Lux Central

Lux Central is a rustic and aesthetically pleasing café and bakery offering a diverse, frequently updated menu complemented by a selection of coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails. With affordable pricing, early operating hours, and professional staff, it has established itself as a prominent fixture in Phoenix, potentially the premier café in the region in my opinion. Thank you for your authenticity and charming delight. I appreciate the reduced pricing on my Americano top-off refills. The little things always travel the furthest. Continue to lead the way.

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. Cool vibe overall, but the experience didn’t quite match the hype for me.

Admittedly I haven’t tried a ton of coffee shops n town, but this is definitely my favorite thus far. A true blue coffee haus w all the originality and quirkiness that makes for a welcome break from the other corporate ho-hum joints. Breakfast offerings are yummy as well… and the beans are top notch.

The best pastries and drinks here. Coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages are all amazing. Nice place to sit and meet new friends. A place for studying. A friendly atmosphere for all. Highly recommended. I have been to this place for years.

Been coming here for five years now and we still love it all so much! The vibe, the staff, the food, the cocktails…everything is amazing. Went again for dinner and it was so delicious. Sammy at the back bar gave us excellent service!

This is my favourite coffee shop, baked goods, bar, and food place around Phoenix. It’s always on my list to come hang out even if it’s for short time.

I really enjoyed the the vintage theme at this trendy cafe. The place makes a great late night hangout and feels a lot more social than most coffee shops. The food and service were both excellent. My herbal tea was served in a large elegant cup and was full of flavor. Lux Central has good selection of baked items. I tried a Russian tea cookie with my tea and it was everything I thought it could be. Smooth and nutty, fresh, crisp, and not too sweet.

The drink turned out great after they remade it, but when I told the barista the first one was too sweet, she seemed pretty annoyed and took the cup without saying anything. I even tried to apologize, but she just walked away and ignored me. On the bright side, the place is clean with lots of seating, so it’s still a nice spot to chill or get some work done.

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!

Busy cafe with fresh pastries. We usually sit at the counter where the pastry chefs are whipping up something delicious. I prefer their egg scrambles as a savory option. Croissants are to die for and their scones are a very close second best. Local neighborhood gem!

Stopped in yesterday morning before running a few errands. I chose a Carmel Macchiato with a shot of espresso and let me tell you it was so damn delicious. I hear that they roast their own beans. I also had a fresh pastry. Some kind of cheese danish with a few berries, perfect flavor and flakiness. Cost was reasonable. I got my stuff to go, but I noticed a nice seating area. It looked cozy and comfortable. Perfect coffee shop vibes. The staff were so friendly and personable. It was so good, I came back today for more. I see an addiction forming. I'd rather have this than Starbucks, Dunkin or Dutch Bros any day!

This place is a mixture of a coffee shop and haphazard restaurant. The tables are first come first serve. The music is really loud; I was surprised to see that people are able to work and study. Personally I felt that the food is overpriced for the quality of food. Service is done via the counter.

The vibe at Lux has an eclectic, lively energy, with a slightly loud ambiance enhanced by random music playing in the background. It's a great spot for good coffee, but the vegan scone fell short of expectations--it was just okay. The space itself features a unique aesthetic, with retro light fixtures and a mix of warm and industrial design elements. If you're looking for a vibrant place to grab coffee or enjoy a casual hangout, Lux fits the bill, but if you're craving a quiet atmosphere or standout vegan pastries, you might want to keep searching.

First off, this place feels like what a coffee shop should feel like, lots seating and tables for customers to sit at and plug n for the day. Next is the insane amount of pastries and coffee options, O -M-G. So many to choose from it's hard not go overboard. The service is excellent the baristas and kitchen is all open view and everyone listens attentively. This place is a breathe a fresh air without doing too much but being everything at the same time!

Up until today, I loved Lux for a great coffee, better pastries and a great place to read or have a conversation. Here I am having a great coffee, pastry but I can't hear a damn thing. Forget about reading or talking. Must be why no one is reading or talking - everyone is on phones. Not only is the music ridiculously loud but it sucks too! It isn'isn't a Friday night at The Club. It's 3:00 in the afternoon...maybe because it's Halloween? Don't know but chances are, I'm not coming back. I've aged out of Lux Central.

