We were just heading to IKEA when my GF shoot STOP! There is that sandwich shop I hear so much about! Really? Sure, why not it is 10.50am and almost lunch time. From the outside it's not a big deal but inside the line actually wrap around. People are already ordering their sandwiches for lunch! The line was long but the sandwiches are worth the wait. Tip: There are a couple of picnic tables in the lot next to the store to eat but we drove over to IKEA and ate in the public park by the waterfront. Personal lost: I'm sad to report the Defontes on 3rd Ave. and 21 St. is closed and have moved. read more

I first heard about Defonte's when they appeared on DDD on the Food Network. When I saw the quality of the heroes and meat that they made, I just had to make a trip to Red Hook asap! I read a ton of Yelp reviews about how they were always crowded and that there was a line out the door, but during the few times I've been here it's been pretty quiet. The set up here is simple. Walk in, take a look at the selection of heroes they have on the wall and someone will assist you pronto. The great thing about the service here is (1) they have quite a few people behind the counter (2) the employees are very proactive and friendly asking if you need some help. As for what I've tried, I've ordered the large Chicken Cutlet and large Steak Pizzaiola heroes ($12 each) and both were ridiculously awesome! Both heroes were humungous and, if you're coming here to order one for yourself, it will probably take 2 sittings to eat each half. The chicken cutlet hero had 4 huge slices of fresh mozzarella laid on 4 pieces of chicken cutlets, basically enough to make 4 separate sandwiches! The bread, chicken cutlets and mozzarella were extremely fresh, especially the mozzarella as I could see it glistening in the sandwich. The Steak Pizzaiola was my personal favorite though. This was the sandwich featured on DDD and, if you order this one, you might never take a look at the rest of the menu again! The steak and sauces seeped into the crevices of the bread and were so flavorful. The steak was soft and just melted in our mouths. It was ... the perfect sandwich! And maybe the best one I had ever eaten! If I had to choose one sandwich to eat for the rest of my life the Steak Pizzaiola from Defonte's would be right up there! Also, don't bother taking your sandwich home because the chances are that the bread will get too moist so eat it on the spot inside. read more

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Yes, Red Hook is far, but you can walk back to civilization after scarfing down one of the biggest sandwiches you've ever had. Defontes is as old school as it gets. It keeps strange hours. You have older Italian guys yelling at you. And the deli meats are fresh as can be, and they load em up. Friend and I split the Nicky's special and the roast beef/mozzarella/eggplant (doesn't have a catchy name). The Nicky's special was basically everything they could throw into a sandwich. Tons of veggies, eggplant, and Italian meats. I liked the roast beef better. Perfectly pink, and the eggplant added a nice texture. If you ask them what the difference is between the two sizes, they'll just tell you with a straight face that one is bigger. Get the bigger one. For $1 more, it's totally worth it. They also have a backyard with a few tables. This place is as Brooklyn as it gets. read more

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In the words of my friend Gillian, "If you want a really nasty, dirty, raunchy, skanky, whore-ish, greasy, messy sandwich...this is it." I couldn't have said it better myself. My sandwich was an orgy of peppers in a tangy tomato sauce (so messy, but it really made the sandwich), fried eggplant and provolone. I added hot peppers to mine. Wow -- that was a hell of a sandwich. It's best to enjoy Defonte's in the nearby park. If you go there on a weekend in the summer, perhaps you'll be as lucky as my friends and I were and experience awesome classic R&B blasting through the park (We thought it was a family reunion or a BBQ..?) Only negative aspect of the gigantic sandwich was its magical affect on my alcohol tolerance. Later that night, I had 3 shots of tequila and 2 beers and was 100% sober (as a 5'5'', 125 lbs. girl, that should not happen, ever). read more

Defonte's - foodgasmic. - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

These sandwiches are yuuuuuuuge. I wish I would have gotten the roast beef like I saw in the DDD episode and as immortalized in one of the greatest 30 Rock episodes of all time. Instead I got an absolute monster of a sandwich with just about every ingredient on the planet that inhibited my ability to walk. It was great though. When you see pictures of all those famous Italian New Yorkers (including James Gandolfini RIP), you know you are in an authentic spot. I will definitely be coming back. read more

