Wireless mesh networks, especially those typically utilized in smart city deployments for their low-cost and adaptable topologies, are characterized by challenging requirements for communication performance, reliability, as well as adaptability to dynamic network conditions. In this context, Named Data Networking (NDN) introduces a novel packet naming scheme and in-network caching for efficient data retrieval. Although NDN reliability can be damaged by prolonged delays and intermittent connectivity, this impact can be largely canceled by incorporating the Delay-Tolerant-Networking (DTN) paradigm. Hence, we argue that the challenging, dynamic network conditions of smart cities can be handled accordingly by a protocol-adaptive solution that deploys and configures on-demand the most appropriate protocol strategy per node. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provides the missing features of intelligent centralized control and programmability. Here, we propose REWIRE: an SDN-based protocol-adaptive solution for smart city networking with low-delay communication and reliable interactions. We employ SDN control features, containerized non-IP protocol stacks, clustering and change point (CCP) mechanisms. We also conduct a preliminary investigation of our solution based on real experimentation over two novel smart city testbeds.