No question. The coffee is good. Expensive, but that is par for the course for good coffee in this neck of the woods. The main problem here is that Max, the owner, is the Coffee Nazi. His employees are under strict orders not to do anything for you beyond the absolute minimum. Don't ask for anything beyond what you ordered the way they deliver it. After many visits, I will not be returning. read more

I was actually excited to try out this cafe and I had to meet a classmate for a project so we decided to meet here. We were sitting for no more than 10 minutes, just discussing some possible topics when the barista (who I have been told is the owner) rudely approached us and told us to either get up and leave or buy something. Even after I told him we were going to get our drinks after we finished an email, which really wasn't any of his business, he still maintained his condescending and passive aggressive attitude and scolded us for not ordering in a timely manner. Needless to say we immediately got up and left. It was not busy, we were not taking up too much space in the 10 minutes we were there, and we had full intention of buying drinks (that's why we met there) but after seeing the way this owner treats his potential customers I am dumbfounded that he is still in business. Product isn't everything, and one day he is going to piss off the wrong person. read more

I had an interesting experience at the coffee shop yesterday. I ordered a small cup of coffee with a shot of espresso poured in. The order-taker said that the owner would not allow them to pour a shot of espresso in their coffee. So I ordered the drinks separately. I paid for my coffee and went over to the area where you pick up your drinks. After I got my drink, I poured them together and added some 1/2 and 1/2. The barista noticed me pouring the drinks together and told me that I couldn't do that and was no longer welcome there. He was furious and said, "We don't allow that to happen to our espresso. We make it a certain way! Please leave at once." I was actually being assaulted by a barista for mixing together the coffee that I purchased. It was like being in a Jerry Seinfeld or Larry David sitcom. Very funny! But I won't be back. Too many other places where my smiling face and money are more than welcome. read more

I come here at least 5 times a week. The best is at the end of a long day (read: commute from Cleveland Circle to South Boston, endure back-to-back 3 hr. classes then re-commute in reverse), knowing all the while that a stop here is at the blessed end of this LONG GRIND. After dealing with Middle English, crowded trolleys and aged professors ticking off days until their damned pensions kick in, a double shot of their triple ristretto reanimates me like Bertram Wooster after a shot of Jeeves's "morning after" drink; "For a moment I felt as if somebody had touched off a bomb inside the old bean and was strolling down my throat with a lighted torch, and then everything seemed suddenly to get all right. The sun shone in through the window; birds twittered in the tree-tops; and, generally speaking, hope dawned once more." -From "Jeeves Takes Charge" I crave this coffee on a visceral level, as with food or water...whether they're serving Stumptown, Novo or Barrington, it's always done perfectly -- very rich and complex. I don't understand this hullabaloo about grouchy service or Maks, et al, as soup Nazi incarnate. Everybody who works here is very cool to me, all the time, and I've only seen them treat others with like respect. When I first started coming here, I'd always draw a glass of water from the tap next to the sugar, napkins, etc., but after seeing me do that several times, the folks who work here started drawing one for me and putting ice in it! Thoughtful, right? On top of that, they don't serve espresso in those goofy paper cups you might find elsewhere because...wait for it...doing so compromises the quality! So, I drink it there, taking my time, out of a porcelain demitasse, perhaps with a delicious Fage Yogurt, and the drink and experience are sublime. Considering the plastic smile and Dixie cup of stale, burnt battery acid offered at Starbucks, comparing the two just seems cruel to Starbucks (which I do regardless, because I'm cruel - bwa ha ha ha). read more

So, so, so bad. The coffee's fine, the people who work there (maybe the owner?) are not. If you would like your coffee with a side of lackadaisical service, pretension, and condescension, this is the place for you. They seem to really want you to sit and enjoy your drink, but it is so unpleasant to listen to how the customers are treated that it makes it a wholly unpleasant experience. I really search for good coffee in this town, but I will never go back to Cafe Fixe. read more

great coffee. i'm so glad this place is competing with starbucks. hands down best coffee in brookline.

