lux central

i want to like lux. that's why i kept coming in. but i just leave it feeling baffled.

normally great service, unfortunately this morning was the exception, sad to say the cashier was super rude and snobbier than she should have been, and it took about 25 min to heat a slice of quiche. all we want is a good cup of coffee and a good experience.

cortado and whoopie pies are beyond!

so i've been here a few times - not only a great hang out with friends, but the coffee is fantastic as well as the baked goods. great vibe! a favorite phoenix hangout.

really cool spot, great service. not many gluten free options so baked potato for me, good potato though. the rest of my party thought the food was great. coffee is great.

recommended by a well-traveled las vegas chef, the hip vibe and coffee program cited in addition to a substantial number of house-baked goods, it was just past nine on a rainy new year’s day that three visitors settled into a couch of pink leather at lux central, the house already more than 3/4 full with a growing line as a middle-age dj spun shoegaze intermixed with other mid-tempo tunes.

generally open 6am to midnight, the late night leading to 2017 allowing staff to sleep in a bit, those arriving at 4400 north central avenue on 01/01/17 consisted of all ages and genders with a lean towards millennials, a hirsuit young barista taking orders from the line and passing them on to a colleague in order to expedite traffic while a team of clerks gathered pastries and generated tickets for orders requiring preparation from a postage stamp-size kitchen in the back.

focusing mostly on quick breads and american classics, glamour-shots of david bowie and chewbacca contributing to the décor, it was after slow perusal approaching the counter that a sizable order was formulated, a total of six pastries presented on five plates with twenty-minutes quoted as the wait time for a $9 dutch pancake.

not in any rush, the leisurely morning a welcome change of pace from days prior, it was with self-gathered silverware that a tasting got underway, first bites of the strawberry scone trending sweeter and softer than the british staple while the raspberry muffin was minimally different in texture, the small chunks of white chocolate simply replacing pockets of melted butter in the former.

smiling at the $1 friand with a cursive “l,” essentially a hostess cupcake made dense with better cocoa, lux central’s coffee cake as well as the banana bread do an admirable job of negating phoenix’s dry-air by dialing up the wet ingredients, the blueberry corn muffin also showing well with what seems to be a 1/3 each ratio of butter, berries and cornmeal.

a bit compromised by crowding, a lack of table service requiring diners to be attentive to their name being called out from a kitchen nearly 30-yards away from the door, it was precisely nineteen minutes after ordering that the high-walled pancake was collected, a crisp rim surrounding no less than four types of fresh fruit plus a sizeable dollop of hand-whipped cream that made any thoughts of syrup unnecessary.

lux central, literally the place to check out! even if you aren't into coffee pastries or cool study places or even need a quick run to the bathroom! lux central has it all an amazing bakery and barista team and also fabulous cocktail drinks by there wonderful bartenders! all craft beer and never before heard specialty top shelf spirits! lux provides quality service and food for the locals and visitors coming thru phoenix. i have not tried any main dishes but they are well known and yes i have only tried the mac and cheese with jalapeño bacon! it's the best mac and cheese ever, therefore i might say! coffee is wonderful, pastries are fantastic also fan favorite is the pop tarts all homemade! so let's talk about the interior it's a very dim and may look like it's packed and cluttered but they do also have different rooms, wifi everywhere so for all your exploring needs! it is in a hidden street but your gps will definitely lead the way! but if you are in central phoenix, make sure you come by! stay hungry and cool phoenix!

love everything here . the steak taste better than some high priced places i've been to . the have amazing coffee and pastries. the breakfast is awesome too!

lux right on central is the hallowed hipster coffee spot. it's quirkily curated interior whose modern cinder block walls hold work from local artists while an assortment of work tables, lounge areas, raw wood low coffee tables, family style table with antiquities (old teal typewriters) are scattered throughout the coffee shop. it can be difficult to find a space to study or sip but the expansion to a back room and a fully stocked bar makes it slightly easier to snag some corner to have creative meetings or afternoon sip sessions. the only issue is that it can be packed and the music can be hit or miss sometimes it verges too much on the electronic and sonically obscure and you al pat think that your phone is constantly ringing.

