Fix Coffee is tucked into a residential neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
For LA, this is an established community of small houses with lots of trees. Fix is across the street from a day-care, and the sounds of birds singing echo the laughter of happy children.
Fix has a beautiful patio under an orange awning and outdoor seating. There is a fire pit and  planters with trees surrounded by a hedge of bamboo that whispers in the breeze. Overall, the vibe is peaceful and unpretensious.
The inside is cramped, although there is room for a few seats along the back wall. Lighting is a rather strange orange. The coffee bar area is in the middle of the space, and almost fills it. Fix Coffee has pastries, snacks, and fresh salads and sandwiches.
Service is laid back, friendly, and casual. No coffee snob attitude here. Staff were helpful and knowledgeable. I didn't feel rushed when taking my time ordering or ackward when asking about their brewing methods.
The coffee comes from local roasters Handsome and Intelligentsia, as well as Verve from Santa Cruz. These are three of my favorite roasters, and always a sign of the highest quality. The coffee menu features several coffees prepared with a Clever Dripper. The Clever is similar to a pour over dripper like the ceramic cone-shaped hario V60, but has a valve on the bottom to keep the coffee from running through the filter. After 2 minutes, the valve is opened and the coffee drips into your cup. In this way, the Clever combines the immersion brewing of a French Press with the filter of a pour over.
My Deri Kochoa Ethiopia from Handsome had a splash of red grapefruit, sweet lemon, and a sprinkle of light cocoa. Delicious and complex.
I also enjoyed a single origin Guatamala Black Cat Espresso from Intelligentsia. It was had a delicious balance of tangy fruit, sugary caramel, and a smooth espresso finish.
Overall, I enjoyed Fix for the coffee, pleasant outdoor seating, and homey neighborhood atmosphere. A great place to hang out in Echo Park!
The atmosphere here is what always does it for me at this place. The decor is creative with ample outdoor seating. Of course it wouldn't be worth coming here if the coffee wasn't delicious and luckily for us, they succeed.
I like choosing their dark roasts which usually produces bold flavors with low acidity allowing one to enjoy their coffee black and beautiful, all naturaaaaal.
I was introduced to this coffee shop by a colleague of mine. This place is just a gem!
They've got a great selection of paninis, crossaints, Susina bakery items and coffee--the good kind that'll make your taste buds buzz for hours.
Pro:
Great patio seating WITH outlets.
Great for pets.
Super quiet neighborhood.
Great street parking.
Friendly service.
Con:
Their coffee is a work of art so it takes a while to create.
It's a small coffee shop so the selection of premium coffee is quiet limited.
The price is decent.
I ordered a spinach feta crossaint warmed up and it was flaky goodness.
Also had the intelligentsia coffee. :3 Smiles all around.
As an architecture student, I realized first off how I HATE the interior. i hate the bad lighting. it makes me feel like i'm in some shady bar and at some point, some perve with a molester mustache is going to approach me and ask me if we could share a table (i'm ready to say no) Â i hate how overly hipster it is that i don't understand how a lot of things work. the doors, tables and just random crap that surround the baristas. very unnecessary. how can anyone enjoy coffee with their friends or read in here?
as soon as i get my $3.50 16oz iced yerba mate tea, i realized i reallyyy got to pee, but the bathroom is apparently the room that workers have to cross to get to the office. so a barista asks me to wait. and what the hell? i can't pee. and i am just confused, standing, looking around like an idiot. where are the lids? where am i allowed to sit? where are outlets? are all the tables and chairs as uncomfortable as they look?
but lastly, i do like the outdoor seating. a section of it is the same old orange dim crap lighting, but the outer corner of the patio has that natural lighting that i do respect and love. and enough hipster shades that keep me from burning live. here, i'm able to work on my laptop. and thankfully, i don't really have to worry so much about my car. because parking was conveniently easy, free, unlimited, right across this neighborhood street.
Whether you are just visiting or are an Echo Park local - this place is THE BEST. I used to stop here every morning on my way to work and was consistently impressed with the customer service as well as the coffee. The baked goods are always excellent and the ambiance on a weekend outside is just perfect!! Highly recommend!
Review Source:Love this place and love how hidden it is from the rest of L.A. Coffee is amazing, sandwiches are exquisite, and usually every time I come here the service is superb. Only downside I guess would be the attitude of some of the customers, though if you come with another friend, you won't really have time to pay attention to others. Amazing, amazing place!
