Defonte's Sandwich Shop
Sandwich shop · Red Hook ·
Huge heroes stuffed with fried eggplant or chicken parmesan
Huge heroes stuffed with fried eggplant or chicken parmesan
"Brookyn’s Red Hook neighborhood isn’t the easiest of places to reach in NYC—yet it’s not often you’ll find a line outside its long-time sandwich shop, Defonte’s. Slinging the fattest of sandwiches since 1922, New Yorkers and newcomers alike travel to this iconic, multi-generational old-school Italian deli for both taste and good company (locals, NYC fire fighters, and long-time repeat customers are all treated like family). While the chicken parm is stellar, the most popular order is the mouthwatering Nicky Special that represents the type of Italian deli sandwich this city does best: ham, provolone cheese, salami, ham cappicola, fried eggplant, hot salad (housemade with spicy pickled vegetables), mushroom, lettuce, and tomato—all slapped on a hero." - Kat Chen
"An iconic Red Hook sandwich shop that still feels like a third place, it traces its roots to founder Nick Defonte, an immigrant from Mola di Bari, and the longshoremen who once sat, ate, and bonded here waiting for their boats. Today, the counter hums with banter among newcomers, firemen, union workers, and multigenerational neighborhood families, and the vibe is quintessentially New York—sure of itself and fun, with sports loyalties debated right in front of you. Come for the fat Italian sandwiches; stay for the timeless, welcoming rhythm that hasn’t changed even as the neighborhood has." - Jessica Chapel
"Open since 1922, Defonte’s is the old-school Italian sandwich shop blueprint. They serve big fat sandwiches with names like Golden Boy and Zio Vito—many of them padded with their incredibly thin fried eggplant. Someone who drove in from Jersey stands in line next to you, and the person behind the counter might be a little peeved that you’re trying to order at 3:15pm, even though they close at 4pm. A visit to this cash-only spot in Red Hook is required eating." - willa moore, will hartman, bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick
"Think of your favorite Italian deli. Okay, now imagine that place makes sandwiches even more delicious by drizzling hot gravy or draping lightly fried eggplant on top. That’s Defonte’s, located on a near-empty industrial street. You can tell this cash-only, 1920s sandwich institution means business based on the line of off-duty firefighters waiting for lunch. Get the hot roast pork sandwich with juicy, rich gravy and fried eggplant, or the Italian combo, which has a layer of pepperoni on it." - willa moore, hannah albertine
"Defonte’s is the old school Italian sandwich shop blueprint. They serve big fat sandwiches with names like Italian Stallion and The Zio Vito, there's someone who drove in from Jersey standing in line next to you, and the person behind the counter might be a little peeved that you’re trying to order at 3:15pm, even though they close at 4pm. A visit to this cash-only spot in Red Hook is the best Saturday adventure, and if it’s nice out you can head down to Louis Valentino Jr. pier and eat there. The Order: Absolutely anything that has a layer of fried eggplant on it—which is most sandwiches here. But we like the Italian Stallion, with fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a half inch thick layer of prosciutto. And yes, the macaroni salad is good." - will hartman, willa moore, neha talreja, bryan kim, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick