I have been past Caffe Luce several times but have never visited until now, and I am glad I did. I met a friend for coffee to relax and catch up. It is a small cafe with delicious drink options. I got an iced chai tea latte. It was spicy and creamy. My friend and I just sat and enjoyed talking to each other and catching up. It is a wonderful little coffee shop. read more

Good espresso, very knowledgeable barista, a bit lacking in specialty drinks yet the quality of espresso made up for it. The ambience is wuiet and peaceful, great for studying or working. Nice standard no thrills coffee shop in a strip mall. Would definitely come back. read more

Found caffe luce by accident while in Tucson. I will definitely go back. This place has really friendly staff, coffee is really good and the atmosphere is inviting. Another plus to this place is the prices. You dont always have to pay a fortune to drink a good cup of coffee read more

Caffe Luce - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Pronounced Loo-Chay for you curious individuals. (I've read their merch shirts while waiting in line too many times) Caffe Lucé is personally my favorite Tucson coffee shop, and the coffee is consistent from location to location. My go to order is a dirty chai with almond milk, iced or hot is equally delicious, just depends on my mood or time of day. I also recommend the savory scones, warmed up of course! This location is by far the smallest of the three, and the vibe is the most quiet, which makes it my least favorite location... BUT it's the closest to my house, so those points are somewhat irrelevant anyways. The staff is friendly and accommodating, but never overbearing. They have great recommendations and always give nice compliments (a quick way to my heart). I only wish they had more merchandise, more shirts and cups with bright and fun designs! I love to support my local businesses, especially coffee shops! read more

Best coffee in Tucson! This location is a little more hidden which I personally like. Right next to Trader Joe's if you need to do some grocery shopping :) and super friendly baristas! read more

Just walking in you can smell the unique deliciousness. See beautiful local art. While being greeted by friendly baristas. I found out about this cafe via a friend. Since then I try to go once a month. Considering I live 45 minutes away. The use there own beans. You can order whole or freshly grounded beans by 1/2 or 1 lb. amazing taste. I always order the iced white mocha. My friend orders the Dirty chai . Delicious as well. It's far better than Starbucks & other chains. If you by check it out! Love love this place. read more

Caffe Luce - Ice white Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

a Cafe inside the Trader Joe's plaza with an abundant amount of seating and outlets if you need to get some work done! don't worry, with the large windows you'll be more cheery about doing your work there's one large communal table and lots of smaller tables PLUS some outdoor seating ---8 oz soy azeteca mocha: the spices were good at first but after a while the drink was just okay if you need a snack they had a few bagels when i came but not a huge selection. self serve water! NOTE: extra 25 cents for soy per size read more

Quaint little coffee shop. Our barista was incredibly helpful and kind. Nice place to sit and do work, or to grab a quick specialty drink. Love the Aztec mocha! Their iced coffee is amazing black! Also, had a delicious cappuccino. Make sure you grab a stamp card, they give you stamps for specialty drinks and for drip coffee!! read more

Caffe Luce - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Enjoyed it! Many coffees available from strong to mild. Liked the fact they warm the cup with hot water before pouring the coffee. Nice detail! Free wifi. Nice. Did not notice "snack" collection. Had bagels and a few other things. Seemed weak there. Had a cappuccino. Very nice! read more

Caffe Luce - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

A rainy mid morning at Caffè Lucè, 3 minutes away from home next to my cat's vet and Trader Joe's. Friendly accommodating staff, the barista who serves me is moving on after finishing @UA. Sorry to see him go, makes excellent cappuccino. In the campus farm area or walking/biking the Rillito Loop easy access. read more

Caffe Luce - Caffè Luce, Limberlost @ Campbell Trader Joe's neighbor and next to my pet's veternarian. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Zachary pulled the venerable Espresso Lucé, nose is quite heavy in chocolate, but a slight berry note. Bright on the palette with a slight tinge, upon cooling it mellows into the promising baker's square cocoa, but still biting the tongue. Lingering bitterness not normal for this espresso. All in all, this is still a very respectable pull. The second pull was much the same with added notes of Meyer lemon. Zachary's last pull was spot on for Espresso Lucé, deep chocolate, roasted caramel, a hint of berry (I'd like more please) with a pleasant finish of 80% chocolate. The macchiato was perfect. Caffé Lucé owns Tucson with this drink. read more

