I think I have fallen in love.... with a cappuccino! Perfectly roasted and blended beans yielded a perfect shot of espresso. I have never seen someone put so much care and attention to detail into one cappuccino cup. This isn't $bux, there is no rushing a craft. This guy knows what he is doing and he does it well, the evidence was presented in a cup with a perfect heart in the foam! That said, don't expect to run in and get your venti-quad sugar free vanilla latte in less that two minutes. This isn't about speed and quantity it's about quality. Drinks come in two sizes small and large. Nothing fussy is around to get in the way of your drink. This even translates to the atmosphere, simple and elegant. It's slightly more expensive than the certain aforementioned chain, but after just one sip you will understand why. read more

Maybe we all need to unplug once in awhile. The friendly barista at Cafe Fixe informed me that the cafe used to supply energy to the customers. Everyone was plugged in. However, they didn't have the power capacity to meet the demands of the customers, and now they do not supply any power at all. So, no plugged in laptops, iPhones, iPads or whatever you might plug in to camp out at a cafe. What Cafe Fixe is good for, is a quick, yet still relaxing caffiene fix. It's a quick break in your day from LCD screens, and a return to being human for a little bit. In this immaculate cafe, I enjoyed an iced mocha. It was a perfect, light, refreshing mix of cocoa and espresso. It wasn't too thick or heavy like other cafes, nor was it too sweet or fake tasting. It was just good solid chocolate and coffee in a beautiful, light and refreshing form. I will be returning to Cafe Fixe for more human time, and well crafted espresso drinks. read more

I love coffee shops but i just feel out of place here. The atmosphere reminds me of a snotty, expensive coffee shop and the customer service is short & limited. Their espresso and iced coffee is ok, i like how their mocha latte isnt too sweet but i cant enjoy my coffee indoors and always end up taking it to go, therefore you get an average score. read more

This is one of the top two coffee shops I have been to in the United States. The other is in San Francisco. In both places, perfect coffee--smooth but strong and flavorful. I typically get the soy latte and it comes with a beautiful pattern on top, something I have not seen anywhere else in Boston. The almond croissants are better than the average in Paris, and I know because I have eaten a LOT of almond croissants there. I typically do not eat croissant in the U.S. at all as I've had so many bad experiences, so also for that reason, I love this place. As far as the staff being rude, to me they've always been exceptionally nice. Maybe that's because when I come here from my home in Dorchester it is a special treat, and I have a big shit-eating grin on my face. Most people are nice to me when I am super happy and relaxed...which is by no means a criticism of the reviewers who had bad experiences. Restaurant owners should be nice to everyone as much as possible...you never know when someone you think you don't like could be your best customer. The one thing I don't like about Cafe Fixe is (other than it is not right next to my house) that it is not a great place to hang out while sipping your amazing coffee. It is clean and sunlit, but small overall and no cushy chairs. Not bad at all. But the experience is the coffee and the pastry, not the ambiance. If it was cushy and warm-feeling I'd probably go there and work off my laptop a few hours and buy a bunch of lattes. But since a lot of people would camp out on one latte, having a hang-out friendly place might not be a great business model in this high-real-estate location. One tip: If you are planning to buy beans (and they are delicious) buy first because they give you a free or discounted coffee. I'm not sure which because I bought my beans after and rather than fuss with a refund I offered to take my bonus next time. read more

Caffeine "fixe" but that's it. I went here a few mornings ago, and was refused pour over coffee, because "it was too busy". I do not understand this. Is the barista also too busy to make a cappucino? Anyway, that could have been forgiven. I instead ordered a regular drip coffee, which was actually pretty good. Anyway, I went back at a more quiet hour when they could make me pour over coffee (since i was so intrigued by how hard to get it was), and sadly, it was quite a disappointment. Perhaps it was just a blend I would never like... Were I back in town, I would give them another chance, but I can only rate my experience so far: 3 stars read more

