Defonte's Menu 2026: Full Hero & Sandwich List, Brooklyn NY

Defonte's original location is at 379 Columbia Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York (zip 11231). It is one of the longest-running sandwich shops in New York City, having operated from the same neighborhood since 1922. A second location opened in Staten Island and has since closed; the Columbia Street shop is the flagship and original.

Defonte's is famous for its overstuffed Italian-American heroes — generously loaded hot and cold sandwiches on fresh-baked Italian rolls. The shop has been a Brooklyn institution since 1922 and is widely cited as one of the best sandwich shops in New York City. Signature items include the meatball parmigiana hero, sausage and peppers, chicken parmigiana, and classic deli cold cuts. The shop is also recognized for its daily pasta plates and house soups.

Defonte's has historically operated on a cash-preferred or cash-only basis, consistent with old-school Brooklyn deli tradition. Payment policy can change — call ahead or confirm on arrival. The shop does not take reservations and operates first-come, first-served from the counter.

Defonte's generally operates Monday through Saturday for lunch service, roughly morning through mid-afternoon. Hours are subject to change, and the shop may close early when the day's food runs out. Always confirm current hours by calling the shop directly or checking Google Maps before visiting, as hours at traditional NYC delis can shift seasonally.

Defonte's has been open since 1922 — over 100 years. The shop was founded by the Defonte family in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and has remained in family hands through multiple generations. It is one of the oldest continuously operating sandwich shops in New York City and has been featured in numerous best-of-NYC food guides over the decades.

Yes. Several items are vegetarian as served, including the eggplant parmigiana hero, the fresh mozzarella and roasted pepper hero, the pepper and eggs hero, and the baked ziti. House soups including pasta e fagioli and minestrone are also vegetarian. The menu skews toward meat-focused Italian-American fare, but the vegetarian options are substantial and well-regarded.

Defonte's is a small, counter-service deli and is best suited to individual or small-group walk-in orders. For large party or catering needs, contact the shop directly by phone — they have historically accommodated bulk sandwich orders for neighborhood events and offices. The shop does not have a formal catering menu online; direct inquiry is the best approach.

Defonte's is often grouped with a handful of century-old NYC Italian deli institutions — places like Faicco's, Salumeria Biellese, and similar Red Hook and Carroll Gardens spots. Its distinguishing features are the volume of filling (heroes at Defonte's are notably large), the long history (open since 1922), and the Red Hook neighborhood setting. It is regularly listed among the top sandwich shops in Brooklyn and NYC overall.