Lux

4.0 star rating
359 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

4402 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 696-9976
Hours:

Mon-Sun 7 am - 10 pm

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Private Lot
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"More Vegan baked goods would make me smile." (in 35 reviews)
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"...buy an americano, and grab a sandwich from Pane Bianco." (in 22 reviews)
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"I am a hot chocolate and whipped cream afficionado." (in 23 reviews)
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359 reviews in English

  • Review from Erick P.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Another gem in this concrete desert-within-a-desert. Trumps Lola on seating/chilling space, although the coffee is not clearly better (or worse).

    P.S. (to the management): I'm not sure that the coffee bar is the best place for having emotionally charged job-performance conversations with your employees. Not that it really bothered me personally, I just felt bad for the dude getting called out in public.

  • Review from Danny S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Phoenix, AZ

    1.0 star rating
    2/11/2012

    I wish they didn't store the produce next to the toilet. Serving food requires that you pay attention to things like this

    Here is a drinking game that is guaranteed to NOT get you drunk. Have a shot each time you see a barista, cook, waitress or bartender wash their hands. Take an extra shot if they dry them on something other than their shirt.

    You will never get drunk playing this game.

  • Review from Barnabas L.

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    iced dirty chai, comes out to 5 dollars even (medium size). It was good, i think i read that they make the chai by scratch, so no concentrate. thats a bonus. I really like this place, but its a little far to be my local coffee shop. I really like the decor (not sure what it would be called), but the place is a little confusing at first. I saw the sign/billboard, but only saw the italian restaurant. Thankfully i wandered the correct direction. I walked in and the entrance is actually the side of the shop (if there is another oops). i was a little confused but made my way through, knowing i was in the correct location because everyone had coffee cups, iced and hot. I found the "menu" on a glass written with liquid chalk (love it). and pastries all over!

    The pastry choices were plentiful, finding where to order a little difficult, because it looked like it was part of the pastry "display table". i'd come back i like the atmosphere a lot + it's next to slippery pig bike shop!

  • Review from Rebecca R.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/8/2012

    I went back to Lux the other day and sat at the bar. I told the bartender I didn't want soda and I didn't want alcohol. He made me this amazing concoction of lemonade, a fresh lemon, cherry flavoring, and fresh mint. It was delicious! I told him he should put it on the menu. You should go order one so he will actually do it.

    Also the fact that I was doing my college homework at a bar made me laugh, but they said they're used to it and all the med students come there to do homework and drink.

    Listed in: The ideal afternoon in Central…

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      12/23/2011

      Let me preface this review by saying that I am not a coffee person. I would like to be a coffee… Read more »

  • Review from Jeff M.

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/11/2012 3 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    The best coffee cafe I've ever been to, ever.  I love this place.  The decor and ambiance is top notch.  The food is good and breakfast comes out quickly.  All the different areas are unique and one has a projection screen.  Fresh squeezed juice is a nice touch.  Serves alcohol.  I could go on and on and on but I'd give Lux six stars if I could; and this is saying a lot considering that I have an east coast bias.  Lux would kick the ass of any of the hipster coffee shops in Manhattan or Williamsburg any day.

  • Review from Justin S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Scottsdale, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    Depends what you're looking for, but Lux is killing it.  They attract alot of people!  Coffee is good.  Its a little busy for me... food, pastries, wine, beer, big screen tv.  Not really my ideal coffee shop.  However, the patio SUCKS. Its pitiful, and a bummer when the weather is nice.

  • Review from Brittany B.

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    • 4 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2012

    I've been going to Lux for years.  It's always been #1.  It is terrrribly, painfully hip, but somehow it isn't uncomfortable there, and there really isn't a snide vibe that I have detected in my billion visits (oh and I would have).  I stopped going for a while prior to the big move because it was constantly packed, with lines out the door and internet speed that was reminiscent of mid-90s dial-up.  I rediscovered how much I liked making french-pressed coffee at home.

    I've been around, coffee-wise, and Lux is always the best.  In fact, I'm so used to Lux, that when I get a crappy drink somewhere else, I assume that something out of the ordinary has happened, because it is so bad.  Repeat visits to offending spots (Lola, Lucy's) has confirmed that, no, they didn't make a mistake - they just suck.  Also, Lux's whipped cream is TO DIE.  I don't even like whipped cream, but you should see what happens when they forget to add it.

