As one of the oldest sandwich shops in New York City, Defonte’s has been a top destination for Italian American sandwiches for more than 100 years. Originally purchased in 1922 by Nick Defonte for only $100, the shop sits in Red Hook, a Brooklyn neighborhood that has evolved over time: Once labeled one of the "worst" neighborhoods in America by LIFE Magazine in the 1990s, it sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and is now home to a growing number of high rises. And yet, Defonte’s has stayed very much the same through it all, a cashonly spot buzzing with energy and a requisite picture wall of famous and notable Italians.

Follow the owner Larry Demonte and Anthony, one of his sons, and meet the “Chenzo 13” sandwich. Named after Larry’s eldest son Vicent, who passed away in 2021, the “Chenzo 13” quickly became a new favorite on the Defonte’s sandwich roster.

Here are the 57 sandwiches that define New York City: https://nyti.ms/3BWuDSP



Download the Cooking app for daily dinner picks, helpful tools, and even more videos: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nytcoo...

VISIT NYT COOKING: https://cooking.nytimes.com/

SUBSCRIBE to NYT COOKING: https://nyti.ms/3FfKmfb
A paid subscription gets you full access to our recipes, daily inspiration and a digital Recipe Box.

YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/2MrEFxh

INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2DqJMuD
FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/2MrTjEC
TWITTER: http://bit.ly/2RZB6ng
PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2W44xng

About NYT Cooking:
All the food that’s fit to eat (yes, it’s an official New York Times production).