The caramel latte was sooo good! I definitely recommend pairing it with the Dutch pancake. They go perfectly together.

If I could give a place 10*s, Lux has more than earned the title. Cool space coffee shops are definitely a thing in Phoenix lately--but Lux was the "design-genius-with-a-latte-machine" long before coffee shops were even a thing here. I've been frequenting this architectural marvel for over 10 years. While so many new shops try to mimic this vibe, none of them are Lux. Lux is King! The 11-Year Flashback: I looked back at my review from 11 years ago when I docked them a star for the "nightmare parking." Back then, I was a "to-go" only person who never envisioned myself as a laptop-hipster hanging out. Well, times change! I'm bumping them up to 5 stars now. Maybe it's the new competition nearby or my better timing, but the parking is a breeze, and I've officially embraced the "comfy chair" lifestyle. The "Cheers" Factor: What really sets this place apart is the people. After a decade of visits, it truly feels like Cheers--where everybody knows my name! Getting to know the folks behind the counter makes every visit feel like coming home. The Sip of the Night: I shifted from my usual plain Cappuccino as my target drink to include in a review to feature their Espresso Martini. I went with a Reposado base instead of the typical vodka, and it was stellar. With two full bars in addition to the coffee and pastry bar, craft drinks truly abound here! (Note: they have an amazing cappuccino too) The Comfort Classics: You cannot leave without the food. My go-to favorites? The Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese and the legendary Chocolate Chip or Red Velvet cookies. Return Factor: 100% I've been coming here for a decade, and it's still the gold standard. As I said in my review 11 years ago: "I see a book, comfy chair and cocktail in my future! Stumble home... Repeat." Still true today! #PHXCoffeeShopTour #1CupAtATime #LuxCentral #PhoenixOriginal #EspressoMartini #FlashbackReview read more

Lux Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I ordered an infinitesimally small matcha latte and the cost was $8.99 I understand inflation, but this is insane compared to the price of a reasonably sized matcha latte at comparable establishments. I clarified the price and apparently that's accurate pricing. My guess is a large matcha latte must be about $20.00 at this rate. read more

Lux Central - A super small yet hugely pricy matcha latter. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Coffee is spectacular no complaints here besides it being a lil expensive. The shop is also a great vibe feels very hidden and secluded, music is great and seating is eclectic but there's enough of it. The baristas lowkey always look at you kinda weird no matter what you order. read more

What an mazing find. Food, liquor, coffee, and baked goods in one spot. I wish I found this place way before now. Awesome eclectic aesthetic and great service to match. The mocha latte I ordered had outstanding flavor. read more

Lux Central - Lounge - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Okay Lux Central is not just a coffee shop -- it's an experience. From the outside you'd never know what's happening inside. No obvious signage, just this understated entrance that leads you into what feels like a creative maze. Every time I thought I'd reached the end, there was another room, another vibe, another cozy corner. And yes -- there's even a tucked-away speakeasy-style bar hidden deep in the back that you'd completely miss if you were just grabbing coffee to-go. The aesthetic is effortlessly cool: exposed wood beams, oversized glass pendant lights, open kitchen energy, eclectic art, sticker-covered doors, even a vintage red typewriter casually part of the décor. I loved that they had free postcards scattered around (super cute touch) and these giant bowls of fresh produce -- avocados, jalapeños, pears, bananas -- almost like edible art pieces that add to the whole vibe. The pastry case was stacked, including solid vegan options, my latte had beautiful foam art, and the matcha was smooth without being overly sweet. The crowd was such a mix -- students on laptops, creatives, business folks, locals hanging out -- packed but still relaxed. Indoor, outdoor, open late, food all day... definitely one of those places you stop in for coffee and end up staying way longer than planned. read more

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There was a lot of seating in here. It was also loud and crowded for a week night. Cookies were ok. Cappuccino wasn't anything special. I'm a bit of coffee connoisseur and the menu was underwhelming. Parking was annoying and it was hard to get to. I came to play chess (note to guys: don't play competitive chess on a date. It's never a good idea). read more

