7 Supersized Secrets Of Defonte's: The 100-Year-Old Red Hook Sandwich Shop That Still Rules Brooklyn

Defonte's of Red Hook is more than just a sandwich shop; it is a living monument to Brooklyn's rich Italian-American culinary history, a true institution that has been serving colossal heroes for over a century. As of late 2024, this legendary spot continues to draw crowds to its unassuming storefront, proving that in a city obsessed with the new, nothing beats a classic done right. The shop’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to massive portions, high-quality ingredients, and a cash-only, no-frills attitude that transports every customer back to a simpler time in New York City.

Founded in 1922, Defonte’s has navigated the massive changes of the Red Hook neighborhood, from a bustling shipping port to a modern, revitalized area, all while keeping its core mission intact: crafting the best, biggest, and most satisfying Italian hero sandwiches in the five boroughs. The simple sight of their signature baked potato and egg sandwich or a fully loaded "Nicky's Special" is enough to ignite a curiosity that has made this Columbia Street location a pilgrimage site for food lovers worldwide.

Defonte's Sandwich Shop Profile: A Century of Brooklyn Heritage

Defonte's Sandwich Shop stands as one of the oldest surviving eateries in the Red Hook, Brooklyn, area. Its history is deeply intertwined with the borough's working-class roots and the influx of Italian immigrants who shaped the local food scene. The shop is a testament to the power of family tradition and culinary consistency.

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• Founding Year: 1922
• Founder: Nick Defonte
• Original Investment: Purchased for just $100
• Original Location (and Current): 379 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY, 11231
• Neighborhood: Red Hook, Brooklyn
• Cuisine Focus: Supersized Italian Heroes / Italian-American Sandwiches
• Current Status: Thriving, family-run business (Still run by the Defonte family)
• Operating Hours: Typically Monday to Saturday (cash only)
• Notable Recognition: Included in lists of the "Best Sandwiches In America" (2024)

The Enduring Legacy of Nick Defonte's Vision

When Italian immigrant Nick Defonte bought a corner store in 1922, he laid the foundation for a culinary legend. The shop quickly became a favorite among the longshoremen and dock workers who needed a hearty, affordable meal to fuel a day of hard labor. This historical context is crucial, as it explains the shop’s signature characteristic: the massive portion sizes. A Defonte's hero is not just a lunch; it's a commitment. This dedication to value and size continues to be a core part of its identity, distinguishing it from modern, high-end sandwich boutiques. The cash-only policy is another nod to its old-school roots, maintaining a "hole in the wall" energy that fans adore.

The 5 Legendary Sandwiches That Define Defonte's

Defonte's menu is famous for its "hot dishes" and "cold heroes," all served on fresh, crusty Italian bread. The sheer size of these creations is what first catches the eye, but the quality of the ingredients—from the homemade mozzarella to the perfectly cooked meats—is what keeps customers coming back for decades. Here are the five legendary sandwiches you must try.

1. The Nicky's Special

Arguably the most famous item on the menu, the "Nicky's Special" is the quintessential Defonte's experience. It’s a triple-threat hero, typically featuring a generous layering of three different kinds of meat, often including ham, provolone, and salami, topped with fried eggplant, hot salad (a spicy Italian relish), and a splash of oil and vinegar. This sandwich is a masterclass in Italian deli construction and a rite of passage for any New York sandwich enthusiast.

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2. The Red Hook Special

For those who prefer a hot hero, the "Red Hook Special" is a carnivorous delight that perfectly encapsulates the shop's indulgent style. This sandwich piles on two fried chicken cutlets, American cheese, turkey, and bacon, all smothered in a rich, savory gravy. It's a voluptuous, carnal experience that is almost impossible to finish in one sitting, making it a favorite for sharing or saving half for later.

3. The Potato and Egg Sandwich

A simple yet profoundly satisfying creation, the Potato and Egg sandwich is a Brooklyn staple, and Defonte's version is world-famous. They prepare it by layering cooked potatoes and mozzarella in a hotel pan, covering the mixture with eggs, and then baking it until it achieves a perfect, cohesive texture. The resulting slab of potato and egg is served on a hero roll, offering a comforting, savory, and surprisingly complex bite.

4. The Chenzo 13

The "Chenzo 13" is another hot hero that has achieved cult status among loyal patrons. While the exact combination can vary or be customized, it’s known for incorporating robust Italian meats, cheese, and a signature element, often a fried cutlet or sausage, making it a hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying meal. Its popularity is a testament to the shop's ability to invent and perfect classic Italian-American combinations.

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5. The Classic Italian Hero

While the specialties get the headlines, the classic, cold Italian Hero remains a cornerstone of Defonte's menu. This traditional hero is built with high-quality cold cuts, typically featuring ham, provolone, salami, and roast beef, dressed with lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar. It’s the standard bearer for the supersized Italian hero, demonstrating that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most enduring.

Defonte's Today: Navigating Change and Expansion

Despite being a nearly 100-year-old establishment, Defonte's has shown a surprising capacity for longevity and even expansion. The original Red Hook location, situated on Columbia Street, remains the heart of the operation, a thriving spot that confirms the enduring power of tradition in an ever-changing city.

The Red Hook Experience: Cash Only and Community

The experience of visiting the Red Hook shop is an essential part of its charm. It is a true neighborhood deli, where the staff is speedy and the line—which can often be long—moves quickly. The "hole in the wall" atmosphere is part of the appeal, demanding cash payment and rewarding patience with a sandwich of legendary proportions. Many patrons enjoy their massive heroes outside, soaking in the unique, industrial-meets-gentrified vibe of the Red Hook waterfront.

The Staten Island Venture

In a move that excited many New Yorkers, Defonte's expanded its footprint beyond Brooklyn. The family opened a second location on Staten Island, specifically in the Stapleton neighborhood at 95 Water St. This expansion aimed to bring the exact same quality and menu items—the supersized heroes, hot dishes, and cold cuts—to a new borough. While the original Red Hook shop remains the iconic pilgrimage site, the Staten Island location demonstrated the family's desire to share their century-old craft with a wider audience.

Whether you're visiting the historic Columbia Street spot or seeking out their other venture, Defonte's remains an essential stop on any serious New York City food tour. Its commitment to the original vision of Nick Defonte—massive, high-quality, and deeply satisfying Italian heroes—ensures its status as a Brooklyn institution for generations to come.