day. 
It's okay. Not saying it's right or wrong. .
But you've been heavily influenced by city life. >

I live in the suburb and grew up in a somewhat rural town.  And i don't want to talk to strangers.  I think it's more of a personality thing than where one lives.  Kinda like introvert vs extrovert. >

We need to bring back "third places" >

100%
The US has a serious lack of quality third places that aren’t trying to take your money at the same time. (Starbucks sorta tries but they’re also kinda expensive, and a lot of them aren’t the same after Covid) 
I like public parks as a concept but when the weather is bad the only people at them are homeless with no where else to go. Sometimes I’ll start a conversation with the homeless person anyways cause some of them have interesting stories. And some of them have a brain completely rotted by meth & no understanding of what’s actually happening around them anymore. 
I think bars in the US are supposed to be 3rd places but this does leave young people (18-20) with a conundrum of where the fuck to go to be social if all socialization/ adult events are locked behind an ID that says 21+ >

Hence why certain bars do long table and bench style seating. Its already a thing >

Do you just sit down and other strangers join you? Or is it a table you reservs in advance with friends? >

Think 3 rows of tables with maybe room for 20 people on each side of a table. Obviously people tend to stagger thier seating initially. As the night goes on, and seating options become limited, people end up filling up all of said seats. Alcohol+people=drunk conversations. >

I probably wouldn't use such a table because I prefer to be left alone if I'm dining by myself.
However, an evolution of your idea could be a switch or a toggle at each sitting area/table that changes between "socialization welcome" to "privacy, please," and when the person sits down, they just change the toggle to the appropriate sign. >

That's actually a pretty cool idea! Leave most tables as is so people can do their own thing if they want to, but keep that designated space for talking. More people would probably do it if there were a designated space and they didn't feel like they were bothering people. >

I second this. I’m confused why so many people are saying this is an insane idea? Nobody would be forcing you to sit in the designated social area. 
I think a coffee shop/restaurant would be an awesome place for this. Yes bars exist, but there’s so many people that would benefit from cafes having this spot (sober people, elderly, people who just don’t enjoy loud bars!). 
OP this is a brilliant idea, and I can say as someone who’s self-employed, and not in university, as well as wanting to make more friends who aren’t mostly just drinking buddies, I’d totally be willing to try this out! >

Most people don't want to meet random people in a 1 on 1 situation. They want to meet new people when they are already in a comfortable environment. It used to be the community you lived in was that comfortable environment. Urban sprawl, particularly in the western US, made sure communities died. We drive to and from our destination with no opportunity to meet people along the way. >

I really like this take. >

Not everyone is perpetually lonely, but for those that are it's fine to try to strike up a conversation as long as you respect their space if they don't want to engage. >

You can be chatty with strangers just see how they respond and act accordingly.
Also, make sure it doesn’t seem like you are hitting on them. That will make many, women especially, not want to talk to you. >

Some people do not take the hint though. You have no idea how many people I deal with who will keep talking and talking despite me just giving short simple answers and facing away from them. Especially down south. But if I tell someone I don’t want to talk to them, they will get offended. So if body language doesn’t cut it, then I’m forced to either be rude or grin and bear it. >

Have you tried lying and saying you're in a hurry to get somewhere or late for something? Be like 
"I'd love to stay and chat with you but I'm late for work" and proceed to speed walk away from them lmfao >

normally i do but if i'm stuck in a line at a grocery store and simply just wanna vibe i can't lie, it sucks :( >

I wouldn't mind this but sometimes I want to be left alone and sit quietly and think. This could be a thing as long as people didn't get angry or judgemental if someone declined to participate in socializing with them >

Take my upvote, but leave me be. >

I second this. 🙌 >

Sit at the bar/counter. >

You know this is actually a nice idea.
Like hear me out, if you have this in those types of settings, then that means that you'll eliminate the problem of having strangers come up to you and talk to you when you don't want it.
It's a win win.
People who don't wanna talk get left alone and avoid being disturbed, and those that do can find someone who also wants to talk to them without having to annoy those that don't. >

If it's a designated space and people don't *have* to sit there it's okay. I'd like to left alone in these places. >

The bar >

The Blue Oyster? >

Yeah I dont want to talk you though. I hate small talk. Most conversations with strangers is small talk >

Gave you an upvote, but really you just need some courage to talk to people. Most the time people just put up a wall because they are scared of getting hurt. >

I don't know if it's "unpopular" as far as opinions... but y'know what? I think it's an absolutely spectacular idea. >

What bars and concerts are you going to that it’s not socially acceptable to talk to strangers? >

It's not the place that is social , it's the people .