This was my first time trying Lux, and it gives classic Phoenix vibes. It's rustic, a little alternative, and busy. The inside of the cafe has lots of seating but does feel tight. There are a lot of drink and food options, and several people doing work on their laptops. It wasn't the quietest, but could be a good place to work with others or alone. read more

Lux Central - Caramel macchiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

There is no other way to describe Lux as the ultimate hipster place to hang. Absolutely cool eclectic furnishings, incredible food and pastries, great bar selection, and the coffee is incredible. If you love coffee shops by day and drinks by night, this is a must place to visit read more

I went here on a date with a new fella I know, I know most people don't like coffee dates, I love them when first getting to know someone, it's not a long time commitment just in case lol.anyway the place is cute and very on par for the neighborhood. If you drive by too fast you might miss it... spoiler alert I totally missed it at first lol. I do love that parking is a breeze. I did not love the seating when I first got there. We actually moved around seats a bit to find a space that would give us time to chat while we sipped. After finding a groovy little spot by the bar, the seating isn't all that bad. Pro tip they have a little lounge area also in the back behind the bathrooms, so don't forget to check it out. We had the friendliest hostess and mixologist, we started with coffee but as the conversation kept flowing we decided to grab a cocktail. Out seating was perfect as we watched her make our drinks. The afternoon was going well so we decided to order a late lunch. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup, it was delicious, the soup was flavorful and the bread for the sandwich was toasted and had great flavor too it. My companion got the BLT and salad. He enjoyed the salad, and said the sandwich was good. Good comfort meal in my opinion. I did mention that I would return as a work from homer I love finding little coffee shops that can make shift as a change of scenery with delicious coffee, when I come back I'm definitely trying the pastries which looked delicious!!!! read more

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Stopped by with friends on Sunday and whoa was this place super busy! We stood in line to order and thankfully it moved pretty quick. I ordered an iced vanilla chai latte and a salted chocolate chip cookie. Waited a few minutes and my names was called out when my drink was ready. There was no where available to sit inside so we went out to the patio area. The patio are had a few small tables and chairs. My iced vanilla chai was yummy and so was the cookie. The cookie was baked perfectly and it was soft. The employees we interacted with were friendly. The outside tables did have a bunch of dirty plates and cups so it seemed as if no one had come out to clean it up. read more

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This place serves an amazing Espresso Martini! It's probably one of the best I've had in Phoenix. Highly recommend. read more

Lux Central - Espresso martini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

There are days when I really miss NYC and this coffee shop comes close to the ones I like in NYC. I came in here this afternoon to get some work done and have always enjoyed my experience here. They don't have matcha on their menu, but seems like everyone was ordering matcha lol. I ordered a large iced matcha oat latte with lavender. Pretty good drink! This place has a lot of people working here, and some people are drinking alcohol while working too. I also discovered a back room past the bathroom where there is another bar and a room that has a big TV and I spied soccer on the screen! Sweet! The decor in here is fun and the music is always good in here. Great vibe and a fun place to hang out. They have lots of pastries on display but I didnt get any. They also have a full menu too, so maybe next time I'll come for some food too! This is probably one of the top 10 coffee bars in Phoenic for me! And I love that they stay open later than most coffee bars in town, no 2pm closing, thanks Lux!! I'll definitely be back again soon! The parking lot is tight but plenty of parking on the street and Pane Bianco's lot was empty and since they're closed, I'll just park over next time when I come thru. read more

Lux Central - The vibe - love the pink! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This place has the best pastries and coffees Ir's a chill place to hang out at while working too!

