Since this place opened, I've overlooked the unbelievable rudeness of the staff because the coffee was that good. Now, though, not only has the rudeness (somehow) increased, but the coffee isn't as good as it used to be. As a true coffee snob, I tell you: If you want to feel pretentious and spend too much on mediocre coffee, by all means go here. If you want actual serious coffee, look elsewhere... 4A Coffee is a great alternative nearby. read more

They don't have WiFi and no working outlets. Paid $3.60 for a mediocre coffee. Don't come if you want to save your money and/or do work.

Maks is a professional barista and if you want the highest quality coffee and best bang for you buck, then go here. Yes it doesn't have WiFi and a high minimum, but if you're willing to look past these minor inconveniences and see the intentions of wanting you to enjoy your experience, you won't be dissatisfied. read more

Amazing coffee! Only issue is the quality varies substantially by barista. I just got a cappuccino with way too much milk and without the pretty pattern on top. It would be great if quality could be homogenized across staff! Looking forward to seeing this improve! read more

Rude barista and snobby attitude. I've been here multiple times and every time the servers are rude and short with me (and other customers). Just look at all the reviews on Yelp. Everyone is complaining about rude and condescending service for years, and nothing has changed. Clearly they don't care. Plus they have a $7.50 credit card minimum at a coffee shop, which makes no sense. Mediocre coffee with big-time attitude. Skip this place and instead support shops that have friendly servers and owners in Brookline. read more

Fabulous capuchinos and lattes . My favorite is the espresso tonic! It may sound a bit strange but it is delicious and refreshing!

Nice clean coffee place in the heart of Washington Square. Under normal circumstances I would have loved to get a seat and enjoy my americano there. By the way - it tasted great even on the go. Will be back! read more

Would love to support a local business but unfortunately won't be going back here. Had an unpleasant experience with (whom I'm assuming) is the owner after asking a simple question regarding covid precations. I asked if they prefer I use a tissue when handling the creamer, and he seemed offended by my question and launched into a whole spiel about how they are using a certain type of medical-grade cleaner (which I wasn't even asking about). Coffee is decent but not worth the rude service. Have had good interactions with some of the baristas in the past, but this experience has turned me off from supporting this business. read more

Best hot chocolate anywhere in the world. Not powder. German pure dark chocolate as the base. Will make special trip just for a cup. I like Max. read more

Aimee: May I please have a corn muffin? Barista: We don't sell pastries or muffins? Aimee: Pardon? Barista: Pastries and muffins are not our purpose. We cannot sell you a pastry sans a coffee. Aimee: Are you serious? Barista: Yes. Aimee (suspecting some joke/candid camera): Are you joking? Barista: We cannot sell you a pastry when you have a cup from SBUX. You should go across the street and buy your muffin there. I'm the type of consumer who purchases her books at local bookstores because it's important to support independent venues. While Amazon is cheaper, I take pride (a masochist, probably) in spending more at my local bookstore. Refusal of service based on an earlier purchase of a competitor is in bad taste. I would hope that Brookline Booksmith and other independent stores would be okay if I purchased my text books on Amazon during graduate school (because I was on a limited budget). Refusing service or asking someone to leave a store based on another decision is rude. If this were the policy, it's still inappropriate for the owner to say that they don't sell pastries or muffins. read more

