For those who like a stronger coffee, this would be a good location. However, as someone who likes a sweeter drink, this place wasn't for me. The best highlight about this location was the staff. I stayed longer just to be able to chat with the amazing baristas who were friendly and went above and beyond. When I told them my hobby was reviewing coffee in the Boston area, they were so excited to hear my recommendations and experiences so far. Although I wasn't big on my coffee, I definitely give this place brownie points on their service. read more

The coffee was pretty good, but the service and experience were horrible. The people behind the counter weren't very friendly and the owner(?) was very rude and made unnecessary comments about our order, which felt very inappropriate for a business. It doesn't feel like a friendly, welcoming place to hang around after grabbing a coffee. read more

Today I stopped at Cafe Fixe and ordered a cappuccino to go. I was told I would have to drink it there; I couldn't get it to go. I could get a latte or an americano to take away but not a cappuccino. No reason given. It's been bugging me all day. Also odd that among the normal coffee shop reading was a copy of the DSM-V. A little light reading while you're forced to drink your non-portable beverage? The place is always crowded and you can sit outside. read more

Great coffee and lovely staff. The place has a cool vibe too. Takes itself seriously but not too seriously. I like that.

Really terrible service staff particularly the man with gray hair. Asked me way too many questions regarding my service animal and haughtily let me know they're above using sweeteners and syrups like vanilla. Really unfriendly and unwelcoming for a neighborhood spot and I will never return! EVER!! read more

The quality of the coffee is why this place is getting a 3 out of 5, objectively. As melanated people, we almost didn't go, given the past reviews, but decided to give it a chance--with our phones ready to record any grievance we might encounter. The staff felt hyper-vigilant to atone for their past ways, with smiles that bordered on excessive, more performative than genuine. Try the place across the street. read more

Got a macchiato to go after being told they could not make a Cortado. Drink came out and we were told it had to be consumed here and could not be taken to-go because "we don't do that here". We were in a hurry and just asked for a to-go cup to pour the beverage in ourselves and were refused. I don't see why this rule exists, and regardless, it needs to be advertised. Very disappointing and rude service. read more

Coffee is best in Boston. However the place is too weird. For example, it was 20 degrees outside and I asked for my latte to be steamed extra hot. They refused because "it will scald the milk." Seriously? Just make it the way I want. As a result I avoid going there. read more

The owner of this place is a huge jerk. I can accept someone who owns a coffee shop to be passionate to the point of condescension about coffee quality, but that is not the case here. The owner is a jerk about everything. Every time I brought my three year old son he made strange offhand comments about him. He also always corrects my grammar in the most mocking ways (rolling eyes, long enunciated tones, etc.). I used to like this place, but I reached my limit. I don't need to go to a coffee shop that ruins my day just for buying a latte. read more

It's so sad that the reason I will never return here is due to the rude owner. I moved to the neighborhood and was so excited to support a local business with my daily coffee purchase. However, every time I have gone here, the male who it seems like is the owner?, is so hostile and unwelcoming. I won't go on a rant but I'll leave you with these two thoughts: 1) I never leave reviews but felt it was my duty to help avoid any future customers coming here to spare them the consistent bad experience I encounter 2) To encourage anyone thinking of coming here to instead cross the street and go to Cafe Nero or invest in a coffee and espresso machine like I did. A cup of coffee tastes a lot better when a jerk doesn't serve it, just saying. read more

What a great place. Really good coffee, great chill vibe, made it feel like you were in a Spa waiting room, almost. It is very nice. Limited pastries selection-all delicious but seem to have not much variety. Briefly spoke with a very nice person who worked there, named Grace. Friendly and very sunny disposition. Nice to see anywhere these days. Call me old-fashioned, but I appreciate when I go into a place and don't feel like just a number. Anyways, great coffee, chill vibe. Beware: its a fairly tiny space. Seating is pretty tight and limited. read more

I would give it a zero if I could. Microagression at it's best! The barista kept looking at me and my kids when we were in line. It felt odd that he kept looking at us. My kids were looking at the chocolate on the table and he says to them "you touch it, your parents have to buy it." We ordered and the cashier was rude and made it seem like we were wasting her time. After reading reviews it all makes sense now. Warning, if you are not a white cis person don't go there. read more