This is my favorite cappuccino place in town! Lux is the best coffee house in Phoenix/Az!!! The treats, muffins, croissants, the breakfasts all delicious! This morning was the first time I didn't feel welcome there. The counter help was not that friendly . No smile, not rude, but very matter of fact. (So like I said, not rude, but not making me feel like I want to come back either). Anyway, probably just an off day for the person helping me. 99.99999% of the time everyone is friendly and kind!!!! Of course I will be back, because I've been coming here for years and years and I do love it! I'm just saying if it's your first time here and someone isn't quite what you expecting at the counter, it isn't the norm! Come back!!

Came here on a Thursday night for drinks after dinner. What a cool spot! Super indie cafe that also serves alcohol. Lots of people reading and with their laptops out working. Like others have said, music is significantly loud and lighting is dim. Personally, I loved this especially since the music they were playing was great! We ordered at the counter and sat on the tables right across from the bar top. Once our order was ready, one of the bartenders brought the drinks out to us. I ordered the Lux margarita and it was absolutely FIRE. It also had me feeling GOOOOOOOD after so really no complaints here. Best/coolest place I went to while in Phoenix. Can't wait to go back!

I've been coming to Lux for over 7 years. Even now, living on the East Coast, it's on my short list of places to hang when I visit Phoenix. From the full service menu of food food, various pastries, coffee and tea galore, and even a bar, if you're feeling fancy, there is truly something for everyone! The outside is so unassuming, but the inside is an ever changing museum of local art, free post cards; vintage decor meets modern industrial. Multiple seating areas, including quiet study spaces provide more room than initially meets the eye. My one chief complaint is the singular bathroom, and the difficulty getting into and out of that area. That being said... My last visit found me satisfying my craving for the espresso chocolate bundt cake. I dont even care that much for chocolate cake, but this one?? Top 5 of ALL cakes I've had in my life, I think. Dense, rich chocolate bathed in creamy espresso frosting.. what more could you ask for?? A perfect velvet lattte topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

Although seating can be limited, Lux is worth a stop. Lux checks the boxes whether you're looking for Coffee or a Cocktail or a place to hang with friends or to study/work. You can look forward to a unique coffee shop vibe and a drink that won't disappoint.

Two of us stopped in for lunch on a Sunday. The space is unique and flows with a chill vibe. (with fun music playing) We ordered a few items, my choice was the BLT w greens. We also got some iced teas and a few pastries. The food was super vibrant and excellent in presentation. The iced teas come with a refill which was awesome on the way out, especially given the heat outside. We sat at a table near the prep area next to the kitchen and we had a pleasant conversation with one of the staff while she was making cookies. All the other staff we encountered were very polite and helpful.

The coolest coffee shop in central phoenix. I went there daily for years! Great coffee, pastry, people and music. A reading corner with good magazines and children'books, and a cocktail lounge in the late afternoon-evening. Parking and outdoor seating in the back. tell Jeff I sent you!‍Ava

Delicious coffee, friendly staff and good vibes. The cafe is very busy so finding a seat is hard but in my opinion that is a good reflection of the ambiance they give. Whether you want to chill and read a book, do a little work or grab a bite to eat they kind of have it all. 10/10 will be coming back

Nice coffee shop nearby Steele Indian School Park. The place was rather busy in Sunday afternoon, indicating this is a very popular location regardless a kind of hidden entrance. Without prior information it would, in fact, challenging to spot this corner. I very much like the unique style and interior, nothing to do with the rather sterile touch of the big chain coffee shops.