  • Review from Jacki J.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Chandler, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    2/7/2012

    The best feature about Lux is the ambiance, 'feels like home".  On my first visit to Lux I had a Velvet, I drank that one and ordered one to go!!!!  Been drinking them ever since.  The baked goods are amazing.  I have never had a meal that I did not enjoy!!!

  • Review from Cade F.

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    • 74 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    These reviews are great, so mine is short.

    The best coffee in Phoenix. Very good pastries and other food. The wine bar people get annoying when I'm having a study night. It gets too busy sometimes, which is a mixed blessing. Seating is either very comfortable or it hurts my back. Ambience is nearly perfect, except for the wine bar people. The music is very good. If it's too busy, I'll go to Lola or Copper Star. You can easily spend $10 on a latte and pastry, so it's a bit expensive.

  • Review from Gabrielle M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 10 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/23/2012

    I am amazed at the new Lux, which will more than likely come to be my favorite hangout. I went there with a couple of friends last night, and we plan on going back every Sunday night! What I love...

    - Huge space, with numerous rooms - yet it still manages to maintain a cozy atmosphere.  Feels like you're hanging out at some cool friend's house.

    -They play Etta James.

    - Excellent chai. Excellent coffe. And the enormous cups & saucers are fun.

    - Sublime dessert... mmm!

    - Creative, fun decor.

    - They serve dinner (braised escarole! OMG!).

    - Ample seating - various table/chair/sofa configurations.

    - Not your "Average Joe", run-of-the-mill customers. Good place for people-watching (which, as an ex-NYer, I miss very much). Chummy atmosphere; a charming, older couple sitting next to us, for example, were raving about their dinner, and one of them insisted that my friend try a bite of her pork loin.

    - A positive, uplifting vibe.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      8/18/2008

      Been here a couple of times, and I can't really tell you much about the coffee because frankly, I… Read more »

  • Review from Sunny L.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    I love Lux. The new venue is great because there is a lot more room. The only problem is that it's still not enough. This place used to be a great place to just hang and spend the morning on a weekend or weekday. Now it's over crowded and doesn't have that neighborhood feel anymore. Some of the staff is super friendly while others have attitudes.

    The coffee is impeccable and the food is delicious. That first sip of my soy hazelnut latte is always the most delicious and compares to no other coffee. This is what keeps me coming back.

    If you want to sit for a while, make sure you arrive at the right time. And keep in mind the right time is never the same time. You pretty much have to get lucky to find a good spot. I've started getting my coffee to go. Also, they don't open until 7AM. This is when my shift starts, so I can no longer go before work. A great remedy for this was to buy Lux beans and to brew my coffee in a French press each morning. I'm definitely not complaining about the quality. It's still delicious.

    I try to make a visit to Lux at least once a week and will continue to do so....

  • Review from Andrea S.

    Scottsdale, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I am In Love with Lux.

    They have everything I have ever wanted in a coffee shop. Good coffee, great homemade pastries and food, desks to study, comfy chairs to relax in, open and airy atmosphere, friendly employees, clean bathrooms, indoor and outdoor seating, spacious parking lot, great music playing and a huge tv with sports. Holy crap, that pretty much satisfies everyone.

    AND they serve booze! I mean, jeez. How can you not love it here?

    Ps, it's a great place for a first date.

  • Review from charlesb b.

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    • 16 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    I was just told they stop serving coffee at 10pm, not good, I am sorry it makes no sense to me I am curious how long the policy will last.  I love the coffee and the atmosphere

  • Review from Justin K.

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    • 2 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    Have been going to the old location and just checked out the new place (right next door) a couple days back.

    Definite improvement. The problem with the old location was size and that has definitely been resolved with the new place having tons of tables and good elbow room.

    The coffee is good and the whole place has a great "roasting" aroma. I could even see some beans being attended to in a side room.

    The wi-fi is free and this is a great answer to those who are sick of the other chain places.

    The only issue I noticed was that it can get a little cramped at the counter, where the orders are taken and drinks delivered several minutes later. Not a real issue - just needs a little adjustments.

  • Review from Neil W.

