Defonte's Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Defonte’s of Brooklyn is more than just a sandwich shop; it is a legendary New York City institution. Established in 1922 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Defonte’s has spent over a century perfecting the art of the massive Italian hero. Known for its old-school atmosphere and towering sandwiches that can easily feed two people, this historic deli attracts everyone from neighborhood locals to international food enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide to the Defonte's menu, we provide the most updated information on menu prices, popular items like the famous Nicky Special, and essential ordering tips for their Brooklyn and Staten Island locations. We also cover available nutrition and allergen notes, acknowledging the shop's traditional "no-frills" approach to dining. Whether you are looking for the iconic Potato & Egg hero or the Roast Beef with fresh "Mutz," this guide will help you plan your visit and budget your meal effectively.
Note: Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location (Red Hook vs. Staten Island), time, and delivery platform. This guide is based on verified in-store and third-party research for 2026.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
If you are looking for a fast overview of what to expect, the Defonte's menu is famous for incredibly large hot and cold heroes built on fresh Italian bread. Most sandwiches cost between $12.50 and $22.00, with signatures like the Nicky Special and the Potato & Egg drawing the biggest crowds.
Official Source Verification
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Defonte's Menu Prices
Defonte's does not operate like a standard national chain; it is an independent, family-run business. As a result, prices often fluctuate based on the wholesale cost of quality cured meats, fresh produce, and daily-made mozzarella. The menu is broadly split between their legendary cold cold-cut heroes and hot, cooked-to-order specialties.
The prices listed below are verified estimates based on recent in-store menus and local Brooklyn delivery platforms. Always check your local shop for the exact daily pricing.
Signature Cold Heroes
Defonte's cold heroes are constructed on fresh, locally baked Italian bread. They are famous for their generous, multi-layered meats and vibrant acidic toppings like hot salad and vinegar.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Nicky Special | Cold Hero | $18.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | First-time visitors | Ham, Capicola, Salami, Provolone, Fried Eggplant, Hot Salad, Mushrooms. |
| Italian Special | Cold Hero | $16.00 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Classic deli lovers | Ham, Genoa Salami, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, Oil & Vinegar. |
| Virginia Ham & Swiss | Cold Hero | $15.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Simpler tastes | Served with mustard or mayo, lettuce, and tomato. |
| Prosciutto & Mutz | Cold Hero | $19.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Premium meat fans | Prosciutto with fresh mozzarella (often requested with roasted peppers). |
| Turkey Breast Hero | Cold Hero | $15.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | A relatively lighter protein | House-sliced turkey with your choice of standard toppings. |
Signature Hot Heroes
These items are the soul of the Red Hook location. Cooked to order, these hot sandwiches are hearty, incredibly filling, and deeply rooted in Italian-American culinary tradition.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roast Beef with Mutz | Hot Hero | $19.00 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Hearty appetites | Roast Beef, Fresh Mozzarella, Fried Eggplant, and savory au jus. |
| Potato & Egg | Hot Hero | $12.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Breakfast/Lunch crossover | A Brooklyn staple; thick potatoes scrambled beautifully with eggs. |
| Meatball Parmigiana | Hot Hero | $16.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Comfort food | Homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | Hot Hero | $15.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Vegetarians | Thinly sliced, perfectly fried eggplant with marinara and cheese. |
| Sinatra Special | Hot Hero | $19.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Steak lovers | Tender Steak Pizzaiola topped with fresh, daily-made mozzarella. |
| Pepper & Egg | Hot Hero | $12.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | A classic, meat-free meal | Traditional Italian-style scrambled eggs with sautéed bell peppers. |
| Chicken Cutlet Parm | Hot Hero | $17.00 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Picky eaters | Crispy breaded chicken breast with sauce and melted cheese. |
Sides & Add-ons
At Defonte's, the add-ons make the sandwich. The famous fried eggplant is often the "secret weapon" that regulars add to almost everything.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Fried Eggplant | Add-on | $2.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Flavor and texture boost | The most famous addition. Can be added to any hot or cold hero. |
| Hot Salad | Add-on | $1.50 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Adding heat and acid | A spicy giardiniera-style pickled vegetable mix. |
| Potato Salad | Side | $5.00 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | A traditional cold side | Classic deli-style potato salad; availability may vary daily. |
| Macaroni Salad | Side | $5.00 (Est. / Varies) | Not published | Picnics or sharing | Creamy, traditional deli macaroni salad. |
Popular Menu Items
When visiting a place with over 100 years of history, certain sandwiches stand out as undisputed neighborhood legends. Here is a closer look at the most popular things to order at Defonte's.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Nicky Special | It perfectly balances rich meats with the crunch of fried eggplant and the bite of hot salad. | Premium priced ($18.50+) | Not published |
| Roast Beef with Mutz | Tender beef, fresh house-made mozzarella, and a savory jus that soaks into the bread. | Premium priced ($19.00+) | Not published |
| Potato & Egg Hero | The ultimate old-school comfort food. Thick, hearty, and incredibly filling. | Value priced ($12.50+) | Not published |
| Meatball Parmigiana | A quintessential New York experience with robust marinara and dense, flavorful meatballs. | Mid-range ($16.50+) | Not published |
The Nicky Special
This is the undisputed king of the Defonte's menu. It features a complex blend of Ham, Capicola, Salami, and Provolone. However, what sets it apart from a standard Italian sub is the inclusion of their signature fried eggplant, marinated mushrooms, and a spicy "hot salad." It is a texture and flavor powerhouse that delivers salty, sour, spicy, and savory notes in every bite.