I don't do coffee, just tea. This place has great tea of all types. Yes Max ( the owner) comes across a little cold but he's actually a hard working man trying to run a business. I guess it's a European thing people don't feel the need to be plastic all the time and I appreciate that. It's actually more honest than pretending to smile When you don't want too. some people on here sound like they want a hug everytime they order a coffee. noticed a few complaints from people who got attitude cause they walked in with a Starbucks cup of coffee, what do you excpect? would you go to a restaurant with a dunkin donuts? tea 10/10 wish they have more food options. read more

I was hesitant to try this cafe after reading the many negative reviews which alleged incredible rudeness and pretentiousness from staff. I decided to go anyway, and form my own opinion. I can say with confidence that the staff here espouses an uncomfortable better-than-thou aura. I asked if they had any dark or medium roasts and was answered with an annoyed "everything here is light roast... if you will." The fact that this place thinks anything darker than light roast is an atrocity shows how little they actually know about coffee. Sure, preserving the terroir of the bean is important for many blends, but only a misinformed snob would scoff at the idea of stocking a French or Italian roast. I actually overheard the barista say to his coworker, "People around here only want a shop that has wifi and comfy chairs, they don't care about the coffee." Well guess what Café Fixe - your "superior" light roast was bitter and under-extracted and your hard metal chairs sucked. read more

I can tell a good coffee place when I taste a simple cup of coffee without adding sugar or milk. Cafe Fixe is such a place. The coffee and tea is of the highest quality, so if you like savoring the tastes of a good cup of coffee that is not burned and needs all sorts of other flavors to be drinkable this is the place for you. The place is small so it feels a bit tight. For people with the SUV strollers don't even try to get in here, you will ruin the place for the rest of us. It is a wonderful place to read and get a bit of thinking done. The lost star is for the price (it does feel a bit pricier than other places but the quality is well worth it) and the small space. read more

It was my second visit this noon and I have to say , I don't like their service today. I wanted to have scone but the staff said they didn't have one today. I asked whether they will service scone tmr but the staff just buffed me off, saying I don't know ! and serve the next customer. Can this shop have no respect ? read more

Café Fixe - Nice strawberry and coconut scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Great atmosphere and excellent coffee. If you like great coffee, give it a chance. If you enjoy the whole experience of a Starbucks, you may not be happy (that is corporate business, and runs very differently than an independently owned outfit). I've been going regularly since they opened and couldn't be happier. I have read all the negative reviews and have never had a bad experience with the owner or staff, although I don't use the wifi there either. I've seen several customers come in and get visibly irritated with the staff because they don't offer fruity drinks or flavored coffee. Cafe Fixe is strictly tea and coffee, so if you're looking for something really sweet, don't come here. As for the atmosphere, one reviewer said the owner played 'calculated jazz' music! And right on, he does. It's calculated based on his taste. read more

Cafe Fixe is by far the best cafe in Boston. The staff are knowledgeable and courteous. The Cafe is extremely clean, and has a nice modern European design. The space is small, so seating is limited. I tend to go during off hours Sat/Sun afternoon, and have always found a seat. The French Press is my favorite and I tend to enjoy Ethiopian beans. Before going to the Cafe I didn't know these things. I was taught by one of the baristas. A truly nice individual. The music (Jazz) is chill and the products cannot be matched. I feel a need to address some other postings. First, the staff. I do not find the staff to be pretentious, this includes the owner. I have witnessed numerous interactions and have found them to be professional and polite. People are under the mistaken belief that the person behind the counter has to talk about and/or divulge their personal lives. Secondly, the wi-fi. The Cafe is not an office, the library, or Starbucks. In order to survive they depend, like all small service business, on turnover. Standard protocol indicates that if you are going to use their internet, you should be purchasing their coffee. And this does not mean buy a single cup and proceed to sit and "work" for 2 hours. Finally, (cut me some slack this is my first review) a comment of coffee culture in general. Sharing a table is part of cafe culture. Hell, it is one of the great aspects of coffee culture. Instead of spreading yourself across all the space, leave some open. For the person waiting for a seat, if you see one ask if you can sit there. This isn't a come-on or anything insidious. You might actually meet a nice person. At the very least you'll have a place to sit... read more