    Mountlake Terrace, WA

    2.0 star rating
    1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This place was not a favorite of mine.  I was hoping this was going to be a great coffee joint.  It looked promising.   There was a line, a long line,  which shows that Phoenix is desperate for a place like this.  They had a good selection of baked goods (quiche and pastries).  They have other items to order, but, according to the person taking our order, the menu changes and they did have one to look at.  She had to tell us what else there was to order.  This takes time and holds up the already long line.  If I was just stopping in and did not know to ask, I would not have ordered anything.  I ordered a mocha, the quiche and a scone.  They offered to heat up my quiche... mistake and I will get to that.

    The place to pay, pick up and fix up your coffee were in the same 5 or 6 foot square and with a line this long it got crowded quickly.  The other thing was that if you were not paying close attention you could miss you order.  They put the order out and call your name and that was it.  You then had to look over several drinks that look the same trying to sort out which is yours.

    My coffee came out quickly.  Then my scone a few minutes later... not sure why it took so long to get a baked good from a plate to the counter.  My quiche was warming and took much too long. I was with my wife's cousin and his made to order breakfast came out just as quick as my scone and the quiche was almost 10 minutes later, it was only luke warm.

    The scone (lemon poppy seed) was a little bland.  The quiche was... well see above and was only so-so.  The coffee was fine, but nothing special.  They want you to bus your dishes, but don't label the place to put the dishes.

    They had a DJ for on a Friday morning was a bit much.  The music was also too loud for a morning coffee joint.  I should not have to tell a DJ to turn the music down at a coffee joint in the morning.  This was a place where people were working, reading and socializing... it is not a night club, even if it was jazz.

    Another thing about the line... I actually saw several small groups leave after waiting too long.

    The people who started Lux saw potential, but I don't think they know how to run a coffee shop.  Unfortunately this is the only true game in town and people are going to put up with this until someone opens the competition.

  • Review from vernetra y.

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    • 20 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    1/6/2012 1 photo

    I die!

    I am so excited to have this gem of a place here in Phoenix.  From the eclectic vibe, fresh food choices, and delicious chai tea lattes, this place is my favorite wind down spot.  Love the extended hours and it makes a great late night hang out spot, when almost everything in Phoenix is closed.

    I had the special mac and cheese smothered with cheese, jalapenos and slices of crispy bacon.  delicious!

  • Review from Teri B.

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2012 1 photo

    Hands down the hippest coffee shop in Phoenix. With the recent expansion - it's HUGE now - there's tons of space to spread out, read the paper, work on your laptop, or simply enjoying amazing coffee, teas, cocktails and food with friends. I spend a lot of time here during the day and it's got everything right. Always great music, fast wi-fi, I love the $2 hibiscus iced tea, the pastries and now the drinks! It's a wonderful urban feel and such a breath of fresh air for the Valley.

  • Review from Sean S.

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    12/4/2011

    Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits):
    8 Food
    7 Service
    9 Atmosphere
    7 Value

    I don't like in the least how the recent remodel suddenly turned its back to the street, but I certainly enjoy making occasional trips into Uptown for Lux now that they've got food & booze.

    The drinks are over-the-top creative, quite tasty, but a little pricey.

    The service itself is good, but figuring out how to get served can be a challenge.  The space is definitely not inviting to shy newbies, and some really don't appreciate the meandering layout, though I tend to like it.

  • Review from Tony M.

    •  
    • 29 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Scottsdale, AZ

    3.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    So I have a bit of a crush on this place.  Lux happens to be about 20 miles away from home passed about just as many coffee shops but I find myself making the trek here several times a week.  

    I find Lux to be a bit of a love hate kind of place.  Parking can be  a battle because even though there are a lot of spots and on street parking, it can still be a battle finding a place to tie up your horse.  With free wifi and plenty of seating, Lux is a place you WANT to plop down for a while and do whatever it is you have to do but here it's "coolness" works against it as even with plenty of seating, It can be a bit like the 101 freeway at rush hour trying to find a place to sit.  

    I wish I could say the coffee was what brought me in but to be honest, it's average at best.  The SERVICE is pretty good and the staff friendly and attentive.  The food items i've had both baked and prepared freshly have all been adequate (the Mac n Cheese with bacon and Jalapeno was tasty, served in a large portion for the money and well executed but fire roasting the japapenos prior to adding them in would have elevated this dish to excellence!)