This place is excellent if you want to revive your love of coffee! We had Azteca Mocha and White Mocha plus a bear claw that was soft and delicious. read more

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This is THE place to get coffee in town. When I was at the U of A, I used to visit the downtown location a lot. So when I moved closer North I was bummed I would no longer be getting my coffee fix. Then I found out they had this location on Campbell! Every time I am on this side of town for an appointment I always make it a point to stop at Cafe Luce - even if I have already had my coffee or even if I don't even really feel like having coffee (LOL) - because it's not to be missed. They have tons of fresh roasted coffees from many different origins. Everything is fresh fresh fresh, and on first sip, you can tell. My favorite thing to get is the latte, which you can get in the perfect little eight ounce size. Trust me, it's like no latte you've ever had before. If you frequent Starbucks (shudder), come here and you'll realize your entire life has been a lie. read more

Love this sweet spot. Their cappuccinos are not only tasty and brewed to perfection, but they are beautiful as well! Their roasts are never burnt or too strong either. I've also tried a few pastries and they have been great! There can be a wait time, especially if the line is long, but it's worth it for some good coffee. I also love the atmosphere of the shop. It's a great spot for meetings, dates, or to study! read more

The barista was really nice. Everyone kept to social distancing and masks. I felt very safe. Also the dirty Chai is wonderful! Will be going back tomorrow read more

For over ten years now I've enjoyed going to all three of Caffe Luce's locations and the wonderful service overall and friendly staff. It was nice that their third location was the former Sparkroot coffee shop that served good food as well as coffee and teas. Mike Foster should be thanked for taking over from original owner Ari Shapiro. It was quite the risk and now more than ever and I, for one, am grateful he did. And I enjoy the fact that the staff is very flexible at all three locations with people bringing in outside food, so long as it is something Caffe Luce serves and you buy at least some coffee or tea to enjoy with it. At the Campbell and Limberlost location, it was great to bring lunch in from the now defunct Costa Vida restaurant that was right next door to them. A perfect match! But sadly, with Costa Vida going under due to the pandemic lockdown, that tradition can no longer be enjoyed. If I had a complaint, I suppose it would be that I'd like more in the way of consistent fare at each of the shops. The food at Congress and 5th is not available at University or Campbell, and at Campbell, the pastry selection is a bit sparse, plus there is little in the way usually of gluten-free options for people with intolerance to wheat. But beyond that, definitely the coffee and tea selections are usually first rate and the service is pretty darn good which only a handful of other coffee shops can match that. So if you're looking to support local, this is a great one to give patronage to. read more

Really good coffee! Usually when I go to coffee shops, there are too many things to choose from but here they keep it simple. I got a medium vanilla latte and it was just the right amount of syrup, not too sweet. Even better was the fact that they didn't burn my coffee! There is limited seating area, inside and outside, but still a great place to grab some coffee. They sell some baked goods, but it is very limited. read more

One of the best coffee places in town. They're a little inconsistent, which can be frustrating. But, we don't have many great coffee shops, sadly. The staff are almost all simply wonderful, chill, and make visits so inviting and even more of a treat. The Azteca Mocha is amazing - you have to try it at least once. read more

First of all, I would like to say their coffee and scones are excellent. However, my most recent trip here left a bad taste in my mouth. This morning, I stopped in for coffee, and was met with a group of people standing between the barista and cashier. After several minutes of standing around waiting to order, a fellow customer informed me that I was to order at the barista prior to paying at the register, which was not delineated anywhere by signs or expressed to me by staff. When I attempted to order my coffee (an iced Americano) with the barista (male, ~30, glasses) I was rudely told "yeah, I won't remember that." I left without coffee. I would love to come back when there is a more efficient manner to order and the service is better. read more

