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Café Fixe
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Washington Sq1642 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 879-2500
- Nearest Transit:
-
Washington St @ Beacon St (65)
Washington Sq - Outbound (Green Line)
Washington Sq - Inbound (Green Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
148 reviews for Café Fixe
Review Highlights
148 reviews in English
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Review from Wendy L.
Boston, MA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this local coffee joint in Washington Square! Their coffees are strong and reasonably priced. I also like how they have simple syrup, skim, half and half neatly placed at the end of the bar. I like to add my own sugar to my Iced coffee and only a few places provide simple syrup at the condiment bar.
The staff is friendly and I never had to wait in a long line. A lot of people say that the baristas are snobby here but I haven't had an issue at all. -
Review from Jen P.
Framingham, MA
5/7/2012
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!!!! -
Review from Lizzie E.
Brookline, MA
5/5/2012
If you're looking for quality espresso compared to the Starbucks that is, literally, right across the street, go to Cafe Fixe. It's pretentious and I almost feel like I shouldn't be there when I walk in. I just like good coffee, I'm not trying to be an a-hole about it though.
That being said, their coffee is great. I like mine iced so I can drink it right away. Depending on my mood I'll get the iced coffee or iced latte. I'm sipping the latter right now, which is why I'm writing this. It's smooth, flavorful, unburnt, no grounds (unlike Equal Exchange where there always seems to be a layer of debris at the bottom of my drink), and they pour the espresso in last over the ice and milk and let it sink into the cup. Delicious.
Maybe someday I'll venture out and try something else on their menu, but I'm a creature of habit.
Pastries look amazing as well, though I didn't get one today. -
Review from Katie W.
Boston, MA
Cute European style cafe in the center of Washington Square! Great place to people watch and relax.
The soy latte is delicious and comes with a fun design. Definitely coffee you'd find in Europe. It's strong and unsweetened. If you're used to Starbucks, make sure to grab sugar for your coffee. -
Review from Julie W.
Brookline, MA
5/17/2012
After hearing great things about Café Fixe I had to give it a try. I was just passing by and got an iced espresso ($2.85) which was fine, nothing special. Luckily the man said he did not offer to go cups (I had a little bit of time and it was a beautiful day out) so I was ok with that but it is definitely not for people passing by. There are limited tables inside and only 2 tables outside (I was lucky enough to grab one) but I don't think I will be making any special trips back. All in all it was fine.
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Review from Brian S.
Brookline, MA
2/8/2012
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. -
Review from Epicurean G.
Dorchester, MA
1/31/2012
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. -
Review from Adam A.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/1/2012
Although it can be frustratingly difficult to find good espresso in Boston, there are a few establishments that pull great shots. Not only is Cafe Fixe among them, I believe that it is at the head of the pack. The appear to use beans from Stumptown and other specialty roasters. The espresso I had was bright and crisp with citrus notes. It was a bit short on crema, if anything, but still excellent.
Based on other reviews, you should realize that there are at least two types of cafes: One, epitomized by Starbucks, serves drinks that are sweet or bland and appeal to a wide range of palates. They strive to accomodate whatever the customer wants. The other, specializes in perfecting the very specific craft of making traditional espresso drinks. These are two very different types of establishments which really cannot be compared. Both are equally valid. The latter may seem pretentious, but there is nothing pretentious about trying to make something wonderful and share it with others if the customer is willing to try something new.
To summarize: This place has the best espresso in Boston, hands down. The atmosphere is straight out of Portland. No inane hipster undergrads. No trashy tourists or red sox fans. No wifi. Bright and clean, but not pretentiously so. Busy, but not mobbed. If a cafe could be a bright Sunday morning, this would be it. Love it. -
Review from David D.
Brookline, MA
8/30/2011
Meh. The best thing about Cafe Fixe is that it is so over-priced that you will begin to feel like the prices at Starbucks are actually a bargain. The coffee is good, but I've not been blown out of the water the way some yelpers apparently have been.
However, the snobbery of the place is truly first class. (Also, I have never before seen a business so vigorously mock its former customers on yelp.) In a way, I guess I respect their consistency in so completely not giving a crap what their customers think.