I had a wonderful first impression of Lux Central as I walked into to an artsy, unique coffee spot. As a designer, I loved the ambiance and quirkiness that really gave it a sense of place and set it apart from the chain coffeeshops littered across America. However, after enjoying the ambiance (apparently too much) my experience took a turn. Experience: Like others have mentioned in their reviews, the music is quite loud. This is not an ideal place to have a conversation or work if you are sensitive to noise. It's also apparently not a great place to put in your order, because I had to repeat myself a couple times to be heard. The coffee shop was bustling with people, which is usually a great sign. The seating is mostly shared tables, and since I was not in a group, I decided to sit at the bar style seating, as to not take up room while I focused on accomplishing a few things on my computer. After around an hour of me sitting there, an employee came up to me and asked if I was going to order an alcoholic beverage in a rushed manner (I had not been asked if I wanted to order something the entire time while I was sitting there minding my business.) I could read between the lines that he was actually asking me to move away from the bar. Respectfully, I said I would move to a table, although there were no signs stating I couldn't sit there with the coffee and pastry I had purchased and was still consuming. It wasn't a big deal and I relocated. However, I then noticed he only wanted me to move so his friends, who were sitting on chairs behind me, could move into my seat. They proceeded to sit in my old spot as soon as I got up, and chatted with the employee the rest of the time that I was at Lux Central. It rubbed me the wrong way that this employee had me move just so he could socialize while on the job, as if I was not also a paying customer. Additionally, I heard there was a cool room you could rent out and since I have an event coming up, I quickly poked my head in (it was kind of blocked off, but not completely out of the realm of possibility as it is right by the "speakeasy") and was immediately reprimanded by a different employee. He could've have calmly explained to me that it was being used as the employee room, but instead he had a rude / combative demeanor. Needless to say, I will not be hosting my event there. Food / Beverage: I ordered an iced latte, which was pretty standard. Not bad, but nothing to write home about. Also, I got some kind of a pastry-spinoff of an everything bagel, recommended to me by the man who took my order. It was admittedly not great- the breading definitely felt pre-packaged and the everything seasoning didn't stand out among the breading or cream cheese center. I would be open to trying some of the other pastries in the future, as they looked good- was just in a savory mood that day. In the future, I wouldn't mind picking up coffee to-go when I am in the area, so I can have minimal contact with the employees who proved to be unfriendly and uninviting.

Vibes are always on point. It's kind of pricey though... $10 for my dirty chai latte. That's cap. But love the crowd sitting and doing work here though. Much appreciated.

Just moved to Phoenix and I'm making my way through a coffee shop list. I understand why this was number 1 on the list. Coffee is great, staff is amazing and friendly. Bathrooms were spotless. I have been back twice so far. Luv it!

YOU CANT FILM HERE??? Let me talk to the owner!The only reason they get a three is the food and drinks. Also the chef was great too! As a new customer who traveled over 40 min to get here , a staff member made me feel VERY uncomfortable. I am a content creator who goes to local businesses all around the valley, to help promote their products, brand and/or experience . I have over 350,000 followers across my platforms and am a genuine page people go to for reviews. I am appalled to have been approached by An older gentleman employee telling me If I am going to film I need to get permission from people around me. First. He didn't even ask me what I was doing? If the owner asked me to come in and film,you would have now lost my business in that regard. It is all about the approach and there was no "hi how are you" There were a lot of stares and assumptions. You know what they say about making assumptions?? He proceeded to say i can film the pastries but if im going to film inside i need to get people's persimmons..lol this is a public space. No i don't ANYWAY. My camera was actually pointed towards me only. I also have an effect that blurs the back so it was focused on ME. Regardless , there was no need to even tell me that. If he would've just politely asked or even tried to start a conversation. It made me very uncomfortable and now I my review on Instagram and TikTok will be about my experience. The food was good. The chefs service was great! He brought me my food : . Everyone else seems like they'd rather be anywhere else and help anyone but me..lol It was a very unsettling first time. Mind you I spent over $30 in one sitting because i wanted to try some items.

LOVE their pastries! A blueberry scone with a vanilla latte are my favorite! There's normally always a long line but it goes by pretty fast. It's also a great spot to get some work done or study, unique furniture and lots of space.

Not open on Sundays... from out of town and made the extra effort to come to a place that wasn't open :(

Yummy coffee, cute vibes and friendly service. Would come back for sure. We got iced coffee and hot coffee and both were delicious.

Cutest and great coffee shop! Customer service is great, coffee is delicious, and food taste home made.

Honestly, I'm not sold the hype. As others have noted, music is loud, lighting is dim, and the atmosphere doesn't give me the family/kid-friendly vibe. It has this dark eccentricity, which furtherfore threw me off because it was a bright, sunny Sunday morning outside. Employees were nice, the actual cafe was clean and the line moved quickly ... but the strawberry shortcake cup I bought left a lot to be desired. It consisted of strawberries, pastry cream, and cake pieces. How hard could you mess that up right? Well, let's just say it made me wonder if it was made of week old leftover cake, as it was dry and harder than stale bread. No idea what happened but I hope I just got a one off. In the end, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit again. We will see.

Coffee shop playing Deftones ? LIT !! I got a vanilla latte with almond milk 10/10 Service and vibes are the best love meeting new people !!!

Ok when did NYC meet Phoenix! This location is a hidden gem. Parking lot in the back and when you walk in the vibe and music will make you feel like you're in a vintage basement. I got a matcha iced latte and a cookie. They have a full bar with alcohol drinks and actual food. The music is on point, r&b from 80- present. A great space for a hang up, getting work done. I wouldn't come here to make a phone call though. I can't wait to come back.

