Sandwell

Long review:

I had high hopes for this place when I read the other reviews and saw their instagram account- cheap, celiac-safe sandwiches are basically unicorns. I stopped by to check it out in person after calling and asking about their gf procedures.

The only items at the restaurant that contain gluten are the normal sandwich rolls, but the assembly line/prep station is a small shared area with multiple employees working on multiple sandwiches at a time. There is a “gf only” sandwich knife, and the employees do change their gloves and lay down a sheet of parchment paper to prepare the gf sandwiches. However, the conveyor belt-style toaster and the bowls containing the ingredients (meats, veggies, cheeses etc.) are shared and often used for gf and non-gf sandwiches concurrently. Additionally from what I could see, the sauces and spreads are shared between gf and non-gf sandwiches as well. I would think something like the mac and cheese which is gf + prepared separately is very safe, but the sandwich/salad preparation overall seemed ambiguous.

If you’ve been to Chipotle, you know that most of the ingredients are gluten free, but cross contamination is unavoidable because the utensils constantly go back and forth between the wheat tortillas and the ingredient bowls. This is a similar situation- I can’t see how the utensils and ingredients aren’t contaminated after a couple hours of making non-gf sandwiches. It seems like a very easy fix to just take the ingredients for gf sandwiches/salads from separate containers with separate utensils (this is done at places like Jersey Mike’s and other fast casual places with gf options).

I’m personally usually asymptomatic after gluten, so it’s difficult to tell if/when I get cross-contaminated. I put a lot of trust into the restaurant to be straightforward so I can make an educated decision on my comfort level eating their food. There is a disclaimer on the website about how it’s a “shared kitchen” and they can’t make promises, and I get that, but it’s disingenuous to then also repost on instagram about being celiac safe.

There aren’t a lot of actually celiac-safe sandwich spots on the UWS- just lots of places with gf bread options, but cross-contamination protocols that range from laughable to imaginary. Overall, Sandwell is definitely safer than one of those places, but I’m reluctant to agree with the full extent of the gf praise they’re currently receiving. I think there are a couple of simple and cheap ways for them to be a worry-free celiac-safe spot, and I hope they make additional progress on that front :)

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I’ve ordered here several times and have never had a problem. It’s so reassuring to know that all the ingredients are GF, even breadcrumbs! Their sandwiches and mac & cheese are delicious. Everything is also really reasonably priced. I’ve gotten so used to paying an arm and a leg for GF food that a $12 sandwich is such a welcome change (it’s a good portion, too!). Love this place! It’s a gem of the UWS!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Really good food with lots of GF options. Staff seemed to have clear GF protocols.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Such delicious sandwiches with gf ciabatta available. The ones that come with breadcrumbs even have GF breadcrumbs! They also have GF mac n cheese (it comes GF!) and a really yummy GF cookie.

I always get the baked eggplant cutlet with burrata and it’s sooo good.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Excellent! Sandwiches are available on gluten free ciabatta, breaded items use gf breadcrumbs, even the mac and cheese is gluten free!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Nice to have a gf sandwich shop nearby on the UWS. I’ve had their pesto chicken sandwich and their meatball sub. They all come toasted which is nice.

I’ve found the flavour to be a bit bland on the sandwiches I’ve had, but overall good quality.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

the BEST gluten free sandwiches i have ever had! staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about gluten free safety measures to prevent cross-contact. bread is delicious, had my first meatball sub in 10 years here and it was incredible. also loved their gluten free mac and cheese and oatmeal cookie with homemade nutella.

10/10, cannot wait to go back soon

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating