1. After’s Ice Cream
After’s is not your typical ice cream shop. They pride themselves in thinking outside the box with their one-of-a-kind flavors such as Jasmine Milk Tea, Churro, Madagascar Vanilla, Milk & Cereal, Vietnamese Coffee, and Cookie Monster. If you have never been to After’s, it is guaranteed that you have not tried any of these flavors, but don’t worry, they’re used to having new customers request tons of samples. While you are at it, be sure to request the Milky Bun. It is basically a glazed donut bun that sandwiches your ice cream. This is the first time you will ever experience a freshly hot donut and a scoop of freezing cold ice cream together all in one paradoxical bite.
2. Zero Degrees
This place is definitely the biggest new hype in the OC. They have Italian ice cream, tea drinks, and even fizzy mojitos. You might recognize them for their signature Zero Degree bottles, but also for their cereal covered Italian cups of ice. To start you off, the most recommended snack is the Boba Sundae or the Matchata (a combination of matcha milk tea and horchata). Their newest addition though, is their Ice Cream Burrito. That’s definitely something interesting to try on top of their main spotlight selections.
3. Snow Station
Although not new any longer, they have been around long enough to be known as having the softest shaved ice in the county. Here, you won’t find that unwanted crunch of ice, but only the soft, pillowy texture of flavored snow. It is the perfect place to stop by after a filling dinner and it is also a comfortable place to hang out with your friends.
4. Cauldron’s
This is Irvine’s newest place to go to for desserts. If you are a fan of Hong Kong styled waffles and nitrogen-based ice cream, Cauldron’s will put them together for you all in one cone. They have redefined what a “waffle cone” is with their Asian influence, and it is definitely much more interesting and fun to eat. Some flavor combos they have are Earl Grey Lavendar, Sea Salted Caramel Crunch, H2O Rose, Cirque de la Crème, and Butterbeer Float.
5. Donuterry
Think about donuts. Now think about red velvet donuts. That is just one of the flavors Donuterry has, and they are seriously rocking it. Besides red velvet, they have a crunchy blueberry as well. They also have croissants, sandwiches, and bagels. Even though Donuterry is in Huntington Beach, it is still the perfect breakfast joint, and very worth the drive.