If getting your coffee from an independent place makes you feel superior and righteous, Cafe Fixe is probably for you. You will enjoy the pretentious airs. If you are like me and simply want to exchange, you know, currency for good coffee, then I don't see the point in putting up with all the 'tude. -
Review from Iain G.
Brookline, MA
11/14/2011
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. -
Review from Jessica G.
Boston, MA
5 Stars - sublime coffee experience
2 Stars - incredibly pretentious, abrasive service
This places poses a true personal dilemma. Can you handle the Coffee nazi? Can you handle HIM eschewing other customers, and very possibly YOU for your breaches against the experience of coffee in HIS store?
I've returned, and will return again, so I guess for me it's worth it. Although I still shudder that the experience of coffee snobbery almost makes a call to adult protective services necessary. -
Review from Prarthana N.
Brookline, MA
11/8/2011
Seriously, this is a gem. First of all, it's located on the beautiful, Milan-esque Washington Square right on the Publick House strip. The layout, equipment, and vibe is sleek, minimal, and indie.
In addition, their cappuccinos are by far the best I have tasted in Boston so far, and the espressos are comparable to those served in Milan itself.
The first time I went here, people were hanging out by the "bar" with their espressos - another very "Italy" quality. My barista was hipster, and the place has this kind of industrial feel to it which added a "New York" aspect to the cafe.
I just want to look at the cafe and take in all the details - from the vinyl records to the beautiful modern machines. In addition, I'd love to check out their "non-event events".
I'm not too big a fan of their scones, unless you are very hungry I do not recommend one. However, their granola is fabulous. Pricey, but what isn't these days in Boston? -
Review from Aimee G.
Brookline, MA
6/24/2011
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. -
Review from Annie d.
Boston, MA
2/28/2012
I grew up on amazing coffee (my grandfather's family had a coffee farm) and travel extensively so when I say Cafe Fixe has amazing coffee you know I do not say it lightly. But then again I have to say I am a latte girl.
Just as a comment when I arrived in this country 25 years ago a great coffee was hard to find in the Boston area (only the North End had good coffee) So we have come a long way when it comes to coffee , the coffee chains are ok but it is not great coffee. This is not the place to get your flavoured coffee (by the way I still do not like these and do not understand why you want to put vanilla or hazelnut, etc in to amazing coffee.
I try to go here often but do not always have the chance. I just took 4 friends recently (European and South Americans living in the area) who agreed with me that it is amazing coffee. Their almond croissant is to die for.
So when it comes to service, I read what some comments that Max is snob, no Max is serious that is all (maybe even shy) He is a nice guy as are his employees. I love the old jazz they have playing and it is nice to always see some familiar face in the place.
A must try. -
Review from Ryder N.
Boston, MA
11/20/2011
Cafe Fixe is a bit of a gem. Max, and his employees are really great people, and really know what they are doing. They love coffee. Sure, to some they may come off as rude, but you just need to talk to them. They love talking about their coffee and coffee gossip. Now, you may get a cold shoulder if you come in with two kids asking for a vanilla latte.
There's a starbucks across the street...go there...I say this with confidence, as I work at a starbucks, for benefits at this point. They serve coffee. None of the bastardized coffee drinks you can find in coffee hell across the street.
They stop brewing regular drip coffee at some point during mid day as coffee sitting in urns at 200 degrees tends to taste terrible after 15 minutes or so. Honestly, It tastes like hell from the get go. Get a pour over. More expensive, but much higher quality. Well worth it. I urge you not to use cream and sugar, but try and enjoy what a coffee really is.
Their decor is simple and clean, and their espresso machine is a design marvel that they love to tinker with as they rotate through guest espresso. -
Review from Sergei B.
Boston, MA
10/16/2011
I did not notice any snobby attitude from the staff. The owner was very friendly and the interior decor was very modern with nice music playing.
I had a iced black tea to go which was very good, although a bit pricier than other cafes. They also have a green and some kind of tangerine iced tea.
I've also had the iced coffee which was very good. If you want to support a huge conglomerate that's slowly taking over the world, go across the street. -
Review from Yelper O.