    So what keeps me coming?  Well, I can't think of anyplace i'd rather to go hang-out, MacBook in hand, to get some work done and people watch.  The atmosphere here is GREAT!  A mixture or modern and retro furniture, exposed beam ceilings, varied work spaces, and locally produced art are on par with and in my opinion rival similar concepts in NYC, Seattle or San Francisco.

    Did I mention the full bar?  Fancy an adult beverage to take the edge off of that paper you need to write or the power point you're putting together for the "big proposal" at work?  You're in the right place.  The bartenders here will gladly mix you up anything from a classic coctail to a trendy CenPho treat to whet your whistle.  I'd give Lux 4 stars if it were a bar that served food and happened to have coffee.

    If your looking for great coffee i'd recommend Press Coffee Roasters, Cartel Coffee Lab or Echo Coffee. Lux is definitely my choice if you're looking for a place to socialize, sit and get a little work done, plow through homework or just hang out and people watch.  If the coffee were better i'd rate it 4 stars but as it stands, they only get the third from me because the whole package is so appealing.

  • Review from Brie C.

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Lux has mastered the amazing way of combining happening, yet slow paced; friendly yet quietly independent; trendy, yet relaxed. Go to Lux for the amazing coffee and wifi, but come away with an appreciation for great spaces, new friends, and a quiet buzz that'll make you want to come back again and again.

    The "new" Lux is a great space: once you think you've found a quiet place to crawl into and observe the crowd, you'll discover that the building just continues and continues! There's a spot to people watch, enjoy the football game that's on, or power through your emails at a large table. If you're not in the mood to stay inside, hit up the small patio and listen to the chatter around you.

    If coffee isn't your thing, order wine or beer! I haven't tried their food but just from the looks of the dishes that friends have ordered, I don't think you can go wrong. The only thing that keeps Lux from getting five stars? It's crazy overpriced! Their cheapest glass of wine is $9.

    All in all, go to Lux just for the experience. I promise you won't regret it.

  • Review from Rahul K.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Tempe, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2011

    Wow! Great coffee, Great Ambiance. Coming from Seattle, I always wanted for find a good coffeehouse in Phoenix and this one is the best  I have found so far! It was busy but the coffee made was perfect, the lattes are fantastic. How cool is that they have old fashioned typewriters!
    IT's easy to get to and lots of parking. The food was a little bit on the pricier side but really yummy. Will definitely be a go to place! They also serve freshly made cocktails , got to try those one of these days.

  • Review from Val B.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    Anyone who knows me understands that about 97% of my time in Phoenix was spent at Lux. Fantastic atmosphere, friendly regulars and staff, overall one of the best coffee shops I've ever visited.

    Right next to the lightrail and in a newly renovated  (and might I add: very nice) spot, Lux is usually extremely busy, but I've never had a problem finding a nice spot to sit. Great location for an exceptional cup of coffee and a chance to make a billion friends.

  • Review from Kristin B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    1.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    This review is for their cocktail bar, not their coffee.

    The feel of the cocktail bar is nice, and the throwback approach to classic cocktail making, commendable. However, the execution left us wanting.

    I ordered a Rob Roy, but received something with Coke and whisky. Sure, there is a child's softdrink named after another gentleman with "Roy" in his name, but if I had ordered a Manhattan I surely hope they wouldn't pour me a Beam and Coke.

    Before they attempt complicated cocktails with St Germain, Aperol, muddled strawberry and rose water, they should learn the classics.

    For coffee, they get 4 stars.

  • Review from Dace J.

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    • 18 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Tucson, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    11/11/2011

    The coffee is great, the chai even better, and the pastries are fantastic.

    Warm, laid-back, and welcoming. Plenty of room, but in almost every available seat sat a college kid with a MacBook. Isn't that the norm at a good coffee shop though?

    Easy to miss if you don't know it's there.

  • Review from Danny H.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 123 reviews

    Fairburn, GA

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2011

    I'm not going to lie - what made me go to Lux in the first place is because there is a character named Lux in the online game League of Legends that I'd been playing a lot, and it caught my attention.  Secondly, I wanted some morning coffee on a Monday morning while visiting Phoenix.

