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I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last three years from Seattle to Hawaii - Michigan and back to Seattle again. Everywhere I go I look for that special place that doesn't scream St#+%%cks and yet delivers great coffee with outstanding service. Here are my findings so far: Maui - Honolulu Coffee Co. Ann Arbor - The Common Cup, Ypsilanti - The Ugly Mug, Bellingham, WA - Woods Coffee & Tony's Coffee, Seattle (So Far) - Vivace Espresso and now in Phoenix - Lux Coffee Bar.
Upon entering the coffee bar you greeted with a smooth ultra urban vibe that is not pretentious, arrogant, nor fake. The service is outstanding, the bakery/deli products are amazing and delicious. The beans are hand roasted in the 'Employee Lounge' and are made into the perfect caramel shots poured into the perfectly stretched milk from a very talented barista.
I know the LUX doesn't need one more review, but I must say that the cool vibe, the fantastic coffee, and the great spaces make for a coffee shop that I might just book a flight to Phoenix from Seattle to visit.
LUX has it dialed in...trust me!
Having lived in Portland for years, I consider myself to be a bit of a coffee snob. I have a very distinct opinion of what a coffee house should be! This is it!
Quality Coffee
Free WiFi
Drinks offered in real dishes not just to go cups
Comfy seating as well and great work spaces
Yummy baked goods
***extra points for fresh organic fruit being offered***
While I'm not a regular here this is clearly the spot of the neighborhood locals. The staff is super friendly and remembers all of the repeats by name. When I'm back in Phoenix I always try to stop by Lux!
Okay Lux, I can move you up a star. I'm still not a fan that most of the time it's hard to find a seat and have it be quiet enough to focus on anything. Additionally, I am sad that my favorite shoe chair that was an important part of an evening I had with Tony A. seems to no longer be there.
However, when I came back this past Saturday for a velvet with your homemade whipped cream, you truly delivered. It was the perfect temperature and a million times better than the last one I remembered. Bravo. Now move closer to my house and we'll be all set.
I hate to say it but I'm not all that impressed.
I do love the decor. I'm a huge fan of the…
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Cute place with a nice vibe but littered with want-to-be homeless pretenticons. Lots of seats open but this troll is using it for his laptop bag or ratty jacket. Kind of like a small version of the Seattle airport terminal. Hey, he's paid his $1.75 for an Italian soda, he got a right to loaf across the sofa for a couple if hours to read Kafka. I'll give them credit for not going to Starbucks but they probably tried and the furniture was too hard. If it were in a real city it would be regular, because it's near this lifeless cluster of buildings called "downtown" it appears to be avant-garde.
Great music and great coffee. Clientelle, not so much. Will try again to compare notes.
I'm sure many are lux coffeebar converts and fans... but I've just recently discovered this little gem. I haven't tried many of the food selections but the lattes are to die for, the music is awesome, the ambiance is delightful and the barristas are eye candy! what more can a girl ask for??
Upside: nice-looking contemporary space, great drinks and pastries, reasonable prices, not Starbucks, healthy buzz of conversation, free Wi-Fi
Downside: very hard to tell what it is from the outside and get there accurately for first-timers. (If coming from north on Central, you'll flip a U at Campbell after light rail station, then) turn right on Turney for parking lot.
I don't go in enough for the morning barista to know my name, but she always phrases it as, "I'm sorry, I should know this, what is your name again?" and I find that charming. The homemade whipped cream is almost impossible to resist - and if you're going to do that then you might as well have it be resting upon a large Velvet Mocha - one of the best coffee drinks in Phoenix. I feel like I should bring my Powerbook every time I come here - and I even find myself counting how many non-mac users dare to crack open their cases. Still, it's a fun little cafe with friendly staff and fabulous hot beverages. Bring an out of town SF or NY hipster who refuses to believe there is ANY culture in Phoenix.
I hadn't been here in awhile but found myself on a Sunday night desperately searching for a coffeehouse for a guest on a layover from the airport. Lux is open till 10 pm SUNDAYS! hooray!
Iced mocha and baked goods get two thumbs up. Indoor seating is comfy but the seating areas seem really crammed together. Seems a bit claustrophobic with so much furniture in there but perhaps it's due to the summer heat. All in all a nice place to spend a sunday eve. Thanks Lux!