Boston, MA
3/13/2012
Like so many others that have posted I too have had a horrible experience with the owner and I won't go back to Cafe Fixxe. Ever. I'd say go across the street to Athans but there is one girl with short pixie cut dark hair working at Athans that belongs in a straitjacket let alone to be working with the public. I'm not asking for red-carpet-star-treatment, just decency. Starbucks seems to be the best option for normal customer service and a consistently pleasant experience from staff. 'Nuff said
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Review from Kacie M.
Boston, MA
6/3/2011
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. -
Review from K. M.
Brookline, MA
5/3/2011
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 how his insulting responses to the people who wrote negative reviews.
Go to Athan's instead; it's a two minute walk away. -
Review from Justin O.
Boston, MA
Updated - 3/23/2011
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.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2008
Let me preface this with my love of coffee. Ever since I studied abroad in Vienna I have loved… Read more »
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Review from Jackie A.
Roslindale, MA
4/17/2011
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? -
Review from Jenn M.
Brookline, MA
12/27/2011
We love Cafe Fixe. The whole point of this place is that Macks, the owner, has created a perfect coffee environment - a place where he would like to go for coffee.
Therefore, Cafe Fixe is Macks' World, the rest of us are just visiting. In Macks' World the ingredients are top of the line, and all the coffee is perfect (even if it takes a long time to make and, if necessary, is made twice). In Macks' world you do not bring beverages from other coffee shops (if you do you are asked to vacate Macks' World). In Macks' World children behave (if not, see above). In Macks' World you do not spend all day on your computer (Macks has had the outlets removed from the walls.). In Macks' World you get the best coffee in Boston, if not New England.
We who appreciate Macks' World feel compelled to write a second review of Cafe Fixe after reading a few of the negative comments about it. We have been regular visitors since shorty after Cafe Fixe opened. We appreciate good coffee and can't find another coffee shop within 25 miles that can match the quality of this store.
We respect Macks' World. If you don't, go to Starbucks. It is right across the street. Macks won't mind. -
Review from Mike S.
Manhattan, NY
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Kevin O.
Brookline, MA
7/16/2011
I've had coffee all over the world, across almost 5 decades. Cafe Fixe is amongst the very best coffee you will find anywhere.
Ignore the one-star reviews who expected a Starbucks. -
Review from Avi H.
Brookline, MA
1/4/2012
I've been here twice and found the espresso leans too sour. The process seems OK, but I think the beans they use are too acidic.
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Review from Susan K.
Jamaica Plain, MA
9/1/2011
It's not illegal in Brookline to be openly rude to people with children -- it's just a really bad business practice. Brookline is full of people with children. Even if your establishment is not geared towards children, being rude to one's patrons is bad.
It was a very hot day and I had been to Fixe before and enjoyed good coffee there. So, I went in with my 2 year old, a friend, and her 5 year old. I thought the barista was a bit reserved, but I knew we would only be there a short while.
A few minutes into our culinary adventure, my friend is called back to the counter. It seems that her 5-year old decided to imprint the wrapped date bars by the counter with his thumb. They were well-wrapped in plastic but there was definitely a thumb print on them where there had not been one before.
Having worked in food service, I am well aware of how restaurants generally deal with such problems If the food itself was touched, it's a loss and either you ask the customer nicely to pay or you chalk it up to the cost of doing business. If the food was not touched, as in this case, a variety of options are open. The barista could have cut the date bars in half (and made more money on them). He could have squished them back together, safe in their packaging.
What happened in this case was the following:
Barista: Your son has damaged the date bars and now I cannot sell them. You will have to pay for them.
(Really. If you're going to deliver these kinds of lines, couldn't you at least affect a British accent?)
Friend: Really? I'm sorry, I didn't see. But I'm afraid I don't want any more food.
Barista: I cannot serve them so you will still have to pay for them.
Friend: Well, could we give some food back instead of buying more food? If you saw him do that, why didn't you stop him?
(Some negotiation about possible food return ensues.)
Me: (furious, sotto voce): Look, I will pay for them but I am not happy about it. Brookline has a lot of people with children I don't think you want negative reviews online saying that you are not friendly to families.
Barista (smugly): There are also lot of people in Brookline without children.
(Me): Yes, but we are patrons here and this is very rude. We are allowed to come here with children.
Barista: It's self-selecting.
Let's consider this concept of "self-selection". Self-selection refers to the fact that people independently often choose to go some places rather than other places.
For example, people with children often self-select against places like the opera, fine restaurants, library reading rooms, meditation centers, strip clubs, and war zones.
A *cafe* is not generally a place that people with children avoid of their own accord. In fact, the opposite is true, at least in Boston. It is common to see families with children in cafes, even if those with modernist decor.
Regardless, being rude and unwelcoming to some customers and not to others is not "self-selecting". It is discriminatory.
Mind you, five minutes before this exchange, a woman *without* children, put her glass into the bus bin and *broke* it. We all heard the glass break. She gave a half-hearted apology. The owner demurred. She left.
I have to pay for date bars and she doesn't have to pay for her glass?
As for those of you who enjoy having a quiet place away from children -- I understand. Quiet places are nice. You have a right to your preference. But sadly, we all have to share public space -- even if I don't like you and you don't like my kids.
The first rule of business is to treat your customers well. *All* your customers. If you can't do that, you shouldn't work with people. There are professions that do not require work with people. Running a cafe is not one of them.
I'm sure you're all expecting me now to say that people with children should stay away from Cafe Fixe. Au contraire, my Yelp friends! I encourage *everyone* with children to come to Cafe Fixe *regularly*. Take up all the seats. Hold new mother's meetings there and bring your screaming infants. Nurse while facing the windows. Please, do me this favor. I will be forever grateful. -
Review from Jim C.
Brighton, MA
9/21/2011
I'm writing this review purely as a result of reoccurring arguments with my girlfriend over this cafe.
We went there only once and witnessed the barista make a customer pay for all of the food that her child had allegedly touched.
The coffee was expensive, but fantastic, but, at every turn, the barista was a pretty mean character.
On the walk home, we discussed the experience. She works at a different Boston coffee shop and defended the coffee shop's right to prioritize coffee over customer service. Sure, that's their right. But it'll get terrible Yelp reviews and, more importantly, leave a bad taste in people's (figurative) mouths. For some reason she believes that you can't have great espresso while employing human beings with some degree of empathy.... She now tells me that she thinks this barista was the owner. So going to Cafe Fixe puts bread onto his lonely, lonely table. She says that he doesn't care about bread - only coffee. You'd imagine that someone living his dream would come off as a bit happier.
Here's my main argument. I expect two things from a coffee shop: good coffee and decent customer service. I'm giving this place 3 stars because it failed the second requirement. To be fair, I'd likely give Starbucks 1 star (if it would make a difference) because Starbucks inept at brewing drinkable coffee. Sure, people accept Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, and gas station coffee... but that's not as coffee - not really. It's morning caffeine supply. Customer service can't overcome terrible product.
Maybe this review is too subjective. Perhaps I should rate "1= bad coffee, 5= great coffee." But I can't. I value empathetic, smiling employees. I don't hate Cafe Fixe and I'm not turned off by its "pretentious" scene or "snobbery." I appreciate expertise and craft. I just expect a base-level of customer service from any sort of establishment. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/17/2011
I finally made it to Cafe Fixe, and before you keep reading, remember that 3 out of 5 means A-OK!
The coffee there is delicious. We were there on a Saturday morning, and Maks slammed out consistently good-looking lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. They were really busy, and I was impressed with the quality and service. I ordered a double small soy cappuccino (the standard I use to rate a place), and the helpful server behind the counter told me that they actually pull triple ristrettos for their cappuccinos, which provides a more than adequate strength and flavor. Bonus points. The flavor was delicious. Absolutely delicious. The roast of the beans was more Italian than French (a tad lighter) and the result was a sweet bean with an oily finish. YUM. I'd go back for an espresso there in a heartbeat. My favorite kind. Based on the espresso, I'd give it 5 stars.
I was disappointed with the soy foam. It didn't have the silky finish or the microbubbles that I had expected from a place of this quality. Maks was churning out rosettes on everyone else's drink, and I had incorrectly assumed that given his expertise, he'd know how to handle soy. Now, I know that soy is different, but mine didn't even have small bubbles -- not what I expect from a world class barrista in an urban area with vegans and hippies. I make better soy foam at home. I'd say he just needs practice. That brought it down to 4 stars.
