Defonte's Sandwich Shop
Brooklyn
Operating in Red Hook since 1922, Defonte's Sandwich Shop is celebrated as a legendary New York institution and quintessential Italian deli. Media highlights spotlight hearty classic heroes, including the hot roast beef with fried eggplant, saucy steak pizzaiola, the vodka sauce-topped 'Golden Boy,' and the signature 'Chenzo 13'. It is widely ranked among the city's top historic destinations for massive, traditional sandwiches.
Commenters largely revere Defonte's, with multiple patrons naming it among the best sandwich shops in the entire country. While celebrated for quality and tradition, discussion also touches on its cash-only requirement. When featured on broader NYC 'cheap eats' lists, some viewers push back against high prices across the city's iconic delis.
- Bring cash, as the shop operates on a cash-only policy
- Try the hot roast beef with fried eggplant
- Sample the 'Golden Boy' featuring chicken cutlet and vodka sauce
- Order the classic steak pizzaiola or the signature 'Chenzo 13'
- Expect traditional deli portions rather than bargain-basement cheap eats
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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