Last Updated: 18 days ago
Phone: (718) 625-8052
Address: 379 COLUMBIA STREET 11231
A Brooklyn sandwich institution w/ overstuffed heroes, fried eggplant & classic charm. A must-try for over 100 yrs!
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 legendary Italian sandwich shop that has been serving overstuffed, classic sandwiches for over 100 years. This beloved Brooklyn institution is known for its generous portions and unique offerings like the "hot salad" and fried eggplant. Despite its popularity and numerous accolades, it maintains a classic charm, including a cash-only policy.
Defonte's is renowned for its massive, classic Italian-American sandwiches, particularly their heroes. Standout items include the eggplant parmesan, steak pizzaiola, and a variety of pork and prosciutto combinations. The unique "hot salad" and fried eggplant are frequently mentioned as key components that enhance the sandwiches. While overwhelmingly positive, one reviewer found the steak pizzaiola to be dry and tasteless.
"Customers rave about the massive sandwiches, with particular praise for the eggplant parmesan, steak pizzaiola, and the "Nicky's Special" which includes ham, capicola, salami, and fried eggplant. The "Roast Pork Special" with broccoli rabe and gravy on the side is also highly recommended."
Customers overwhelmingly praise Defonte's, often calling it legendary and among the best they've ever had. While most find the sandwiches incredible, a few note that the location can be inconvenient or that certain dishes, like the steak pizzaiola, were not to their liking.
Important Note
The location in Red Hook is noted by some as being a bit of a hike or difficult to access. The shop also operates on a cash-only basis.
"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"De fontes is listed as a recommended spot for breakfast sandwiches."
Positive"The author listed a sandwich from Defonte's as a preferred item for a 'last meal' scenario."
Positive