    If I were limited to rail travels, I'd tout its easy accessibility it is to the rail, but I had a car, and it's in a convenient location that at worst, requires a U-turn to get to.  Parking was a little sparse, but I was able to get a spot, probably because I was hitting it up after the real main morning rush.

    The interior of the place was unique, and sub-sectioned to about three or four different mini-lobbies of some sort.  It's cozy and inviting in most of them, but you better like your fellow man if the picnic benches are the last place to sit.

    I went for just coffee, so I didn't experience the food, although lots of people attest to it being really good.  As far as coffee was concerned, out of the five, I guess local coffee joints I hit up in Phoenix, Lux probably had the best coffee of them all.  The staff were all friendly and pleasant peoples, and they mowed through the lines of people efficiently and with smiles on their face.  It's a truly good atmosphere there, and despite the pretty hipster crowd, the air of smug arrogance isn't as prevalent from those who lounge there.

    Phoenix as a whole has a lot of great food joints and coffee shops.  Lux easily ranks up there with them, and I'd visit again if/when my travels bring me back out to Arizona.

  • Review from Dave B.

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/29/2011 33 Check-ins Here

    You really gotta be either insane or an idiot to mess with near perfection, and that's exactly what Lux did when they moved next door and added liquor to the mix.

    Well that is unless I guess you really know what you're doing ... and the owners CLEARLY know what they are doing. This place is bigger and better than the old Lux and I never expected to say that.

    This place is a diamond in the rough. There is no coffee shop within 300 miles that is this hip, this cool and this awesome.

    Oh yeah ... the coffee is damned good to!

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    1 Previous Review:

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/13/2006

      Dog friendly!  Awesome coffee!  VERY COOL HANGOUT!!!  Park nearby to walk the dog!

      Was this review …?

  • Review from Shirley S.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    3.0 star rating
    11/5/2011 2 photos

    When planning my visit to Lux, I wanted to place an order.  Instead, I found myself thinking about the song, "Confusion" by New Order.

    Their "old" location was too cramped, so moving next door was part of their natural progression.  The new space has plenty more square footage, but the layout of the rooms is a bit of a maze.  It's unclear precisely where to stand to place/wait for your order and there were cardboard boxes and other items all over the floor.  The decor has it's own unique charm with it's mismatched plates and furniture but the furniture pieces are placed so close to one another you practically need to jump over them.  That was a bit much.  What's Lux it trying to be?  Contemporary?  Retro?  It's hard to say.  Even the "front door" we walked in turned out to be a "back" door.  Why would they throw so much capital into the space without some semblance of clarity?

    The food we ordered was OK.  I had a slice of quiche (pictured) which I believe had sun dried tomatoes, among other ingredients.  The counter person was friendly and offered to heat it for me.  My friend ordered two scrambled eggs, hash browns and two slices of bacon (pictured.)  We sat a a table in another room not knowing if a server would ever find us.  A server later brought the food over and left rather quickly; too soon for my friend to show the server the bacon which was just delivered was burned.  My friend gave me a look as if to say, "How could the server NOT realize this is burned to a crisp?!?!"  So...my friend had to get up, return the bacon, wait for two more (precooked) slices to sit underneath the broiler a while and by the time she returned, both our breakfasts were cold.  I will say my friend was happy with her coffee and my iced latte was da bomb!

    Lux may still be working out the kinks in their new locale.  Once they organize the boxes, furniture and service concerns, they'll be prepped for enlarging their clientele of repeat customers.  If I turn out to be one of them, the path to their small outdoor patio looks inviting and not at all confusing to find.  You may find me there sipping an iced latte and listening to New Order.

  • Review from Jenna G.

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    • 121 friends
    • 222 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Lux is the hipster spot for sure. I am glad a friend suggested this place, only because I was happy to go to a cool place in Phoenix. This place looks cool and the baked goods look amazing! Unfortunately, it was so busy that by the time I got to see what they had to offer, I had to order right away. I didn't have a chance to decide, since most of the stuff is right before the register. The line was enormous and therefore, hid the items up for choosing. It's a spot where you must be a regular in order to know what to get. The chai was good and the quiche that I had was also tasty, but pretty small and not filling. I was still hungry after I ate it and didn't want to wait in line again. Overall, this place is really cool, but I don't feel like I got the full experience, since we were heading back to CA shortly after out visit to Lux. Maybe next time.