Review Source:Awesome coffee with an awesome patio- much less crowded and pretentious than Intelligentsia. Actually the coffee is better too. You can get Damn Handsome and Verve as well as Intelligentsia beans.
The environment is very social- get ready to meet kids and dogs aplenty.
The birds are like ship rats and will devour your pastries if you turn your back for 5 seconds.
The baristas are all very friendly and cool!
A-OK.
Some of the stuff that does not affect my review:
The weird face of the entrance. Â It's a strange design and I can't figure out actually where the door is. Â Then I enter the coffee shop and it's a bit dark on the inside so I go to the rear of the joint thinking that's where you order but you don't. Â I don't know maybe I'm just a village idiot.
There's a lot of flies outside as noted in other reviews. Â They should read some eHow articles on how to prevent this situation.
The strange hipster's sitting at the table with their computers in their ears listening to presumably hip music and they look up from their MacBook to visually investigate you as you walk through the patio. Â "I sense a non-hipster," they say to themselves as they are mentally trying to understand how anyone can live their life without being horribly ironic in nature. Â Mustaches, man jeggings, the glasses.. I'm over it. Â Yelp will eventually flag me for reviewing funny societal constructs instead of business but oh well.
The complete lack of cell service here. Â Ballsmazing. Â Totally makes a coffee shop less cool. Â I know they have zero control over this and that's why I listed it under my things that do not affect my review.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way I want to start the actual review.
Some of the stuff that does affect my review:
I get a weird vibe from the people here serving me coffee. Â There was a chick who was throwing down on the sandwich griller pressing thing and she seemed nice. Â The gal actually taking my order was unable to smile during the entire transaction. Â This may or may not be actually normal hipster behavior so it's my fault for not being culturally attuned to Echo Park.
The good stuff about this place is that the coffee is not bad.
Another good thing is that the food seems to be OK. Â Not great, the tuna salad sandwich feels like it's missing the mortar in a brick and mortar configuration. Â Go ahead and order it - it's one of those in the plastic wrapping. Â You will eat it and see what I mean. Â No mortar!
I don't know maybe it's just me. Â Yeah, it is just me. Â Based on the Yelp reviews this place should be just great but I don't see it.
Check it out you may find it completely different. Â As a contrast I immediately biked over to Millie's Cafe on Sunset and tried that place out for the first time. Â Immediately loved it. Â Had much more personality than this joint. Â Just my opinion though.
I was here on a Monday mid day while I was walking around my neighborhood. I sometimes get the necessity to visit nearby spots to support them. Well, I really like this place the patio reminded me if I was at a friends/family backyard for a Sunday' coffee talk. So this is not your typical coffee shop. I am not much of a coffee person, but I sometimes crave it or really need it! The machiato I ordered was great! I also ordered a small lemonade after the machiato and I spent less than $8 with tip. I was by myself and I felt a really good vibe here. Service is great! I would definitely go back whenever I am around the area again maybe to have a nice conversation with a friend or just to enjoy another drink/thing off their menu.
Review Source:The coffee is amazing, some waiting is to be expected which is not a problem for good coffee. I would've given 5 stars but this 'one thing' has happened way to many times for us to count.
So my one suggestion for Fix would be to PLEASE stop letting the newbies make our lattes, cappuccinos and coffees until they know what the hell they're doing. All our drinks today tasted like milk with a splash of coffee. Every time you train someone new, they make it taste like (what I imagine would be close to) prison coffee. When the seasoned veterans make them, they're perfect. Since we're spending 25 on coffee every time, it's not asking too much to leave the rookies on the bench for a little longer, is it?
Aside from that, the newer staff are really nice, which makes this place much more pleasant than at some times in the past when we've been there.
Overall, you're nearly perfect, Fix.
This is my favorite Echo Park coffee shop hands down, and I've tried 'em all.  The pour-over coffee here is the specialty, it's very strong stuff so I stick to the latté, which is always expertly poured by the pros that work here.  The scones are also delicious, the raspberry polenta is my jam!
The staff is awesome! Â I'm here a lot and they are always friendly. Â There's always a handfull of baristas behind the counter, so even though things get crazy busy here, they are always on top of the orders. Â 'Nuff said.