Lux is a place of enigmatic qualities: hip yet welcoming crowd, industrial yet warm decor, crowded yet cozy atmosphere, busy yet relaxing. Tying these together, however, is its straight up authenticity, top quality coffee and baked goods, and friendly service.
Whether you go for your morning jolt, after lunch desert (esp after a visit to Pane Bianco next door), afternoon work session, or evening meet-up, Lux always welcomes.
Perhaps my favorite part of Lux is it's patio -- one of the best in town, complete with shade and misters in the summer, and , making it a great place to watch Central Ave roll past you.
I honestly cannot believe the amount of stars this place has! It is so hyped up, I think they've brainwashed people that spending a ridiculous amount of money means they are getting quality. I ordered my son a fresh squeezed orange juice thinking it would be awesome since it's like five bucks, and they pulled out a one dollar jug of OJ that I have literally seen at Bashas for a dollar, then, with her un-gloved hand, nasty fingernails and all, she squeezed a half orange in the cup and called it good..... ?!?!?!? really?!? No one who worked there was very nice at all. It was like a bunch of snobby people got together, threw on some flowey skirts and pretended to be hippies.
Okay, so I realize that there are already several reviews on Lux out there and they are all generally great.... but now it is my turn!
I have been going to Lux consistently for the last year. Unless I am out of town or sick I can be found there on a weekly basis. I live in Old Town Scottsdale and I literally drive completely out of my way to indulge in the deliciousness that is Lux!
From the wonderful coffee to the mouthwatering quiche that insists on haunting my dreams, I just cannot get enough! It is hands down the best coffee I have ever had in the Valley. Aside from the quality of their food and coffee drinks the staff is nothing short of amazing. Make sure that when you arrive you give Jency, Eric, Noel and Jeff some serious love - for they are coffee Gods!
There is nothing more refreshing on a stressful day for me than stopping in my favorite coffee shop, getting my usual iced caramel latte with whip and a slice of veggie quiche, sitting on a comfy couch, people watching, and listening to the great music. I love that this spot is not overly hipster or "too cool for school."
I highly recommend driving past the Starbucks of the world and trying Lux. Support your local businesses - it is oh so important.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Lux is a breath of fresh air in a city cluttered with boring chain coffee joints. From the modern, eclectic aesthetics to the masterfully prepared drinks (including the yummy homemade, scoop-able whipped cream!) and the laid-back staff, Lux is always a treat.
A life-long Phoenician, I've always had the "stay away from strangers" mentality. When I first went to Lux I was dismayed that even at a "slow" time I was forced to sit either on the same couch or at the same table as a stranger. Now I have assimilated to the environment that provides ample opportunity to easily strike up a conversation with fellow Lux-goers. Thank you Lux for melting this cold-stranger-averse exterior!
The only reason I cannot give Lux 5 stars is the lack of outdoor comforts. The picnic-style tables stand in stark contrast to the comfortable seats and atmosphere found indoors. On a beautiful spring/fall night (which I can only dream of at this time of year), I want to sit outdoors in comfortable seats, with a good cup of coffee and enjoy great conversation. Work with me Lux!
In summation, if you like great coffee (or yummy baked goods!) and a fun, energetic atmosphere, Lux is the place for you. :)
This place defiently projects the "everybody is welcome here" vibe. You walk in and the place is always packed with every kind of person imaginable.
Every Friday we meet up with friends for our weekly coffee date here and I couldn't think of a better place.
Try the mocha... hot or iced. And make sure and get whip AT LEAST ONCE, delicious and home made!
The only negative... when it is packed it gets a little crowded and backed with people waiting for their coffee from the barista.
I have been a regular "Lux" drinker for years, and I stop by there at least 1-2 times a week if I can. I live up in Cave Creek, so believe me...the drive is worth it!
The Cave Creek Coffeee Company near my house has been going downhill fast for years (the coffee now sucks that Dave the owner is gone, and the attitude has gotten much worse. If I see another over- aged Harley biker wanna be... I'm gonna puke lol), and lets face it - when you get past all the artsy visuals, ambiance, wi-fi and the rest...in the end it is about the quality in the cup.
In that department LUX truly kicks ass as the best coffeee in this town on many levels.