  • Review from Jon M.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    As a shift worker, I am always on the look out for a good caffeine fix.  Likewise, I am obsessed with finding the best toddy in town.  With these in mind, I had to try Lux.  The vibe is definitely hipster but friendly and approachable--I hate to walk in and everyone turns to ask who the hell is this guy raiding our shop.  The toddy here was good, slight caramel notes and mildly bitter (in a good way).  I would grade this as the 2nd best toddy in the valley.

    Oh, can't forget the patio.  Love it.

  • Review from Tyson C.

    •  
    • 188 friends
    • 1 review

    Phoenix, AZ

    2.0 star rating
    10/14/2011

    -I ordered a whole milk latte.-

    New Lux is what some argue is a 3rd wave coffee shop. That's code for "we are a restaurant that serves coffee". And it shows, just as it has in every shop I've been to that tried it.

    Coffee:
    The roasting method is half science and half magic. It's like the creationism of roasting. You stop roasting when it feels right. This causes quite a bit of variation from one visit to another.

    Baristas:
    The staff here are as cool as any of your friendly neighborhood hipsters. They usually remember my name and they do enough volume in a shift to get good and practiced making latte art.
    The grind is pre-ground which oxidizes the coffee before it is brewed.
    The tamp appears to vary by the body weight of the barista.
    The pull seems weird with a bunch of gauges that seem placed there for show as none of the staff seem to pay any attention to the contraption.
    Milk steaming here is near perfection, with fancy pants latte art and proper cappuccinos.

    Tasting:
    The temperature of the coffee is perfect, as this is a component mainly of milk steaming skills.
    The pull today however, was far to the bitter side making my latte taste more like an IPA than a sweetly balanced coffee.
    The staff is more than friendly and when the drinks are delivered they call out your name and drink. It's presented in proper china and with efficient but respectful flair.

    Shop:
    I love people watching here, somehow this is the go to place for scenesters and the beautiful people of Phoenix. It's like that club you go to that only lets models in.
    New Lux suffers from some of the same problems as Old Lux; seating is akin to taking up residence in a sardine can (but there is a lot more of it now!). The baristas are either hard of hearing or just prefer that no one can talk over the music, I usually just put my headphones in as earplugs so I can think.
    Their internet is still free and is vastly superior to the wifi they had at the old Lux.
    The drink prices are fair and what you'd expect at any specialty coffee shop, the pastries can get a little expensive. Credit cards are welcomed and the loyalty card gets every 11th coffee for free.

    Jeff is much more focused on the bar at this public house, which I'd recommend Lux for far more than for coffee.

  • Review from Paul K.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/7/2011

    Dear lux. I love your food, drinks, and service. Etc. You re the best.
    BUT   When dinner starts. Please reserve certain tables for coffee and laptops and a few for dinner. This will calm some of the chaos for parties larger than two.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/14/2011

      Most reviews on Yelp are reviewing the patrons and their degree of hip or nonhipness. Their fancy… Read more »

  • Review from Mocha L.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Gilbert, AZ

    1.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    Hipsters, Hipsters, Hipsters everywhere and not a drop of decent coffee.

    The coffee was mediocre at best. One of the worst iced carmel/vanilla lattes I've ever had. It was in a 16oz cup that costed more then a venti at Starbucks. Was this because of superior quality? Hardly. Hipsters can't make decent cup of joe. Its too mainstream for them. I was in the area, and remember seeing it, so I wanted to give it a try.

    The atmoshpere was crowded and cluttered. Overall just messy. I feel like I walked into a sweat shop. OH did I mention hipsters? The pastries looked good. But i'd never purchese anything from greasy hipsters without it being FDA approved. And these bitches were making cupcakes in plain view.

    If I ever were to come back, it would be to simply take pictures of all the patrons and post them at http://LATFH.com

  • Review from Alan H.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Tempe, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    10/11/2011

    Who that within two months of adding a bar & kitchen, Lux could have quite probably the *best burger in Phoenix*?

    Green chili cheddar burger: Highly recommended.