This place is one of my favorite spots in Phoenix. I always come here when I'm around for a coffee and a pastry, and honestly anything you try here is good. Their Mac n' Cheese is one of the best but I definitely recommend dine-in, since it's prepared differently when ordered to go. This place never disappoints! read more

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I loved the ambiance of the different rooms. The coffee, food, and drinks were on point. It is a dope place to hang out with friends, enjoy a good book, or do homework/personal work at the communal tables. Service is great, people who enjoy their jobs give great service... imagine that. I hope the owners make great money, and give phenomenal bonuses!!! Why not 5 stars? Music is quite loud. I can hear it through my noise canceling headphones. It makes everyone speak loud as well. read more

I don't normally leave reviews but I have to first off say that the service here is terrible. The first time I came, I thought maybe the person taking my order was just having a bad day. Which is totally fine. But after coming multiple times, it seems like every time I come in I am somehow inconveniencing the staff. When I ask simple questions about my food allergies, such as, "Does x dish have x allergen?" the staff seems either confused or inconvenienced. I keep coming back because I adore the ambiance and I love getting work done here on late nights. However, it's almost impossible to drown out the extremely loud music with headphones when trying to get work done. It's hard to even hear the person in front of me if I come here on a date night. For a place that so many people come to in order to get work done, you'd think the music wouldn't be so loud. And finally, I'm slightly concerned about the bathroom situation. The aesthetic of it is super sick and not at all the issue. The issue I do have is the fact that there is no roller for toilet paper and I have to pick up the entire roll with my hand in order to rip off the amount that I need. Thinking about how many OTHER people have also had to pick up that roll of toilet paper and then proceed to wipe themselves makes me wildly uncomfortable. It is extremely unsanitary and makes me question the hygiene habits of this location. Overall, I would still recommend checking this place out because of the aesthetics and food/drink options, but I am slightly disappointed by the lack of consideration for guests. read more

Lux Central - no toilet paper roller - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I circled the building twice in an effort to make sure I was at the right place. Lux Central is quite the unassuming spot, with the most eclectic interior, and vibe to match! I won't lie to you, I was a wee bit skeddd to even get out of my car because the area looks just a tad sketchy. Being super cautious in an area I am unfamiliar with, I quickly checked the outside pics of the establishment on the Yelp app. Once I confirmed I was at the right spot, I made my way to the front doors. WOW!! When I walked in, it was buzzing with college students whose faces were covered by their laptops, young families, and groups of friends. The seating inside is as vibrant and varied as the way you order your food and drinks here. They have tables and chairs in different areas, and a small bar top area that faces the abundance of pastries. Turn the right corner and you'll find the alcoholic beverage bar, with seating in front of it, but at a regular level (not bar height, strange, but interesting). There were more chairs and tables back there filled with people. I did not realize there was another small bar area in the back, once you walk through the skinny hallway. That was a cool spot, but every seat was taken in there, too. My friend and I had dinner here, and coincidentally, we ordered the same thing! The Pesto Mac and Cheese with Fontina and Chicken was about the only thing that sounded good to me as I perused the dinner menu. The presentation was very unique! It's served in a big cappuccino mug, and as appetizing as it looked, I barely ate half!! It was filling and the flavor was just right. I normally stray from chicken, but this dish had good size chunks of it and it wasn't dried out like I've had at other places. I had to doggy bag the leftovers because the lil piggy in me had to have one of their desserts. I ended up with the Espresso Chocolate Bundt Cake. It's a huge portion, and the frosting is to die for! I'm still currently being nice to my liver, so I opted for a mocktail. The Blueberry drink was delivered to me from the bartender himself, and it was everything I wanted since they didn't have any pineapple or mango. =/ Later, I ordered a Hazelnut Latte with Oatmilk to go with the cake. It was perfect! Ordering in here is a bit of an odd experience, but it's not rocket science. Place your food/non-alcoholic bevvie order with the cashier near the pastry case, and you can open a tab (in case you want to order any alcoholic drinks). If you want an alcohol anything, you'll need to walk over to the bar and tell the bartender what you want. When you're done eating and drinking everything, you pay at the register. Be sure to pay attention because they will call your name when your food is ready. I almost didn't hear my name because the noise level in here is high. Grab your food from the table in front of the register and you're good to go. Prices are average here, portions are generous and the service rocks! Although parking can be tight, you should not have an issue. One day I'll come back here just to try their humongous cinnamon roll!! read more

