Defonte's Sandwich Shop

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. 😋

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!!!!

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.

Was very excited to try Defonte’s and was not disappointed. Big selection of sandwiches and friendly service. The sandos were immense and very filling. Roast pork special and sopressata were happily devoured :)

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.