Taking up a modest amount of space that does not match its reputation, Sprinkles Cupcakes sits at the entrance to the Americana at Brand to satiate the cravings of Glendale residents.

On a lazy post-SAT Saturday, I wanted to find what all the fuss was about, so I headed over to Sprinkles.

As I waited for the few people in front of me to order, I browsed the cupcake selection from behind the standard black elastic and plastic that act as a barrier to keep the (nonexistent) line in check.

The collection looked absolutely mouthwatering. Common flavors such as red velvet, chocolate, and strawberry mingled in the presence of exotic cupcakes such as pumpkin, salty caramel, and triple cinnamon. Despite all of these choices, I went with the ever-popular red velvet.

The defining feature is definitely the amazingly futuristic-sounding “Cupcake ATM.” The very name of the machine lights up the eyes of cupcake aficionados such as myself. A machine that allows for self-serve 24-hour cupcakes sounds like the brainchild of fantasy and sci-fi authors.

Unfortunately, as I had already placed my order, I could not utilize this wonderful contraption. Hearing a polite call of my name to indicate that my cupcake was ready, I excitedly bounced over to the pick-up window.

I opened the box without even bothering to sit down. Taking a giant portion with my tiny fork, I chewed on the delicacy. While the frosting was a sugary delight, the bottom of the cupcake fell short of my expectations.

Rather than dissolve in my mouth, it fell apart and off my fork. Frustratedly trying to pick it back up, I resorted to pinching the depressing crumbs between my thumb and forefinger — never the way you want to eat a cupcake.

Hoping the candy-like circular piece on top of the cupcake would redeem this experience, I picked it off and waited for it to melt on the tip of my tongue. No such luck. It sat there like a plastic lump, and when I crunched down on the piece, I was met with an unpleasant plasticky flavor.

I can still understand, however, why people rave about Sprinkles. The frosting is quite tasty, and I would eat it alone by the buckets.