LUX is serious coffee - from the freshly roasted beans on premisis to the perfectly foamed lattes with artisan leaves created within the foam (try to get that anywhere else in town, including at the overrated Presse)...the barristas here know their Joe and take no prisoners.
The mocha's have just the right balance of bitter chocolate and sweeteness, without being cloying or over bearing and the result is a nice balance of flavors that flow past your tongue.
I generally drink my espresso straight, and at LUX it is obvious that the perfectly toasted nutmeg colored crema that the barristas pull is long lasting and as good as anything you'll find in Italy or Seattle, As soon as you walk in the door you can inhale the fresh roased beans and the wonderful smells wafting throughout.
The goodies and cakes here have generally been pretty yummy, but I come here for my Espresso fix and so do other serious espresso afficionados.
I noticed a few Yelpers deriding the "crowd" here as pretentious, but I have to totally disagree.Honestly I find the vibe refreshing compared to Cave Creek or Scottsdale pseudo/Harley Davidson chic with coffee that tastes mediocre. Yes, many of the college crowd here have full arm tats or are pierced, and you might even mistake this for an Apple Computer laptop camp. But I have always found the LUX bar staff to be EXTREMELY friendly and helpful, especially a gal named Shadie (probably mis-spelled - from Sounth Africa). The people here are just hanging out, lying on the comfortable furniture, or even falling asleep after a good cup o Joe (figure that out!).
The music and regularly changed artwork is nearly always cool and hip.
There is a reason that the New York Times ranked LUX the #1 coffee spot in all of Phoenix last year - the Espresso here is the real sh@t.
This is my favorite coffee place in Phoenix. Its nice to finally get my coffee in a real coffee cup and saucer, not in a paper cup. To top of the amazing white chocolate mocha, they have homemade whip-cream that is to DIE for! The workers are nice, the atmosphere is great, and the crowd is fun. My band did an acoustic set there one night which was really nice. I love local music at a coffee joint. Nothing wrong with this establishment in my book!
Best coffee in town. Now just try and get a place to sit.
I'm going to skip past the obvious topic of coffee and tell you why the dessert selection at Lux Coffeebar is the best in town.
I almost didn't write this review since I'm at this Phoenix hot spot all the time. However, I realized something earlier Saturday when I went inside a competitor's store searching for something to satisfy my sweet tooth.
I walked in competitor x, scanned my choices, and walked out.
That's when I made a beeline for Lux. Hands down, Lux has the best dessert selection around. Not only is everything made from scratch at this locally owned business, but the quality is outstanding, and in most cases the portions are generous.
Wanna know the best part? Sometimes the desserts have those crusty edges, you know, like homemade! The chain coffee houses might see this as a flaw - but at Lux the imperfections make this coffee bar perfect.
Lux is across the street from Central High School, just south of the Campbell and Central light rail station,
I met a friend here today at 11:15 am and this coffeehouse was completely mobbed. I realize it's Sunday, on an absolutely perfect sunny Arizona day, but I had no idea this was the congregating point for 20-30 somethings in Central Phoenix.
So I was a bit early and I opted to take a seat on one of the outdoor tables, picked up the New York Times and just waited for my friend. Well, at these communal tables, it's easy to get into conversation with various interesting people. I met a husband/wife team that traveled all the way to Lux from Gilbert. They used to live in the area, but moved into their "investment" property to downsize. From there a real estate agent and his circle of friends sit down, and it's like networking central at the table.
Anyway, my friend shows up, we go get some coffee, and this is where Lux loses me. Perhaps my order was screwed up, but their regular coffee was inexpensive, $1.25 or $1.50, but my Dirty Chai was $6.00 and served in a very smallish cup. That seemed a bit much considering their pricing list seemed so reasonable and most coffeehouses I've been to price their Dirty Chai in the $4 range. I dunno, seemed a bit overpriced to me. Next time I go there, I'll get a regular coffee, it was quite tasty.
I'm 90% sure that the sign outside Lux is small enough to be nearly illegible because they want to keep it exclusively patronized by those "in the know." Now that I am among those people, I have to say that I kind of like that exclusivity. As far as the coffee, I got my old stand-by, iced coffee, and found it to have a certain something to it that I couldn't pinpoint but thoroughly enjoyed. I also enjoyed the brightly colored BENDY STRAWS they offer. It's the little things in life.
