Defonte's Sandwich Shop

"Defonte’s is the old school Italian sandwich shop blueprint. They serve big fat sandwiches with names like Italian Stallion and The Zio Vito, there's someone who drove in from Jersey standing in line next to you, and the person behind the counter might be a little peeved that you’re trying to order at 3:15pm, even though they close at 4pm. A visit to this cash-only spot in Red Hook is the best Saturday adventure, and if it’s nice out you can head down to Louis Valentino Jr. pier and eat there.  The Order: Absolutely anything that has a layer of fried eggplant on it—which is most sandwiches here. But we like the Italian Stallion, with fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a half inch thick layer of prosciutto. And yes, the macaroni salad is good." - will hartman, willa moore, neha talreja, bryan kim, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick

"At Defonte’s, a cash-only Italian sandwich shop in Red Hook that’s been around since the 1920s, it’s not just about the big fat sandwiches. It’s also about standing in line next to someone who drives in from Jersey weekly to feast on The Zio Vito, and the person behind the counter, who’s a little peeved you’re trying to order at 3:15pm, even though they close at 4pm. Order absolutely anything that has a layer of fried eggplant on it, but since that’s most sandwiches here, the Italian Stallion is a good place to start. It’s layered with fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a half inch thick layer of prosciutto. A lot of places make Italian sandwiches these days. Defonte’s is still one of the best." - molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah, neha talreja

"Since 1922, this portside Italian sandwich shop has served heaping portions of cured pork on rolls to workers and passersby in Red Hook. The signature sub is the colossal Nicky Special, layered with a trio of ham, salami, and capocollo, plus fried slices of eggplant, provolone, and hot peppers mixed with oregano and pickled vegetables." - Eater Staff

"Defonte’s, opened in 1922, was once slinging sandwiches stacked with cured pork to dockworkers in the area. Now the secret of the counter-service joint’s top-notch sandwiches is out to a wider audience. Gorge on the Nicky Special, a mammoth sub containing ham, salami, and capicola, plus fried slices of eggplant, provolone, and hot peppers mixed with oregano and pickled vegetables. Cash only." - Eater Staff

"Think of your favorite Italian deli. Okay, now imagine that place makes sandwiches even more delicious by drizzling hot gravy or draping lightly fried eggplant on top. That’s Defonte’s, located on a near-empty industrial street in Red Hook. You can tell this cash-only, 1920s sandwich institution means business based on the line of off-duty firefighters waiting for lunch. Get the hot roast pork sandwich with juicy, rich gravy and fried eggplant, or the Italian combo, which  includes pepperoni and somehow still tastes light." - willa moore, hannah albertine