Wow big surprise - this is a great sandwich shop! I went with a buddy of mine at 3:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon a half hour before closing and a time when it is not so crowded. Everyone was relaxed and friendly and Hector, who has been there 42 years (the owner?), gave us a history of the place and the neighborhood as he took down the umbrellas from the picnic table (after we had finished)l next to the shop. I ordered the pastrami and cheese with hot peppers and mustard. Now I could have eaten the whole thing but I would have been stuffed and had nothing to eat tonight, so I summoned all my will power and only ate 1/2! And as another reviewer noted, it is as good as Katz's - actually less fatty than what I had there - and less expensive. My buddy had the famous steak pizziola. He really liked it but compared the meat to his grandma's pot roast which worked for him. I tried a little piece and have to say I prefer the meat in a real Philly cheese steak. We agreed that the bread is exceptional and the fact that they toasted it was another plus. So once again, DeFonte's has picked up some more fans! read more

Great food and customer service. They were closing and still served us amazing food. Real homemade sauce and meatballs. Pictures of famous people that were standing exactly where you're ordering. It's an experience for sure. read more

Defonte's - Meatball hero - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Definitely worth the drive from queens. We tried a few sandwiches the roast beef with eggplant and mozzarella cheese was the star. Great food with friendly service.. Will be back soon read more

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We came here under the recommendation of Mr. Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. I assure you, even if you haven't seen the episode of triple d before coming here, you'd still feel a positive vibe from this deli. You walk in, and although it isn't the location where they started, you can still feel the history of this place! They've got collages, memorandums, photos of celebrities, newspaper articles of their successful establishment, and the guys who were there from the start and I'm telling you now... it made me really freakin' excited to order a sandwich! It's an Italian spot so I went with the Roast Beef, Fresh "Muzzarelle" & Eggplant sandwich served with salt, pepper and their delicious gravy! Long story, short - if you want a great sandwich, appreciate ingredients made in-house, and friendly staff, come here! read more

Luxurious sandwiches - the best sandwich you will ever have PERIOD stop reading this and go there now. BEST SANDWICH ON EARTH - PERFECTION GO NOW read more

Defonte's - Heaven on Earth - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The Staten Island location blows the Brooklyn location away. Cash only in Brooklyn Greeting- yes Vibe- hole in wall Parking- street Price- moderate Service- friendly Bathroom- no Outdoor tables only Food $12 roast beef mootz fried eggplant- boring French fries- different and tasty WIGB? No read more

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Incredible sandwiches. Had the Golden Boy and the Steak Pizzaiola, delicious! Every ingredient is on point!

While driving to IKEA in red hook, we passed by Defontes and my fiancé stopped the car and said "omg we have to go there. Should we go now? Omg! I've been wanting to try for soooo long" So, we ended up going after IKEA and had their steak pazzoiola and it was delicious! They make it for you fresh and it's warm and flavorful. Each bite is plentiful with meat and cheese and we also added jalopenos in the sandwich. Their sandwich comes in two sizes- small and large. But the small is pretty big. It is good for a hearty lunch for one or a settling lunch for two. Everyone here is so nice and they're quick. If the lines seem long, don't be scared! It'll go fast! read more

Yes it was good but it's also very expensive. The service is quick and the workers are attentive. The choices are vast so come hungry.

We are from PA but every time we head to Brooklyn this is a MUST! The roast beef with eggplant and mozzarella is our favorite. Fresh sliced roast beef, homemade mozzarella, and the thinnest crispy eggplant! You've got to try Defontes! read more