Love love love this tiny coffee shop! Caffé Lucé is a quaint little cafe at River and Campbell, and the first coffee shop I tried since coming to Tucson last year. The staff is always extremely friendly and welcoming, always asking each customer how their day is. The decor is really fresh, giving it a sort of a natural, tribal vibe. On this particular afternoon, the reggae music is definitely adding to that atmosphere. The coffee itself is always very nice. I switch off between getting their dirty chai if I'm in the mood for something sweeter but still with caffeine, and their simple iced coffee. The roast is nice, not too strong but still with a nice dark, nutty flavor. I didn't look into if they switch up the roast/beans every week or something, as I don't come with that much frequency. However I've never had any complaints with their coffee. A great place to bring a book or do some work on a lazy afternoon. read more

Caffe Luce - Decor / ordering counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We are not from the area, but are passing through for a few months and craving great coffee that is a locally owned business. We were impressed with the Yelp Reviews and rating for this establishment and the fact that a few employees form the medical field highly recommend their coffee :) The basics: The business location was decent (near a veterinarian's office, a local restaurant, and Trader Joe's) with plenty of available parking and from the looks of the inside, it looks really clean. The staff (in the numerous occasions we came to place our order, we've seen the same 3 staff) were always courteous and friendly. Surprisingly, they were even open on Easter Sunday! The order: The usual order are Iced Soy Chai Latte with extra chai and Iced Dirty Chai with 2 or 3 shots (dependent on the day's mood). We tried the Azteca Mocha once or twice, but it didn't "hit the spot" so we stuck with what works. The Dirty Chai was delicious and refreshing; it reminded us of Philz back home and we are grateful for that. The Soy Chai Latte was creamy and has the right combination of spice. Thank you, Caffe Luce for providing us with the caffeine boost and yummy liquid gold during our months long stay here in Tucson... FYI - We have been here in the Tucson area since March and should be leaving soon. Since our stay, we have mostly been sheltering in place, but on occasion do place orders for pick up or to go. Of all the places we've been to, we have not been able to write a Yelp review until now; therefore, the numerous Yelp reviews written in the past few days is simply due to us being able to actually take the time to write them. This is not a fake account or review and we simply provide our reviews based on OUR experience and taste buds/preference (same as other Yelpers). So for those who address our reviews as "fake" (Teaholic), that is your opinion and are entitled to it. Obviously the other reviews we wrote while we're here in Tucson aren't all bad (low in number of stars). Take for example this review of Ni Hao, Caffe Luce, Beyond Bread, Back Dough, etc. read more

Caffe Luce came to be a part of my existence during a recent business meeting. After all, coffee is very important for so many reasons and I'm always up for trying a new coffee shop -- of which there are plenty in the Tucson area. This particular shop is rather cozy and non-descript, but it does have a pleasant atmosphere. I'd say it seats maybe around 20-25 people. I ordered a white chocolate mocha to drink while there and the mocha was so very smooth with only subtle chocolate flavors that were not overwhelming or too sweet. Although I do have a well-developed sweet tooth, I didn't mind the subtlety of the flavors of this mocha. Also, the counter staff were very friendly and helpful, with the hipster vibe going on, and all-in-all, I enjoyed my visit. read more

Caffe Luce - White chocolate mocha 16 oz. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Chose this place on a whim for coffee with a good friend before the holidays. I was pleased to find it warm and inviting with friendly staff. I had an iced tea which was very good. That's a high compliment coming from a Southerner. We take iced tea very seriously. My friend had a Chai Tea which she also enjoyed. I also appreciated the fact that you got one free refill on the iced tea. I'll certainly be back. read more

A lovely cafe with nice staff. Suitable for work and study. The music is terrible though. Please change it!