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I stopped by Lux Central on a Wednesday for dinner at 6:00 p.m. While my GPS was accurate, when I arrived at the parking lot, I wasn't sure if I was at the right spot because the signage wasn't clear. So, if you see a gray building, you're at the right place. The parking lot was almost full, but I found a spot. They also have a secondary lot adjacent to the coffee shop/bar/restaurant. Service (2.5/5): We sat at some bar stool seating close to where all of the pastries are. And you have quite the selection of areas to sit. There is comfortable seating, table seating, and bar seating in addition to where we sat. If you're doing both food and drinks, you order food and non-alcoholic beverages at one counter and alcoholic drinks at another counter. If you order an adult beverage, they will add it to your tab. They call your name when your food or non-alcoholic beverages are ready, and they bring your cocktails to your table. A bit of a confusing system until you learn the lay of the land. Ambiance (3/5): I would describe Lux Central as a bit hipster. It's a vibe, and my favorite area is the somewhat hidden second bar area. To get there, you have to walk through most of the property to find it. The exterior of Lux isn't that great, but it's better on the inside. Drinks (4/5): Lux has a nice selection of craft cocktails. I tried two of them and they were each $12. The prices weren't listed on the menu, which is a pet peeve of mine so I had to ask the bartender. He told me the cocktails range from $12-$18 depending on what you get. The cocktails were well-made, and I appreciated the creativity of the flavor profiles. Well done. And if you're a coffee drinker, you have plenty of options there, too. Food (4/5): For a coffee shop, I was impressed that Lux has real food that goes beyond sandwiches and light fare. I went with the pesto mac & cheese and fontina with chicken. First off, A+ on the presentation. It's served in a large cappuccino cup. With the melted cheese, it looks like a beverage instead of food. To the point that I thought they got my order wrong at first. And it tasted as good as it looked. The chicken was juicy. The pesto was a nice twist to a classic dish. And the fontina was also a nice addition to the mac & cheese blend. The kind of dish I would get over and over again. I also had the strawberry pound cake. With two good-size slices of pound cake, slathered with cream and strawberries, I ate half and took the rest home. Light and fluffy as I had hoped. Whether you're trying to study, work, knock back some drinks, or have some food, all can be done at a high level here. read more

Lux Central - Pesto mac and cheese and fontina with chicken and a red pine. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Parking here is a bit of a hassle--it's pretty limited and the place is really popular, so finding a spot can be tough. The line is usually long, and the menu isn't visible until you get to the front, which makes it hard to decide what you want ahead of time. I ordered the egg sandwich and an iced Americano. The sandwich was $9, which felt steep considering how small and simple it was. The total came to over $15 (not including tip), which made this a pretty pricey breakfast. The food also took quite a while to come out, even though it didn't seem like many people were ordering meals. read more

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Been coming here for YEARS!! From a study spot as a teen, date nights, a quick coffee & pastry pick me up, Lux fits the vibe for anything with their quirky eclectic ambiance. Just a classic MUST GO to central Phoenix establishment. Sweets & food are always house made & a knock out no matter what you try. Any one of their friendly talkative bartenders will make you a standout drink, whether it's on the menu or with creative liberties. Do yourself a favor & get the house made whip with your coffee. Cheers ! read more

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We couldn't find any available seating inside so we sat outside on the patio since this place was very busy. The workers were quick to take our orders and they seemed nice. We ordered some cookies and drinks. All cookies were yummy but some of the drinks we got were not. read more

Lux Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Probably one of the coolest coffee spots I have been to in a long time. The sentiment isn't even about the coffee itself but more so the whole vibe of the joint. I met up with a close friend and just walking in, it felt like you weren't in Phoenix anymore. I've traveled all across the country and other countries and this place has such a great, warm feeling. The decor is nice and the people that were there were super friendly. The iced mocha I had was really good; just the right about of sweetness. I highly recommend this place. read more

Unfortunately don't think i'll be revisiting. Parking was a bit of a hassle, I got lucky and found a spot in the back lot. The space is actually pretty big, but it's busy more often than not, so it can be hard to find a spot. Not the best place to hangout and have a convo with friends because it can get busy/cramped/loud. May be a nice space for a solo-working date. The food wasn't spectacular and my matcha latte was disappointing. There are some shops I visit and don't expect a super authentic ceremonial matcha latte because it's just not their vibe. The matcha latte here was quite disappointing unfortunately. My friend ordered the cappuccino but made no comment, so unsure if the coffee is worth going back to try. read more