Defonte's - Roast beef sandwich with homemade mozzarella and crispy eggplant, smothered in "gravy" au jus - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I happen to work up the block from this place so I know it well. Defontes is awesome!! Freshest bread, great ingredients,friendly staff. The place is usually crowded yet it never takes more then a few minutes to get your sandwich,these folks are sandwich artists!! My fave sandwiches are the breaded chicken cutlet with fresh mozz and roasted peppers (best roasted peppers ever!!) and the valentino which is the same sandwich except with awesome fried eggplant subbing for the chicken. They do a great eggplant here its also great parmesan. They have great deli items like stuffed cherry peppers,olives and a great gardiniera or "hot salad" as they call it. Unless your sharing or have an immense appetite get the sandwiches 1/3. They are HUGE!! read more

Huge,very delicious sandwiches for roughly $12. The bread is crusty on the outside and super soft on the inside. The fresh bread really makes this sandwich! read more

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A throwback to old Brooklyn where everyone knows everyone, Defontes makes the best sandwiches I've ever had. The roast beef, fried eggplant, and mozz is deservedly glorified, the addition of gravy, hot peppers, and mayo takes it over the top. This is a hall of fame level sandwich. Roast pork, eggs and potatoes, chicken parm - everything is good. Trust Defontes to make a trip to Ikea less hellish than it always is. read more

My boyfriend and I saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and we had to try it after seeing those sandwiches. We came in at around 8 on a Saturday morning. It wasn't packed, but it was definitely starting to get busy. Even with all the people, we didn't have to wait long. Those guys really hustle! There are seemed to be a lot of locals and regular there, which is always good sign. I got the Cuban (roast pork, Ham, melted Swiss and gravy - I didn't want any pickles) and my boyfriend got the roast beef with mozzarella and eggplant. I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I can honestly say his sub was delicious! My Cuban was So. Good. I wish there was a bit more gravy on there, but that's fine. The meat wasn't too dry and the cheese was perfectly melted. Plus, the staff is great and make you feel right at home. (Or maybe just me, since I'm a native). They're easy going and will joke around with you! I will definitely be back. read more

Defonte's - Cuban (Roast pork, ham, melted cheese and gravy) - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I have wanted to try this sandwich shop for years. After seeing it on food network and numerous other shows, I dreamt of their sandwiches. Recently I stopped by for their steak pizzola hero. First off the steak was super tender and the fresh mozzarella slices were the perfect compliment for the sauce. The sauce was a little less "tomato-y" then I hoped for some tartness, heavy sandwich needs some citrus to break up the flavor. I definitely need to come back and try all the other sandwiches. read more

Had the Red Hook Special(chicken cutlet, turkey breast, bacon, american cheese, LTMSP) and the pork, eggplant, broccoli rabe and provolone sandwich...both sandwiches amazing!! This place was great, the sandwiches are huge 1/2 vs.1/3 I cant tell the difference and the 1/2 is a dollar more so you can have it for dinner. It's really busy during lunch and you won't find too many Nolita/SoHo types here. I still can't get over how good these sandwiches are, it's not just a huge sandwich it's all really good, albeit an overindulgence for the week. Just Go And Eat Here !!! As many have stated CASH ONLY !! read more

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If you're looking for an old-school/working-class sandwich shop (i.e. not a hipster spot with artisanal ingredients) in South Brooklyn, this is one of the best around. The hub and I first went many years ago to try the oft-written-up Hot Roast Beef sandwich, which is freshly sliced roast beef au jus, fresh mozzarella and fried eggplant. This is not sliced Boar's Head deli meat...it's an actual fresh beef roast that they slice to order, so, YUM! Since then, we've tried some other options, all solid. Our go-to has become a straight-forward one which isn't listed on their website menu, but is on one of the many hand-written signs peppering the walls...I can't recall the name, but I know what's in it -- the aforementioned freshly sliced roast beef au jus, hot salad, broccoli rabe and mayo. We get it sans the broccoli, as the beef with the hot salad (which is essentially slightly spicy pickled vegetables) is a great combination on its own. Talk about a hearty sammy! There are two sizes and the larger one, which I think they actually call "a half," is more than big enough to feed two people. All for about $12. Beyond the subs, they have all the traditional Italian hot entrees -- chicken and eggplant parm, meatballs, sausage and peppers -- on offer too. This is not a place to sit and eat, though they do have a couple picnic tables outdoors. This is more a pull over, pick up and eat elsewhere place. We take ours to one of the local Red Hook parks and eat by the water. read more