Got the iced Americano - like blue bottle with such a limited menu. $7 is crazy and they charge more for a to-go cup. The barista was very rude. I asked if this was the Americano when he put it out bc I didn't hear him and he goes "I wouldn't be lying." horrible customer service. Will not be going back read more

Similar to other reviews owner told us if we got a to go cup we couldn't sit. I was there with my family, and so they had to stand as well. Other customers however were sitting waiting for their to go cups. So he only spoke to us? And eventually I realized I was the only minority/Asian in the cafe. It's almost worse when his racism is consistent and reflexive. read more

good iced coffee and scone. very small inside, good for chatting with a friend. they do reusable containers on tuesdays which is cool read more

Café Fixe - maple walnut scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This spot is a fixture of the Washington square area, come for the coffee stay for the people. Cash preferred :) read more

Café Fixe - Classic Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Owner is super rude and I am pretty sure he is super racist, too. I lived/travelled all over the Europe - this is pretty basic coffee and not even tasty! If you want to be scolded while drinking an average coffee, this is your spot! If you run a business, you have to learn how to treat people nicely. read more

Well, I'm really just disappointed. The owner Max again demonstrated that he holds and creates policy based on a personal vendetta. I stepped into the store and ordered two decaf coffees. My coffee was served and as I grab it, the owner leaned over and said 1. The coffee order I've ordered for months would no longer be available and 2. Two consecutive decaf coffees will no longer be served. In an attempt to understand the "why" in the policy change it was clear it had nothing to do with the store and everything to do with us. Despite trying to explain the decaf was ordered for health reasons, he opted attacked our character and personal dislikes he had with my partner and I instead of drawing any logic to the policy. What really caught me was his statement that we didn't fit the "vibe"! I've NEVER experienced such poor and personalized treatment based on one man's dislikes. read more

Best place in town. Great coffee. Great staff. Only place to go. Socially responsible; Tuesday's bring your own to-go cup.

Barista targeted us because we were the only asian people there. Racist and rude talking to me and my kids. Coffee was mediocre at best. Absolutely no organization on whose order is whose. If you're not white stay away at all cost. read more

The reviews don't lie, this is one of the best espresso spots in the Boston area. I got a cappuccino and even with oat milk the foam was perfect. Fairly busy on a Saturday afternoon, but still was able to find a spot to sit for a bit. The ambiance reminded me of some of my favorite coffee spots in Europe. Not sure why there are so many reviews about the rude service, both of the baristas were very kind and friendly, they greeted every regular by name too. read more

Café Fixe - oatmilk cappuccino and americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Great place to get a cup of coffee and relax for a few or get on the go. Everyone is friendly. You get your coffee pretty quickly. Glad we have good coffee options in Washington Square. read more

Café Fixe - Macchiato w oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

From reading other reviews, it seems my experience is not unique. I don't mind spending an extra few dollars for local cafes but this shop does not deserve it. I've been a regular neighborhood customer but never sat down to enjoy my drink. I had some studying to do, and the shop was moderately full (a mix of people working and chatting). I found a seat and pulled out my iPad to study. Less than an hour later, most patrons left, and the owner came over to tell me I was blocking the window (I was sitting in the seat next to the two window seats) and needed to move. For reference, this was the seat I chose while the window seats were occupied, and I had my bag tucked under my chair. I told the owner it was fine, and I would just leave because I didn't feel the need to justify that I was a loyal customer who had been there for less than an hour on a Wednesday afternoon. read more

Great coffee and pastries. It got crowded when we were leaving, but we got a nice seat seat at the window before 8 am. The barista was not friendly at all though read more

Café Fixe - two plates of food and a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

'm a little bit stunned that I have to write this review... It was my first time in and I ordered a hot chai latte with a shot of espresso. The woman waiting on me told me that they don't put espresso into the chai. I thought it was a little odd, but I said OK. I asked her why they don't put the espresso into the chai and she said that it was because it wasn't the vision of the owner. Again, I thought it was odd, but told her I would pour the espresso in myself. She made the espresso and set it on the counter, and I was waiting for my chai to come out. She said to me, "the owner would prefer if you drank the espresso now and not pour it in to your chai". I calmly said, "i don't want the espresso by itself. I will pour it into my chai." And then, in a stunning turn of events, she said, " If you pour the espresso into your chai, we will ask that you don't retuen." She said that they have enough business and they would be just fine if I don't return. Don't worry, I won't inconvenience you again with having to watch me pour an espresso into a $9 drink that I paid for and will be consuming. I highly suggest that you stay away from this arrogant place. read more

one of my favorite coffee shops in brookline! this cute little shop is a neighborhood favorite and for a good reason! they also offer a discount if you pay with cash(: read more

I had a totally wild experience here and hesitated to write a review; I am not the type of person to negatively review an independent business. However after a lot of thought, I feel like it was borderline harassment and needs to be shared. I came in wearing a tank top with a non-explicit image of a nude woman on it, (promise this an important part of the review...) a sketched/abstract image with her hand covering anything too private. The owner of the shop stared at me openly the entire time I was there. He started by asking his employee if she thought my shirt was inappropriate; she did not. Then he moved to asking me, multiple times, if I would be offended by someone wearing a shirt with "an image of a naked man holding his erect p*nis". He reassured me that he "appreciates the nude female form", but was just worried that a completely imaginary person in the outside world (certainly not in the empty cafe) would find the shirt offensive. I am not sure if he chose to harass me because I was a young woman alone, because I am visibly queer, or just because he enjoys picking fights with random patrons on slow days. I am sure he will be thrilled I bothered to review at all. I know it's the only espresso tonic in Brookline but it's just not worth giving a weird incel your money. read more

Excellent espresso. In a city where most "coffee" places like Tatte are more about the milk/syrup/whatever other add-ins, this place is a rare spot where it's actually about the coffee. They have a rotating "guest" espresso roast that is always some well done single origin beans, and is always well extracted with an incredible crema. From a lot of the reviews of this place, I think many people in Boston just don't understand how excellent these folks are at espresso - I'd say they're comparable to some of the speciality places you see in Europe like Dabov. If you're looking for a caramel iced "macchiato" (like the Starbucks kind with all the milk), ordering that here is like ordering a well done cheeseburger at a wagyu steakhouse. You'll get it, but it just doesn't make sense. Go here, get the guest espresso and some little snack to go with it, then take a seat outside and enjoy it! If you never liked plain espresso before, you'll understand why people do if you try it here. read more

Amazing coffee and the service was fantastic. The shop is a must for all. Made my soul smile.

Came in for a coffee today and was scolded by the owner for having my headphones in. He told me I shouldn't wear them when I'm in a public place (I'm 40 years old, mind you). It was incredibly condescending. But the mind-blowing thing is just how comfortable he was speaking to me (and a few others, according to the reviews) this way. Lots of people who have sensory issues wear headphones, so you really need to stop telling people to take them out. It's inappropriate and not AT ALL your place to be speaking to customers like that. Last time I'll go here. read more

If you want to enjoy an expertly prepared caffeinated beverage while being insulted, this is your spot! What's the name of that place where you pay extra to be treated rudely by the waitstaff? I've never been, but -guys- they do that here for free! The drinks are perfect, apparently, and are served with an occasional side of eff you. The barista who appears to be the owner intermittently interacts with customers and staff in a way that is quite hostile. If you don't follow his unspoken procedures **you can expect to be publicly humiliated**. If you pay with a credit card on a slow day you might get a bizarre lecture about governmental control and financial surveillance. There is a right way to do things here, and if you don't find it, you will be paying twice: once in cash (if you're cool like that) and a second time with a tiny piece of your dignity. Why are people like this? I'm sure there's a reason, but I don't really have room for it. Anyway, if you think this sounds like the place for you, enjoy! The coffee is fantastic. read more

Neighborhood staple Coffee Bar. No frills, just amazing Danish pastry house items and well crafted specialty coffee. This isn't boutique sugar peddled mediocre stuff read more

