Caffe Luce — Restaurant in Tucson

New in town and was in search of finding my new workplace. I'm particular about where I work and where I put my money, so I wanted to make sure I supported a great local shop that makes me feel comfortable and Caffe Luce has done just that.

I've checked out the rest of the coffee shops in town and base it on a few things:

Spacial seating Natural lighting Restrooms Music Baristas/Customer Service Variety of options to purchase People it attracts Location/Parking Alternatives/Inclusivity Coffee

As you can see, all of these play a factor in picking a coffee shop and continuing to support their business.

And when it comes to Caffe Luce Downtown:

Spacial Seating - Upstairs, downstairs, and different kinds of seating for the solo worker or the group get-togethers. I love being able to change my working stance with the long large high top table!

Natural Lighting - A large window that provides lots of natural lighting and a great view of downtown to people watch and have mini-moments of distraction to keep you going.

Restrooms - Gender-neutral, single room, double-flush and key required (which is understandable because of location). The unisex restroom is a big one for me. When nature calls, I don't want to have to think about the sign on the door as a masculine-presenting womyn.

Music - The volume and the type of music are important. If it's too loud, it's hard to concentrate on your work or your company. If it's too low, it's a tad awkward if you don't have headphones and can hear chores and bodily functions. For me, if it's fast bpm (beats per minute) or contains lots of sounds, it's difficult to focus. -- Sounds like Luce uses an online streaming service and chooses a soft rock or coffee shop playlist.

Baristas/Customer Service - Let's just say with the short time I've been in Tucson and the fewer times I've visited this cafe, I've already had above and beyond customer service that started with great conversation engagement and ended with hugs. They were even open to using their space to host a small event or gathering.

Variety of options to purchase - If I know I'm going to be out and work all day, I want to choose a coffee shop that can provide for different needs. Coffee in the morning, food for lunch, and booze at night.

People it attracts - I'm not sure about you but have you ever walked into a coffee shop and it had a "particular" kind of person or crowd there? The mix of students help, but when they're gone and coffee shops are filled with locals, what kind of people are filling the space? I've been to a couple coffee shops that feel excluding and a pretentious atmosphere. At Luce, all walks of life fill the tables. Business folks, entrepreneurs, students, creatives, locals, and overall good and motivating energy.

Location - On a busy corner in the heart of downtown. Just like any downtown parking, hard to find and have to pay, which is okay as the town is growing. But great for people watching and to grab food, snack, or dessert!

Alternatives/Inclusivity - Specifically for the vegan/vegetarian options, alternative milk alternatives and "for her" reusable cups and silverware.

Coffee - You may be wondering why coffee is the last factor in choosing a favorite coffee shop when it's usually people's first. For me, there's great coffee everywhere, including theirs, but supporting a business (for me) is so much more than the coffee, but the atmosphere and their intention. There are little ways to show customers that you care about them, the environment and the community (oh and there's a community board!). It can be as small as bathroom signs or choosing the right people to represent their business. Now, I've never met the owners and I can't say it was their intention, but as a consumer and customer, I'm a happy camper! I haven't even tried their food or the booze yet, but I having the option! For the record, their house...

This place seems to treat you differently based on what you look like or your race.

If I could give ZERO stars for service alone, I would. I came in once years ago, and because of how rude the service was and how I paid for a sandwich and never got it, I never came back. I decided to give it another try thinking they would have better staff this time around, I was wrong. As soon as I walked in, the two women were just standing there looking at me, while I was looking at the menu. The menu is not very visible, it’s hidden way in a corner so you gotta approach the counter look. Not only was I uncomfortable cuz they were quietly just staring at me, but the women there were snotty and rude. When I asked about the panini and they told me it would take some time, I said nevermind cuz I was under a time crunch. So I opted for a mocha. The girl who told me about the panini left, and other girl remained. She kept looking at me the whole time with the most distasteful look, as if I was bothering her. Im not sure if she just has this nasty personality, if she’s like this with everyone or just with me. She seemed annoyed because I asked for a milk alternative, and overall made me feel like I’m not welcomed or as if I’m some sort of thieve. I regret wasting my money here and for sure I’ll never come back again. Hope they go out of business for their horrible...

UPDATE 05/17/24 - changed Food from 1 star to 5 star after Cafe Luce brought back quality and what makes it unique from any other cafe in town. Thanks for listening. Go Luce!

Big SIGH! Caffe Luce, you've gone cheap at the expense of increased prices to your customers. Freshly baked potato cakes now from a frozen bag loaded with dairy.at significantly higher cost. Your home-backed banana bread? It's vanished, substituted for dull pastries I can get at Circle K. Your incredible loyal and dedicated staff are the gem of Caffe Luce and it's ambiance remains charming. You've gone from a regular customer of 3 years, who spent money for good food and drinks to someone who is still grateful for a central place downtown where I can read a book, spending no more than 3 bucks on coffee. Two stars: One for staff and one for location.

UPDATE 04/25/24 - THANK YOU to the owner for bringing back your home baked potato pancakes and having your super special vegan chocolate banana bread. I am so so happy and pulled back 100% to all that makes Cafe Luce UNIQUE from any other place in...