Defonte's - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The reviews are not kidding. These are the best sandwiches in NYC. Other people mention the Triple D rec but it's the locals who proclaimed that if there was one spot for me to eat at it Red Hook, it needed to be this one. Honestly, I was looking for breakfast, but my friend said let's hold off til lunch, so I was pretty hungry by the time I wrapped my lips around their sandwich. Can't remember the name but it had prosciutto, eggplant, roasted peppers and mozzarella. I swear for a min I communed with God. This sandwich is a holy experience that will turn you into a believer. Stop here on your way home from IKEA, and you won't regret it. I hope this old school relic remains for generations so more people can experience these amazing sandwiches. Bring cash and go get one! read more

Excellent sandwiches and great service. It is a true New York Italian Deli in Red Hook.

Not sure what the fuss is all about. Maybe if it's the only hero spot in the neighborhood. But we're in Brooklyn, where great food and tradition is everywhere you look. Had the prosciutto hero, worse experience ever, they left the skin on the sides of the meat, with 3 bites the entire sandwich was pulled apart. Had the eggplant/meatball parm hero. Much better than the prosciutto. read more

Defonte's - Rich - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The BEST sandwich shop EVER. Mouthwatering goodness in every bite from start to finish. I wish I lived closer because I would eat here all the time. read more

They used to have an outpost on 3rd Ave and East 21st Street in Manhattan, but were forced out of ground floor of the five story walkup so a huge condo tower could go up and have a Duane Reade or Starbuck's take up the ground floor. Manhattan's loss. So, I was in Brooklyn for my Five Boro Bike Tour packet pick up, and the original store was close by, so I popped in. Yelp has the business hours wrong, as this location closes at 4:00pm (Staten Island stays open until 5:00pm). So I got there at 4:00pm, and they were cleaning up, no hot sandwiches, or any sandwiches for that matter were available. The counterman must have seen the disappointment on my face, and said he had one hero roll left, and would I like a cold cut hero. I said sure, make whatever you want, beggars can't be choosers. He made me a delicious Italian cold cut hero. I paid him and left him a $3 tip for his troubles of having to reclean the meat slicer. Next time I get there way before 4:00pm. read more

It should get 10 stars, but the neighborhood is shady.The sandwiches are worth getting shot over. Had the slow cooked beef with fresh mozz hero,unreal.This sandwich rocks.There other sandwiches are awesome also. Everyone should check this place out read more

Food: 4.0/5.0 Service: 3.0/5.0 Value: 3.0/5.0 Decor: 2.5/5.0 Overall: 4.0/5.0 Awesome sandwich shop in Red Hook. 'Gem' came to mind as soon as I stepped in. A detective with a handwritten order for six sandwiches with his weapon on his hip, eight-ish burly guys who look like blue collar workers waiting for their sandwiches, and one hipster looking dude with a messenger bag checking out the menu. A team of guys in red shirts behind the counter job shopping the heck out of the different orders. Step in, give your order to a guy who frees up, and watch him do his thing. The sandwich was tasty, and a little pricey but very large. I think it may be a notch better than L***i's. read more

Beautiful restaurant! It is a very very beautiful restaurant. The prices are very customer friendly, and the food is very fresh. Super nice people! Friendly service, great food, and fun area! read more

After seeing Defontes on the Food Network, we finally had a chance to try them. I am so glad we made the trip! Everyone behind the counter was wearing a mask and gloves. Customers were all wearing masks as well. We had the meatball, mozzarella and fried eggplant sandwich, a hot roast beef with fried eggplant and mozzarella sandwich, a chicken cutlet with prosciutto, mozzarella and vodka sauce sandwich and two mozzarella with tomato and pesto spread sandwiches. Everything was excellent! The ingredients were all so fresh, and the mozzarella was freshly sliced. It was delicious! We look forward to our next visit. read more

So my family needed to go to IKEA and saw this on Triple D. Had to stop and did not regret it. Every sandwich was delicious. Friendly service and fast too. Definitely coming back!! read more