No wifi. No outlets. No space. Staff is rude and pretentious. Coffee is acceptable. Nice minimalist decor. Definitely not the best place to get coffee and sit and do work, which is maybe not the type of customer they want since they don't have wifi/outlets. read more

Expensive-ish, no customer service, wondeful latte, okay space, no wi-fi. I took my dog and sat outside and the staff/owner didn't say anything, although I read another review where the dog wasn't allowed... There were a couple of dogs hanging out near the stoop. I am put off by reading all of these encounters with the owner. The cashier I had was not rude, per say but I got the vibe that had I asked for anything unusual he would be VERY unwilling to accommodate requests. Can take it or leave it. I really just want a consistently delicious coffee/warm service, locally owned Brookline coffee shop. And don't tell me to go to KooKoo cafe. read more

On my most recent trip to Boston, we were looking for coffee and wanted to try a local coffee shop. In Washington Square, we walked into Cafe Fixe. It's a tiny coffee shop with few seating options. I ordered straight drip coffee and an apricot and white chocolate scone. The coffee was pretty good but I actually enjoyed the scone more. I loved the flavor combination. But I couldn't tell if the scones were made in the shop or if they were brought in from an outside vendor. Either way my compliments to that particular baker. Service was decent and prices were ok. Their specialty coffee drinks are a bit on the pricey side. They do have a minimum charge in order for you to use your card so cash may be helpful at this place. read more

I love Cafe Fixe for the care it takes, its blonde wood and orchids, careful baristas and jazz at 6:30 am, when I sit at the window to catch the sunrise over half an hour of coffee and the New York Times. French press, cafe au lait, or straight-up coffee: these beans, and this place are the perfect start to my weekday mornings. read more

If you are a true connoisseur, if you really know coffee, then this is the only place in Boston to drink it. Other cafe's have good equipment but the Batista's lack training. Almost every other shop over-extracts its espresso (you can tell when the crema is too pale) and over steams its milk (looses its sweetness). The owner here has thrown down some serious cash on the best equipment in existence. More importantly though, he really knows what he's doing behind the bar. This is coffee as its meant to be drank. read more

Small cafe, very very clean bathroom, free wi-fi, good coffee. Seats, hours and food offerings are limited but it keeps the place clean!! The staff are a bit pretentious. I know this place is in Washington Square on the Brookline/Chestnut Hill cusp but please. This aint UES or Soho. Other than that, this place gets the job done if you just wanna get your study on.... read more

I may like the concept of Cafe Fixe more than I actually like Cafe Fixe, but who wouldn't? In the Starbucks world of Brookline, it's nice to see a little shop that isn't a chain. Coffee is good, granola is fun for breakfast, and the atmosphere is super-relaxing - the way I would decorate my home if I had more money, time, and a cleaner spouse. It is tiny and crowded, which I think is great for the proprietor, but not if you want to sit inside with your coffee. Good news: there are benches right outside. read more

I got a latte from here this weekend, and it was one of the best I've had. I heard stories about the owner's attitude, but I didn't have any issues. The cafe itself is fairly intimate without a ton of seating space. If you're looking for a place to camp out for the day to work/study, this probably isn't it. read more

I had been going to sbux pretty regularly because I had thought it was the only coffee shop on my commute to work, but low and behold this shop pops up seemingly out of nowhere. In a coffee culture that seems fixated on believing that the burned flavor sbux is serving is what they actually want and the only alternative is usually Dunkin Donuts (or Peet's if you're lucky), Cafe Fixe is a welcome addition. The Coffee and Espresso are very smooth and retain that natural flavor and sweetness of the coffee beans that you usually only get from a French Press (which is also an option). One of the few places that I can enjoy the coffee straight black, because it just tastes right. The drink sizes are perfect and not gargantuan; and prices are definitely fair. The pastries are a tad on the expensive side but always very well made, tasty, and fresh. My French Press and dinky home espresso machine has been collecting dust since I discovered this place! I can't speak to the Northampton references (when I was in NoHo the only place I went was Haymarket, which is not at all like Cafe Fixe) but in the Boston area, I think Cafe Fixe definitely stands on it's own. read more

