The capybara Café will open at 4703 Park Street North this july | The capybara Café

St. Pete is about to welcome a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

The Capybara Café, a wildly popular animal encounter café originally launched in St. Augustine, is opening a second location in the Sunshine City on July 11th.

Located at 4703 Park Street North, the café promises cozy coffeehouse vibes mixed with up-close moments with exotic animals, from cuddly capybaras to energetic lemurs.

Spanning 6,490 square feet, the industrial-chic café will be divided into private encounter spaces, animal lounging zones, and a relaxed café area serving coffee, muffins, cookies, and other light snacks. Founder Stephanie Angel recently purchased the building for $1.45 million.

But the real draw is the opportunity to get face-to-face with a rotating cast of animals from all over the globe, including wallabies, lemurs, raccoons, skunks, armadillos, and more.

The Capybara Café made its debut in St. Augustine in 2022, dreamed up by Angel as a creative way to fund her nonprofit, Noah’s Ark Sanctuary.

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are known for their calm and friendly nature | Capybara Cafe

Based in Hastings, Florida, the sanctuary houses over 100 rescued animals. The café helps support the cost of care and rehabilitation, while offering the public a chance to connect with the animals.

Guests can book sessions in the Capybara Lounge, where guests can cuddle and feed the gentle giants during a 30-minute session, for $49 per person.

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are herbivorous, semi-aquatic animals that can weigh over 100 pounds and are known for their calm and friendly nature.

Other offerings include a high-energy Lemur Lounge (equal parts cuddle session and comedy show), a Mini Safari with a wallaby, coati mundi, and armadillo, and an “After Dark” daytime experience featuring nocturnal animals like ringtail cats, fennec foxes, and skunks.

Most encounters range from $45 to $50 for a 25-30 minute session and must be booked in advance.

Guests can book sessions in the Capybara Lounge, where guests can cuddle and feed the gentle giants during a 30-minute session, for $49 per person | Capybara Cafe

“The café not only provides a joyful and educational experience with our diverse animal friends but also contributes to broader conservation efforts,” reads the Capybara Café website.

Each visit supports the mission of caring for rescued and exotic animals, many of which would otherwise lack permanent homes.

Since its opening, the original location has been consistently sold out, often requiring reservations weeks or months in advance.

Owner of Capybara Cafe Stephanie Angel holding a wallaby | AP

“We are thrilled to reconnect with our cherished past clients—and equally excited to make new friends in St. Pete. This space was intentionally chosen to reflect the vibrant and artistic spirit of the community—right in the heart of ‘The Sunshine City,’ with its lively mural scenes, cultural festivals, and community‑first vibe,” the team wrote on Instagram.

The St. Pete café will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to drinks and snacks, the lobby will be stocked with capybara-themed merchandise, including stuffed animals, mugs, and T-shirts.

For more information or to book an encounter, visit The Capybara Café's website and follow their St. Pete location on Facebook and Instagram.