A Velvet-Bedecked 70s-Style Bistro Opens in Soho

The restaurateurs behind Lower East Side retro hotspot the Flower Shop are expanding their ’70s vision with a new restaurant in Soho. Little Ways, at 343 West Broadway, near Grand Street, features more of the new American-style food on the menu at the Flower Shop but in a grander setting and in more elaborate dishes.

“We think of this as the big sister to the Flower Shop,” says chef Michael Hamilton, who’s had past stints at West Village Australian restaurant Kingswood, Noho’s Acme while it was still a Nordic restaurant, and the Montauk party spot the Surf Lodge. “This is the next step up from the Flower Shop,” says Hamilton.

Much like Flower Shop’s nod to ’70s New York City, Little Ways is meant to evoke a Soho artist’s loft from that time period, says Ronnie Flynn, one of the co-owners of Eldridge Hospitality, the restaurant group that runs Flower Shop and now Little Ways.

It’s spread out over two floors with 45 seats in a dining room space on the ground floor, and 40 seats above at a verdant bar with a plant-enveloped skylight. A wood paneled-roof and maroon velvet couches also add to that late mid-century aesthetic. “It’s a little more sexy and classy,” says Hamilton.

The vision also comes through in dishes like a duck breast and pumpkin creation that’s flavored with five spice and orange juice; a mackerel crudo with a dressing of oolong tea, limequat, and serrano peppers; and a bucatini dish with Belper Knolle cheese and black pepper. Preparations familiar to the Flower Shop crowd like a burger and fries combo, deviled eggs, and chicken schnitzel are also available at Little Ways.

The restaurant also has a wine list, albeit not one that “stretches pages and pages,” says Hamilton, and focuses on wines from smaller producers. There are also a handful of cocktails including the Golden Hour, a concoction with beet-infused mezcal and vermouth; and the Espresso Martini, which has vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur.

Little Ways [Official]

This second project from the Flower Shop team comes just a little under three years after the original bi-level bar and restaurant opened on Eldridge Street. The casual restaurant, which also has a pool table, quickly became a neighborhood hot spot, particularly for nostalgia seekers.

Now the restaurateurs are building on that vision at Little Ways. Hamilton will juggle his chef duties between Little Ways and the Flower Shop, but will primarily focus on the new space for now. The restaurant is open Sunday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Little Ways [Official]