Look, I think what is happening here is that there are two types of people reviewing this place. The "Starbucks Haters" and the people who have come to expect a ridiculous (and superficial) level of ego-stroking courteousness with their latte. cafe fixe is a refreshing alternative to the chain coffee places, and the owner definitely has a good eye for design and presentation (if you like minimalism). I am glad it exists because it's nice to still have independent businesses in Brookline (I am a little horrified by the new Friendly's in Coolidge Corner). BUT I have also had a couple of very bitter cups of coffee from here. Not just strong, but downright bitter. I will keep trying because I want to like their coffee as well as their concept. read more

Luxuriously creamy and decadent with the right depth of flavor and the perfect pour. That is how I would describe the latte. I also loved the coffee blend (Sumatra of some sort) that they had in the shop on Thursday. It had a lovely berry after tone and the coffee was incredibly rich and wonderful. I only have nice things to say about this simple, clean cafe. There is no reason to really linger here, although the sidewalk seating was nice. The real point of visiting Cafe Fixe is for the caffeine. So grab a cup, give the staff a big smile and get on with a wonderful day! Update: If you have the option go with the barrista with the longer hair over the one with the shaved head. He seems to put a little more effort and passion into the drinks. read more

Yes, yes, yes! Finally, a proper coffeehouse in Brookline! Cafe Fixe is tiny and chic -- clean white walls, modern light fixtures, wood floors and furniture, brushed metal in the kitchen -- and you could easily miss the little place if you're not looking for it. When I walked in, the owner was pressing coffee -- first sign of a shop that cares about the good stuff. He offered me a tasting, but I went straight for my standard double cappuccino ($3.33). It's divine. (I'm impulse-Yelping on the cafe's free Wi-Fi connection.) Flavorful and strong espresso, but not bitter. Beautiful little heart decoration in the milk. And charming "for here" silverware, cups, and saucers. The menu features "guest espresso," which changes week to week (a la soup of the day at a restaurant). A selection of pastries, too. I'm enjoying a fluffy, soft chocolate croissant ($2.62), which is unlike those at Athan's across the street. In fact, given the (much) better coffee and free Wi-Fi, I think I'll skip Athan's from now on. The owner says he wants to boost foot traffic during the week (I told him Yelp is a start) and accommodate more people on weekends, when it's clearly very busy. I had to wait for a seat, and it gets quite warm in here with lots of people. But I much prefer lots of people in a tiny place to an empty, cavernous space. The owner is obviously concerned with the customer's experience. He told me he would like to add a table here, move that chair there. The music is just right and not too loud. He looks you in the eye and smiles. The post-Starbucks proliferation of coffeeshops has eroded the original experience -- a place where you can feel welcome, drink good coffee, and relax. Cafe Fixe nails it on the first try. read more

I've never been a huge fan of this place, but it's close to where I have an appt. so I go occasionally for convenience. After today, I won't be coming back. I asked for a double espresso and was told their single is already strong enough and double is not recommended. I looked at the guy kind of confused, explained I understood and asked again for the drink. He basically proceeded to tell me no. I said, ok, put it in a large cappuccino then and make it double. He then looked at his coworker as if he needed to get permission. At that point, I walked out. It's like the guy thought I was asking for something illegal. I will gladly take my business elsewhere, where as the customer I can get the order I am requesting...and paying for. read more