Lux Central - matcha latte and coffee cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Food: 3/5 Everything Bagel Kolache: 3/5 This was average. While it was tasty, it doesn't stand out as a pastry I would get again.. Service: 3/5 I wanted to order actual breakfast or lunch dishes, however I was in between the breakfast and lunch hour and they told me I would have to wait. I didn't want to wait and only tried the pastries. This was disappointing since it was only a few minutes past the end of breakfast hour. Ambiance: 4/5 The cafe was busy and bustling. It was accommodating to my dog. He sat in the counter with me. Overall, I would like to return at the right hours and order their breakfast or lunch dishes. read more

This place is always very busy, but I do love their drinks and food. There is a parking lot, but at peak hours it'll probably be full. Theres usually a line to order, but everyone working makes an effort to move through it quickly! Seating inside the cafe is also limited depending on the time of day, but there are various couches and tables. On this visit I ordered their house chai tea latte which was good, and one of their oatmeal cream pies. The barista even threw in an extra one because she said they had been a bit burnt when they were made. A staple cafe in the valley, I do recommend checking this place out! read more

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Very busy and chaotic but I'm a good way! Staff are very nice. The space is small and busy. Lots of items so you are sure to find something you like. I got my son Nutella knot and he tore it up! I also got an oatmeal cream pie. It was okay, but the cream in the middle was oily and very very sweet. I also got an iced chai latte which was good. Nothing special, but good! read more

Lux Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I ordered one Mac n Cheese and another Jalapeño Mac and Cheese. They did not give me the Jalapeño Mac and cheese they gave me two regulars. I also tried calling multiple times and no answer. I would like a refund or for them to redo the order. The receipt shows Mac and Cheese and the Jalapeño Mac and Cheese, but still got the wrong order. When the cook brought the order, I asked if all items were correct and cook said yes. read more

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Great stop in Phoenix to grab coffee, work and mingle! Super energized every time I'm here, long community tables, and upbeat. I ordered a double shot over ice with chocolate sauce on the side and the espresso did not disappoint. read more

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Super popular and very welcoming place that is a victim of its success, often crowded to the point of not being able to get a seat and the wait for the register and then again to get your order tend to run long. Despite this, everyone seems to love the place and it's a bit of a scene - for singles as well as first dates. I definitely recommend checking it out. read more

Let me start by saying get your food to go it's so good the pastries are amazing the coffee is good but I'm not like OMG I NEED IT (you know) also I want to say I usually disregard reviews that talk about service so if you do so with mine that's okay but the service was absolutely atrocious it's giving LA or MIAMI or NYC vibes where it's a honor to even be here like babe we're in phoenix AZ you need to chill out. the girl we ordered from acted like we were the biggest burden to walk this earth she had a frown. Not a rbf. A FROWN and I know it's a frown because when a random customer came and gave her something a smile came up so fast on her face and then she turned back to us and it sank back down. It was constantly "what do you want" "is that it" "anything else" and we literally spend like 45-50 dollars Food we had: we had the scramble the breakfast sandwich a coffee, a chai, and two pastries. There was one person behind us in line it wasn't like we held up the line in anyway. I'm sad I liked this place I had been before but she made us feel so unwelcome that I don't think I want to go back. Once again food and pastries were awesome just not worth being treated so cruelly. read more

The Velvet coffee here will always be one of my favorites. The pastries are a plus, I like trying different ones and so far have not been disappointed. I make quit stops before work and the wait is never too long which is perfect. The service is usually pretty good. read more

Lux Central - Iced velvet with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is a cute place to come and get some yummy food or drinks and work for a bit. They do play music and there's a lot of conversation so it's not quiet but they have a lot of comfy seating and overall is a nice little coffee shop! read more

Lux Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great cafe with great food and pastry selections! Service is friendly and laid back vibes during the day to get work done or catch up with friends. read more