Last semester I found myself for the first time in my life unable to concentrate in my studies while at home. I tried Fair Trade Cafe, but realized that I was actually distracted by the quiet. So, as I had been to Lux several times before and had experienced the business, I experimented writing my literature papers there...and experienced success beyond what I could have imagined!
Lux provided everything I needed to make me return each morning exactly at 7am:
- enough quality coffee (!) to keep me energized
- baristas with quick forming memories who learned my drinks early on
- extensive tea selection once I had hit my coffee limit
- great tables with room for all my books/papers
- lovely restroom
- good authentic conversation with Jeff the owner regarding my ever-present existential crisis..he and his wife value community which is so refreshing. He always would ask about my papers and my books and would have ideas to contribute..he's too funny.
Once the semester ended, I couldn't afford to go every day, and once my bank account rebounded, I began going to Fair Trade because it's closer to home & work. Also, a table at FT is almost ensured, while sometimes I'm afraid to travel to Lux and then not find a space to sit. The two establishments offer different things (e.g. energy, music, patrons, neighborhood, art, & coffee quality), but both are worth visiting on a very regular basis.
I owe my A's of the semester to the Lux! In a weird way, I think it kind of saved me. I know that's getting quite melodramatic, but I was in a serious mind block trap before I began going. :)
Wow, I like this coffee house a lot. Finding it was a bit hard, I wish there was a huge sign to tell you so I don't have to drive back and forth the street.
I like the patio cafeteria tables and chairs outside the cafe. Inside was kinda industrial with arts on the walls which were amazingly talents.
The staff were VERY friendly especially the owner Jeff. We chatted it up a bit. Real cool dude! I like how you order a cup of coffee and they ask if you like dark or light. Dark please. I'll have one of those strawberry pastry as well, mmm....so good! Music is a bit off, it was kinda loud.
I think they roast their own beans which I would love to see in real life. It's like the Krispy Kreme donuts when you see the donut gets glazed!
I would recommend this place to anyone who come or lives here but I would come early or later in the day, they do have a long line of people.
I love, love, love Lux.
For some magical reason I get tons of work done here. It is always busy, noisy & crowded, but somehow I am more productive here than anywhere else these days.
I started riding my bike from Miller & Thomas to Lux on Sundays since I need the exercise & I never get work done at home. It is worth the 20 mile round trip bike ride.
I love their cappuccinos & the baked goods have all been fabulous. Please stop eating the quiche people, so there will be some left when I get there.
The people that work there & super chill & friendly too.
Wait a minute, I meant to say Lux sucks...never go there so there will always be a seat for me! ;)
i can see why this place is popular. it's definitely hip and in a cool location. their coffee and their service has only been mediocre in my experiences, however. bitter shots and huge bubbles in the milk. even though the place is well known, you can probably find better quality and less of a pretentious atmosphere elsewhere.
So it may or may not be normal, but I had an incredibly inconsistent experience here the other night.
Lux has a primo location, next to Pane Bianco, just off a train station, and in a great neighborhood. They have a great patio which they share with Bianco, that even though it is loud, it is a nice spot to hang out.
Their coffee prices are more than fair, $2 for a large coffee, and decent tasting. The biggest thing was not having to pay additional tax, as they have worked it into the prices. I never realized how angry it makes me when something is like $2.03 and I have to walk around with a pocketful of change all day. So those are all the plusses, but I've had a few negative reports as well.
This may or may not be normal, but on my visit, it was a like an akward library. They did not have any music on, there was little to no conversation between customers, and it was very quiet. I also couldn't get past the blatant violation of fire code on the way to the restroom. They had piles and stacks of dishes in the hallway and I almost bowled one of them over because someone decided to try to pass me while I was next to one.
Three words: Best Mocha Ever. Oh, and five more words: Best Peanut Butter Brownie Ever. Now that we know I like Lux, let's talk about some peoples complaints.
Those who know me know I'm not trendy or a "hipster", but I've never had anyone at Lux "scoff" at my Target clothes or un-trendy shoes. And for the most part, everyone I know who goes to Lux really does work while they're there...they aren't just pretending to be on their computer! And if they aren't working, it's probably because the internet is down (which happens a lot more than it should at Lux).
Overall, I really like this place but I can see how one who isn't super trendy or artsy might be intimidated when they first show up. My advice is to go again, a lot of different types of people go there and are really friendly. Plus, the different groups of people will come in cycles...at a certain time it might be inundated with twenty-something hippies with dreads, and another time it might be taken over by 30-something slightly overweight workaholics.