Splendid drink, earths bounty provides such a unique refreshment, I wish the bartender would wear a bag over his head.

Sammy in the Lux Saloon is truly a Gem! Every visit feels like catching up with an old friend, he truly embodies customer service while single handedly making some of the most delectable cocktails I've ever experienced. My friends and I will be frequenting this place for the rest of our tenure here in Phx and hopefully after on overnights ;) The music is a vibe, but sometimes a bit loud so bring noise cancellation devices if you plan on studying. The saloon is in the back and the furniture is super comfy for your hangouts and there's always cool movies on the projector. Friendly Skies! Your pilot pal(s) P.S. the kitchen makes a MEAN grilled cheese me tomato soup!!! Pro tip add pesto ;)

Ran in here for some coffee this morning. The man taking orders didn't greet me just said what can I get for you, which to me is ok, I understand coffee shops can be very busy, however I was the only person in line. He then proceeded to say "damn it smells like my grandma in here". That caught me off guard and thought maybe it's my perfume (which I sprayed about an hour prior) but disregarded it. When I went up to grab my coffee he had a face of disgust and complaining. That's when I felt absolutely awful, it was me and my perfume he was talking about. Even if I'm wrong, those comments and gestures are not ok in a place where you are assisting customers. I left this establishment feeling extremely self conscious about the way I smelled and with a knot in my throat, just awful. I will not be returning. I'm giving this 1 star because the coffee was decent.

Eric at LUX makes the BEST latte in town. Never disappoints! That deep rich perfectly creamy latte was perfection!

Love this cozy place. Perfect for slow mornings, excellent coffee and delicious omelette. Service was good.

Love this little hideaway Hard to find Not much parking Long lines Will go anytime I'm not in a rush

Happy to be back in Phoenix, and first coffee stop of the morning naturally was Lux Central. Friendly people, phenomenal coffee and food. The decor and lighting is one of the best around.

wtf. Beans went from like $14 to $24 a bag. Espresso went for $2.5 to $5. Not as good as cartel any longer and prices is what kept me coming back. Service has been downright hostile at times.

From the outside it's looks like it abandoned. It took courage to walk out and see if the abandoned building had people inside. Not ur traditional ordering. People talking and ignoring until we had to flag someone. It's nice for collage students. Maybe the other lux has nicer decor.

Honestly, LUX missed the mark for me. No signage outside, awkward seating, the coffee was okay and the pastry was a bit dry. The staff weren't that friendly, the woman taking my order rushed me through and the woman who took my cash didn't say a word. My order was $11.47 but on the receipt said $12 without my authority of rounding up or putting in a tip option. I was under impressed and probably won't be back.

Definitely a cute spot to come get some coffee or tea! The service is quick and the environment is super chill! Lots of great places to sit and hang out with some friends!

Lux is always such a vibe! Love the atmosphere. The coffee and food is always great! They do get busy and sometimes run out of seating so just be prepared to maybe take it to go! The staff is always so friendly, we love coming here!!

A Timeless Gem in the Heart of Phoenix and the OG of Central Phoenix's Third Spaces. Nestled in the bustling heart of Central Phoenix, Lux Central isn't just a cafe; it's a cultural landmark, the original third space where coffee, community, and creativity converge. As one of the pioneers in the local scene, Lux has set the bar high for all that followed, crafting a vibe that triumphs over the ultimate test: time. Walking into Lux Central, you're immediately embraced by an atmosphere that buzzes with the energy of ideas being born and connections being made. The space itself feels like a living part of the city's history, a cozy yet vibrant gathering place where students, professionals, and creatives come to refuel, both from the cups and the community. The coffee here does more than just wake you up; it inspires. Expertly roasted on-site, each brew serves as a testament to Lux Central's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. It's the fuel for long study sessions and startup dreams, a vital part of the daily grind for many in this neighborhood. But Lux Central offers more than just fantastic coffee. It's a place where the passage of time is marked by the deepening of community ties and the ongoing support of the community that has quite literally exploded since the early days. Here, the walls are lined with local art, and the air is filled with a playlist as eclectic as its patrons. In an era where authentic experiences are cherished more than ever, Lux Central stands out as a true original. It's a place that has not only witnessed the evolution of Central Phoenix but has actively shaped it. Whether you're drafting the next great American novel or meeting friends over a meticulously crafted cocktail, you'd be hard pressed to find a better hangout than here. To anyone who hasn't experienced the magic of Lux Central, drop by and feel the pulse of Phoenix. You'll find more than just a coffee shop; you'll discover a cornerstone that continues to inspire and connect people, standing steadfast as a beacon of culture and comfort in our ever-changing world. Just my two cents from an almost-40-something who's clocked as many years hanging out here off and on as there are goodies in a bakers dozen tho!