After my initial review of Cafe Fixe, made when they first opened, I feel I owe it to the world to update this review so people are fully aware of the terrible service that they can expect from Cafe Fixe. In my humble opinion they are taking their customers for granted. (First rule of running your own company that I've learned, "Treat everyday like it's Day 1.") RUDE to the point where they really don't deserve your business. That is what I would call this place, their owner, and their employees. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.) Since going here the first time, I admit, I went right back to Starbucks. I'm sorry to those who believe in supporting the little guy, Starbucks gets it right. They try to remember your name (and more often than not, they get it right), they get your order right, they allow you to get it anyway you want at always great quality and taste, and it's consistent. If they make a mistake (hey, mistakes happen.) they give you a free drink. However, Cafe Fixe and I weren't over. In the past two weeks I recently went back there twice. The first time I went there I was shocked at how expensive one cup of coffee was. If you think Starbucks is expensive, think again. However, I was with friends who had brought me here after a long bike ride, so I ordered a muffin and a coffee but asked them to put the coffee in a bigger cup. The girl taking my order looked at me as if I had ten heads and said, "Egh...I guess so." Then I was given my coffee in a beer glass with a cardboard strip wrapped around it. My friends laughed at me as I drank my hot coffee from the pint glass. Whatever, I thought, I guess it's really not a big deal...the muffin was good. Yesterday, I met my fiance for coffee at Starbucks before we both went to work. While at Starbucks she mentioned that she wanted something to eat. I immediately suggested we go to Cafe Fixe since I had really enjoyed my muffin I had last week. We walked into Cafe Fixe with our Starbucks coffees in hand, went to the front counter and started looking at the pastries. "Egh egh hmm..." - We look up at the girl at the counter. - "Oh hello!" I say, "We were just looking at your muffins, they look great." "Umm...you really shouldn't bring other coffee into our shop. Especially coffee from Starbucks. It's rude." the girl at the counter said in a snarly voice. "Well we already got our coffee and we're here because we wanted to get some food. Is it ok to buy some food?" I replied. "I guess so...." the girl replied. YOU GUESS SO?! You guess it's ok for us, your customers, to buy your food, products, coffee?! If you're running a company in today's world and someone, a potential customer, asks you if it's ok to buy something from you you're answer better be, YES! Hells yea! What would you like to buy? Can I make your experience any more enjoyable? You want a coffee in a mug/paper cup/on a platter? Sure thing! I the customer should not have to ask you if it's ok to get a muffin. You, the store owner, should be asking me the customer, if I want to buy your muffin. And when/if I do buy your muffin/coffee you should say, Thank you with a smile. In my head, you, Cafe Fixe, just lost a potential customer for life. I will never again buy coffee from you. When you saw me walk into your store with a Starbucks Coffee, instead of letting your overly inflated ego get in the way, you should've realized you're that much closer to converting me to a loyal customer. I ALREADY love coffee. I get it EVERYDAY from Starbucks which is across the street from you. I'm in your store to buy a muffin since I already have my coffee. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO PROVE TO ME THAT NEXT TIME I SHOULD BUY A COFFEE TOO. Instead, you, in essence, told me not to come back, not to buy a muffin from you that day because I had a product from your competitor, and definitely not to buy coffee from you in the future. Buyer be warned that until Cafe Fixe realizes that they are in business to serve you, not the other way around, they don't deserve your business. read more

There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. In short: Coffee = Good Owner = Completely rude Go to Athan's instead. It's right across the street, the staff is much friendlier and they have delicious pastries. read more

I just don't have the time or patience for rude weirdos like the employees of Cafe Fixe, especially the owner. I work right down the street and will not step foot there thanks to their odd and hostile behavior. Way to go, guys! ps: the coffee isn't THAT good. I was served downright bitter, undrinkable iced and drip coffee before (and yes, I drink strong coffee). read more

I came here because Athan's was packed. I ordered a plain croissant and a small latte. Beware of the prices ($6.79 is more expensive than my usual places I get a croissant and latte). I forgot if I ordered a nonfat latte so I asked the barista and he curtly replied they don't have nonfat lattes. I was a little surprised by his reply and more annoyed at the delivery. I picked up my full fat latte and he then explained they had a 1% option or something like this. At that point I could care less what he had to say. I just wanted my latte and to get my hands on the croissant. The second I picked up the croissant I knew it was going to suck. It did not have a crispy shell and was dry as a fart inside. The latte was good. I give it one star because they can make a latte and I like people watching. The attitude was uncalled for. read more

A lot of coffee shops have a decent atmosphere and bitter coffee. This one has it the other way around. This isn't a knee jerk reaction. I've been here a number of times over the past few years. I keep hoping it'll get better. It hasn't. The owner is just rude. There's no excuse for it. I'd encourage prospective customers to scroll down, take a look at his insulting responses to the people who wrote negative reviews. Go to Athan's instead; it's a two minute walk away. read more