I've never commented on yelp before, but this morning after my unpleasant experience with the barista/owner I felt compelled to write a comment. me: hi, i'd like to order a medium regular coffee? barista: for here or to go? (btw he didn't even say good morning or hello) me: i'll be staying with some friends, but I would like a paper cup just in case we leave sooner, so a paper cup will be fine (with a smile on my face) barista: well, i prefer you have a warm ceramic cup if you are going to stay? (first problem here....who is he to say how he prefers me to drink my coffee, I'M PAYING!) me: i see. but i really like the paper cup. so i'll take it in the paper cup, thanks! barista: no, i won't give it to you in the paper cup, we are not a fast food restaurant, if you want to stay you will have it in a ceramic mug! me: (completely shocked) a ceramic mug is fine. thanks first of all, muffins, croissants, and granola (food already made and delivered quickly) ARE FAST FOOD! what the hell is he talking about? Secondly...i'm the customer and I'm the one paying for this coffee, i should be able to drink it the way I like! The drama continues.... I take my coffee (in the ceramic mug) and put some half and half in it...it turns my coffee a strange color. So this time i add milk...i went to drink it and realize that it tasted really badly....like sour milk. so i go back to the rude barista and with a smile on my face, tell him that the coffee doesn't taste good and the milk on his counter is sour. he rudely responds: .."if the milk was sour it would look different?" I said...it does like different. i will leave it here for you, you should try it and see for yourself. I walk away and didn't even ask for my money back...at that point, I didn't care anymore... a few minutes later...he tells me that he tasted it and indeed it was "strange, some thing is wrong with the milk" he says so he gives me a new ceramic mug of coffee. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HE TASTED THE COFFEE TO SEE IF I WAS TELLING HIM THE TRUTH? That's ridiculous! This guy is a joke and I can't believe he has a business! He is rude and has absolutely no respect and appreciation for his patrons! Not only is the owner rude and pretentious....he also serves spoiled milk and cream! read more

If you like rude service and disgusting coffee, then Cafe Fixe is the place for you!!! The obnoxious staff knows better than the customer (ALWAYS), and they won't make the drink you want if they aren't in the mood. I give star because service this bad takes effort! read more

Love coming here. Great coffee, friendly service and very nice to sit down and relax or work.

This place IS a snotty, expensive coffee shop, but that can be okay. The coffee here is really, really, really good. The barista is a true barista. If you ask for your coffee to be "extra hot" he will ignore you. Why? Because he is already making your coffee perfectly. The customer is not right here, but the customer is happy. Go and enjoy this place for what it is. read more

Well I can not comment on their food or drink because I did not get a chance to try. Here is my experience with them: Last week me and my friend met at the Starbucks right across the Cafe Fixe. I was little late so my friend got her coffee while she was waiting. When I arrived there were no seats so we waited about 15 min. at Starbucks thinking maby someone leave soon. After a while later, I have suggested to try Cafe Fixe and we decided to stop by. I like to try local places so I thought this might be a good idea. We went there and we found a seat, my friend had a Starbucks coffee and I went to the barista to order my coffee. He got my order, I paid for it. After I paid, the barista said, your friend has a Starbucks cup, she can not have that here. We were also waiting couple more people to join us at Cafe Fixe so I ended up cancelling my order and got my money back. It would have made more sense not accept us if we got there with 2 starbucks cups and sitting there with not getting anything from them. I think small places like this should be more careful about their attitudes since they are losing customers that way. read more

Amazing coffee and atmosphere. I like it best in the quiet early morning - I think they open at 6:30 during the week. Gets pretty packed by 9am. Great care goes into all the coffee they serve. Coffee is the focus here, food offerings extend to a few different types of pastries, hard boiled eggs, and granola. The espresso is the best I've had in Boston, and the owner and staff will answer any questions. You can also buy about 5 or 6 different types of beans at any given time, and if you make espresso at home you can buy whatever variety the cafe is currently using for their own espresso. This is an extremely high quality cafe - we need more of these. read more

It's indisputable that Cafe Fixe makes an exceptional cappuccino. I don't, as one reviewer put it, "require a hug," but I am not likely to make a morning habit of enduring people who are uppity, rude, and just generally overly full of themselves. For working people in the city, a cafe should be a kind of refuge; it's not all about the coffee. It's a shame that they're so humorless, and overly zealous about, say, not letting you sit outside at a crappy fold-up table with your dog in the December cold. Why the attitude? It's a top-notch product. But it's just coffee. read more

