Houston’s rapture with java and places to drink it continues unchecked as new coffeeshops pop up on corners all over town. One of the newest is in Montrose. Fix Coffeebar opened about five weeks ago and is already building a well-caffeinated clientele.
Fix is located on Lower Westheimer near Taft on the end of a rather elegant strip center. The decor emphasizes light wooden accents with golden lightbulbs that cast a warm glow throughout. One wall is covered in rectangular wooden “bricks” and provides a welcome back rest for folks hard at work on their various electronic devices. Otherwise seating includes picnic-style tables and stools at the counters (but beware, outlets seem sparse). A shelf on one side of the room is stocked with coffee gear, including the newfangled Aeropress.
Owners Gary Freeman and wife Karee developed Fix to celebrate their love for coffee, Montrose and all things local. They use Java Pura Roasters for the beans and Mill King Dairy for the latte art, while also stocking an array of pastries (zucchini muffins, cranberry scones, Danishes) and savory goods from Weights + Measures in Midtown. The almond croissants, filled with cinnamon cream, are often the first to go.
Fix has an impressive range of beverages, including a nitro brew on tap and a slow bar that offers pour-over and Aeropress ($3.50). The Aeropress brews coffee through a method akin to a French press and an espresso machine combined. The result is a slightly tart, bright taste reminiscent of berries and citrus with beautiful smoothness that glides into your mouth. (The owners recommend trying it with the Honey Process blend.)
House-made coffee syrups are also available. The mochas ($4.50), infused with a single-origin dark chocolate from Ghana, highlight buttery caramel notes to create an indulgent drink. Non-dairy options, including almond and coconut milk ($0.75), are offered as well.
I can see Fix becoming a spot for those looking for a place to park and plug in; it’s open until 10 pm every day. It’s generally been serenely quiet, but the weekends can get busier with students studying, groups chatting over happy hour beers and wine (every day from 4 to 8 pm) and couples rocking their babies between sips of coffee. Clearly, Fix fits nicely into the Montrose neighborhood.
Fix Coffeebar, 415 Westheimer near Taft, 832-807-4562, fixhtx.com
Hours: Mon.-Thur. 7 am-8 pm, Fri. 7 am-10 pm, Sat. 8 am-10 pm, Sun 8 am-8 pm