I live in the neighborhood and have been a regular customer of Café Fixe since it opened. I had a negative experience there the other day. I purchased food and a beverage, as I always do, which amounted to more then $5 minimum for credit card use posted in the store, which incidentally violates merchants agreements with credit card companies. The owner was reluctant to accept my credit card, and I was forced to scramble through my purse to come up with adequate cash. It was a very humiliating experience. I have not had this problem with his employees. Looking back, I wish that I had walked out of the place and headed over to the nearby Starbucks (across the street), where the counter staff is always friendly and welcoming. I am reluctant to return. PS. The owner is the one that's soft spoken which you will need a hearing aid to hear. That's if he even says a word to you. read more

I was walking the Walk for Hunger with my friend on Sunday and we decided to go in so I could get my tea on the way. We approach the barista and I ask for a white tea topped with all soy foam. Barista: I can't do that Me: Why not? Barista: I refuse to ruin a really good tea. Me: But I'm paying for it, and that's what I want. I can't drink coffee, so I drink my tea like that. Barista: You might as well drink water with steamed soy milk on top. Me: No, I did not come in for water with steamed soy milk. I want it like a misto. I suppose I'll just get a cup of white tea. Barista: Oh...and btw "Misto" is a Starbucks term. It's called an "Ole". I have to say that this was the snobbiest place I've ever encountered. I usually support the small guy when I can...in fact I prefer it. Starbucks is on my way to work, so I usually stop in there. At least they are really nice people and always give me what I want. In fact, they know my order. Cafe Fixe's employees and owner (we found out the guy at the coffee bar was the owner) really need an "attitude fixe." At least the tea was good...but I won't be back!!!! read more

Here I was thinking, "OH! Sweet this is near me and it's an alternative for Starbucks! YAY! MULTIPLE YAY'S!" Yay's quickly turned into Nay's. Then to Meh, then to Grrrr. I understand that at independently owned cafe's whatever you get will be a bit a over the usual big corporation price. I ordered something simple, an iced coffee and the staff serving me was so put out by the prospect. So it wasn't some fancy pants whatsit, but that's what I want it. Not just that, but they don't take cards, just cash which was fine. However the entire transaction and the attitude given by the staff...terrible. C'mon guys...smile a little. Pretend you like your job? read more

I have been reading over reviews of Cafe Fixe and it really kind of tears at me to do this to an establishment that I had previously felt was a really nice addition to my neighborhood. But the fact of the matter is that I'm proud of the area I live in, and feel that the majority of businesses here in Washington Square are full of kind people with customer service at the forefront of their concern. Cafe Fixe does not have customer service. Period. I went in to buy a cup of drip coffee for my ride to work on the T and when they told me that I could not pay for the coffee with a debit card unless I purchased something else to make the transaction greater than $5. I didn't have any objection to that and I understand that for a small business, the minimums can be important. When asked, "Do you have a refillable card I could purchase?" the girl behind the counter enthusiastically said, "Well, no - but we have gift certificates!" "Great! I'll take one! I'll put $25 dollars on it and come in every morning for a cup of coffee. Beats standing in line at Starbucks." (funny there was no line at Cafe Fixe that morning...no one even in the cafe at all. In retrospect it was weird, and should have been a red flag. The line at Starbucks was 10 deep.) The other guy who I presumed was the manager overheard us conversing and chimed in with, "Well, we really don't encourage it (the gift certificate) to be used in that way." "Huh?" I said. That struck me as making no sense at all. Perhaps some small business owner could explain to me the difference between a refillable card and a gift certificate, other than the card can be swiped like a credit card. But why wouldn't this guy want 25 more of my dollars right now, up front? I would be spending it on things like more coffee, muffins, croissants, and I would likely draw other people on other days into the Cafe so that they could discover this bastion of coffee that was anything but ordinary. "Well, if I had a gift card I would come in everyday before I get on the train and grab a cup of coffee." "Well, I'm sorry you have to drink your coffee that way." "Are you serious?" (He was.) "Why don't you just carry cash?" Well at this I was just dumbfounded. Who is this guy to suggest how I should carry my money, drink my coffee, go about my day or live my live? Now, I was really annoyed, needed to catch my train and blurted out, "I think I'll take my business back to Starbucks!" Before I left I told him he was rude, I told the young lady that she was nice, but then turned back to him and said that I would like to have a conversation with his employer - at this point he told me that he was the owner and that I should leave given my attitude. Well I had no problem leaving. And I have no problem ever going back there again. Really sad Cafe Fixe. There's something not right about your business. The fact is that even if you want to be a different type of operation than the big coffee chains, there's no reason to treat customers rudely. You should in fact be treating customers 100 times better than those places. read more

