Flashback Smoothies, located on Brookstown Ave. just behind the West End Cafe, offers up yummy subs, smoothies, ice cream, and hot dogs with a style and service lost many decades ago. While toasting subs and making fresh fruit smoothies to order, owner Michael Clinton carries on a constant, pleasant chatter with his customer. He remembers regulars’ orders, talks music, and exudes enthusiasm.

Clinton has been serving up smoothies at Flashback for about 9 months now. The cheery little shop makes the most of a small space with bright orange and yellow paint and with traditional soda pop shop decorations. There isn’t seating for dining, but two benches invite customers to sit and chat while they wait for their orders.

The menu is simple yet sufficient. Subs range from $3.25 to $4.35 and are 6 inches, toasted, and absolutely wonderful. Subway may be a few feet away from my Davis dorm room, but I’m sure I’ll be headed down to Flashback again in the future. Superior bread, fresh veggies, and great seasoning make these subs worth the drive.

Of course, the main focus is on smoothies. I’m quite a smoothie connoisseur, and must say that Flashback offers some of the best I’ve ever had. My mango smoothie was creamy and not too sweet with chunks of fresh mango. A friend’s pineapple smoothie was equally fresh and tasty. The menu offers about 10 house smoothies, all $3.70, but customers are also invited to mix juices and fruit to create their own.

If only I’d had room for more, I would have loved to try a grilled hot dog ($1.50) or sausage dog ($2.50). They looked delicious and a step above your average street side or gas station pup. Some other tempting options were hot, soft pretzels, Breyers ice cream, milkshakes, muffins and cakes.

Sadly, Flashback Smoothies closes at 5:30 pm, so it won’t serve as a late night stop, but the wonderful, bright atmosphere and especially scrumptious subs and smoothies make it worth a day time trip to the Burke Street area. If you do stop in, look forward to chatting with Clinton while you wait for one of the best subs or smoothies you’ve ever enjoyed.