We found this place by chance since Maynard's espresso machine was down. Boy am I glad it was. This place is amazing. The staff are so friendly and helpful if you're not sure what you want. I tried the best dirty chai latte I've ever had. I'm from Los Angeles, land of coffee shops galore, so this really impressed me beyond words. My friends each had wonderfully rich and creamy lattes as well. The ambience is great whether you're there to chat or study. If I could give this place more starts I would! read more

YAHOO!! A coffee shop on the north end of town that doesn't start with an "S" and end with and "S" and it actually smells like coffee!!! I think I'm in LOVE! I just can't believe it took me so long to realize it was there. I go to Trader Joe's all the time, I just never round the corner. Duh! Now that I know it's here I'll be frequenting it more often. It was funny when I walked in, I felt like I had toilet paper hanging out of my pants. People wouldn't stop looking. I could tell immediately that I wasn't a regular...either that or I just disturbed their studying. I think every med student from UMC studies here. Every table was full with an Apple laptop and some type of medical book. The place is really cozy with warm, neutral colors which are always nice for a coffee house. I especially like the fact that they roast their own beans which come from their University location. I ordered an Iced Dirty Chai but in all honesty I wasn't overwhelmed. The Chai didn't have the normal spice that I've experienced at other places. Needless to say, I'll be back and order something else. Local roasting, locally owned on North end of town is top shelf in my book. I'm so so happy!! read more

I come in here almost every day. The staff is friendly, the bagels are the best, and the atmosphere is clean and calm. Ignore Kris D's review below. I was in the restaurant when I saw her throw a fit over cream cheese. It was pretty pathetic. A grown ass doesn't make the grown ass woman. read more

The coffee is good, but they don't have much in the way of food- just pastries that sell out by the afternoon. AND- if you want a refill on drip coffee, they charge you full price! The lack of food options and no-refill policy is really disappointing because it is an otherwise comfortable space- tables are large enough to spread out a bit, and they've set it up so that you have enough distance between you and the table next to you- it doesn't feel cramped like some other places. Locations are great- right on campus and by Trader Joe's on Campbell. read more

Great place for your morning coffee. I prefer having my coffee made there over buying by their beans. They always have a nice selection of pastries as well. Nice calm environment and always friendly service. read more

I've been here a handful of times, as well as the location on University. The best things about this place: 1. The coffee is yummy 2. It's local I will frequent this place simply because the location is good and it's not a chain, but the interior is sort of sterile the seating options don't make a lot of sense to me. Almost always every table for multiple people is taken up by a single person on their laptop. There is not a good place for 2 or more people to sit usually, nor a cozy spot for one. read more

This place is legit!! I must give credit where credit is due. Caffe Luce is owned by a master roaster. He's been in the biz since 92. He apparently knows how to pick his coffees and treat them properly. Kenya was one of the coffees of the day, for which I have extremely high expectations. This coffee should be tomato soupy: juicy, acidic, with a heavy body that coats your tongue with goodness. His roast profile allowed those qualities to shine though via the pour-over brewing method. A good Kenyan is not a cheap coffee, so paying $3.25 for a pour-over was on the low side. Good coffee is finally coming to Tucson, and it's starting with Yellow Brick Coffee and this place!!! read more

Fantastic espresso. I thank the gods [past, present, and future] that Luce has the good taste of maintaining a house espresso that's delicious as single-espresso shots or with milk. The coffee is stellar, but the pastries are a little lacking. Yes, one could suggest they get their pastries from a fresh baker, but then again, the focus is on the coffee, as it should be! In fact, I was about to give this place 4 stars (-1 for pastries), but the espresso is too damn good. I'm a huge fan of their 8oz cortado. Wifi is great, plenty of space to sit, and affable staff. Keep going! read more

Unwelcome. If you don't mind living your coffee break left with this feeling, this is for you! Good coffee. $0.25 discount on refills. Won't be back. read more