Roast Beef with Fresh Mozzarella
Frequently cited by locals and food critics alike as one of the best roast beef sandwiches in the city. The beef is sliced perfectly tender, and when paired with the house-made fresh mozzarella ("mutz") and a splash of au jus gravy, it becomes a destination-worthy meal. Many regulars recommend asking to add fried eggplant to this sandwich as well.
Potato & Egg Hero
This is not just a standard breakfast sandwich. It is a massive, carb-on-carb legend consisting of thick-sliced fried potatoes and perfectly seasoned eggs folded together on hero bread. Historically, it is the go-to choice for those seeking comfort food, particularly popular with local workers looking for a meal that will keep them full all day.
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
The Nicky Special
This sandwich captures the absolute essence of Defonte's. The combination of classic cold cuts with their unique fried eggplant and spicy hot salad is an unmatched flavor profile.
Potato & Egg Hero
This is one of the lowest-priced heroes on the menu but offers incredible volume. It is remarkably heavy, incredibly satisfying, and easy on the wallet.
Roast Beef with Mutz (To Share)
Because a single hero is essentially the size of two normal meals, buying one premium hot hero like the Roast Beef and cutting it in half is the perfect way to feed two people for the price of one.
Turkey Breast Hero (No Cheese)
While nothing at Defonte's is truly "light," opting for a simple turkey hero with lettuce, tomato, and vinegar skips the heavy fried elements and dense cheeses.
Eggplant Parmigiana Hero
Since Defonte's is famous for their thinly sliced, perfectly breaded fried eggplant, getting an entire sandwich dedicated to it with rich marinara and fresh mozzarella is a must-try.
Any Sandwich + Fried Eggplant
The true "secret menu" tip is that you can pay a couple of dollars extra to add fried eggplant to literally any sandwich. It elevates the texture of plain turkey, ham, or prosciutto immensely.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining at a historic New York institution doesn't have to be expensive if you know how to order strategically. At Defonte's, the key to value is portion control.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Share Strategy | One $18 sandwich easily feeds two adults, dropping the price per person to under $10. | Arguing over which half to take! | Ask the counter staff to wrap the two halves separately. |
| Potato & Egg Hero | It is one of the cheapest items on the board (around $12.50) and arguably the most filling. | It can sell out during a busy late morning. | Order this before the heavy lunch rush hits at noon. |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | A meatless hero that still provides the premium Defonte's culinary experience for less than the steak or roast beef. | It can be messy to eat on the go. | Grab extra napkins if eating outside. |
If you are exploring other casual or counter-service menus in the broader fast-casual sphere, you might notice that traditional delis offer vastly different value propositions. For example, comparing a massive Italian hero to a specialty sandwich on the MSM Deli menu shows how regional deli cultures prioritize volume and fresh ingredients differently.
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Defonte’s does not provide official nutritional data, calorie counts, or macro breakdowns for their menu items. They are a traditional, family-owned establishment that predates modern calorie-posting laws, and their recipes are built on flavor and tradition rather than dietary trends.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Bread | Large, dense Italian loaves. High in carbohydrates and baseline calories (est. 300-400 cal just for the bread). | Those needing high-energy, filling meals. | Low (Estimates only) |
| Cold Cuts & Cured Meats | Items like Capicola, Salami, and Prosciutto are very high in sodium and saturated fats. | High protein intake. | Low (Estimates only) |
| Fried Eggplant | Eggplant absorbs oil during frying, making this famous addition highly calorically dense. | Flavor, not calorie-counting. | Low (Estimates only) |
| Turkey / Chicken | Choosing turkey or grilled chicken (if available) without cheese is the leanest way to order. | Lighter protein options. | Low (Estimates only) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Just like their calorie information, Defonte's does not maintain an official, publicly published allergen matrix. Customers with severe food allergies must approach old-school delis with caution.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Ask about ordering meat "in a container." | Defonte's does not offer gluten-free bread. The cross-contact risk with wheat in the kitchen is practically 100%. |
| Dairy Allergy | Specify "No Cheese" on all orders. | Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, and Swiss are heavily used. Cross-contact on cutting boards is highly likely. |
| Vegetarian | Egg and Eggplant heroes. | Defonte's is very vegetarian-friendly with the Potato & Egg, Pepper & Egg, and Eggplant Parmigiana options. |
| Vegan | Bread ingredients and frying oils. | It is difficult to eat strictly vegan here. Bread may contain dairy washes or lard, and shared fryers are common. |
Special Menu Sections
While the main draw is lunch, Defonte's serves a few distinct needs depending on the time of day and the size of your party.