Don't let people scare you from a good place.
As much as I love Lux, I'm kinda glad that it's not closer to my house, otherwise they might have all of my money. Working from home, I need to get out and set up shop elsewhere every once in a while so that I don't start talking to my houseplants, and more often than not, Lux is my destination.
The service at Lux is always friendly and often funny. And I've sat close enough to the register enough times to hear them being friendly to people of all ages, shapes and sizes. The coffee is rich, dark and delicious. I usually stick with a house coffee with soy milk, so I do ok price-wise. I even buy the whole beans to brew my own coffee at home. I like it that much.
Lux gets packed, but I've always been able to find a space and get access to an outlet for my power sucking laptop (not an apple, by the by). The music is good and mellow--think the Shins or the Stones. They've also got killer pastries, and if you time it right, you'll get them fresh out da oven.
Coffee shops are all kind of a personal preference thing. There are lots of good spots in Phoenix, but Lux is my favorite.
As a reviewer below said: "As much as I love Lux, I'm kinda glad that it's not closer to my house, otherwise they might have all of my money."
So far it is the BEST coffeebar I've been to in the Sun Valley, not just the atmosphere or their chic and comfy couches, but because of the coffee bean quality. Sipping their aromatic coffee (either Velvet aka White Mocha, Latte, or just black coffee) is enough to make the rest of my day better!
Nope nope nope nope nope.
The coffee might be good and the decor may be trendy
HOWEVER BEWARE!!!
HUGE "scene-ster" crowd.
I've never been so amused in my life!!
The crowd, huddled over their laptops mostly "pretend" to be working on them while others scoff at why one wears a Fruit of the loom T-shirt instead of a American Apparel.
Snotty, snobby and downright disgusting "wool cap" wearing crowd who act like wanna be (but can't afford to be) Californians jam the place tight.
If you're looking to go to be "seen" having a cup of coffee I recommend Starbucks on Robertson in Los Angeles, at least there it's okay and expected.
First up, great coffee. It's a shame they have such tasty mochas, because here is a place you can get a solid cap or espresso without fear. Just too many decisions. Their homemade whipped cream is amazing, so I often open for the quad-shot con pana to light me up. It's fantastic.
Next up, friendly, smart staff. They always seem extra happy, which may be the constant buzz from the espresso and whipped cream rushes I am sure they cruise on all day.
Cap it off with tasty pastries, nice vibe and decor, and it is one of my favorite coffee shops in town.
The only downside at all is that it's popularity can make it crazy busy, so if you're looking to sit and relax or work for a bit, get there eeeeeeearly.
I have been there couple times and it is kind unique the way they present their dishes and the layout of the place. The food is very good where you and your friends can come and have a very good time.
Lux is one of my favorite businesses in Arizona.
I think Lux is an amazing example of authentic excellence. Whenever I think about branding, Lux always comes to mind as a great example. They know exactly what they are. They don't try to be anything else. They do an amazing job of executing every part of who they are.
First of all, the coffee rocks. They roast their own beans and are our favorite in town. Then the drinks they make are not only delicious but also beautiful. So many nice touches. Latte art. Homemade whipped cream with a touch of honey. Sugared rim & slice of lemon on the lemonade. Fresh squeezed juices. McClendon Farms honey as a condiment. They serve their drinks in china & glass (cool non-institutional mugs & glasses) if you're drinking there. They even have killer lids for their to go coffee. Their straws are super thick & you never have to worry about them getting crimped.
If it didn't all taste good, I guess it wouldn't matter. But it does & every little aspect adds to the experience for me.
Same with their food. Great snacks. Served on china. Heated & served with a slab of real butter if it's supposed to be.
Cool decor. Changing local art on the walls. Great music playing. Free wifi.
The only thing that bugs me at all about Lux is how crowded it's become. In the scheme of things, I guess that's good because we know Lux will be around & it also says a lot for the taste of Phoenicians.
I have heard one other criticism - that the folks there can be snooty. I myself have never seen that & experienced the absolute opposite time after time. I often come with 2 little kids too so I'd expect if anybody was going to get the snoot, it'd be me.
