DON'T go to the corner. Sit at the bar (or lean if there's no stool). You have to be seen to be acknowledged else they'll think you want to be alone - bar knowledge #2.
Was about to comment this. When I was a young guy, that was my go-to when I was new in town. Make friends with the bartender, letting them know what you're up to, and if they know of any work. Maybe make some friends, connections. Graduate from bar to board game night. Move out of the shelter into an apartment. A-bing a-bang you got a job, a nascent friend circle, and a place to lay your head at night.
Also Strider was clearly looking for someone specific, if you just want to meet people and make friends you need to be seen and even more importantly be seen as friendly and safe. Talk to the staff when they aren’t slammed, if they like you other people will be able to tell and be more inclined to talk to you.
Additionally not a single person on Lemmy is in the same ballpark as Aragorn in any way, assuming that what worked for him will work for anyone else is vanity