What took it down to 3 stars was frankly the setting. It is beautiful, sleek, clean, minimalist, and didn't make use of its relatively ample space for some friggin' CHAIRS. Strike #1 against setting: you expect something that's called a cafe have seats. They could absolutely have a four more small round tables and seat at least eight more people. Strike #2 against setting: it didn't have much food! A small pastry case and a few sundries by the register, and that was it as far as I could tell. And I came in hungry, looking for food. Now, I know that cafe means "coffee" in many languages, and for that I can't begrudge them. But here in the states, cafe also means a place where you might be able to sit down and eat -- even in teeny Boston -- and it was just not possible there. I would call them more of a "coffee bar" than a "cafe." I think they're miss-named.
What saved it, though, is that they had, and I kid you not, the best hardboiled egg I've ever had in my life. The egg was large, perfectly cooked, and the yolk was big too. It must have been from a local farm. I wish I bought all three remaining hardboiled eggs. I also had an oatmeal-raisin cookie, which was soft and nicely spiced. Combined with top-notch espresso, and you can guarantee I'll be back.Listed in: The Java Jive -- Lindsay's…
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Review from Alexandra M.
Allston-Brighton, MA
7/23/2011
The coffee here and espresso drinks are quite possible the best in Boston BUT the owner is so pompous and rude he once made me cry. He was so pushy and arrogant about his opinions on coffee and I was so shocked and embarrassed at his "customer service" I stepped outside and burst into tears. I've never and will never go back.
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Review from Misha Z.
Wayland, MA
4/18/2012
best coffee in town
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Review from Fred W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
9/22/2010
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 -
Review from Michael C.
Berkeley, CA
12/22/2010
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 -
Review from Michelle S.
Oakland, CA
9/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I'm going to be a little easy on the place because it's a neat shop that plays good music. They also have clean bathrooms.
However, I must remove stars because they only carry low-fat milk (I HATE the way milk fat coats my tongue...unless it's ice cream.) and they have an annoying credit card minimum. Such a minimum would be less obnoxious if they had a larger variety of noshables.
I was going to be pissy about their additional charge for icing drinks--but I noticed that a lot of indy coffee joints do that out here.Listed in: Good Coffee...
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Review from Larry P.
Belmont, MA
6/2/2011
Been here a 3-4 times and always satisfied until last week....
Great coffee, great intention, great shop overall. Unfortunately it seems they stop serving drip coffee after about 3pm.
Strange to say the least.
Would be 5 stars if I could get drip when I wanted, it's a cafe, by definition, at least in my mind, coffee is served. I know they have an incredible espresso machine, excellent beans and pull/pour beautifully tasty drinks but..... -
Review from Tayler N.
Boston, MA
10/17/2011
I moved to Somerville after 3 years living in Brookline and Cafe Fixe is one of the things I miss most! Their iced americano is definitely the best espresso drink I've ever tasted. Their cappuccinos and lattes are amazing, too. The prices are EXPENSIVE, but I cut back on other things so I could afford to pay them.
It's true that the place screams pretentious and the service is so-so. The first time I visited the barista was very cold. The second time, the same barista was smiling and friendly. (I was carrying plastic CVS bags when I went in the first time but not the second time, so maybe this was why?) But yes, pretentious. There is always only a single NY Times on the counter to flip through as you're waiting for your drink, and also always seems to be some guy sitting at one of the tables who is on his laptop and working on his first novel. Since I always came in sweatpants, I never felt comfortable enough to actually sit and drink my coffee at Fixe. My morning routine was grabbing a chocolate croissant from Athan's across the street (Fixe's pastries aren't nearly as good as Athan's), hopping over to Fixe and ordering my drink to go, then bringing them both home to enjoy in my (much less pretentious) apartment. -
Review from Shea D.
