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DEFONTE'S SANDWICH SHOP

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (718) 625-8052

Address: 379 COLUMBIA STREET 11231

TLDR

Over 100 yrs of legendary, overstuffed Italian heroes. Unique 'hot salad' & classic charm.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 108 Reddit comments)

61% Positive31% Neutral6% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 34american 19italian-american 18sandwich 29sandwiches 23deli 4View All

Neighborhoods

Red Hook

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Recent Articles

Defonte's
very positive

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.

Willa Moore Mar 14, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

A Brooklyn institution for over a century, this Italian sandwich shop is renowned for its generously portioned, classic heroes. Don't miss their unique 'hot salad' – a tangy, crunchy pickled vegetable mix that perfectly complements the rich fillings. With a cash-only policy and a charming atmosphere adorned with celebrity photos, it's a must-visit for authentic, overstuffed sandwiches.

Food Overview

This spot is celebrated for its massive Italian-American sandwiches, particularly those featuring fried eggplant and their signature 'hot salad.' While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, one reviewer found the steak pizzaiola to be dry and tasteless.

Highlights / Recommended

"The 'Steak Pizzaiola' is frequently praised, as are the 'Prosciutto Special', 'Nicky's Special', 'Roast Pork Special', and the 'egg and potato' sandwich. The unique 'hot salad' topping is also highly recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • steak pizzaiola(3)
  • golden boy(2)
  • nicky's special(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the quality and generous portions of the sandwiches, often calling the establishment a must-visit and a timeless classic.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post and subsequent comments rave about the Steak Pizzaiola, with users describing the beef as incredibly tender and the sauce as complex and homemade-like. Other recommended dishes include the 'Guiseppe Special' and 'egg and potato' sandwiches.
Multiple commenters recommend Defonte's as a top-tier Italian sandwich spot, with specific praise for their hot heroes, especially those with eggplant. However, some debate whether it's worth a special trip.
This post and its comments highlight the eggplant parmesan as a standout dish, with many users expressing strong affection for the establishment and its classic offerings like the 'Steak piazzola' and 'Nicky special'.
A user recommends Defonte's for its chicken cutlet sandwiches, noting it's a solid option.
Defonte's is mentioned as one of the restaurants that recently 'wow'd' a user, indicating a positive and memorable dining experience.
In a travel planning thread, Defonte's sandwiches receive a high rating, with the eggplant parmesan specifically noted as looking awesome. The reviewer also points out that the location is a hike.
Defonte's Sandwich Shop is recommended as a destination for sandwiches.
Defonte's is recommended for Italian sandwiches, with the roast beef specifically highlighted as being worth the trip.

Recent Mentions

From post: Closest Representation Of New Haven Pizza In Nyc

"This user recommends Defontes for Italian-style hero sandwiches."

Positive
Jan 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Ny Food Guide

"De Fonte is recommended for Italian subs/sandwiches."

Positive
Jan 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter wonders why Defonte's did not open another Manhattan location after their previous one closed due to construction."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter wonders why Defonte's did not open another Manhattan location after their previous one closed due to construction."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter states that Defonte's has picnic tables outside."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter states that Defonte's has picnic tables outside."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter recommends Defontes for sandwiches, suggesting eating them by the water in Red Hook as there is no seating."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter recommends Defontes for sandwiches, suggesting eating them by the water in Red Hook as there is no seating."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter mentions Defonte's but notes that seating is limited, suggesting eating elsewhere like a park."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter mentions Defonte's but notes that seating is limited, suggesting eating elsewhere like a park."

Neutral
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter lists Defonte's as a recommended sandwich spot."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter lists Defonte's as a recommended sandwich spot."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Visiting From Toronto What Are The Most New York

"Defonte's is listed as one of several New York establishments to consider."

Neutral
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: 3day Food Crawl

"Defontes was recommended as a good daytime option in Red Hook for a food crawl."

Positive
Jan 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Sandwich Shop And Why Is It

"The commenter suggests DeFonte's for a sandwich experience similar to Pisillo's."

Positive
Dec 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Sandwich Shop And Why Is It

"This commenter simply suggests 'Defontes in Red Hook'."

Positive
Dec 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Which Meatball Hero Would You Recommend

"User listed Defonte's among their recommendations for a meatball hero."

Neutral
Nov 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Which Meatball Hero Would You Recommend

"User also recommends Defonte's in Red Hook for a meatball hero."

Neutral
Nov 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Put The Nyts 57 Best Nyc Sandwiches Into A

"The commenter clarified that the list is not a ranking but a survey of options, suggesting that while Defontes is known for certain items, it might not be their best sandwich."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: 3 Good Sandwiches

"In response to the Defontes mention, this commenter advises adding the "hot salad" and getting a side of gravy."

Neutral
Sep 28, 2025View Comment →