The outdoor patio is the real x-factor here. Â The atmosphere outside at FIX is ideal for the person trying to get work done as they enjoy their beverage. Â It's a really quiet neighborhood, the wi-fi always works, there's plenty of spots to sit... the list goes on! Â On a nice day, the outdoor experience here is perfect, and if it's chilly, they always turn on the heaters and gas fireplace. The key to why it's easy to get work done here is that they only play music inside, so if you sit at a table outside it's easy to concentrate on whatever is you're working on. Â That said, FIX is also great for just meeting up to chat with a friend or for a business meeting. Â If you've got nowt to do, it's also the best spot in Echo Park to do some good ol' fashioned people-watching. Â All the hip & trendy east-siders come here for their joe, to be sure. Â I can also say that kids and pets also have a great time here. Â FIX is for everyone!
Great coffee, great outdoor seating, dog friendly.
It's literally a neighborhood coffee shop, Â right nearby a school.
Inside is kind of cramped, there's some bar stool seating. They also serve ready to go sandwiches and other treats if the hunger pangs kick in. Also free wi-fi is a bonus.
This coffee shop has a great location, great design and lovely baristas. On the weekend a food truck or two might even show up (including the infamous Buttermilk Truck). And as good as their french roast may be at 7am when you're still rubbing the sleep from your eyes, it's expensive. And, in all honesty, I couldn't distinguish much difference between their brew and that of a large national chain.
The interior of the shop is unnecessarily dark which prevents anyone from reading the 10pt print of that morning's LA Times while waiting for their latte. But the large patio is perfect for kids, dogs and the flocks of lounging upscale hipsters. I prefer a coffee shop that is more welcoming and cozy than trendy and pretentious. I also prefer a coffee shop that is willing to turn the light on for ya.
Good atmosphere, good coffee. Love the outdoor firepit.
My review is solely based on the service, which hinges on a random act of kindness bestowed upon me on New Year's Eve. Let me explain: I was working remotely at Fix for a few hours and my coffee had gotten cold. Having still a half cup left, I asked them to warm my coffee and I would pay extra if need be. The manager (or owner, not sure which) apologized and said they didn't have any way to warm my coffee since they didn't have a microwave - which is actually a good sign, btw. She then said, "I'll just make you a new one. Happy New Year!" Wow, good people do still exist!
Now, I'm not saying that they will make you a new cup of coffee every time your coffee gets cold, BUT I can guarantee you excellent service.The friend I was with ordered a pre-made quinoa salad and the same lady also came out to us on the patio and offered to add extra olive oil b/c "it tasted best that way." Seriously great service, top-notch coffee and sleek surroundings (with good music). I highly recommend!!
Dog friendly, hipster atmosphere, plenty of seating space, nice bon fire going on in the patio and great coffee. There were plenty of people reading and taking their time, it was chill and I never felt rushed.
While I am not a fan of intelligentsia coffee, it was one of three pour over coffee's they had on their menu. I opted out for the Verve coffee, which was great. As long as you're willing to pay a few extra bucks, this place is worth it.
I am impressed with Fix. They've really held strong and always seem to be improving their space. They serve great coffee and teas; their quality on par with Chango, possible better.
The outdoor seating is spacious and peaceful. The neighborhood setting makes this place really unique which makes Fix feel like it's your own hidden gem.
I highly recommend Fix as a must-visit coffee shop.
I coffee-ventured here the other day. Street parking - had to park half a block away. I arrived with a little time on my hands, and debated whether to stay and enjoy the fall weather on the outdoor patio, but ended up peacing out as soon as I got my latte. First, my AT&T phone had no service at all around the area. Also, the crowd was a little hipster for me - I felt a little out of place and awkward. But the ratings are only for the latte - it's smooth but has an odd aftertaste that didn't suit me. It was also served almost lukewarm so I was only able to drink half of my $4 latte (looks like the size of a Starbucks tall) before it got cold. Overall, I recommend giving Fix a try, but it's not for me.
Review Source:The baristas are very well trained and attentive. Â It takes time, but that's because it takes time to make good coffee. Â Relax and take a breath, enjoy yourself. Â The ambiance is really relaxing.
Two, it is a little bit expensive, but but for the quality it is about on par. Â If you're new to specialty coffee it might seem overpriced, but it's about average really. Â You get what you pay for.
Three, the coffee is great. Â The manager has come to recognize me, and we talk from time to time, and I know he is passionate about making good coffee. Â They carry good beans from Intelligentsia and Handsome and their baristas brew the coffee correctly when I watch them.
