As you venture down Sunrise Boulevard inland towards Route 1, there are four sub shops within 1/4 mile. They include Blimpie, Subway and Quizno's. But you'd be crazy to go anywhere but Monster Subs.

Monster Subs is a local shop. But the key is that they slice the meat fresh. Blimpie does as well, but since Monster resides in the Gateway Shopping Center along with Subway (which uses prepackaged portions), this distinction is illuminated. Monster does not have quite the variety of toppings that Subway does, but the sandwich tastes infinitely superior. The bread is super fresh, and noticeably a little better.

If you were in the Gateway and instead opted for freshly sliced meat at Blimpie, it's not just a question of jetting down the street. Because of the way Sunrise Blvd. and Route 1 intersect at that point, you'd have to drive for ten minutes through all kinds of traffic lights and odd left turn lanes. Route 1 and Sunrise Blvd. are the same road up to the Gateway, where the former veers off to the north while Sunrise continues on to the beach. This sets up an anomalous hassle driving what is actually a short distance.

Subway is legit as long as you choose carefully. (Hint: roast beef, not chicken.) They don't nickel and dime you for toppings and the bread, as advertised, is excellent. But for the best sub in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale Beach, it's Monster or bust. I don't see how anyone could choose anything else.