Right by Trader Joe's that I frequent 2 or three time a week, I have never noticed this place. I took my neighbor Wayne who had his toenail surgically removed and was Jone-zing for a 7 shot something or other that he gets only here. When we walked in the guy behind the counter was super friendly, and knew Wayne. I felt like was in an episode of Cheer's only with coffee, and nobody knew my name and people didn't talk, so not really like Cheers (never mind). The room was full of people not talking working on their computers, sitting alone (almost like one of my favorite Movies with Debra Kerr, Rita Hayworth and David Niven- Separate Tables a must see Debra Kerr movie). So in the end it was more like Separate Tables than Cheers, on the plus side was the coffee was good and it is right next to My Trader Joe's. The down side is the parking lot sucks. So if you need to go to Trader Joe's it's easy and maybe worth it, otherwise it's more difficult and there are other places that are easier to get to. read more

Giving Raging Sage a strong run for its money, the new Cafe Luce location at River/Campbell is a place to check out. Cafe Luce has opened in the strip shopping center anchored by Trader Joe's and Choice Greens. The coffee is fantastic. And the baked goods are pretty tasty, too. But they lack the creativity and freshness of Raging Sage. Coffee --- fresh, deliciously roasted and perfectly brewed. The folks working the machines know what they are doing, and it shows. This place is a 100 yards from Starbucks, and 100% better. Food -- 7/10. It's from a local bakery and there is a fine assortment of bagels, muffins and sweet breakfast pastries. But nothing really stands out. Ambiance -- There are a selection of tables and chairs, and the place sets up best for work/study/meeting. There are no big, comfortable chairs to relax and read in. But the layout is open and there is free wifi. The art is nice, too. So....this place goes into the top 3 places to get a coffee/coffee drink in town with Cartel and Raging Sage. The food is good, but not as high quality as the coffee. The employees are very nice and very good at their craft. read more

I hope this place does well at this location because the next closest coffee shop in any direction is Starbucks. Aside from the Trader Joe's and the parking lot for the Rilito River path, the strip mall Caffe Luce is in has little to offer. The coffee, however, is quite good, and if you don't like fancy espresso drinks with silly names you can actually get a cup of regular coffee there for a buck. The place looks nice but is a little too small and not cozy enough to be a hangout. Most of the seating area is taken up by lifeless souls staring into their laptops. How sad and depressing. They do, however, have art for sale on the wall by local artists, and a couple tables outside so you can stare at the locals parking their Priuses (Prii???) Screw the ambiance, just go for the coffee. Support local businesses. read more

Cappuccinos and lattes here are seriously the most amazing thing in a cup. I stop here all the time when im on this side of town!! Excellente!! read more

I only buy Luces espresso by the pound to use at home for my morning coffee. It is by far my favorite espresso In town and has an incredibly distinct flavor which I love. Cafe Luce is close to home and a place I meet friends here and there but we mostly sit outside. I think because of how small it is inside, and since most of their patrons are studying it makes it difficult to talk inside without being stared at or shushed. Overall I love their coffee and they have friendly staff who are well trained. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't get their coffee. God forbid! read more

I really love Caffe Luce and I'm so excited that they have opened up a second place around town. The University location is still more convenient for me since I'm pretty much on campus all day. Although the University location is bigger, it is nearly always packed, so it's nice having another location (that's close to my own place) to go pick up some coffee and get some work done, especially at night.. As always, Caffe Luce hits the spot with their expresso drinks. Their coffee of the day is delight too and only a buck plus one free refill! This location is great if those who want to avoid crowded coffee shops, but I personally like the hustle and bustle atmosphere at the University location. read more

Great espresso-based drinks! Caffe Luce is my coffee shop of choice in Tucson courtesy of their consistently great cappuccino's and lattes. In my experience there are three kinds of espresso: sour, bold, and Holy Grail. There's nothing worse than sour... NOTHING! And I apologize for even using the word in this review. I have only been to one coffee shop in all my life that nailed Holy Grail and it is 1000 miles away. Caffe Luce is borderline Holy Grail with a nice, round, pure coffee flavor - NOT bitter, NOT harsh, but everything coffee should be but often isn't. As a bonus they constantly turn over their drip coffee with something different each time I'm there as well as a great variety of coffee beans for purchase. To boot the people are extremely friendly, will engage you in chat, and make nice designs in the foam - what more could you ask for? read more