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Sandwich shop slinging huge heros stuffed with fried eggplant or chicken parmesan since the 1920s.
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 6 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–4 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 379 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 625-8052
Website: https://defontes.shop/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
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Defonte’s Sandwich Shop – Brooklyn, NY | Review & What to Eat
Defonte’s Sandwich Shop – restaurant review and what to eat at 379 Columbia St. Brooklyn NY 11231 718-625-8052. See our top menu picks!
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As one of the oldest sandwich shops in New York City, Defonte’s has been a top destination for Italian American sandwiches for more than 100 …
Defonte’s (@defontes1922) • Instagram photos and videos
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Reviews
Steve C
Nice day in Brooklyn. Went to Japan Village to walk around. Wasn’t in the mood for Japanese food. IKEA was a planned destination but I didn’t feel like swedish meatballs. Defontes!!!! I hadn’t been there in a while. It was near lunch time so I want sure about the crowds. Usually it’s packed on a Saturday lunch hour. Not today! Maybe people were out and about. Looked the wall of sandwich choices. Then it slapped me in the face. Chenzo 13 special. Prosciutto, sopressata, provolone, hot salad, broccoli rabe. I got the large. Went to my car and devoured 1/2 as soon as I cleared my car door. I saved the other 1/2 for dinner or tomorrow’s lunch. It was awesome. But I won’t have it again for a couple of months as I like to cycle thru the menu.
… moreSyed Ashrafulla
The Red Hook Special has a great balance of meat and vegetables. As a result the lettuce and tomato work really well with the chicken cutlet and the turkey. That’s two crunchy and two soft textures, well done. They don’t put too much mayo either. The seeded bread is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A “1/2 sandwich” can feed two and is often cut in half for that reason.
Lovely spot, highly recommend, $20 for that sandwich is the right price and is an NYC steal.
Remember, cash only!!!!
… moreLovely spot, highly recommend, $20 for that sandwich is the right price and is an NYC steal.
Remember, cash only!!!!
Nomadicus
DeFontes is one of those Brooklyn institutions that instantly reminds you why some places never need a refresh.
I went straight for the Signature Hot Roast Beef and, in a moment of well justified indulgence, added the Steak Pizzaiola. Zero regrets. These sandwiches are unapologetically stuffed. Meat, cheese, sauce, seasoning, all layered with confidence and generosity that feels almost defiant in today’s portion-controlled world.
And the bread matters here. It’s fresh, warm, and crisp in all the right places, sturdy enough to carry the weight of the fillings without stealing the spotlight. It’s the perfect vehicle for the kind of sandwich that requires both hands and lots of napkins.
Ordering at the counter may look intimidating at first, like there’s a secret rhythm you’re supposed to know and have rehearsed. Don’t stress it. The service is quick, efficient, and genuinely friendly. The staff are happy to guide you through it, even if it’s your first time staring at the menu trying to decide how hungry you actually are.
Just keep in mind that there’s no seating beyond a stand-up counter along the wall, so plan accordingly. This is very much a grab-and-go or eat-it-immediately experience.
DeFontes isn’t chasing trends. It doesn’t have to. This is classic, expertly executed deli cooking that delivers exactly what you want and then some.
… moreI went straight for the Signature Hot Roast Beef and, in a moment of well justified indulgence, added the Steak Pizzaiola. Zero regrets. These sandwiches are unapologetically stuffed. Meat, cheese, sauce, seasoning, all layered with confidence and generosity that feels almost defiant in today’s portion-controlled world.
And the bread matters here. It’s fresh, warm, and crisp in all the right places, sturdy enough to carry the weight of the fillings without stealing the spotlight. It’s the perfect vehicle for the kind of sandwich that requires both hands and lots of napkins.
Ordering at the counter may look intimidating at first, like there’s a secret rhythm you’re supposed to know and have rehearsed. Don’t stress it. The service is quick, efficient, and genuinely friendly. The staff are happy to guide you through it, even if it’s your first time staring at the menu trying to decide how hungry you actually are.
Just keep in mind that there’s no seating beyond a stand-up counter along the wall, so plan accordingly. This is very much a grab-and-go or eat-it-immediately experience.
DeFontes isn’t chasing trends. It doesn’t have to. This is classic, expertly executed deli cooking that delivers exactly what you want and then some.
J J
I’ve been coming to Defonte’s for almost twenty years. I’ve tried a lot of their sandwiches, but the Nicky Special is still the one I go back to the most. Ham, provolone, salami, ham capicola, fried eggplant, hot salad, mushrooms, lettuce and tomato — everything fits together nicely and it’s always satisfying.
It’s a solid sandwich shop. Nothing fancy, just dependable and good. The reason it’s not five stars for me is simply that I’ve had a few sandwiches elsewhere that impressed me a bit more, but Defonte’s is still a place I keep returning to.
If you’re not sure what to order, go with the Nicky Special. It’s been my favorite here for a long time.
… moreIt’s a solid sandwich shop. Nothing fancy, just dependable and good. The reason it’s not five stars for me is simply that I’ve had a few sandwiches elsewhere that impressed me a bit more, but Defonte’s is still a place I keep returning to.
If you’re not sure what to order, go with the Nicky Special. It’s been my favorite here for a long time.
Adam Braver
Got the special roast beef sandwich. The quality of the beef and cheese was very good, but I was honestly disappointed otherwise. It was cold and the bread was soggy. The flavors felt bland too. Could really use some vinegar or mustard at the least for being a special. I honestly felt sad because of the price I paid for it. Still, it was only one sandwich, their others might be better balanced.
… moreJohn Calvaruso
Defonte’s sandwich shop in Red Hook Brooklyn is hands down the best. I have to go there every time I’m in New York. Had the Steak Pizzaiola with fresh mozzarella and a Manhattan special. Great combo. John 6st
… moreEdwin Davila
Definitely a spot you want to go to if you want a good sandwich. Nice heavily loaded sandwich the brooklyn way. Nice to still have these old school mom and pops sandwich spots in Brooklyn. My favorite, roast beef, eggplant and fresh mozzarella.
… moreChristopher Blair
Old school New York sandwich shop, cool atmosphere and a wide menu of great sandwiches. Especially enjoyed the buffalo chicken with mozzarella
… moreOzzie
When a place has been around for so long its for a good reason. Very friendly service on top of delicious food. I got the golden boy sandwhich which is: chicken cutlets with vodka sauce and prosciutto topped with melted mozzarella. This has been one of my favorite sandwhiches so far, looking forward to returning and trying others.
… moreMichael Rahmani
Best egg and cheese sandwich I’ve had. The bread was soft and delicious. The cheese pull was amazing.
I went back later in the same day for the tuna sandwich and wasn’t so impressed. Quite mid. I prefer Faiccos for a tuna sandwich.
… moreI went back later in the same day for the tuna sandwich and wasn’t so impressed. Quite mid. I prefer Faiccos for a tuna sandwich.