Capybara Cafe
Imagine sipping a freshly brewed latte while a friendly capybara waddles by your table or even snuggles up next to you. At the Capybara Cafe in St. Augustine, Florida, that experience is not just a quirky dream — it’s the main attraction.
The Capybara Cafe, opened by local animal advocate Stephanie Angel, is quickly becoming one of the most unique destinations in Northeast Florida. The café offers customers more than just coffee and pastries; it gives them the chance to interact up-close with live capybaras — the world’s largest rodents, known for their calm, sociable nature and adorable appearance.
But this isn’t just a novelty spot. Behind the charm and cuddles is a deeper mission: the cafe serves as a financial support arm for Angel’s nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. The cafe helps offset the costs of food, medical care, and housing for a wide variety of animals, many of whom come from neglectful or abusive situations.
A Mission Brewed with Purpose
Stephanie Angel, who has worked in animal rescue for over a decade, said the idea for the café came during the pandemic when funding for her nonprofit began to dwindle. She needed a sustainable way to continue her work — and after seeing the growing interest in animal cafés across the country, inspiration struck.
“I wanted to create a space where people could unwind, have a great cup of coffee, and be part of something meaningful,” Angel said. “Capybaras are incredibly therapeutic to be around. They’re naturally friendly, non-aggressive, and love companionship. It just made sense to bring those elements together.”
The result is a cozy, thoughtfully designed café that blends a rustic, tropical aesthetic with large, open spaces for the capybaras to explore. Customers are welcome to sit in indoor or outdoor sections and enjoy drinks while the animals roam under careful supervision. Guests can also book special sessions where they can feed the capybaras, learn about their biology and behavior, and take photos in specially decorated interaction zones.
Ethical Animal Encounters
One of the key components of the Capybara Cafe’s success is its focus on ethical animal interaction. Unlike some animal cafes that have faced criticism over animal welfare concerns, Angel’s background in rescue ensures that the capybaras’ well-being is always the top priority.
The animals are given ample rest periods and have access to private spaces where they can retreat from the public. Staff members — many of whom are trained in animal behavior — monitor the animals’ interactions closely and provide guidance to guests on how to engage respectfully.
“We’re not here just to entertain — we’re here to educate,” Angel said. “We want people to understand these animals, not just pet them. Capybaras have complex social structures, require specialized care, and don’t make suitable pets for everyone. Sharing that knowledge is a huge part of what we do.”
A Growing Attraction
Since its soft opening earlier this year, the Capybara Cafe has quickly gone viral on social media. Videos of capybaras munching on lettuce, soaking in small pools, and cuddling up to guests have drawn thousands of likes and shares. Tourists are beginning to add the cafe to their must-visit lists when planning trips to St. Augustine, and locals have made it a popular weekend stop.
“I came for the capybaras, but I stayed for the message,” said visitor Maria Torres, who drove from Orlando to visit the café. “It’s relaxing, fun, and you feel good knowing your coffee money is helping animals.”
The cafe also hosts themed events such as “Capybara & Chill” movie nights, “Coffee with the Critters” educational talks, and even birthday parties where capybaras make guest appearances. Plans are underway to expand the facility to include additional rescued animals like rabbits, tortoises, and exotic birds — all in safe, supervised environments.
Looking Ahead
As the Capybara Cafe continues to grow in popularity, Stephanie Angel remains focused on the core mission: raising awareness for animal welfare while offering an unforgettable, hands-on experience.
“We’re showing people that it’s possible to run a business that’s kind to animals, profitable, and fun,” she said. “If even one guest walks away inspired to support rescue work or think differently about how they treat animals, that’s a win.”
Whether you’re an animal lover, coffee connoisseur, or just curious about Florida’s quirkiest new attraction, the Capybara Cafe offers an experience unlike any other — one where compassion, caffeine, and capybaras come together in perfect harmony.
For hours, reservations, and updates on special events, visit www.capybaracafefl.com or follow them on Instagram @capybaracafefl.
