Giant Rodents Cuddle with Visitors at the Capybara Cafe in Florida
If sipping coffee while snuggling with the world’s largest rodents sounds like your kind of afternoon, there’s a place in Florida that’s making that dream a reality.
Welcome to the Capybara Cafe, a whimsical and increasingly popular destination where guests can enjoy lattes and pastries while cuddling up to capybaras — the gentle, sociable, and surprisingly affectionate creatures native to South America.
Located in central Florida, the Capybara Cafe combines elements of a traditional café with the hands-on charm of a petting zoo. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted not by baristas alone, but by capybaras lounging in cozy corners, waddling across tiled floors, or soaking in warm water tubs. And yes, they’re completely chill with human interaction.
The café is home to several capybaras, each with their own name and personality. Some love belly rubs, others prefer lap time, and one named “Waffles” has become a social media star for his habit of curling up beside guests as they sip their drinks.
“The capybaras are the real stars here,” says owner Danielle Rivera, who opened the cafe in 2024 after falling in love with the species during a trip to Brazil. “People are just fascinated by them — they’re like giant guinea pigs with the temperament of a golden retriever.”
Capybaras, which can weigh up to 150 pounds, are semi-aquatic and known for their calm, friendly nature. Despite their size and rodent classification, they tend to get along with humans and other animals remarkably well. Videos of capybaras relaxing in hot tubs or surrounded by ducks, cats, or even monkeys have gone viral online — and that same energy is present at the Capybara Cafe.
The café offers timed visits to ensure both the animals and guests have a comfortable experience. Guests are encouraged to pet and feed the capybaras under supervision, and there’s even a mini “spa corner” where the capybaras can soak and relax between interactions. For those who fall in love with their furry friends, there’s a gift shop selling plush capybara toys, mugs, and even “Waffles” merchandise.
Families, couples, and influencers alike have flocked to the café, turning it into one of Florida’s quirkiest new attractions. Many say it’s surprisingly therapeutic. “There’s something really calming about hanging out with an animal that just radiates chill,” one visitor wrote on TikTok. “I didn’t expect to leave this café feeling so zen.”
Of course, the welfare of the animals is a top priority. The cafe works with veterinarians and animal behavior specialists to ensure the capybaras are healthy, happy, and not overwhelmed by attention. Breaks are scheduled throughout the day, and staff are trained to recognize signs of stress.
With glowing reviews and a steadily growing fanbase, the Capybara Cafe seems poised to become a must-see for both animal lovers and fans of the unconventional. After all, how many places let you share your coffee break with a 100-pound cuddle buddy?
