Since 1922, Defonte’s Sandwich Shop has been one of Red Hook’s enduring culinary landmarks, known for oversized Italian sandwiches, old-school counter service, and a loyal neighborhood following that spans generations. Founded by Italian immigrants in Brooklyn’s working waterfront era, the shop became a staple for dockworkers, longshoremen, and local families seeking hearty sandwiches built with cured meats, mozzarella, fried eggplant, and house traditions passed down over a century.

Despite the rapid changes surrounding Red Hook, Defonte’s remains remarkably unchanged — a place where handwritten signs, familiar faces, and recipes rooted in Southern Italian-American culture continue to define the experience. More than a sandwich shop, it stands as a living piece of Brooklyn history, preserving the character and rhythms of a neighborhood that once revolved around the harbor.