I've only been at Cafe Fixe a few times, but yesterday when I went I had such a wonderful experience that I felt compelled to write about it. The Cafe itself is a work of art - everything there has a purpose, a meaning and aesthetic consideration. It's not simple and minimalistic - it is incredibly sophisticated and full of meaning and information. The "empty" spaces, the white walls, the short menu , the few tables - all those things are there to make room for the experience, and to do so very powerfully. There was an endless amount of information in the tea we ordered - I had the Pu-Ehr, my beloved had the White. The quality of the tea was excellent and almost intoxicating, and the beautiful and carefully selected for their aesthetic and functional quality pots and cups and tiny spoons added a lot of pleasure to the experience. I had coffee there the last few times I went - and watching the owner make it was such a treat. It was like watching an artist create a masterpiece - and he puts that kind of dedication and love into every cup. It really is quite incredible to consider how much knowledge, effort, dedication and concentration can go into a cappuccino, but the results are evident with every sip. I think Cafe Fixe is the wrong place for people on the run or for people who are ignorant about things meaningful and beautiful and who want to have all their whims and whines accommodated with a smile and a nod. This is a place for people who can (or are willing to) consider, learn, understand and honestly enjoy. This place requires a small amount of intelligent effort and openness. I am very happy it is there and doing well, and plan to be there more often than before. read more

The place itself felt a little cold and uncomfortable. I think I'm the coffee shop kind that leans more toward old couches and warm colors. Cafe Fixe has tall tables and hard wooden chairs. But, I did just run in and order a latte this morning and run right out to walk to work. The latte though was EXCELLENT! Stronger than a latte you'll get at Starbucks - and with a nice little foam design on the top. I felt bad adding cinnamon and stirring it in, thus ruining my beautiful, warm, caffeinated treat. If I'm looking for something on the run, Cafe Fixe it is. Don't know if I'd come here to settle in with a book on a rainy day. read more

A friend and I stopped in at this cafe while on the Walk for Hunger. My friend, who is lactose - intolerant asked for a non-standard item and was flat-out refused by a man who claimed to be the owner. He said that what she wanted would ruin their white tea and that they stood by their product and wouldn't do it (see review by Jen P. for more details). I was so struck by his behavior that I tried to engage him in conversation by asking how long his shop had been in Washington Square, mentioning that I had once lived almost across the street and knew the area, all in order to divine his attitude towards his patrons, the neighborhood, etc. He looked a me as if I had 2 heads and only answered my questions very cursorily, showing no interest at all. My friend ultimately decided to make a purchase, for the very practical reason that she didn't want to stop again, but I decided not to buy anything, because I didn't like the attitude of the staff at all. When my friend was paying for her tea, I told the owner that I thought that he had been very rude to her. He gave me the same look as before, stated his case in the same manner as before and was not the least bit apologetic. Then as she states, he corrected her terminology by way of a snide remark about Starbucks. In conclusion, I must say that I was absolutely stunned by the snobbery, pretentiousness and outright rudeness of the owner and his establishment. Other reviews here seem to indicate that the staff judge people as soon as they enter based on appearance, manners, and who-knows-what else! I really don't require a "hug" when I enter a cafe or restaurant, but I do expect politeness and some warmth and a little human respect. And it might be nice if there were a bit of local feeling in the place. This place is totally unappealing and it doesn't matter one bit how good their "product" is, because they are jerks. I will never return for any reason. I would give it no stars at all, if that were an option. read more

I made this yelp account just so I could leave a bad review for this place. If I could choose 0 stars I would choose that. I've worked as a barista at 3 coffee shops and know my way around ordering the type of drink I like. However, the guy was arrogant and rude when I ordered, acting like I knew absolutely nothing, when in reality their menu was set up very poorly with the iced drinks in a completely different spot (which I did not see). If you go here, expect a good tasting coffee but a bad customer experience. The customer is always wrong. I will never go here again. read more

