Defonte's: Iconic Sandwiches In Brooklyn, NY

“ 3-5-25. I've eaten sandwiches from here before with former co-workers. We would place a large order and someone would go to pick it up. Today was actually the first time I've been inside. It's an "old school" deli that's CASH ONLY. So hit the ATM prior to walking in. Today I ordered a potato, egg and ham hero with fresh mutz (with a little salt, pepper and ketchup added). I would definitely ask for a little extra ketchup the next time. Regardless though, the sandwich was fantastic. I've had quite a a few different sandwiches over the years.....whether it was Roast Beef and mutz, eggplant parm, Italian or even shrimp, they were all excellent. Although it may feel like your going back in time when stepping into this place, their prices have caught up with the modern tlera. Not saying they're bad, because they are on par with everyone else these days. One thing is for sure ....... you're definitely not going to be hungry after eating ANY of their sandwiches because the portions are more than fair. Their Italian bread is always fresh and delicious......crunchy exterior with a soft interior providing the exact chew you want in any good sandwich. The staff was working hard and they were friendly. There's no seating inside, but when the weather is agreeable, they have a few tables set up outside to dine at if you wish. Today, I just devoured my "sang-weech" in the car. In my opinion, I wouldn't say they are 5 stars.......but are very close to perfect and deserving of 4.5 stars. ”

“ my husband and I have been enjoying sandwiches from defontes since we were kids and they are still one of our favorites! my husbands go to is always always always potato and egg. he says it's the perfect sandwich. the fresh "mutz" is clearly a plus i am sure. for me it's always something with fried eggplant - you cannot go wrong with it. on its own it's delicious and with some fun additions whether it is roast beef or chicken cutlets or prosciutto the eggplant is always so good and the star of the show. even with their recent social media fame they haven't let it go to their heads. still a gem of a mom&pop shop you can't find too much these days. and for people complaining about the prices - have you seen the size of the sandwiches!? well worth the price considering how much everything in this city has shot up lately. ”

“ My go to and most favorite sandwich shop in the city. They use to have a east 22nd st location in manhattan but now the original in Red Hook remains and continues to be the best sandwich shop. I never tire of it. Great service, wonderful atmophere. Any sandwich here is great but my go to are the meatball sandwich, Italian sandwich, or the roast pork and broccolli rabe with added fried eggplant. All are deliscious, fresh ingredients, and made on the spot. Can't say enough good things about Defonte's. A must. ”

“ Do you like gigantic, delectable sandwiches? Me too. They have them here. I've been eating them for over a decade, and I think this place just gets better every year. It may just be the best sandwich shop in Brooklyn, which puts it in the running for the best worldwide. Defonte's is a simple place. Walk in and figure out what you want. Meatball parm, roast beef, pastrami, roast pork, chicken cutlet, turkey...they do it all right. Any specialty sandwich with the thin slice of fried eggplant is a good call. The Golden Boy (basically a chicken parm with vodka sauce and prosciutto) is phenomenal. The Steak Pizzaiolo is legendary for a reason. There will probably be an amorphous line made up of mostly large groups of construction workers or truckers, firemen or cops, and some other folk wearing various NY sports gear. This means you're in the right place. When you know what you want, step up and wait for someone behind the counter to ask who's next. There are two sandwich sizes, "1/3" and "1/2." Really, these are "large" and "colossal." It's only $2 extra to get a colossal, so you want the colossal. I don't care if you aren't that hungry. Bring it to me, and I'll give you $10 for it. I don't even care which sandwich you ordered. And when you have your sandwich only a minute or two later, go eat it and rejoice. If you don't live nearby, they do have a few picnic tables outside; not great in winter and the view is nothing special, but a little sunshine goes a long way once spring hits. The only regret I have regarding Defonte's is that I can't eat all the sandwiches at once. The Golden Boy is my favorite, but I have to branch out occasionally. Last time I opted for the Italian Stallion, and the guy next to me was eating The Golden Boy. And of course he was so happy it was making me happy. And yet sad, at the very same time. But I dried my tears on my incredible, stacked sandwich, and all was right in the world. ”

“ Love this spot, so much quality and tradition. There are so many good sandwich spots in Brooklyn, so it's not easy to differentiate. Defonte's is a legendary spot in a tough category here. That should tell you they are doing things exceptionally. Forgot to mention we are talking about a business over 100 years old. They of course gave specialty sandwich combos, but they put together whatever you crave. My suggestions are anything including their ridiculous chicken cutlets, roast beef with fresh moootz, Italian cold cuts, and of course their wonderful meatballs. Honestly you cant lose with anything you order. Just remember you're getting a quality stuffed sangweech so they aren't cheap, but a sub can feed two easily. Enjoy, don't miss this spot. Thanks ”

“ This place is magic. I tried the roast pork, as well as the prosciutto and mozzarella, and I'm still raving about it. I made crazy sounds of joy while eating it. The bread is fresh and crispy with every bite. All the ingredients, from the eggplant to the peppers, are top notch. And a 1/3 sub will easily fill you up for hours. This is one of my favorite sandwiches in NYC. I can see why it's been around since the 20s. ”

“ Went all the way to Brooklyn to try their sandwich. Got the firehouse (pro tip: switch the provolone with fresh mozzarella) with a side of macaroni salad and a pickle. The large sandwich was huge and had to take the other half home. The fried eggplant was the differentiator. The ordering process was a bit hectic but it all worked out at the end. There are picnic tables outside where you can sit and eat. Would love to come back and try some of the other sandwiches! ”

“ Top 3 Italian deli in NY without a doubt. Everything on the menu is fresh daily but I just can't stay away from their signature and most well known "Golden Boy" Hero Bit out of the way in Red Hook Brooklyn but it's all worth it when you take that first bite. ”