Last Updated: 16 days ago
Phone: (718) 625-8052
Address: 379 COLUMBIA STREET 11231
Legendary Brooklyn sandwich shop, 100+ yrs old. Famous for massive, overstuffed heroes w/ unique hot salad & fried eggplant.
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.
Defonte's is a century-old Italian sandwich shop in Red Hook, Brooklyn, renowned for its massive, classic sandwiches. Celebrated for its enduring appeal and traditional charm, the shop offers unique items like the 'hot salad' and perfectly fried eggplant. It's a beloved local institution that continues to impress with its quality and generous portions.
Defonte's is celebrated for its Italian-American sandwiches, particularly their 'heroes'. The fried eggplant and unique 'hot salad' (a pickled vegetable mix) are signature elements that customers rave about. While most reviews are highly positive, one user found the steak pizzaiola to be dry and tasteless, though this appears to be an outlier.
"Highly recommended dishes include the 'Steak Pizzaiola', 'Eggplant Parm', 'Nicky's Special' (ham, capicola, salami, fried eggplant), 'Roast Pork Special' (often with 'hot salad' and gravy on the side), and the 'Potato & Egg' sandwich."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the sandwiches, with many calling it the best they've ever had. The quality, portion size, and classic nature of the establishment are frequently highlighted.
Important Note
The location in Red Hook is noted by some as being a bit of a hike or difficult to access. The establishment is cash-only.
"The commenter suggests DeFonte's for a sandwich experience similar to Pisillo's."
Positive"This commenter simply suggests 'Defontes in Red Hook'."
Positive"User listed Defonte's among their recommendations for a meatball hero."
Neutral"User also recommends Defonte's in Red Hook for a meatball hero."
Neutral"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"In response to the Defontes mention, this commenter advises adding the "hot salad" and getting a side of gravy."
Neutral"The author listed Defonte's as their number one choice among the places visited, considering it one of the best things they've ever eaten."
Positive"The commenter suggests Defontes for a roast beef sandwich."
Neutral"This user mentioned Defonte's in Red Hook as a place worth trying for a hoagie."
Positive"This commenter simply stated "Defontes.""
Positive"The commenter praised Defonte's eggplant parm sandwich as amazing and also mentioned their Giuseppe Special (eggplant parm and meatball) and Nicky Special (Italian with fried eggplant)."
Positive"The user mentioned that Defonte's has great options, specifically Roast pork and rabe, Italian combo, and Steak Pizzaolo."
Positive"This user stated that Defonte's is a great spot but perhaps not worth a special trip for tourists."
Neutral"Defonte's is listed as one of the recommended Italian sandwich spots."
Positive"Defonte's is listed as one of the two best Italian sandwich spots the user has tried."
Positive"Defonte's in Red Hook is recommended as a top spot for Italian sandwiches."
Positive"This user stated that Defonte's is 'not worth going out of the way' and is 'overrated'."
Negative"This commenter suggested that Defonte's is not worth going out of the way for, but acceptable if already in the area."
Negative"A warning was issued about Red Hook being a 'shit part of Brooklyn' but acknowledged it's a great place for a sandwich."
Negative"Defonte's in Red Hook is recommended, with a note that their strong suit is the hot heroes, especially those with eggplant."
Positive