We were in town, with a hotel that didn't offer breakfast, so we had to venture out and find a place to eat before continuing on our little road trip. We settled on Lux Central and had absolutely zero regrets about getting that cheap hotel! My husband is a zombie until he gets his coffee, and was delighted upon his first sip. We also got some treats for the road, and we especially loved the quiches. It was really cool seeking the staff fresh making all of the food right in front of you. There were so many other treats that we wanted to try. The locale itself is pretty happening! We got there relatively early and there were a lot of people already settled in there, especially for how large of a footprint the coffee shop occupies. It's a really cool and inviting atmosphere. Overall, great experience, great food, and great coffee according to my husband. We'd love to come back!

Checked out this little place ... it's small but very cute. Lots of students working on their lap tops. Not a lot of space to sit. But it looked like a cozy place to just hang out, do some work, or just catch up with friends. The service was good. Some were ok others were very nice. Ok the food... Wow! I had the grilled cheese supreme... did I say WOW! You have to try it. I also had the hibiscus tea, so refreshing. I say a young lady having a espresso martini!! What the heck is that?? Not sure but it looked amazing. So bottom line is, I will be back. Need to try this out again

The variety of pastries available at this establishment is truly impressive. I savored the flavorful biscuits and gravy paired with two perfectly cooked eggs. Additionally, the peach cobbler cake I took to enjoy later was exceptionally tasty. I am eager to return and explore more options from their menu, perhaps discovering another delightful pastry to bring home.

Originally from AZ but live in LA now. I get to travel back and forth a lot for work and family engagements. Lux is still my favorite coffee shop in my small wide world. Coffee is outstanding, baked goods are top notch, their savory pastries always amaze me! This place is an experience for sure and it's always my favorite experience!

When you first walk in it can be a little overwhelming. It is not sensory or autism friendly there is a lot of noise and decorations that make it overstimulating very quickly. I heard the food was expensive but all I bought was coffee and vegged out for a bit. They offer free refills by the way! I like the sense of community that this place can foster as there is limited seating and sometimes you have to share a space with a stranger. The bar looks like it has delicious drinks that I would be interested in trying sometime!

Coffee shop, bar and pastry and baked goods shop lots of delicious bites. Stay for the ambiance! Great place to work, good lighting, with lots of cool couches and chairs to sit and work. The staffs always attentive and in a great mood!

This place is incredible! My wife took me here and we sat near the bar and had the pleasure of watching the employees make cookies. They were so sweet, we had a great conversation and they made sure we got drinks whenever we needed them. The cookies are to die for and the Mac & Cheese was other worldly. As far as the ambiance it has that typical coffee shop feel, lots of people studying or hanging out with friends. I really love this place and can't wait to come back!

This place is much different than I remember it. I went to go work one Sunday afternoon and the music was raging loud like I was at a disco with Spanish music. I love Spanish much. And Iove raging, but just not while I'm trying to work at 2pm on a Sunday at a coffee shop. Or what I thought was once a coffee shop. I was bummed about my long drive there and back home to just add to my long night of working on a Sunday.

The food and drinks here are really good. I usually order a latte and quiche. I do think they over charge for their lattes and the music is too loud to do any kind of work or even have a conversation sometimes. It's a popular place tho and always has many people inside.

This is a cool place to hang with friends and grab some food! Lux is located on Central Avenue next to Pane Blanco, and parking is available in a small lot (spots fill up fast!) and along the street. The interior of the shop is a little chaotic -- it can get pretty busy at lunchtime and there's usually a lot of people weaving through. Despite the bustling activity, you can usually find seating in a couch, chair, or at the bar. Free wifi is also available! I ordered an arugula salad and a lavender latte with oat milk, both of which came out promptly! I loved the salad, as it had great flavor with the combination of lemon, feta, and vegetables, and I would definitely order it again. The latte was good as well, though I wish the flavor of lavender was a bit stronger. My only critique is that it can get pretty loud inside the cafe with the music and people's conversations, so it's probably not the best place to get some work done quietly. If you don't mind that, it's a great place to grab lunch or a casual dinner!