I live in the San Francisco area and take my espresso very seriously. I LOVE the coffee at Cafe Fixe! It's tied for my all time favorite in the U.S. with Equator in the San Francisco area. Metered parking is available in front on Beacon street. They have a limited selection of baked goods. I tried the peach ginger scone and was underwhelmed as it did not have a lot of the flavor. The espresso is AMAZING!! If you're a coffee lover, and someone who thinks Starbucks tastes like colored water, and you want knowledgable baristas who pull amazing shots of coffee and make great Americanos and other coffee drinks, this is the place for you!! read more

Café Fixe - Seating area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Yeah, the owner is rude, so what. When my autiteenager The coffee is perfect every time. If you're a coffee snob/nerd, look no further. The coffee will give you hope read more

I stepped into Cafe Fixe for the first time recently despite having walked by many times. I'm always complaining to friends about the lack of coffee shops with personality in Brookline and it seems that I have only myself to blame. The cappuccino was great and definitely the best I have had so far in the area. The offerings of cookies and pastries were unconventional and interesting (I tried a Danish cookie with apricot filling this time). Overall, an unassuming neighborhood spot that definitely deserves praise in an area filled with chain coffee shops. Go try it now. read more

Fun jazz music playing and decent drip coffee. However, the coffee could be a bit stronger. The workers are very friendly and are happy to help you with whatever you need. read more

Coffee is top notch, and that's all that really matters right! 85 characters geez, whatever, rubberbabybuggybumper

It's kind of amusing reading all the other reviews because there is definite truth in what a lot of people shared. In spite of things that seem awfully negative, here's my defense of Cafe Fixe. You come here for the finest espresso pull in town, some beautiful pour overs, and Chet Baker records. If you're looking for anything else on top of that and will be bitter otherwise, go across the street to Caffe Nero. Otherwise, if you're here for the best coffee in town, then you'll leave happy. Artists are very particular people, and Max is no different. Yes, I've seen Max take a harsh or condescending tone towards customers. His primary concern is making good coffee and everything else is secondary. He can be very entertaining of small talk, but again, that is secondary. It's not a place for you to work or come with a group of friends to talk and lounge. It's not a place to get anything off menu. They know what they're good at and limit themselves to play on their strengths. When I asked Max about the chai, because I do love chai, he candidly told me that I should order it if I must, but that I should just order coffee. After I went against his recommendation, I ended up regretting ordering the chai. The espresso tonic is an excellent summer drink. Their lattes are incredibly sweet and smooth. The guest espressos are always interesting. The pastries leave me a bit wanting, but they're priced really affordably (sub-$3) and remember, the point of this place is coffee. Anyway, I hope this better contextualizes some of the complaints other people have had about this place. It's a damn shame this place has an aggregate score of 3.5 because their coffee is definitely a 5 / 5. read more

Please note: I have not been back to Cafe Fixe since my May 2016 review, and my update is based on a Compliment I got in June 2016 from someone associated with the cafe, which I'm only seeing now. I don't know for sure what this person's role at the cafe was, if they're still there, if they're nicer now, etc. Anyway. I haven't been using this Yelp account much for a while, and I guess I never checked the Compliment I received on my initial review. I happened to log back into this account today and saw the notification. Curious, I checked it, and I'm glad I did because it's so hilariously rude and unprofessional that I couldn't resist sharing it. Shortly after I posted my review of Cafe Fixe in May 2016, I received a Compliment from Jason R. Again, I do not know what Jason's role is at Cafe Fixe or if he's still there, but the message implies he was affiliated with them at the time. He starts by apologizing for my poor experience, but then goes on to ask if I'm "seriously incapable of not carrying "a small insignificant amount of cash" with me in public. He goes on to joke that if it's because I'm actually "a small child without a reliable source of income," they're hiring. I had to laugh. What a terrible look. Definitely avoid this place. read more

Café Fixe - Wow. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Terribly rude staff who couldn't care less. Served lukewarm coffee in a paper (to go) cup when I clearly told her that I want the coffee "for here". When I asked her to pour the coffee in a ceramic cup, she simply ignored me. read more