The Fyxx Espresso Bar

2 stars for the cute café, décor, and the seemingly nice atmosphere, and the great location. Plus, they seem to have at least some vegan options for snacks which is always a bonus.
But the soy latte that I got (to go) was such an appalling cock-​up that I can not forgive it and even bump this place up to 3 stars. Not wiping down the milk steam wand at all, scalding the milk, and just generally making the latte a miserable experience makes me wonder if it’s possible to get a decent espresso-​based drink anywhere in Winnipeg when one of the indie café institutions can’t even get it right.
Get your Fyxx elsewhere.

One of the other haunts I have been going to for a long time, between the sandwiches and the coffee it is worth the trip. The old building is kind of neat, and it is a great place to sit and enjoy your coffee or tea and spend some time with someone.

You might not be able to tell from it’s modest storefront, but the Fyxx is a spaciously long room with an incredibly high ceiling tiled with Victorian tin panels that’s perfect for relaxing. The laid back atmosphere is perfect for both enjoying a cuppa joe while browsing a newspaper or chit chatting over lunch with a friend.
On an unseasonably warm late fall afternoon, I was taken here by a Winnipeg Unilocaler who promised me that I couldn’t go wrong with the diablo wrap. Boy, was she right! I must admit that although wrapping cold chili up in a tortilla and having it run down my palms while I try to stuff it into my mouth before it explodes in my face isn’t normally my thing, but it sure was tasty. The mixed greens tossed in house made dressing was most refreshing too. It was just as well that the soups of the day weren’t ready yet since our wraps proved quite hearty and I wouldn’t have been able to stomach more food that same sitting anyhow.
The NUMI organic white rose tea, (which can be hard to find elsewhere, but they also happen to retail by the box), was wonderfully light and perfectly complimented with honey as suggested by the baristas.
Winter can be long and that is especially true in this part of the country. The Fyxx is just the place is warm up and take a break from the outside world.

I love the Fyxx. I’ve been coming here for 12 years and it’s a wonderful, funky staple of the Exchange. The atmosphere and décor always stay the same (other than some rotating artwork) — funky, gritty, artsy and cool. This place really captures the spirit and vibe of the Exchange District.
Last time I was here I had a tea and the Shmoo torte. The have a nice selection of Numi teas which you steep at your table and the Shmoo torte was delightful.
Service was a little slow when I was there — there were a few people ahead of me but it felt like it took a lot longer for the line to move than it should have, but other than that, it was great experience as always.
Seating is intimate and comfortable, but you don’t feel packed in or like you’re sitting on top of your neighbours.
As far as Winnipeg cafes goes, this is a long time favourite of mine. I can’t think of a café with a better vibe to it.

This is a convenient and hip place for lunch or an intimate business meeting, if you’re in the Exchange District and sandwiches or a salad is all you’re looking for. This is more of a deli cum coffee bar.
Upon entering the Fyxx, you will be asked for a cigarette and/​or change outside the front. The staff are okay, neither out of their way friendly nor rude.
It’s a long skinny place and I stress the word ‘intimate’ in regards to spacing. Good for groups, so long as your group is no more than four.

So the Fyxx on Portage down the road from my usual hotel is now closed. This bummed me out on a level that was a bit disturbing & also resulted in walking around for 30 minutes this frigid morning until I found this location in the ‘Exchange’.
I can’t comment on the sandwiches as I tend to survive on java until mid-​afternoon so all I’ve had here is their espresso. Double long. I’m on a North American quest for the finest of the same & the Fyxx is definitely in the top quartile. And cheap! 2 $ (well 1.96 if you insist on pocketing your 4 pennies). Rich, bold, smooth with a reasonably long finish.
The staff are funky & friendly, free wireless & the sandwich board does have a wide selection that goes well beyond simple ham n cheese. One day I’ll get beyond the liquid here.

It’s a good lunch place to go to if you work downtown — they also have a location at Broadway & Donald. Lot of sandwiches to choose from with a side soup or salad.
They use fresh ingredients and real chicken (not like the stuff you get at subway). One of my fav sandwiches is Basil’s Faulty Tower — lots of chicken and lots of basil! I also love the «popeyes» spinach salad (I add chicken to mine) — light dill-​mustard dressing, mushrooms and tomatoes. Yum!
I enjoy eating here but it can be a fairly long wait, especially during the lunch rush.