Lux Central

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

Such a cool vibe! Helpful and friendly service! Fun watching the baked goods and food items being prepared in an open kitchen. The food is delish! Recommend the vanilla iced latte, the GF peanut butter sandwich cookie and the butter croissant.

What a discovery! Possibly my favorite spot in Phoenix. This is unique coffee / bakery / cocktail bar concept which I have not seen in many other places before. Everything is homemade with fresh ingredients. Can recommend their bakery, coffee AND cocktails. Everything was delicious - and amazing vibe inside!

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

This place truly feels like a hidden gem! The vibe was so unique and cool, and I really loved that you could actually watch the baking process—it was surprisingly satisfying to see. The food itself was fantastic; everything we tried tasted fresh and full of flavor, and the coffee was honestly better than expected, smooth and rich. The bakery item I had was absolutely delicious, and the whole experience felt special. The only drawback was that there were a few flies around, which wasn’t very pleasant, and since you have to grab your order from the table, it felt a little unhygienic—someone could easily touch or even pick up your plate by mistake. Other than that, I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the quality of the food, and the overall experience. I wish I could give more stars.