The Wivel

“‘A Bit of Scandinavia’ in the Heart of New York”

Wivel Restaurant
1928–1958
Scandinavian Smorgasbord

Ownership:

Svend Jorgensen

Location:

254 West 54th Street (Basement)

Publications:

Stewart, Zachary. “Come to the Cabaret: Feinstein’s/54 Below Has Something For Everyone.” TheaterMania.com, February 22, 2016.

Felten, Eric. How’s Your Drink?: Cocktails, Culture, and the Art of Drinking Well. Chicago: Agate Publishing, 2009: 101.

“Site Getting Garage, Wivel Will Travel.” Variety, April 2, 1958: 64.

“Dining In/Out with Esquire.” Esquire, January 1955: 34. [Owner Jorgensen shares recipes for a Danish cocktail and Frikadeller.]

“Restaurant to Expand.” New York Times, February 28, 1940: B-37.

“Cocktails Must Live up to Name.” New York Times, April 29, 1936: 23.

Worden, Helen. The Real New York: A Guide for the Adventurous Shopper, The Exploratory Eater, and the Know-It-All Sightseer Who Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet. Indianapolis, Indiana: Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1932: 270, 272.

James, Rian. Dining in New York. New York: John Day Company, 1930: 47-48.

Notable Guests:

W. S. Berger (Founder of Vent Haven Museum, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky)

Dick Bruno (Ventriloquist, as “Monsieur Brunard”)

Notes:

After the restaurant closed in 1958, the space remained empty until 2012, when it was taken over by Broadway supper club 54 Below. However, a cemented off portion indicates the possible existence of a tunnel leading up to what became, in 1977, Studio 54. (1) Rolling Stone provides some clues to the intermediate use of The Wivel’s basement space, here.

Menu:

1945 (Love Menu Art, prints available for purchase)

(1) Stewart, 2016.

Cover photo: “1950s Menu / Mailer with Comical Cover from the Wivel Restaurant New York.” Menu. Ebay. Accessed March 4, 2020.