There seems to be a strange misconception among the reviewers that Starbucks and Athan's are Cafe Fixe's competitors. They're clearly missing the point. Like all of the other 4 and 5 star reviewers, I feel a strong need to defend this cafe. Among the points swirling around in my head right now, the majority of which I neither have the time nor the space to write, I need to address that problem. If you are the kind of person who is content with Starbucks coffee, then you are not the kind of person who will be valuable to a cafe like this. You want volume, you want "skinny," you want sugar, and you want a fake smile, regardless of the quality of the beverage you're receiving. And that's fine. You're entitled to your opinion, your tastes, and your values. However, Cafe Fixe is entitled to their opinion as well. And they want well prepared espresso, well steamed milk, and drinkable portions. Instead of giving 1 star reviews, I can't help but think that it would be more constructive, for all parties involved, if you just accepted that you and Cafe Fixe are not compatible. It's simple. And rather than write a 1 star review for Starbucks, I will do the same, and we can all live happily ever after. As far as my opinion of the cafe--stress on "opinion"--I think it's great. The owner may be a bit abrasive for some tastes, but that's no reason to deduct every star. Plus, the espresso more than makes up for it. I will be going back many times in the future. read more

I hate pretentious places, and after reading a few reviews, I was a bit hesitant to come to this place. We came anyway since it was conveniently just down the street from our hotel. I went here with my husband and his parents. The guy on duty was really nice and I thought my decaf latte was very, very good. Plus, I loved the leaf design he put in my foam. The only downside was he forgot one of our orders, but my FIL decided he didn't really need a coffee anyway, so no big deal. read more

A perfectly poured espresso, latte art, a copy of the NY Times for patrons, soft, interesting jazz, quiet conversation, the T whizzing by, a self-serve water station with 'glass' glasses, sparse but warm decor. Best latte in town without a doubt and a PARKING LOT. Bravo, Cafe Fixe and welcome to Brookline. read more

I only had a decent iced coffee so I cannot speak to most of their products but this place is extremely pretentious and uninviting. The staff could not have been less friendly. It's also not a great place to come for work, e-mailing, etc. as there is NO WIFI. read more

So I am a grad student and I sit in coffee shops and work all the time. Cafe Fixe made me think it's a crime. The owner is obnoxious. Apart from being unable to smile he asked me and several of my friends to leave the place for lack of space. This is after buying more than one coffee and some of their very expensive food. We sat there for maybe an hour. I once heard an older woman say to him as she sipped her coffee "so I guess you do not smile much..." this should give you an idea. scroll down to find more such experiences. Its a thing he does. They have good coffee, no food and they are not nice at all after you pay them. Cross the road and go to Athans. Good coffee, good food and nice smiley faces. read more

I love stopping by Cafe Fixe and relax over a cup of their delicious tea. It has a relaxed atmosphere. I like the interior design, including the bathroom! I love the minimalistic yet elegant and well-thought through style! The staff has always been friendly. Their pastry is delicious, too, albeit a little pricey...but everything I tried was just very well made and tasty - my favorite is the poppy seed croissant. read more

I like this place. I usually only get my drinks/food to go on my way to work so I'm personally not bothered by the smaller space or lack of wi fi. I usually stick with the hot cocoa or iced chocolate depending on the season and I have been extremely satisfied with the quality of both drinks. I think in a world where many coffee shops offer extremely syrupy and typical tasting drinks, Cafe Fixe offers me a better alternative for about the same price (maybe a bit higher, but for what I'm ordering I think it is worth it.) I also have had their coffee, which I also think is good. The food is good. My coworkers and I have tried the muffins and cookies mostly. I really wish they'd expand to offer some sandwhiches, but the place is small so I'm not sure if that will ever be possible. I have never had a poor service experience, as the cashiers and baristas have always been nice to me. I will note, that there is one guy, not sure of his name, who isn't what I would call friendly, but also not particularly rude either. As a regular, I hope to see him brighten up a bit in the future. The wait at certain times can also be longer than others, but it doesn't phase me as much as someone else who might be in a rush. It would be nice to see them have more than one barista during more popular times of the day though to eliminate the long wait for people who are in a rush. The place has a $10 credit card minimum, which does require me to be prepared with cash unless I want to purchase more than one item. Overall, I'm happy with Cafe Fixe and will continue to go here. read more

Best coffee in/around Boston. Respect the espresso, the owner, the baristas and the tebirkes, and you'll get respect (and a light dusting of poppy seeds) in return. read more

