Just steps away from blenders and acai bowls at La Jolla Bowls on Warner Road, customers and visitors can share a smoothie and cuddle with a cottontail at Layla’s Bunnyville —a pop-up café where rabbits—not espresso machines—are the main attraction.

As animal cafes continue to grow in popularity across the country, Layla’s Bunnyville brought the trend to the East Valley – offering a controlled (walk-ins welcome) as well as a reservation-based experience with bunny rabbits.

“I’ve been wanting a bunny my whole life,” said Layla Sandoval, the daughter of the owner of La Jolla Bowls, where the patio serves as bunny headquarters. “We have six bunnies, two babies and four adult bunnies.”

The cafe features six enclosed pens that guests can reserve.

Before entering, visitors are briefed on the bunny guidelines—the rules to keep the bunnies comfortable, safe, and to maintain a controlled environment.

“Go in, pet them, brush them, pick them up only while seated, if they don’t want to be picked up or be held, just let them be, don’t force it,” Sandoval said. “It’s all about comfortability.”

Children under 10 cannot pick the bunnies up, but are allowed to feed them.

When asked about her favorite part, Sandoval told Northeast Valley News, “Being around bunnies, I love my pets. I love animals and it’s always a good environment, very positive.”

All the bunnies come from breeders and are taken back to the Sandoval family home daily.

The bunnies are only available at La Jolla Bowls Friday-Sunday and are not up for adoption.

Emmy Beach, an employee at La Jolla Bowls, said they have been open for about two years, but the bunnies are a new extension, about five months into the bunny feature.

“The main goal was to make people’s experience here more fun, and give them more things to do,” Beach said. “It brought in a whole new group of people.”

“It brings people together, everyone bonds over the bunnies,” Beach said.

Once the temperature gets warmer, the bunnies will be moved inside to maintain their comfort.