As far as the kids, I've never been the type to be annoyed by the laughter of children. Â I think it is nice actually. Â If I am looking for quiet, I go to a library to work. Â I go to coffee shops because I like the life. Â So people talking, children playing, etc., doesn't bother me.
This is my favorite place in ALL of Los Angeles to get coffee.
WHY? Â Because first of all, they use great coffee from Handsome, Intelligentsia and Verve. Their staff knows what they are doing. Mark and Jesse have really turned this place into the best spot for coffee. Aside from quality - the environment is great. Sometimes I prefer getting out of my own studio and working here on my laptop! It's that relaxed and chill. They really have sort of build their own community of artists, designers, musicians and I even met a few lawyers while i was there. Everyone comes here - not just hipsters. I know people who drive all the way from Hollywood to get coffee here. It's worth it!
I'll even say that they make Handsome's espresso in an iced latte taste so damn good, that it baffles me Handsome themselves won't do it at their own shop. No disrespect to those dudes but I'm just sayin....
I've seen this place grow and transform in the last 2 years into the hot spot it is now. Really impressed and they deserve it. If you get a chance to meet Mark or Jessie, definitely say hi. They're great.
I absolutely adore the staff and coffee here at FIX! Everyone is always super friendly, well educated and the coffee is amazing! They serve Verve, Intelligentsia and Handsome and its delicious.
They also have great food from Susina Bakery on the West Side . . I can't express how awesome it is these two have teamed up together, what great compliments.
The outside patio is inviting, well shaded and quite, a great place for meeting with friends or working on the lap top.
Enjoy!
The Fix is a great hidden little coffee spot way up in Echo Park. The coffee is great, the pastries are delicious, the environment is nice (aside from the occasional insecure smokers who insist on personalizing the air we all breath), and there are toys for kids to play with in the dirt.
Nice spot and represents the good aspects of L.A.
Yes there's parking. Yes, the coffee is masterfully brewed. Yes, you have a selection of yummy pastries. Yes, the iced coffee is cold pressed/brewed and takes 2 seconds to fill in a cup so you can be out the door on your way to yoga class without having to fight off lame hipsters or yuppies!
YES!
This is an excellent coffee shop. Â
I mean, you know what type of crowd you're going to get....hipster/professional.
You can tell people are editing scripts and working on their novels and gossiping like they're on HBO's "Girls"
However, the coffee/tea is great, and the general vibe is fascinating.
For one, it's not on a main street. Â Most coffee shops in LA are on main drags---polluted by both the din and odor of passing cars. Â However, this is in a residential area of Echo Park--far away from the commotion. Â
The WiFi works well, there are plugs outside, and the baristas are charming.
My only critique is that is closes relatively early.
Fix is my favorite coffee shop in Echo Park. Tucked away on Echo Park Ave. within the neighborhood as opposed to the busy streets of Sunset Blvd., this place has got a great laid-back atmosphere, ample seating, and great coffee. Baristas are friendly and their selection of sweets and baked goods (from Breadbar and Susina) are a tasty compliment to locally roasted espresso (their own as well as Intelligentsia). Prices are fair, decor and vibe is hip, and it's a good place to get some work done. Patio seating is welcoming of pets, children, and those wanting to bask under the California sun. No seating inside, so if outdoor seating is not your thing, then you might want to head to nearby Stories, Coffee Pot, or LAMILL instead. However, Fix Coffee has got a certain Echo Park charm that's hard to resist.
Grab a croissant (the spinach & feta is delectable)- it will make your day better.
Hmmm....a little hesitant to write this review but I have to be honest, FIX is slipping a bit for me these days. I frequent this shop quite a bit but lately the prices of the coffees and comfort of the space is just not what they used to deliver. FIX has now pushed the coffee prices up and are serving in a smaller cup size. A double whammy for my pocket. That slight nudge is just enough to have me think twice about having this place be my daily stop. Sadly too, their toddy coffee seem watered down and not steeped for the appropriate length of time.
@ FIX, Don't think your customers have not noticed, your lowest coffee price is now $4.50 which actually used to be your most expensive. $5 bucks for a cup of coffee for a casual place and smaller single cup? Also,If you are going to have folks bring their pups, please do something about the constant flies and not so great smell of urine on the decomposed granite.
Still a good location, service is ok, but ultimately it's taste and quality of products balanced with pricing that's difficult to ignore.