Afters Ice Cream — Restaurant in Fountain Valley

Disclaimer: In depth review lies ahead.

Long has the tradition been the dessert come post meal, but years ago I met a man who was so in love with his dessert that he ate it first, knowing that if he were to get full and unable to finish his meal the 1 thing he wasn't going to miss was dessert so he would also often skip appetizers. It's on that premise that I think the name After's plays on, because I think the same effect would occur if they called it "And then".

Todays social media has changed the game in how we market. Beyond the website it's FB, IG, Vine and Twitter that are making the biggest strides. I actually think that the website is a little light on the features. it's nice and all, fancy and bright, but not really intuitive or informative, just heavy on the pictures, links and promotion. I found out about Afters through IG and not Yelp or friends, that's a first since I'm obviously pretty active yelp hunter.

The signage is really just remnants and a little sketchy compared to the work they put in online. The seating is not tended to or cleaned as often as they are pushing out product. The parking lot is littered, literally with wrappers, melted ice cream and just junk. It looks like a parking lot after a sporting event. They need WAY more trash cans, more tables would be nice too, but not necessary. I don't mind coming here and eating here, but this isn't Starbucks where you set up your laptop and do HW, it's busy, it's packed and hanging around is wasting space when you see how many people want this stuff. Décor inside is stark and basic, 2 toned paint and I get the current Gucci mane reference, but it's kind of permanent for someone who has an expiration date on relevance. Maybe put that 1 in chalk or on a monitor versus paint. Wait can be up to an hour.

I LOVE the monthly changing menu. Check the website with progressive flavors like Milk & Cereal (though I never added sugar to my cereal I know some kids growing up who did, I think it's a regional or cultural thing). Smooth, not too rich, unique. Vietnamese Coffee is bold up front, but doesn't linger and isn't highly caffeinated like the coffee itself. Churro is a little gritty and is excellent with caramel as I try to go for the dulce de leche end note. Jasmin Milk tea is a good replica of the typical milk tea you get from boba spots, but since it's ice cream it's quite a bit thicker. Almond cookie is liquid macaroons and great when you get it alone, no toppings. Cookie Monster to me was a bit of a bust. Their rocky road could use more nuts and marshmallows.

It would be nice to have fresh pressed waffle cones and standard made upon ordering. Many of their flavors are so rich you almost need something to mellow them out or go no toppings and in a cup, not cone. NOW onto the star of the show the Milky Bun which is basically a donut, sliced in half, stuffed with your choice of ice cream and toppings and resealed. There are large variences in workmanship as I've had picturesque and then abominations made. The glazed even when eaten right away is messy so go plain and no toppings is my preference. You really can't eat just one, so why wait in line all that time to realize it. Buy 2 and don't be disappointed.

I like the concept, and the ice cream, marketing is on point, but using an old Mexican food shop in a shopping center that probably couldn't handle you popularity or need for immediate expansion lacked some foresight. Oh the curse of innovation. It's a great place to come eat after you get G Burger across the parking lot. Warning: I've seen 2 people be distracted and hit pedestrians here. Parking lot is dangerous so don't' be distracted walking or driving. My guess is you'll see flavored buns here soon. May your ice cream be high and fat and your buns...

Wow! Does Afters live up to the hype? Man I want to find something bad to say about this place but I just can't. This is one of the few times that the hype actually panned out. Most of the time hype is just a bunch of people following each other for no reason. Afters is worth it! Waiting in line for an hour is not for me. I have only waited 10 or 15 minutes each time. Any more than that and I will pass. For anyone that hates waiting, don't be "that guy" who holds up the line by trying 10 samples. Yes you know who you are you and your cheap friends. I say 1 to 3 samples is fair game but think about what you want while you are in line instead of just pretend you are there for the first time and there isn't a line of impatient people behind you.

It's all about the ice cream. I have only been here a few times but I think the ice cream alone is worth it. I highly recommend getting the ice cream within a milky bun. I always go without toppings because I can go without the sugar adding to more sugar. Besides as my friend always says it's bikini season. I don't personally wear a bikini but I support those who do. I put Afters on my list of things I will make an exception for not eating healthy. I will always have some room for ice cream. Just eat healthy and exercise when you are not enjoying ice cream. My go to is the Jasmine Milk tea ice cream with a milky bun unglazed. I don't have a big sweet tooth and the glaze blast me into another dimension of sugar overload. It was too much for me too handle. I can't hang with people that get multiple scoops or toppings.

I will not tell you this place is amazing because I don't believe or support hype. If you like ice cream and line is decent, you should try Afters at least once. If you don't like Afters I'm glad too because the line will be shorter so keep hating. I want some ice cream now. I still gotta try Sprinkles ice cream because I heard that is the king right now. When I do I will do a comparison with Afters. No party is complete without doing...

"So I sing you to sleep, after the lovin." - "After the Lovin", Englebert Humperdinck

I first heard of AFTERS Handcrafted Ice Cream during a segment on the KTLA Morning News, featuring their trademark "Milky Buns" & their variety of unique flavors. I knew right away that I had to move my hot ass on over there someday, and with plans on having dinner at the nearby Shin Sen Gumi Robata & Yakitori, it was the perfect opportunity to come in & and see what all the fuss was about.

AFTERS is located on Brookhurst & Talbert, in Fountain Valley. If you're looking for a big AFTERS sign, you're SOL. Just look for ICE CREAM on the left of the plaza, and you've found it.

The friendly employees will kindly let you sample whatever you like.

Around 6pm on a Monday night, with only a few people in line. Perfect timing by yours truly.

Donuts aren't really my thing, so I already had in mind to have strictly ice cream. I refer to donuts as "heart attack food". One of the most unhealthiest things to eat. I already imagine a "Milky Bun" to be way too sweet for me, so I can share my own unbiased opinion on the "coup de grace" of any ice cream parlor - the ice cream!

Of all that I tried, my favorites were the churro, milk & cereal, jasmine milk tea & Vietnamese coffee.

Each had the distinct flavor of their namesakes. I loved the crunch of the Frosted Flakes in the milk & cereal. All had great creamy texture that good ice cream should have.

Service was good. The employees didn't hesitate to let me sample whatever I'd like. There are a few outdoor tables to sit & enjoy your ice cream. Parking is in private lot.

AFTERS Handcrafted Ice Cream makes high quality ice cream in a unique assortment of fun flavors. I don't think I'd go out of my way to return for more ice cream, but if I'm in the area, I definitely see myself diving in for another scoop or 4 ;p

Highly...