Breakfast / Morning Menu
While they don't have a traditional pancake-and-bacon breakfast menu, Defonte's opens relatively early. The morning rush is dominated by their egg-based heroes.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg Heroes | Potato & Egg, Pepper & Egg. | Usually $12.50+ / High carb & protein. | Early morning workers and comfort food cravings. |
Catering and Giant Heroes
Defonte's is a staple for local parties, game days, and office events.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Party Heroes | 3-foot to 6-foot heroes (Italian, American, Half & Half). | Priced by the foot (Call local shop for exact pricing). | Tailgates, family parties, and office catering. |
| Hot Trays | Half or full trays of Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, or Eggplant Parm. | Varies based on tray size. | Large group dinners. |
For a completely different type of casual group catering, you might compare Defonte's heavy Italian trays with the fried seafood platters found on the Sharks menu or the family combo meals on the Long John Silver's menu.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is specifically designed to help:
- First-time visitors who feel intimidated by the fast-moving line and want to know exactly what the Nicky Special is before stepping up to the counter.
- People checking prices to decide if they want a premium Roast Beef sandwich or a budget-friendly Potato & Egg hero.
- Tourists planning a Brooklyn food tour who need to know practical tips, like the fact that one sandwich is big enough to split.
- Diners with dietary preferences looking for a clear answer on gluten-free bread (it is not available) or vegetarian options (which are excellent).
- Delivery customers wanting to understand that third-party apps will feature higher prices than walking into the Red Hook shop.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Navigating an old-school New York deli requires a bit of know-how. Here is how to order like a local and get the best experience.
- Have your order ready before you reach the counter. During the peak lunch rush (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM), the line moves incredibly fast. Know what you want to keep the line moving.
- Add the fried eggplant to everything. It is the signature ingredient at Defonte's. Whether you get turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto, adding fried eggplant is highly recommended.
- Bring cash just in case. While most locations have modernized to accept credit cards, traditional Brooklyn delis sometimes have card minimums, machine outages, or prefer cash for faster service.
- Share your hero. Unless you have an enormous appetite, plan to split one sandwich between two people. They are substantially larger than a standard fast-food sub.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices on apps like UberEats or Grubhub are typically higher than in-store pickup prices to cover app fees.
- Check for daily specials. Sometimes the best items (like Hot Roast Pork or Sausage & Peppers) are written on temporary signs in the shop and aren't listed on the standard menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous sandwich at Defonte's?
The Nicky Special is their most famous signature item. It is a massive cold hero packed with ham, capicola, salami, provolone, fried eggplant, hot salad, and marinated mushrooms.
Does Defonte's have a menu with prices online?
Defonte's official website lists their sandwiches and specials, but often excludes daily prices. Walk-in prices generally range from $12.50 to $22.00 depending on the complexity and meat used in the sandwich.
Are the prices the same in Brooklyn and Staten Island?
Prices are generally very similar, though minor differences may occur due to local operating costs. However, if you order delivery through a third-party app, you will see noticeably higher prices than walking into either location.
How many calories are in a Defonte's hero?
While there is no official calorie count, a standard Defonte's hero is estimated to contain well over 1,000 calories due to the massive size of the bread, heavy layers of meat, cheese, and fried ingredients.
Does Defonte's offer gluten-free bread?
No, Defonte's does not currently offer gluten-free bread options. The environment is heavily exposed to wheat, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease.
Is Defonte's cash only?
The Brooklyn location was cash-only for many decades, but they now generally accept credit cards and mobile payments. However, having cash on hand is always a safe bet for a faster checkout.
What time does Defonte's close?
Defonte's is primarily a breakfast and lunch spot. The original Brooklyn location typically closes by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, meaning it is not an option for late-night dinner.
Can I order Defonte's for catering?
Yes, Defonte's is famous for catering parties. They offer giant 3-foot to 6-foot party heroes, as well as hot trays of eggplant parm, meatballs, and sausage.
What is "Hot Salad" at Defonte's?
Hot salad is a spicy, acidic vegetable relish-similar to giardiniera-that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses on their cold heroes.
Is there a kids' menu at Defonte's?
There is no specific kids' menu. However, because the portions are so large, parents easily feed two or three younger children by splitting a single classic turkey or ham hero.
Conclusion
Defonte’s continues to thrive as a cornerstone of New York City’s culinary history by staying true to its roots: massive portions, premium ingredients, and a no-nonsense atmosphere. While the Defonte's menu prices reflect the modern costs of operating a quality deli in Brooklyn, the value remains undeniable because a single hero easily serves two people. For the best experience, visit the Red Hook or Staten Island locations before the noon rush, bring an appetite, and don't forget to ask for extra fried eggplant.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