One Man's Barista Is Another Man's Liberator In another review, we discussed Voyeuristic Connoisseurs and the Truly Dedicated. Yours truly would is loath to be pigeon-holed in such blatantly hierarchal terms. I found a Bird of a Feather in Max; he'll Fixe you up the best coffee or shot you ever had. So my third distinction in shops is the "Progressive Vanguard", where it's at, Soulja. He may be a Connoisseur, he may be a Veteran, but a Game Changer at heart, he seeks his own new path. Max, like all revolutionaries, is tall, dark and handsome. (Don't get overly excited Jeffrey or Dawn.) He runs a shop that reflects the ideals of the three "T's", Taste, Technique, Tao. While this might be monochromatic compared to Les Trois Couleurs, it is no less exciting, no less brilliant. Because when colors combine to make white, nothing shines as bright. Max has the most elaborate espresso machine I have ever seen for modern. Hand-built to his specs in the Netherlands, the client facing side is clad in machine-turned steel, like the dash of a 1960's Maserati and I bet his side looks even better. It is completely different from your typical La Marzocco. Squat, and elegant, it's painted in True Blue. It's awesome kit. Better yet, he knows that machine better than you know your laptop and can get the most of every steamy vapor. Shoot me because I've died and gone to Shot heaven. With Veteran Progressive Coffee Geeks like Max, it's all about the Shot, but his Hand Pours don't disapoint. That's pretty much what I'm after, so he made me an Off-The-Menu-Micro-Lot-Sourced-From-A-Coffee-Road-Warrior-Small-Batch-Roasted-By-Barrington-Ethiopian-Yrgacheffe-Kochere. In comparison to the standard Barrington Roaster's Yrgacheffe, the Mid-Tones coming off that brew was pretty much Sistine Chapel beautiful. Fruit and Florals sang to heavens. What can I say? The bean, the roast, and the pour all came together for a wholelistic triumphant triune. read more

Coffee was decent but service was less than sub-par. We were treated as if we were a burden when we simply wanted to try a new coffee shop. It was clean and I enjoyed my latte but would only return if service improves. read more

Obnoxious owner, would never go back. The owner has the personality of a wet blanket and the coffee is subpar. Why anyone bothers going into this place is beyond me. It hurts to have to give it 1 star, why is there no zero? read more

I was very excited when I found out a local coffee house had opened in my area and so I went to explore. I brought my computer and was enjoying my coffee as I got some work done. I was sitting and working for about an hour and a worker, presumably the owner, came up to me and informed me that they had no way of enforcing their 30 minute limit on the internet and that he hoped they would not have to. Confused, I told him I was not using the internet at the cafe. He then went on to say that the 30 minute limit was for several reasons and insinuated that I should leave. This might have been acceptable since there is limited seating, but several other patrons had been there as long or longer than I when I was kicked out. The Starbucks across the street certainly hasn't asked me to leave after purchasing their coffee. I won't be back to Cafe Fixe. read more

I come into Cafe Fixe about once or twice a year, probably for about 3 years now, starting close to the time when they first opened. Every time I hope that it might be different, because deep down, I WANT to like this place. I've even held off on a deserved, but awful review because I wanted to like it so badly. SNOB central. No, not the customers, it's the staff and owners. I can't be inside of this place without being talked down to or listen to the staff talk down to other customers. HOW can you possibly treat other human beings this way, let alone CUSTOMERS?! The owner is by far the worst. Holy crap, what a grump. I've been yelled at for everything from waiting for my drink in the wrong spot, speaking to the person next me louder than a whisper, trying to use a credit card, to sitting in a seat longer than they want me to be. Are you forgetting the fact that your customers are the ones that pay your bills?? I shake my head at you. Don't even get me started on their hatred towards Sbux. WARNING to all future customers: You are not welcome here if you buy, drink, eat, smell, talk about, or even think about Starbucks. Even if you've heard the name "Starbucks" before, you might even be shunned. Let's get something straight... you are a business located in an area with other businesses. A customer purchasing something at another local business prior to entering your shop is inevitable! Don't treat them like lepers when they do. Anyways, I (among others) enjoy Starbucks, GET OFF IT!! Just leave it alone, and keep your mouth shut. I'm pretty sure you might have more hatred in your blood than the Westboro Baptist Church. Goosfraba, guys... goosfraba. Oh, how's Cafe Fixe's coffee? I literally can't remember because I'm so distracted by their rudeness. P.S. Apologies to the few staff members that do in fact have souls. You are noticed and appreciated. read more

Cafe Fixe makes me wish I were a coffee connoisseur. They offer so many unique roasts and blends! You can tell that each cup is lovingly handcrafted because the barista takes the time to leave a little signature on the foam--a delicate leaf or a heart that melts away as you sip. So lovely. Alas, my stomach doesn't react well to coffee so I stick to the hot chocolate and teas. And let me tell you, this hot chocolate is sophisticated. It's not too cloyingly sweet or heavy--just the right amount of chocolate to be indulgent. In fact, the creamy froth holds up through the last sip. Minimalist and modern decor makes the small space seem almost airy. The dainty cups and silverware just round out the cuteness. It's a shame that this cafe is so tiny, as more seating would be my only request. If you're lucky, you might grab one of the street-facing tables, a section of the Wall Street Journal and just linger a bit over your morning coffee/tea. It'll make your day. read more

How can someone come to this place and not remember the famous Soup Nazi episode ??: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJyGJQx2Fgk This place can easily be called the Coffee Nazi, surprisingly no one did a sitcom episode there, yet! I am someone who is regular here for 3 years... who love the hot chocolate, the granola (out of this world) the nice collection of teas, coffee, and the people who are drinking here (good Friends), the location is the best and the music selection is amazing. BUT, hate the attitude of the owner (Mr. M) !. words can not describe it well enough. We are always happy when the owner is not there- the only time that everything is perfect.... read more

We came on a pouring rain kind of day. Parked in the back. Saw an open door. Approached. Smelled good coffee smells. Knew we were at the right door. Passed by two milk crates and up a short flight of stairs to the rear of the store, next to the bathroom. The owner approached and glared at us. Me: Can we come in this way? Owner: No. That is why it is blocked. Me: Blocked? (Note: there was no signage stating, "Do not enter" or "Employees only." We saw two milk crates, but nothing more. Did not seemed blocked to us. ) Owner: I'd prefer you use the front door. Me: Seriously? Owner: Yes, you should walk to the other entrance. Me: Walk all the way around the building in the pouring rain? When we are already inside? There was a moment of hesitation on the owner's part. He considered being a normal, decent person and letting us in so we could be his CUSTOMERS but then had a change of heart. Owner: Yes. You should not have come in the blocked door. Go around to the front. We went back to our car. We left. What a jerk. read more

