US Capybara Cafes in 2026: Every One We've Confirmed

Last checked: November 4, 2026. Prices, hours and booking rules change often, so confirm on each cafe’s official site before you go.

The United States now has a handful of true capybara cafes, places where you book a timed session and sit with capybaras indoors. As of November 2026, the ones we could verify are in Florida (four locations), Georgia, Idaho and Texas. Almost all of them are reservation-only, most sessions run 25 to 60 minutes, and public tickets start around $45 to $59 per person.

Here’s every US capybara cafe we’ve confirmed, with what each one actually offers.

Florida

Florida has the most capybara cafes in the country. For zoos, ranches and other ways to meet capybaras in the state, see our guide to where to pet capybaras in Florida or browse all Florida capybara experiences.

The Capybara Café, St. Augustine

The Capybara Café in St. Augustine opened in 2024 and calls itself “Florida’s Original” capybara cafe. It’s operated by Noah’s Ark Sanctuary and sits at 105 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, Suite B.

• Capybara Encounter: 30 minutes, from $49 per person
• Capybara and Friends: 55 minutes, from $99
• Otter Encounter: also offered, for ages 6 and up
• Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5:30pm, weekends 9am to 5:30pm

Arrive 15 minutes early and wear closed-toe shoes. Book on the official Capybara Café site.

The Capybara Café, St. Petersburg

The same company runs a second cafe at 4703 Park St N in St. Petersburg. It has its own booking calendar, and reservations don’t transfer between the St. Augustine and St. Pete locations, so double-check which one you’re booking.

Capybara Cafe Fort Lauderdale

The newest cafe on this list held its soft opening on September 17, 2026, and its grand opening the next day in Fort Lauderdale’s Thrive District (744 NW 5th Ave, Unit 1111).

• Capybara Lounge: $59, 30 minutes, all ages, with capybaras plus maras, ferrets and reptiles
• Capybara + Friends: $99, 55 minutes
• Private Capybara Encounter: from $216 for four guests, 25 minutes, up to 10 people
• Sunset Safari: $49 (this one doesn’t include capybaras)

Guests can feed greens such as kale or romaine, up to three portions each. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows. Cancel at least 72 hours ahead to get a gift card. Despite the name, there’s no human food or drink for sale. Details are on the Capybara Cafe Fort Lauderdale site.

The cafe has also drawn criticism. In October 2026, CBS12 reported that PETA had asked Fort Lauderdale officials to shut it down.

Wild Encounters – A Capybara Café, Panama City Beach

Wild Encounters at 8910 Front Beach Rd is a Japanese-style cafe serving drinks, boba and desserts, with capybaras roaming the room. It runs separately from the nearby ZooWorld.

• Garden Seating: $45 per seat, 30 minutes, at one of five tables for four
• Zen Lounge: $375 for up to six people, 60 minutes, including a sloth experience and gelato
• Hours: daily 1:30pm to 9pm; the cafe is cashless

Guests under 16 need a paying adult. Walk-ins depend on availability. The booking page has shown a “not ready” notice at times, so check the Wild Encounters plan-your-visit page or call ahead.

Georgia

Capyfriends Cafe, Helen

Capyfriends Cafe at 7019 S Main St in Helen is a partnership between Nacoochee Adventures and North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park, where the capybaras live. The cafe area sells light snacks, drinks, wine, beer and wine slushies, but food and drinks stay out of the capybara room.

Public sessions are booked online, and new dates are released about a month ahead, so join the cafe’s newsletter if you want first pick. Private bookings start at $800 for up to eight people, with add-ons such as Capybara and Friends ($1,200) and a VIP Babies experience ($1,800, ages 8 and up). Most experiences have no minimum age, but kids 11 and under need a paying adult. Bookings are non-refundable. See the Capyfriends options page and FAQ.

More Georgia spots are listed on our Georgia capybara page.

Idaho

Capy Hour Café, Coeur d’Alene

Capy Hour Café opened on April 4, 2026, at 7397 N. Government Way, attached to Big Red’s Barn. Its stars are two young capybara brothers, Miguel and Mario.

• 30-minute session: $49, including a complimentary drink
• 45-minute session: $59, including a complimentary drink
• Private session: $495 for up to 10 guests, 45 minutes

The minimum age is 5, and the cafe is firm about it. Bookings open up to eight weeks out, and the space is wheelchair accessible.

Texas

The Capybara Bistro at Oak Meadow Ranch, Valley View

Oak Meadow Ranch introduced the Capybara Bistro on June 10, 2026, inside its Noah’s Barn at 440 Red Top Rd in Valley View, north of Dallas–Fort Worth. It’s a private 30-minute encounter with two capybaras, Mickey and Minnie.

• Price: $99 per person (tiered by age), paid when you book; treats are included, but food is sold separately
• Rules: reservations are required, there’s no cancellation, and people without tickets can’t watch

For more Texas options, read where to pet a capybara in Texas or browse Texas capybara experiences.

Tips before you book

• Book early. Sessions are small and sell out, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Read the cancellation rules. Several cafes are non-refundable or offer gift cards only.
• Check age limits. They range from all ages to 5 and up, and children usually need a paying adult.
• Dress for animals. Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little hairy are a good idea.
• Follow the staff. Capybaras are calm but they’re still animals, so let them come to you and feed only what the cafe provides.

Planning a bigger trip? Our guide to Japan’s capybara cafes and onsen zoos covers the famous spots overseas. And if you’re wondering whether you could keep one at home, start with can you own a capybara?

Know a US capybara cafe we missed? Submit it and we’ll check it out for the next update.