Saw Defonte's on the Best Thing I Ever Ate and decided to give it a try. I ordered the roast beef, mozzarella and eggplant sandwich. I waited until I got home (10ish min drive) to eat it and regret waiting. I think it got a little too soggy sitting. However, the ingredients were great and super fresh! I wasn't a huge fan of the eggplant (again, my fault for letting it get soggy) but would try other sandwiches. read more

Defonte's eggplant parmesan sandwich is a hot mess in all the right ways. Let me tell you about it. The eggplant is breaded and fried, but not greasy (eggplant has a habit of absorbing oil, which is usually what goes wrong in eggplant parm). A thick layer of gooey cheese blankets that fried eggplant goodness, and the whole thing is tied together with a fantastic marinara sauce that's on the sweeter side, with great flavor. I ordered a half loaf size (as opposed to the third loaf) and split it with a friend for an afternoon snack--the thing is massive, and well worth the $12. Get one. Do it. You know you want to. This was easily one of the best eggplant parm sandwiches of my life. Defonte's is a no-frills, classic NY-style sandwich shop, so there's a counter that you can stand at to eat, but no formal seating. I had a great experience with the staff, who are very friendly and attentive. read more

So, the closing of City Sub has left me craving a really good sub. While Googling, I come across a few places; Defonte's being one of them. After being told about this place from a friend, I decided I needed some furniture from IKEA, and a walk to Defonte's to build up an appetite. A friend and I walked in and ordered a pastrami and a Cuban. I have to say that this is not a place that serves packaged cd cuts. I saw a fresh pork loin and a roast beef being brought out. Now I'll admit I'm a bit spoiled when it comes to bread. City Sub bread was crusty on the outside with sesame seeds and soft on the inside. The bread here was okay. No sesame seeds. Not to much flavor and my jaw was a bit tired after eating. The pastrami was the reason I came here. I expected peppery, slightly salty, thick slices of warm pastrami. The slices were thin and not very peppery. The pork loin was okay, but also lacking in flavor. The savior of the day was the Stewarts soda. Mmmmmmmm, I challenge anyone to find better soda. Cherries & Cream is the best!!!!! Overall, it was an okay sandwich, just not something to make another trek for. read more

Defonte's - Sandwiches Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Hands down best sandwiches in Brooklyn! Try the BLT, chicken cutlet, shrimp hero, steak.... they are all good read more

My favorite sandwich place in NYC. How I miss the old Manhattan outpost, but the trip to Red Hook is worth it. I highly recommend the roast pork sandwich, which has broccoli rabe and fried eggplant along with juicy roast pork and provolone. It's delicious. Get the large. The roast beef sandwich seems to be the most popular sandwich, and it's very similar to the pork sandwich, except without broccoli rabe and with mozzarella instead of provolone. I slightly prefer the pork, but you can't go wrong with either. read more

Tadty sandwiches, courteous service, reasonable prices, nothing more to ask for! And every single time!!!

One of the great old school sandwich spots in nyc... I get here whenever I can. It's one of those places where you know what you're going to get every time... amazing sandwiches in a fuss free atmosphere. Nothing fancy here, decor wise, but let's be honest, that's not why you're here- it's all about the sandwiches, and let me tell ya, they live up to the hype! Service is fast and super friendly. It's the kinda spot I wish I could walk to. Everything I've had has been delicious... but a favorite was house roasted turkey with fresh mozz, gravy, and spicy giardiniera. In the end, there's no going wrong. Great sandwiches, friendly service... all you need! read more

Took the drive from Queens to Brooklyn. Wanted to come since forever. Pack the kids and the hubby into the car. So was it worth it? Absolutely!! My daughter got the pastrami...loved it! I got the pork sandwich...juicy and loved it! Hubby got sausage and peppers and son got meatball parm..liked it. Staff was so friendly and service was fast. No cards only cash, so come with cash or be prepared for $3.00 atm fee! Went this past Saturday and had no problem parking. Closes at 4! Definitely would go back! read more