the coffee is some of the best in central phoenix. the velvet is a popular item but it's most stellar component is the in house made espresso whip cream that the dollop on top of it. the whip cream is that one item that strikes chords every time i see it unveiled to finish off someone's drink. i tend to stick to hot drinks here and the basic cappuccino which is executed well.

the addition of a full kitchen which is open, an always happy thing in my book, means breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings are available. the breakfast sandwich is a personal favorite. placed inside an english muffin a fried egg, bacon, cheese, and stovetop roasted tomatoes make for a killer crispy and satisfying combo. another favorite is their mac and cheese (options to add jalapeño and bacon, do it!) and since the kitchen cranks out food until late it's one of the few non fast food options as midnight approaches. their pastries baked in house are equally enticing and sit in behind a glass barrier and make it feel like your window shopping, tempted always as you approach the counter to order your drink.

overall, the cafe that i've ways known as the one that was one of the first in catalyzing a cafe culture. unfortunately, sometimes service is slow and not warm or friendly, the ambiance can sometimes feel slightly overly done and trying to be something, and though it moves fast the lines can be long. despite all this, still one of those great spots to grab a mug of mac and a macchiato and chat with a couple of friends.

lux is an open coffee bar with lots of space and nice furniture (leather chairs) mixed in with some art. i really enjoyed the spacious seating and atmosphere of lux. they also serve great coffee and are into latte art like most places.

an authentic experience. we're regulars... which is remarkable considering we live 15 mi away... it's the only truly authentic food experience i've found in phoenix.. the retro hipster/diverse/student vibe suits me and my family... we love it all... early morning breakfast before thrift shopping all the cool retro boutiques on 7th ave... try the bloody mary's ... the bartenders are true artists... there's always something new and organic on the dinner menu... just enough menu choices where everyone can order and share and not miss out on a single inspired selection... speaking of selection, you'll have your choice of many hard to find beers... i suggest the organic pinkus... our girls love the mac and cheese... you can always get some fresh cut jalapeño's on the side... but the always new and seasonal salads and soups are a must. the seating is unusual and not for the shy or those worried about how it might appear to be having a meal while lounging on a couch your sharing with a complete stranger while supporting your plate on a log. if your older like myself, bring a big smile and your long lost hippie vibe and you'll be fine.

i have to boldly disagree with other reviewers comments about the rude baristas. i found them incredibly friendly and knowledgable! great late menu, reasonable prices, fabulous coffee, fun vibe, and one of the only places near where i'm staying that i'd feel comfortable working on a saturday night. win.

i love their drinks...but some of their employees have no idea what customer service is. let's be honest, you should at least smile and greet your customers. just because you don't work at starbucks, doesn't mean you shouldn't be pleasant and aaccommodating to your customer's needs. this isn't a one time experience, it's the same everytime i visit (which i will not be back to visit anytime soon). even while i was there, i witnessed other customer's recieving the same lack of service that seemed irritated as well. get it together and let's be a little more pleasant and an attentive to our customers....after all they help fund your paychecks!!!

they’ve nailed the efficiency thing, taking my americano order while i’m standing in line. it’s ready, with a little nametag on a saucer, by the time i reach the till. en route, i pass tempting scones and mixed-berry corn muffins, but the most spectacular dish is a puffy, fruit-laden dutch pancake (only $6) that’s made to order. lux is a cool place to people watch from a retro couch or a table lined with old-fashioned typewriters.

the entrance is a little difficult to find – just go around back to the parking lot and follow the sounds of people yummy smells. we loved everything about this place – the guy djing postal service when we walked in…

oh my dawg! the single best espresso ....ever!! quiche w fresh corn, jalepeno and smoked bacon on the best buttery crust. made me want to spank myself!!!