Last time I visited, their coffee was really good, rich and aromatic. BUT, I don't think of returning and here's why: (1) they didn't have a microwave or an oven warm up my scone, (2) no wifi, (3) the guy over the counter explained to me kindly enough different coffees they had when I asked for recommendations. NEVERTHELESS, while I usually tip pretty generously, I don't like have ppl tipping on their own with my money--he didn't give me change as he was staring at me and I knowingly overlooked! Won't be coming back since I have 4A with great coffee and awesome customer service, Starbucks for wifi and decent coffee. read more

Stepping in to Cafe' Fixe you might hear an Etta James record playing. Even though you haven't had your first caffeinated drink of the day, you might smile. And then order an iced coffee, to go since you have so many things to get through on your to do list. But the music is lovely and the tables look like a great place to sit for a while...next time you think. Glancing at the pastry selection you debate whether a chocolate scone is necessary. It just might be though there are always a variety of fabulous pastries to choose from. Stopping by Cafe' Fixe is always a highlight of my morning, if only I had more time to stay for a while. read more

Espresso is strong Dark sensual smooth wake up Great local cafe I'm just going to say, when George Howell doesn't get coffee at his own shop, he'd get a drink here. The espresso is beautiful, dark, strong, just like Denzel. This place operates like a legit Euro cafe. Small portions (the small is about 8-10 oz), fancy expensive, no one really cares that you're there, get your coffee and get out (it's too small to stay anyway). On a nice day, you might get a spot to sip outside. Stumptown is sold here for $17.50 a bag, and you get a coffee with. Great local biz to check out. The iced tea is also legit. read more

Best coffee for people who actually like the taste of great coffee! Go to Starbucks or Dunkin if you don't and they can caffeinate a smoothie or a slushy type drink for you. This is real coffee and I respect and enjoy that - harder and harder to find. Also, while I agree about the comments regarding the owner, who cares? I go there for coffee not to make friends with the owner! I actually think it's kind of funny. It's so easy to piss him off for fun if you want! Just bring in your kids! read more

Small place with decent coffee and nice ambiance. Minimal decor and nice music (often jazz). Not a good place to work or study - in fact it seems discouraged. internet says 30 min only and outlets say not working. Good place to read a book, meet a friend, or just grab and go. I've had pretty good espresso drinks every time I've been there, though I got some attitude from the owner when I asked for a cortado. "We call that a small latte here.." I asked if they could make the ratio closer to 1:1 and he then said "Order a macchiato next time." Which BTW doesn't have any steamed milk.. Just sayin'. In the past they've occasionally carried Stumptown beans but for the most part serve Barrington coffee. Squeaky clean bathroom is very much appreciated. Despite most of the staff being friendly, the owner is a bit of a jerk (I've been told that by a handful of patrons) and ruins an otherwise great experience even for regulars. If you're just looking for something transactional, this place will not let you down with a good cup of coffee or espresso. read more

This is the preeminent espresso cafe in the Boston area. Think: artisanal, intentional, and sublime. An incredible attention to craft and raw ingredients. Don't show up and ask for a specific roaster's beans, ask for the specific beans from a given region and farm! Seen here: Barrington Coffee Roasters, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, others... Milk from High Lawn Farm! read more

Cafe Fixe has been added to my regular weekend coffee rotation since it managed to pass my "three visit rule" (similar to the three date rule). Coffee especially can be deceiving - in my mind, any place can make a good cup of coffee once, but a good cup every time is rare. Each time that I have visited, the coffee has been fresh and delicious with an almost nutty flavor; it never tastes bitter or burned. Two out of three times that I have been to Cafe Fixe, the owner has taken the time to tell me what kind of coffee he poured me and even gave me a special custom blend one visit. I've only had the drip coffee so far, but I have been impressed with the consistency each time. I've managed to resist the food, but I will probably cave one of these days and have some sort of delicious looking pastry. If you are looking to sit and stay awhile, the pre-noon hours seem to be your best bet. This past Saturday I went in around 3pm, and the place was absolutely mobbed, with the owner scrambling to make drinks and keep the almost out the door line moving. I was able to snag a seat through some perseverance and good timing, but it definitely appears that more people have discovered Cafe Fixe over the past month. This means that I have to get myself out of bed at a decent hour to be able to sit with my coffee ... but it's worth it here. read more

