Brooklyn's century-old Italian sandwich institution, famed for its overstuffed heroes, legendary fried eggplant, and unique 'hot salad'.
Willa Moore reviews Defonte's, a century-old Italian sandwich shop in Brooklyn, praising its overstuffed sandwiches and classic charm. The article highlights the 'hot salad' and the popular fried eggplant.
For over a century, this iconic Brooklyn institution has been serving up legendary Italian-American heroes, each one a masterpiece of overflowing ingredients and classic charm. From the meticulously prepared fried eggplant that stays perfectly crisp to the unique 'hot salad' adding a zesty crunch, every sandwich is a testament to their enduring legacy. It's a place where tradition meets taste, offering a truly authentic New York deli experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
This Italian-American deli is renowned for its massive, generously filled sandwiches, particularly those featuring fried eggplant and their signature 'hot salad' (a tangy pickled vegetable mix). Highly recommended items include the Nicky's Special, Roast Pork Special, Steak Pizzaiola, and the Valentino Special. While most feedback is extremely positive, one user found the steak pizzaiola to be dry and tasteless.
"The 'Steak Pizzaiola' and 'Nicky's Special' are frequently highlighted, along with the 'Roast Pork Special,' 'Prosciutto Special,' and any sandwich featuring their signature fried eggplant."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the sandwiches, calling them legendary and among the best they've ever had, though some note the location can be inconvenient.
Important Note
The location in Red Hook can be a hike and may require an Uber ride depending on your starting point. Some users have noted that the restaurant can be overrated or not worth going out of the way for, and it is closed on Sundays.
"Defonte's is mentioned as a preferred sandwich shop, though it's noted that it's not located in the Williamsburg or DUMBO areas."
Positive"The roast pork special is a favorite, with the fried eggplant acting as a buffer to prevent the bread from getting soggy."
Positive"A recommended combination is the roast beef with fresh mozzarella and fried eggplant with gravy."
Positive"The fried eggplant sandwich with sauce and grated cheese is a favorite. The eggplant is battered and fried to be crispy."
Positive"This is a favorite sandwich, and adding pesto elevates it further."
Positive"This is identified as a favorite sandwich in NYC."
Positive"If you're specifically looking for eggplant, the Valentino special is a good choice. Any breaded eggplant sandwich at Defonte's is recommended."
Positive"The Nicky Special is a strong contender for the best Italian sandwich in NYC."
Positive"This user listed Defonte's among other top sandwich establishments in NYC."
Positive"This user expressed their love for Defonte's."
Positive"This user recommended Defonte's for sandwiches, mentioning both a Brooklyn and a Bleecker Street location."
Positive"The user explains their intention to visit Defonte's was to grab a sandwich before boarding a cruise ship at the nearby terminal, and they will look into Faicco's and Regina's as alternatives."
Neutral"The user praises Defonte's and suggests Court St Grocers, Hometown BBQ, Steve's Key Lime Pie, and Red Hook Tavern as nearby options."
Positive"Given the travel time and potential traffic to Red Hook, the user suggests Faicco's or Regina's as old-school NYC deli alternatives that are open on Sunday."
Neutral"The user suggests Court Street Grocers as a good sandwich alternative if Defonte's is closed, noting it also has a seating area."
Positive"The user expresses a long-standing desire to try Defonte's, associating it with classic New York deli vibes."
Positive"The user describes Defonte's as a 'fuckin institution' in Red Hook, highly recommending it and suggesting a return trip if missed."
Positive"The user was looking forward to trying Defonte's but learned it's closed on Sundays. They hope to make it on Saturday, noting it's a bit out of the way from their hotel."
Neutral"The user loves Defonte's and particularly recommends the eggplant parm hero."
Positive"The user informs that Defonte's is closed on Sundays."
Neutral