Not to harp on what so many others have brought up, but the owner is pretty condescending... The coffee and atmosphere are decent, but I feel like people are only going to love it because they feel like they have to. The guy knows a lot about coffee, and they have a slick custom espresso machine, but there's a nicer way to deal with people. Although, I full support them being dicks to the SBux people that walked in. Here was my experience: me: "(points at menu) Are these the same coffees that you sell by the pound, or do you have a different list?" owner: (looks at me like I'm an idiot) "That's what we sell." "Could I have a pound of the Kenya AA then?" "No, I can't sell you that. I don't have any of those to sell." "Ok..." I might be able to sell you a Yirgacheffe" "Oh, I didn't see that on the menu, sure!" "It's not on our menu... I could also sell you a Colombian coffee that's not on our menu either" "No thanks, the Yirgacheffe sounds good. If you can spare some." He pulls out an enormous bag and weighs out a pound. "Would you like a complimentary beverage with your beans?" "Sure, how about a shot of espresso?" "I think you mean triple ristretto." Now, I'm a food and wine guy, and I've worked in restaurants and kitchens for my entire life. I know a great deal about food and beverage. I'm not just one of these amateur foodies that knows enough to impress hipsters at a dinner party. I'm not a coffee expert, but I know what ristretto is. Before this, I thought maybe he just didn't have any manners, or I was misunderstanding him. From this point on, I realized he's just being a dick for no reason. "Unless they've changed things recently, that's just a preparation of espresso, right?" He mumbled something under his breath then asked if I needed anything else. "Could I have a 16oz Cafe au lait as well; assuming you don't have a different name for it..." (for my companion) I decided to stop making the situation worse and tried to make small talk with him. "I've never been here before, but you got some great reviews on Yelp for serving real European style coffees here." "Oh really? I thought we were an American cafe, but what do I know?" It just kind of went downhill from there... Now, I wasn't a dickhead who walked in with a SBux cup, and I didn't really do anything outrageous to him, or make any absurd, so why the attitude? In cases like this, I almost always side with the business owner, but in this case he was just an ass. He never said anything incorrectly, but he purposely went out of his way to be rude. The espresso (triple ristretto in case you didn't know) was great, and the cafe au lait was pretty weak I'm told. Bottom line: Why bother? There are plenty of good cafes out there, the only thing that makes this place any different than any other decent cafe is that rude owner. read more

Ok, I have come here a half dozen times and read many of the other reviews on Yelp. To summarize the things I agree with... It's a clean well lighted place. Either you like minimalism or you don't (I do). We're not talking McDonalds design here, it's very nice and thoughtfully designed. And very clean and well maintained. It's an independent across from a big Starbucks, so I'm rooting for little guy The coffee and staff are both bitter. I can take the former. The latter will be a problem If you take away the sullen employees and pushy customers it would be almost purrrfect. So despite all the strengths I have to give it a 2 Other notes: * Not a good place for the laptop crowd. You're unlikely to get a table and then they don't want people hanging around for hours working. * I couldn't find the cleverly hidden bus tray either, but signage is out of the question with these guys. * The bathroom is amazing. Check it out read more

I want to like this place, but I just don't. The chai was one of the worst things I've ever had to drink. And I've had a lot of different chai. Their coffee is drinkable but very bitter. Their pastries are sufficient. The main reason for my more negative review is that they shut off their outlets - but don't tell you until after you've paid. So when I recently came here to work, saw there was a table open near an outlet, bought a drink for both my husband and I and then tried to plug in, imagine my surprise when the barista then I formed me "oh, none of our outlets are turned on". Then maybe you should cover them so people know this before shelling out $4 for coffee. read more

Not gonna shock anyone here - good coffee, rough customer experience. I ordered a chai latte with an espresso shot (because I like that and I like caffeine). The person working at the counter asked the barista behind her, who without even looking up from the coffee she was making, remarked that my request was "gross". The woman behind the counter, nicely, tried to explain that their chai was strong and the two flavors would be too intense together. I scratched the order and got an iced coffee, so as not to anger the coffee god at the espresso machine. The iced coffee was good, but to a non-aficionado it wasn't radically better than any other coffee. This was just the second time I had been here and the first experience was very similar. The first time I asked the gentleman working for a recommendation on a coffee, because clearly they know more about it than I do, and he scoffed at me. (Damned if I do, damned if I don't!) For the record, however, if Cafe Fixe is reading this (which they surely are not, otherwise they would adjust their approach to customers) here are a couple suggestions: 1. I know what I like and I know how I like it. Even if it means making a drink that compromises your coffee values by combining two strong flavors, if I order something that tastes bad and want to throw it away it as a result of my decision, at least you have my $6 first. 2. If you truly are concerned about my experience enjoying the drink I have ordered, instead of dismissing it as "Gross" without even acknowledging me, perhaps take the approach of "just to give you a heads up, we use a very strong chai and some people find that it's too strong combined with coffee." It seems compassionate and engaged, and still allows you to consult your customers on the proper experience of coffee. It might even make them repeat customers! There is so much potential for this place, but the attitude towards their paying customers is too much to bear. I'll be back, you can bet on that, but mostly just to mess with the barista. Based on all the reviews, it sounds too damn easy. read more

