Even economically mediated third places are being phased out in some respects. When I was a teen we often hung out at a local McDonalds. Super cheap food, free refills, as long as you didn't cause trouble you could stay for awhile. I went back there somewhat recently and I was shocked at the difference. It's been remodeled to have less seating, no refills, most of the lobby/counter area is touchscreens, and of course prices are way, way up compared to when I was a teen (which was not THAT long ago). It felt sterile inside, it was clear they didn't want you hanging out for long. Not a teen in sight.
Teens also used to work at McDonalds. Now it's middle aged people who look and act like life has been kicking them in the face since they were born.
I also used to eat there quite often but I almost never go now because I don't like waiting 10 or 15 minutes for a sullen, indifferent person to hand me a bag of food that might or might not contain what I ordered and like you said the prices are crazy.