    The bartenders are great, too. Have them mix you something new.

  • Review from Stacy G.

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    • 8 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Laveen, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    11/4/2011

    Okay, so I admit it. Sometimes I get a stubborn idea about not wanting to go to a specific establishment due to a fierce loyalty to one of it's competitors. It took me a while to cave on this one. Too long in fact.

    Everyone loves Lux and as it happens, they have good reason to! My latte was supremely delicious. The environment is great albeit slightly confusing as far as the flow of service.

    I absolutely love the patio area. This place definitely has a Pacific Northwest vibe that immediately resonates with me. The service was really laid back, yet authentically friendly. I was far too busy enthusiastically catching up with a dear friend to take in all that Lux has to offer. There's room in my heart for Lux after all so I shall return. My primary concerns going in were the coffee, service and atmosphere. A+ for all in my humble estimation.

    I was a little late to the party, but I had a blast anyway.

  • Review from Thomas I.

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    • 0 friends
    • 84 reviews

    Lawton, OK

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Walkin in the coffee shop authenticates the true hipster inside of you

  • Review from Roy K.

    •  
    • 22 friends
    • 178 reviews

    Alpharetta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    9/18/2011

    Is somewhat of a 'fairy tale' coffee joint - out of a movie/magazine type atmosphere. Kept getting cooler and cooler as I asked more questions about their store, walked around, etc.

    Great coffee experience and they were roasting while I was there which added to the vibe.

    Only downer is that Biff's (think back to the future with me) run amuck in this place  - I was wearing business attire and you would have thought I was yelling racist remarks with the looks I was getting. Sorda funny to me, just see that getting to me if I was a local.

  • Review from Nathaniel B.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Mesa, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/30/2011

    Thought i'd update my review, with the new locale being open;

    coffee, pastries, and environment all maintain their top-shelf qualities. inside seating room was always an issue, but not near as much anymore. And the places to sit are all very hip, cool set-ups - not just 10 look-a-like tables and chairs.

    My only problem? How they've laid out their customer flow. One prob at the old place was there was always an awkward bottleneck of people waiting for their drinks... and to my amazement, they've cloned the problem at their new place! Unreal! Whoever space-planned the new layout should be shot! "i have an idea - because this place gets really busy, lets direct the long line of people into a little circle in front of the register, make this the same spot people wait for / pickup their drinks, and also the same place people use the condiment bar, and we'll have everyone awkwardly climbing over each other. Perfect!"

    That said, their coffee is still the best in town. So there's that too.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      6/15/2011

      Not much to say that hasn't been covered; great coffee, good atmosphere, great place to have coffee… Read more »

  • Review from mike a.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    2.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    I used to think that cartel had the rudest coffee staff in arizona.  but I was proven wrong tonight.

    As expected, the barista who didn't help me was a jerk, but even the "manager" was not at all welcoming, or accommodating.

    The new place looked nice although this hipster haven was not only unwelcoming, it seemed more of a caricature of itself, with every detail considered, from the sea of macbooks, and pretentious glares, to the overweight guy with a comb-over in a silver shirt "djing" indie-dance with his laptop.

    I give this an extra star for its decor.  That's about it.

    It looks like being the hot spot in town has gone to their product-laden heads.

  • Review from Rachel R.

    •  
    • 45 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Scottsdale, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    Of course you can get almond milk in your iced latte. Of course the waitress is 90 lbs and wearing a plaid headband with a pixie haircut. Of course everyone who needs to be seen working publicly is there with a laptop, and naturally there are no menus and everyone knows to go in the back...

    But, fear not the Eau de Hipster that emanates from this lovely place!

    There's also a gym buddy group drinking tea, my mom and I on a couch in the corner drinking coffee, parents ordering pastries for their toddlers, a husband and wife sharing a scone, and random dudes at the bar chatting up smiling strangers.

    Just because it's a hipster joint, doesn't mean it's not an everyone else joint, too. And besides, almond milk is the shiznit in iced lattes, so let's just embrace it.

  • Review from Kristen W.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    State College, PA

    4.0 star rating
    12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The exterior is deceiving...this place is fun and cozy. The Peppermint Mocha I got was smooth and just the right amount of minty. A real Phoenix find thanks to my friend!

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