I've been coming to Cafe Fixe for some time. I have read the reviews criticizing owner, and have my own observations. First, I am glad the restroom is for customers only. It is well kept and isn't for every person that is walking in Washington Sq. Second, I have observed the owner telling a customer who was sitting drinking a Dunkin Donuts coffee that she couldn't bring a drink from the outside into his store. He is trying to make a living here, and I don't blame him for that response. Third, I observed the owner telling someone who was sitting for about 15 minutes without ordering that they needed to order or leave, because there was limited seating. The guy was just using the internet. After five minutes, he was told the same thing and didn't leave. After the third confrontation the guy finally left. Again, I do not blame the owner for making that comment. Could he be more friendly? Maybe, but I understand where he is coming from. Great coffee, too! read more

This place sucks. Coffee is overpriced, NO WIFI (come on, it's 2016 for cripes sake), $10 minimum on credit/debit. Just go to Starbucks.

I have been looking for a local shop that makes a great pour over cup of coffee and this is it. No need to go Cambridge anymore! Thank you Cafe Fixe for amazing coffee, it makes my Sunday mornings much better. read more

If you call the first think you will hear is "Cafe Fixe, you're welcome". Be honored if they allow you to be a customer. Be even more honored if you get a smile or any polite comment out of the owner. His game is almost smart.. pissing so many people off makes you talk about your experience more and gets the name of his business out.. but for every customer he gains from well made drinks he loses three from his pompous attitude. read more

I have tried espresso in many cities and across Boston. The triple ristretto is right up there at the top. Outstanding tea too--try the ginger. And great vibe. read more

After reading all the negative and very positive posts regarding the barista, I had to try. Actually, I needed to pick up a Brookline Parking card and Cafe Fixe is listed as one of the vendors. In the process of searching for the exact address I came upon on the yelping. Well, I was very impressed by the barista and the incredible latte he delivered. I chuckled about the drama that this site has stirred up and figured it was good for his business. I left savoring the smooth, robust taste of my latte and my parking card -- and making a mental to note to return every Thursday when I come into Brookline. read more

about that hot-natured wifi debate. . . http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/08/coffeeshops_and_internet?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/bl/coffeeconcentrate read more

I usually find myself here when I visit Boston. It has a clean, modernish atmosphere, now no WiFi. Bummer. I like to get drip coffee or pour over, depending on much time I have to hang out. They have delicious pastries, they serve butter and jam with the brioche roll and croissants; I love both. It reminds me of the cafes back in the Bay Area, which are homey and delicious. Try it. read more

Definitely going down hill from a year ago. The latte had an ashy taste, with a slightly bitter finish. The latte art was very sloppy. The hot cocoa tastes like it comes out of a pack of powder: flat, flavorless, and watery finish. read more

consistently the best espresso i've had in boston. if that's what you want you'll be very happy here

One day, when I got tired of never getting a table at Starbucks because they allow people to camp out there for hours with their work and cup of tea that Starbucks obligingly refresh with hot water, I decided to walk across the street to Cafe Fixe. I'm glad that I did. I agree with AD, the coffee is excellent. The owner can be a little gruff but I don't really want people to fake being nice to me anyway, especially when I'm grumpy before my morning cup of coffee. As long as I have a good cup of coffee, a seat so that I can sit down and enjoy it, and some nice music, I'm all good. Love Cafe Fixe read more

consistently rude service, ridiculously high prices and absurd $10 credit card minimum. Cafe Nero just opened across the street.

Really great coffee. The best in the city. I truly love it. And the designs in the milk are fun.

We go to this little coffee shop once in a while, and the americano's are always very good. Strong and flavorful. The person working during one visit (I think it was the owner) saw we had forgotten our cash and made us our drinks anyways and allowed us to come back later to pay, which was really nice of him. We will definitely be back again. read more

I feel the need to defend Cafe Fixe. We went there (before we moved) about three times a month for two years and never had a bad experience. Granted, this was always on the weekend and the owner was not often there. But all the other staff were friendly. The coffee is good, not great, and I do wish they had a bigger selection of food. We once saw a girl get mad about not being able to pay with a card, but otherwise we never saw any of the bad customer service described here, so don't let the bad reviews keep you away. read more