The Wild Bird — Spicy, Smoky, and a Little Untamed
Marinated grilled chicken, melted provolone, uncured turkey bacon bits, caramelized onions, cherry peppers, lettuce, tomato, and spicy secret sauce on house-baked semolina bread.
The Wild Bird is the sandwich on our menu that people describe with enthusiastically active hand gestures. Marinated grilled chicken layered with melted provolone, uncured turkey bacon bits, slowly caramelized onions, spicy cherry peppers, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and our spicy secret sauce — all on semolina bread we bake in-house and cold-proof for 24+ hours. It's got heat, it's got smoke, it's got sweetness from the onions and funky spice from the cherry peppers, and the spicy secret sauce pulls the whole thing together into something you'll think about later that afternoon. And the next day. And maybe the next month too, if you’re as obsessed with sandwiches as we are.
This sandwich is built around contrasts. The caramelized onions bring deep, slow-cooked sweetness that plays off the sharp bite of the cherry peppers. Turkey bacon bits add smoky crunch. Provolone melts into everything, creating that stretchy, savory glue that holds the flavors together. And the secret sauce? It's secret for a reason — but we'll say this: it's spicy, it's creamy, and it's the thing that makes people order The Wild Bird again and again. The chicken is grilled and marinated, never fried, because that's how we do things at Sandwell. Bold flavor, healthyish approach.
Whether you're looking for a sandwich with real personality near the Upper West Side, need something that brings the heat in Gramercy, or you're the kind of person who always wants to know what the secret sauce is — The Wild Bird is for you. Also available on our multigrain flatbread wrap or gluten-free ciabatta. Order online for pickup or delivery at getsandwell.com/order.
“Sandwell has some of my favorite sandwiches! The Chicken Pesto Burrata and Wild Bird are definitely my top 2. The interior is always super clean and organized and they are super quick and responsive when completing orders. 10/10!” - Alex B
“Great sandwiches always start w great bread! Classic Semolina is amazing. And their sandwiches are both unique takes and very flavorful! I've had the buffalo chicken, the wild bird & the turkey meatball. Add in friendly and prompt service, a really easy to use app, and, for the UWS..., their prices are reasonable.” - Andrew C
"I have ordered nearly every sandwich off this menu and none have disappointed. The Lunchbox and Wildbird in particularly were amazing. So glad this is in the neighborhood." - Corey M.
"The sandwich’s here are always great! My go to is The Wild Bird which has a perfect amount of spice to it" - Piki B.
"Just had the Wildbird. Incredibly tasty. Fresh baked bread, grilled chicken. Great sauce. Looking forward to their continued success on the UWS" - Dave L.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Wild Bird
What's in Sandwell's Wild Bird sandwich? Sandwell's Wild Bird features marinated grilled chicken, melted provolone, uncured turkey bacon bits, slowly caramelized onions, spicy cherry peppers, lettuce, tomato, and a spicy secret sauce on house-baked semolina bread that's cold-proofed for 24+ hours.
How spicy is Sandwell's Wild Bird? The Wild Bird has a moderate, flavorful heat. The cherry peppers bring a bright, vinegary kick and the secret sauce adds spice — it's assertive but not overwhelming. If you like a little fire in your sandwich, this one delivers without burning you out.
What's the secret sauce on Sandwell's Wild Bird? We can't give away all our secrets — but it's a house-made spicy, creamy sauce that ties together the smoky, sweet, and spicy layers of The Wild Bird. It's the thing that keeps people coming back. It’s also vegan, so it brings the heat without bringing the heaviness.
Where can I order Sandwell's Wild Bird in NYC? You can order The Wild Bird at either Sandwell location — 412 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side or 250 3rd Avenue in Gramercy. Order online for pickup or delivery at getsandwell.com/order.
Can I order Sandwell's Wild Bird for catering? Yes. The Wild Bird is available through Sandwell's catering menu as part of our sandwich box platters. Visit getsandwell.com/cateringdirect to place a catering order.
Sandwell serves up the best Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich in New York City
A local favorite near the Upper West Side, Central Park, American Museum of Natural History, Gramercy Park, Union Square, Madison Square Park, Stuyvesant Town, Peter Cooper Village, East Village, Murray Hill, Kips Bay, Flatiron, NoMad, Stuyvesant Square, Baruch College, Empire State Building, Bellevue, NYU Langone, and New York University. Popular with New Yorkers and international visitors alike — freshly made, satisfying, and rooted in New York food culture.