Everyone seems to rave about the coffee, but I don't drink or care about coffee so I can only judge this place on the green tea and chocolate chip cookie I had while killing time before a haircut. The green tea was good and only $2 for 2-3 cups worth. But the chocolate chip cookie was gross. Dense, lacking in flavor, and only about five chocolate chips in a very large cookie. For some reason, it really annoyed me. I think it's because I had such an amazing ccc a few weeks ago for $1 at the farmer's market near South Station. Oh, and put something on your walls. Your coffee shop looks like an insane asylum. read more

When I was little, one of my favorite treats was what we used to call "caffe glacee.". Ie iced espresso with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (yes, kids in Russia all had their growth stunted by caffeine. But then, we're really good at math, so let's conduct a study on risks versus benefits of early caffeine exposure). Anyway! This place serves it under the code name "affogato." Instant winner! Plus, I love that they don't pretend to be anything but a place that serves a well brewed coffee. I think they're the opposite of pretentious. Wish I still lived nearby. read more

I wanted to love this place. I really did. They do make very good coffee, and the location and decor work for me. However, the owner's profound narcissism permeates every aspect of how the establishment is run, which made for a rather unpleasant experience each of the the three times I tried this coffe shop. The condescension and outright rudeness are disguised as attempts to instill in the customers the appropriate respect for the rituals of coffee-drinking. I will most definitely not be back. read more

Without a doubt the best coffee shop in Brookline (4A on Harvard is a close second). My parents live near there and every time I visit I end up there most days. Good coffee has four requirements, and I'll try and keep this constant as I blitz review all of the coffee shops I've been to in the last few years. Macinazione: The grind. Basically, you have to have the right grind/dose for the coffee you're making. Fixe has dedicated grinders for their various espressos and their French press and they work to dial them in. I'm always leaving a big tip if I see the barista pull a shot, see that it's too fast/slow, toss it, and work the grinder to get it right. Their espresso is always a great extraction; not over/under but just right. I believe they do a triple ristretto so the flavor gets really concentrated. Love it. Miscela: The blend. The beans themselves. The one thing you absolutely positively need for good coffee. Fixe uses Barrington Coffee Roasting Co. beans and they really do come through. They also have coffees from other roasters and I try to get the featured espresso whenever I can. Macchina: The espresso machine. They have an absolute killer espresso machine. A Kees van der Westen Mirage Veloce. It's as beautiful as it is functional. Really, the espresso machine just has to pump out (consistently) hot water at approx 9 bars, and also steam milk well. The most important piece is the 4th M. Mano: The skill of the barista is the most important piece, and at Fixe they really put a lot of care into their product. East of George Howells, and west of Thinking Cup, this is the place to go for really great coffee. As far as ambiance, who the hell cares? I'm not going there to relax for a few hours or chat with the friendly baristas. It's a coffee shop people and the one and only reason I go there is to get sublime espresso or delicious/interesting coffee in a French press. Coffee shops are not a library, they don't have to be quiet, nor are they your living room that it has to conform to your level of comfort (plush seating? Stay at home and drink some Folgers). Guess what? baristas are not therapists, they do not need to kiss your ass. That being said, I've never had a bad experience here with customer service. I think one time the owner refused to make a pour over because there was a ton of people waiting and that's completely understandable. I got an espresso instead and guess what? Loved it. Also? If you're going to drown your coffee/espresso in milk and sugar just go to Dunkin or Starbucks. Just my opinion. read more

Upon walking into Café Fixe, you get the idea that, like a hipster haircut or Sonic Youth's solos, someone spent a lot of time making this place look so like they didn't spend a lot of time making it look a certain way. But don't let initial impressions deceive, they are slinging some seriously delicious brew here. Long a Starbucks loyalist, Café Fixe has become my weekend jaunt, the kind of place where people that like coffee, real coffee, without belt-widening sugar sludge or burnt diesel fuel taste go. The kind of place where hangovers are cured with an iced latte and a Slice Françoise, where world problems are solved over a shared pot of French Press, where chapters are written, colleges are decided on, marriages are proposed, babies are born, etc. Okay, maybe not that last one. Don't let the staff's mild manner fool you, behind that aloofness lies an Ambassador to your caffeinated future, a willingness to share an unadulterated love of craft. I dare say this place is locked in solidarity with the Publick House - to deliver f'n fantastic product, expertly prepared and served. One caveat - baked goods are fresh and delicious, but that comes at a price. I recommend the lattes in the winter and the iced lattes in the summer. Notice how there wasn't any kind of "skim, half cholesterol, no sugar, 7-pump, with whip, polybycarbonate cluclose dioxofentine" modifier used. Yeah, that's the way it should be. read more

HORRIBLE customer service. Went here with a friend to do some reading and support local business. Ordered a drip coffee and a cappuccino (which, it must be said, was delicious) and sat down to read. The cafe was playing ubiquitous cafe jazz. However, instead of mellow music that fades into the background after a few minutes, this jazz was twangy and piercing--not exactly great for a morning coffee-and-book experience. Moreover, the annoyingly loud jazz pierced through the foam earplugs I brought--a feat that not even the construction on my street accomplishes. I asked the woman behind the counter to please turn down the music just a little bit. Apparently puzzled by my request, she consulted with a man who must be the cafe's resident DJ slash barista. I repeated my request, to which he shrugged and responded "No, I don't think it's that loud," accompanied by a rote and fairly sarcastic "sorry". Seriously?! Shocked by his utter lack of concern for customer comfort, we immediately packed up our books and left our half-finished coffees on the table. I would rather toss our $6.50 at the Starbucks conglomerate machine (across the street!) than attempt to enjoy a nice Saturday morning at this place ever again. Shame on you, Cafe Fixe, for driving out paying customers when all could have been remedied by simply lowering the volume of your sound system. read more

Best espresso on the East Coast for my money. As others have mentioned: amazing triple ristrettos, ultra-creamy lattes and macchiatos (using natural milk from the Berkshires I believe), great latte art, and outstanding pastries. Add to that a very clean aesthetic, plus great jazz/ambient/chill tunes, and you have a five-star coffee experience. It's a great place to meet friends and business colleagues. Maks the owner is passionate about his products and that is a huge plus. I've turned a wide variety of coffee drinkers onto Cafe Fixe and eventually they've all agreed (even the biggest Starbucksians amongst them) that it is a winner. Read all the reviews here and notice that those who appreciate it for what it is generally give it 4 or 5 stars. And those who wish it was something else tend to get offensive in their review. It would be fine to just state the facts: Yes, it is small; yes, it is not Starbucks; yes, they only have a handful of pastries... [Aside re: WiFi/Studying -- Do I use a laptop there? Sure. But i try to keep the Golden Rule in mind -- if it was my place, would I wish the table was now freed up? Just a little sensitivity, people, and you won't need to be shooed away. If you need an office for the afternoon, the Brookline libraries are wifi enabled.] Allow yourself to do a taste test vs. the other Brookline coffee options and see if it isn't much better. read more

Ordered iced latte, which the cashier repeated back to me. Received my drink as an iced coffee. When I informed her that I had ordered an iced latte she quickly responded with a rude "well, I charged you for iced coffee... Like I can make you an latte but I'm gonna have to charge you". To which I should have responded, "it's not my job to understand my order..is it?" However I did not respond in a rude way and settled for the drink I did not order. I have been in the service industry for years, and the right thing for her to do would have been apologize for misunderstanding and give me the drink I had ordered. I'm not a cheapskate and don't expect any freebies, but that's how the service world is supposed to work. Also, came here to do work, so I brought my computer. However they do not have wifi. Thats no big deal because I still needed to to stuff without the internet... Which brings me to the final problem; their outlets do not work. Overall extremely disappointed with this overpriced cafe that clearly cares more about their image than their product... Because the iced coffee that I didn't order, but drank, was sub-par to say the least. read more

Beautiful place, but the coffee drink I had was terrible. Way overextracted espresso. And expensive by any standard.