Good coffee shop. Limited seating but very clean. This place is clean like Yuppies, and therefore attended by Yuppies. I sometimes go to Blue State which is also really good but dirty like a college dorm room, and therefore attended by college students with a variety of levels of cleanliness. read more

There is something remarcable about Café Fixe. It reminds me of tiny little coffee shops in Europe, where one comes in, gets his/her coffee, and an hour or two later leaves with a satisfied grin. Café Fixe employees know all there is to know about coffee & tea. They are skillfull, meticulous, personable. They make works of art that fit into tiny 'for here' cups, not 'to go' cups. This little detail allows you to enjoy your beverage as it was meant to be enjoyed - not running from point A to point B, but pausing for a few minutes to appretiate its taste, the wonderful cafe & everyone in it. read more

Euro feel, which is cool. Good for a quick espresso/macchiato. But a bit snobby/pretentious. No WiFi/outlets are turned off. read more

I generally like this place. The drinks are solid, and the purveyor is very knowledgeable and passionate about high-end coffee. I like that they have everything from drip (which is still a higher quality than most places, a major plus) to extra-super-fancy imported ristretto/french press/chaos so you can choose what you're in the mood for, whether it's just a much-needed caffeine transfusion or a really amazing coffee drinking experience. Prices seem to be standard (drip is $1.50 for an 8 oz). It's clean, modern, almost a bit cold/impersonal, not really a place I'd feel comfortable hanging around for long periods of time (as mentioned, the purveyor is serious, almost a bit intimidating IMO). But I have started to frequent it when I want a quick quality fix to go and it does the job nicely. read more

Excellent espresso. Many choices for other beverages. They know how to make it. They play jazz, a welcome change from bad indy in most cafés. Good afternoon light. read more

Ok, truth be told, I come here for the scones. I LOVE scones and they often have different flavors and just the right texture--more like a sturdy sweet-ish biscuit than flaky (like the ones at Starbucks) and not all buttery (read:greasy). Today I had a blueberry. Yesterday a banana, walnut. I also noticed they had a cranberry orange. Things I don't care for so much: They are anti laptops with a 30 minute limit on wifi, and they've covered up the electrical outlets so you can't plug in. LAME. Seriously? What are cafes for if not reading, writing and working on entrepreneurial ideas... Next, I think the owner lacks warmth an genuineness but that's neither here nor there. Just an unpleasant vibe I get and other people have remarked on totally unprompted... Go there for the scones! read more

Best coffe around! A little pricy but it's totally worth it (and way better than Starbuck's). They have a limited selection but the quality is so good that you don't even care! No credit cards under $5 though which can be a bummer if you don't have cash, but add one of their amazing Oatmeal Cookies and you're good to go! read more

Coffee and pastries were fine; nothing memorable. What was in fact memorable was the exceptionally rude behavior of the general manager. My mother and I bought a sandwich from next door and coffee/pastries from Cafe Fixe.We explicitly asked if we could sit at the table outside since we were also buying coffee/pastries from Cafe Fixe. We were told that we could. The general manager proceeds to come out 10 minutes later and tell us that we couldn't have outside food, despite us having also purchased food/coffee from Cafe Fixe. He then comes back outside less than 2 minutes later to impatiently tell us that we had to leave immediately because we couldn't have outside food; good customer service would've been to apologize for the miscommunication and ask that we not do it again. This whole thing was just ridiculous, and the fact that we were basically being kicked out because we had a sandwich from next door IN ADDITION to what we bought from Cafe Fixe was the most frustrating. I will add that it was the middle of a blustering cold day; the place was empty and there was zero demand for that table. At the end of the day, we were paying customers that were kicked out over a sandwich. read more

The worst cold brew/iced coffee I've ever had. It was very gritty and tasted like dirt. They may have other good drinks, but definitely don't got there for any iced coffee drinks. read more