I just plain love Lux. If it were closer to my house, I'd be there even more.
Simply put... My home away from home.
Lux is so much more than a coffee bar... it's a community. The staff is great, the owner has an amazing memory for names and faces... I'm constantly impressed, and the people who frequent this great spot are eclectic, intelligent and friendly. It's like Cheers... but better.... and without the booze.....
*anyway* you get my point... from my first visit here, it has felt like home and over the years I've made more great friends here than I can count.
'nuf said.
I have a love/hate relationship with Lux.
They have one of the best white mocha's in town. I appreciate the art. I appreciate that they are open until 10pm. I appreciate their baked goods. I appreciate the big chairs to loaf around in.
I HATE the bipolar attitude of the place. Sometimes the employees are sweet and friendly. Other times they are awful. Won't make eye contact. Act like you are not nearly cool enough to acknowledge despite the fact that you've been there three times this week. I hate spending over $4 for a tiny drink that will be gone in three sips.
Every bad experience with a person behind the counter keeps me away for weeks or even months at a time. I went back this morning after an extended absence, and chick behind the counter was wonderful. Please, Lux, loose the pretentiousness for good!
Lux on a Friday night is just as busy as any neighborhood bar might be. Instead, you have a wonderful warm beverage alternative to your glass bottled brew. Lux serves iced beverages too, but let's face it: coffee is best served hot. I sampled the ice mocha, per recommendation of a friend who's been frequenting the joint for some time. Amazing! I did feel a little crampy afterwards, but that could simply be because I don't usually drink dairy products. The Rice Krispie treat was really tasty, but those are hard to screw up. :) The place was packed with some cool-looking people. Everyone seems to keep to themselves as they work on their respective laptops. In fact, some people even shared tables yet remained fixated on their own computers. Really this place has a great vibe, and it made me feel like I was back in Europe. I'd like to see soy or rice milk on the menu. Otherwise, great coffee joint!
If anyone claims to come here for the food or coffee they're outright liars. It's all about atmosphere with this place. I've been coming here for a few years and it's a few blocks from my house and I definitely enjoy the calm vibe this place sets.
Despite what I said earlier, I'm really not knocking the food or coffee at this place. It's pretty good, but overpriced. In essence, you're paying more for the atmosphere of the place, so it makes sense. It's nice to find a place like this in Phoenix because I'd totally expect a coffeebar as such to be in Silverlake or Manhattan. Lux is a great place to read, share conversation, or just enjoy a hot cup of whatever. That being said, I'm not a die-hard fan of this place like some, but I enjoy stopping by every now and then.
Chances are if you're going to Lux you're one of two people: someone whose friend brought them along, or you want to look cool by going to a hip coffee shop. I've been reading alot of the negative reviews of this place and I don't see how those reviewers didn't know what they were getting in to. Just admit that you busted out your American Apparrel shirt and brought your copy of Wallpaper magazine to read while you sip your chai. It's alright, everyone does it there.
This is a great place to meet up with friends and just chill out, especially in nicer weather! The staff is always friendly, and the outside patio is awesome to watch people and also check out Central Avenue- which always holds some fun entertainment!
So now that I'm working from home amidst traveling, I have basically turned lux into my makeshift office. I just have to say for the record, that i think their espresso gets better every single time I'm there. Or maybe I just fall in love with it a little more each day! Seriously, shit is good.
I used to not be able to focus in here with all the 'scene-y' stuff (alluded to in other reviews) but now i've found that if i have work to do the noise and the people kind of make me motivated. It can get really dull working at your desk in your house.
I like that people hate so much on the mac-using, trendy people in the shop. Seriously? Who gives a shit? Unless they are mean to you or talk loudly about the previous nights parliament-smoking, pbr-drinking escapades - do you really care what kind of computer system they use and how skinny their jeans are? If so, I think it's time for a little introspection. But maybe i just take personal question to those reviews since i own a mac and am always working there :)
But either way - their pastries are divine, their espresso is excellent, and i have never in ALL of my visits to lux had a rude, pretentious, too-good, whatever barista. ever. they are really kind to everyone that ive ever watched order a drink.
i do get quite pissy however - when people sit down at shared tables and continue to cross, shift, and move themselves inevitably hitting the shared table about 8,000 times and spilling my coffee about 8,000 times. Come on folks, shared table...can i get a little consideration for your fellow coffee drinkers!?
the end.
Lux put the bar in coffee bar. It's not a study spot (as alluded to in other reviews), it's usually… Read more »
I really debated between a 2-star, 3-star, or 4-star. If this based soley on their coffee drinks then they would be a 4, if based on their pastries a 3, and if based on their non-coffee drinks (ie chai, apple cider) then it would be a 2.
The espresso machiattos are extremely tasty. I usually end up leaving with quite a good buzz because I'll get a few doubles. The customers can be kind of bothersome with their macbook pro's staring at you as you try to find a seat, but all in all, I think this place is pretty ok.
As a kid I wanted superpowers. I wasn't picky about it; any power would've been sufficient. Super strength. Super speed. I'd even have settled for being able to break things just by screaming. But alas, instead of super powers all I got where good looks and charm. It's not easy, but I try to live with it as best I can.
Yesterday something happened to me, though. Something extraordinary. Something that cannot be explained with science. Or logic. Or even algorithms (I tried.) I believe I may have stumbled upon the secret to my secret abilities.
Amanda B and I came to Pane Bianco after the Anti-Prop 102/Prop 8 rally. I was hungering for equal rights and social justice, but in the meantime I had to settle for salad and bread.
While waiting for our food Amanda turned to me and said "I'm going over to Lux. You want anything?"
And without thinking I said "Sure. Surprise me."
I swear to Cthulu the entire restaurant froze in place. The two girls at the counter, Amanda, even the guy in the make making my salad, everyone, for the briefest of moments, were trapped in stasis by my naivety.
By the power of n00bity, I had stopped time. Fuck. How do I unstop it?
Thankfully Amanda, who over time has built an immunity to my occasional outburst of teh dumb, fixed the situation.
"Ummmm...there's a lot to choose from. Maybe you want to make it more specific?"
"Yeah, hahaha." Oh. Great. The girl at the counter has unfrozen herself too, isn't that nice.
"Perhaps coffee...tea..."
"Tea. Iced. Something fruity." I tried to laugh the whole incident off, but there was no denying it, we all felt it; I almost broke Pane Bianco with my stupid.
Soz.
After uncomfortably waiting on the patio (my "ironically mis-matching outfit" didn't work out like I had planned and the other patrons let me know it), I went into Lux to find Amanda, where I felt the smallest tuggings of belonging. With an interior this tacky, my outfit (comic book t-shirt, rolled up jeans, long black stripped socks, layers of bracelets, pink faux pearls and business jacket...yeah...) and I fit right in.
If only I had a Mac and a web design project I kept putting off to look at xkcd.
Amanda got me the peach iced tea which I enjoyed immensely.
Peach is one of those fruits, like grapes and green apples, whose actual flavor has been all but lost after decades of synthesized flavors (I predict that in ten years, at this rate, I won't even know what a real grape tasted like).
But Lux's peach tea tasted like real peach. I can't say if they actually used real peach or if they just used some sort of syrup, but whatever they used tasted delicious.
I keep hearing about how awesome their cupcakes are, and in the future I will possibly order one, but first I have to avoid that kneejerk "Ugh!" reaction I give when anyone asks me if I want the "vegan" option, like that time I giggled and said "Soy milk? No thanks. I just want regular milk for a regular person" to the barrista at the Starbucks on my campus.
I will admit I have an irrational fear of soy, but I am willing to do the right thing and give it a try.
In the meantime, I'm going to see if maybe I can develop a different super power. I mean, stopping the world in its tracks with dumb comments is nice and all, but it's not going to get me featured in any comic books.
I just realized this is a perfect excuse to get some rope and make some people tell the truth.
Given my readers, even I'm afraid of what I'd find out.
I am a sucker for fresh & local. Lux Coffeebar is certainly both. They roast their own coffee and bake their own goods, all of which are excellent. The staff are genuine and friendly, not salesy. They want you to have a good experience and come back. The art on the walls rotates frequently. They play good music, though at times it's a little loud for conversation if you're sitting inside. They have shaded outdoor seating with misters to help you stay cool during the summer heat. And they provide free wifi. This is an excellent spot. My favorite passtime: ordering a latte so I can watch the barrista pour me some art on top.
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Coffee & Tea
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Coffee & Tea
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Coffee & Tea
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Coffee & Tea
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