TLDR
Iconic, cash-only Red Hook institution serving massive, overstuffed Italian hot heroes. Famous for crispy fried eggplant and unique 'hot salad' toppings.
Reddit Sentiment for DEFONTE'S SANDWICH SHOP(based on 107 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Defonte's is featured as a long-standing sandwich shop known for its robust Italian heroes. The video captures the classic exterior of the building and the interior walls adorned with historical photos and newspaper clippings, reflecting its rich legacy. The highlight is a large, hearty Italian-style sandwich, generously filled with a variety of cured meats, cheese, sautéed broccoli rabe, and vibrant roasted peppers, showcasing a blend of traditional flavors and substantial portions.
Defonte's is a legendary Italian sandwich shop located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with a history spanning over a hundred years. It is highly regarded by both locals and celebrities, attracting people from far and wide to experience their famous "heroes." The reviewer, returning after 15 years, affirms that the quality of their offerings has not diminished. The establishment is known for its massive sandwiches, ensuring customers leave feeling full. Popular options include the Nicky's Special and the Roast Pork, with other notable mentions such as the Joey D, Valentino Special, Golden Boy, and Chenzo 13. The shop operates on a cash-only basis.
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.
Details
A century-old institution in Red Hook, this classic Italian deli is celebrated for its massive, overstuffed hot heroes that have achieved legendary status [2]. The shop is deeply rooted in tradition, operating on a cash-only basis and maintaining an old-school atmosphere adorned with historical photos [2]. Locals and food enthusiasts frequently flock here for iconic sandwiches that balance rich, savory fillings with unique additions like the 'hot salad'—a zesty, cold pickled vegetable mixture [2], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic Italian-American deli fare, with fried eggplant consistently highlighted as a signature ingredient that remains crispy in saucy sandwiches [2]. While hot heroes like the roast pork and steak pizzaiola receive frequent acclaim [1], [4], the chicken cutlet is a notable exception that some diners suggest avoiding [4].
Highlights / Recommended
Mentioned Dishes:
- •steak pizzaiola(7)
- •roast pork special(6)
- •golden boy(5)
- •nicky special(4)
- •chicken cutlet(3)
- •roast pork(3)
- •sinatra special(3)
- •nicky's special(3)
- •hot salad(2)
- •sandwich(2)
- •valentino special(2)
- •roast beef, eggplant, and mozz(2)
- •enzo(2)
- •steak piazolla(2)
Customer Sentiment
The shop is widely regarded as a dependable, top-tier NYC institution, though some visitors find the Red Hook location slightly out of the way for a dedicated trip [1], [2]. While the overwhelming majority of feedback is glowing, the chicken cutlet is occasionally criticized for becoming soggy due to the steam table [4].
Caveats
The shop is cash-only and closed on Sundays [2], [4]. Seating is extremely limited, so many patrons recommend taking sandwiches to the nearby waterfront or a local park to enjoy [1], [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DEFONTE'S SANDWICH SHOP
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Fort Greene Bodega New To Brooklyn And To Nyc
"Recommended as a traditional sandwich destination compared to local bodegas."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Enjoys swapping hot turkey into a corned beef build that includes cole slaw, Swiss, and mustard."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Agrees the roast pork is better than the roast beef and suggests requesting au jus on the side for dipping."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Always gets the Red Hook Special or the Buffalo Chicken."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Recommends the Sinatra special."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Always orders the potato and egg sandwich."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Claims the Nicky Special is the best, listing its ingredients, and suggests adding fried eggplant and hot salad to any sandwich."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Suggests the Chenzo."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Recommends Steak Pizzaiola, Roast Pork Special, and Golden Boy as top choices."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Lists Steak Pizzaiola, roast pork, and peppers and eggs as great options."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Considers the sausage and peppers the best they have ever had."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Recommends Steak Pizzaiola and Roast Pork Special, noting that other items are standard deli fare."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Mentions that the pastrami is amazing."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Plans to get the Giuseppe."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Suggests swapping hot turkey for roast beef in the Roast Beef special, adding mayo."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Suggests the Golden Boy or the Steak Pizzaiola."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Seconding the Sinatra Special and adding a recommendation for the stuffed pepper antipasto."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Recommends the Roast Beef special, noting it comes with eggplant and mozzarella."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Suggests the Golden Boy."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Get One Sandwich From Defontes
"Recommends the Roast Pork special."
Positive