9/9/2010
Think of an overly sanitized version of your local neighborhood coffee shop, and Cafe Fixe would be it. You walk in to white walls, well-groomed staff, and impeccably clean tables and chairs. There are no plug ins, but apparently there's been a big "debate" over that one, so I'll stay out of it. The WiFi network is kindly named "Cafe Fixe - 30 minute time limit please," which gives you the impression that they really want you to stay a while and enjoy. Add on the lack of savory items to consume with one's coffee in order to avoid mid-afternoon jitters, and Cafe Fixe is good for meeting up for a short chat and/or grabbing coffee before an appointment in the next hour.
That said, the iced coffee that I had was quite good, and apparently their iced lattes are also very good. For some reason, a lot of places find it hard to give their iced coffees an actual flavor, but Cafe Fixe's did not disappoint. However, they were nice and "Starbucks" expensive though being close to $8 for two drinks.
There's a couple of outdoor tables and quite a few indoor tables that sit 2-4 people, so it's intimate. There's a Starbucks across the street that was PACKED, and Cafe Fixe had seating, so we went with the latter. Even where we were filled up quickly though, so be forewarned about that. -
Review from H. G.
Boston, MA
8/26/2010
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. -
Review from Keith S.
Somerville, MA
Café Fixe is the bright, bright spot in my coffee life. There are tons of cafés in Boston I haven't been to, but I know good, well-prepared coffee when I have it, and Café Fixe beats all the places that are convenient for me to frequent . . . and really, I think, also any place I've been served coffee in the near-Boston area.
So far as I can tell, this is on purpose. If I had to guess, I'd say that Café Fixe is specifically oriented on what it provides in terms of your experience of drinking the coffee you ordered. The usual accessories are helpfully provided, but not to a degree that would detract/distract from your or others' experience.
Besides espresso and espresso-based drinks (my preference), I know they also do french presses and pour-overs. Also tea and tisanes / herbal teas -- this part of the menu has a lot of varied, specifically-chosen-looking entries, which, however, I've never sampled from.
They also sell beans. I've seen Stumptown for sale there in the past, and I think they also sell the roasts they're currently brewing.
As mentioned elsewhere, they offer pastries and cookies, whimsically priced. Also granola and (I think) yogurt. Also wifi, much-discussed.
Seating: several tall tables fit for two, one ("normal height") round table fit for one or two more, and several more single-looking tall chairs right up by the "bar" and also by the window (where there is a shallow shelf to set your drink and anything book-sized thing you may have brought along). In warm weather, there are two tables-for-two out on the sidewalk.
The music is audible but never obtrusive, often funky enough that I find myself groovin' to the beat. Last time I was there I heard several tracks from the too-well-known-to-not-be-cliché-but-come-on-it's-M iles-Davis "Kind of Blue."
Re "attitudes": My interactions with the people behind the bar have been consistently good-natured, sometimes humorous, and that's what I've seen with other customers too. The only attitude I've ever noticed in Café Fixe -- and I'm a regular, so I've had plenty of chances to observe -- was brought in by a customer, and the barista was gracious and patient (alas, yes, these qualities were called for) in giving an informative answer to someone who in the end refused to accept that the person preparing the coffee might know something about it. Too bad! The very fact that Café Fixe focuses on its coffee to the point that it inspires coffee-themed conversations is a big plus in my book. You don't go to Dunkin, Panera, or even (usually) Starbucks and say: "my oh my, what DO you have in the grinder today?"
Café Fixe offers a specialty product (kind of like its neighbors, running shoes on one side, nails on the other -- or like a barber shop, or a cigar shop?) rather than a one-stop amusement park experience. It's understandable that some people might be confused by this, since Café Fixe represents only one of the various kinds of café to be found in the world, but I think that the minimalistic ethos of the place -- reflected in what has been perceived by some other reviewers as too much restraint regarding: seating, laptop plugins and wifi, decor, chattiness at the counter, available selection of coffee snacks -- is actually meant to make room for the sublime moment when you bring the coffee to your face. -
Review from Reza H.
Boston, MA
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best tasting coffee in Brookline!
I've been here once and it was quite crowded, which is great for business, but with one server the wait tends to get a little long. Having said that, you will not find a better cappuccino anywhere in Brookline.Listed in: Boston's Best
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Review from Sophie N.
Boston, MA
1/18/2011
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!