Lux Central - Back room - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The last time I reviewed this place was years ago & who knows if the algorithm still shows it. I've lived here 48 years and not far from Lux so I've come in like a regular in waves across a couple decades maybe. The food is phenomenal. They care about where they source the food from. What this looks like compared to run-of-the-mill places: think thick slices of toasted sourdough, handmade dense whipped cream on the lattes, melty cheese & warm tomatoes on the sandwiches - not some thoughtless assemblage of ingredients thrown together. Bread is from bread works in Prescott. This place is a community staple. They are always open for holidays, when many people may not have anywhere else to go for a Thanksgiving dinner. The people who work here are authentic, top-notch folks. Friendly from within, and they present with no artifice. This means from a customer experience, you'll be able to see that no one is pressed to fake smile at you. For me, this is nice. There's no sense the staff is all stressed out and needing to put on a show. There's no desperation for your approval and big tips, there's just a solid desire to do things right. This establishment aims to host a good environment that welcomes everyone who's peaceful. That said, if other places you go have conditioned you to feel entitled to everyone at establishments being obsequious towards you, don't expect that or be taken aback. If you are used to this and come in here, maybe you'll learn that's not necessarily an optimal experience. The guy who runs the place is rad. He wants everyone to have a sense of belonging and to feel the love. His business doing this has enabled him to do that whole "be the change you want to see in the world" at his career. There's a sizable & aspirational form of wealth in having built that sort of life & business. In this way, beyond the ridonkulously good bacon, egg, tomato & cheese sandwiches (I recommend you add sliced jalapeños & mashed avocado to these), this place is a successful creative venture. If I'm feeling despair from from doom scrolling, I can wander in here for an example of how not everything is bad and there is community and love available in the present. We all can contribute in our own small ways to a world closer to what we'd like to see. I've brought my out-of-town cousin & friends here and everyone loves it. There's a mix of vintage furniture, sofas and side chairs to conversation-pit in, two-seater corners, Eames era fiberglass chairs in color coordinated areas, and community tables where you can sit with (gasp!) randoms. As a kid, I never thought I'd stay in Phoenix through my life. But I've traveled around and never have found places like we have here. Delicious, well-considered food, art, and vibe. Long-time staff. No "valet parking only," no virtual car show parking lots like in Arcadia, no signs like in the parking lot at Hillstone (a "Porsche parking only" parking spot) and that's cool. This city has room for all types. I come here frequently on weekday mornings with my husband, along with some other local places for morning caffeinating. I love that they have breakfast and lunch. The burgers are phenomenal. read more

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An amazing spot to get a delicious coffee and breakfast on my bday weekend :) everything was enjoyable . We got there early and they had plenty of pastries and brekkie items available . Literally everything looked delicious . Tried a vanilla latte which was stellar as well ! read more

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This is a super unique and eclectic coffee shop that has a few different rooms with various seating options and fun light fixtures! I've gotten coffee and tea here on different occasions and enjoyed both. I haven't tried their food but the dessert selection looked pretty good. There's a parking lot behind the coffee shop that usually has a spot open. The entrance to the coffee shop is in the back and it doesn't have a sign so it can be a little confusing. The service is average. I love how late Lux is open but it does get busy! read more

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Used to love Lux, but $9.50 for a medium vanilla latte with oat milk?? I honestly thought it had to be wrong, especially since I wasn't shown the total before paying. I went back to ask and was told oat milk alone is a $1.50 upcharge. I totally understand price increases, but not seeing the price beforehand made the whole thing feel a little off and definitely caught me by surprise... read more

I'm an artist and I needed a space to host a paint and dine for 2 of my clients. My company is Paint Xpressions (602) 492-1484. The whole team from managers to servers as well as bar tenders were amazing. Very accommodating. Hosted a romantic paint and dine there for clients and the staff went above and beyond to help my vision come to life. read more

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I came here to get some work done on my laptop and really enjoyed the vibe. Is it loud? yes, but it's definitely a good social and workplace spot if you bring some noise canceling headphones! Not to mention the aroma of all the fresh baked goodies filled the space and was heavenly. There are a limited amount of places to charge stuff which is a little disappointing but otherwise it was still a good spot. I will be back! read more

Lux Central - Bar seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona