Welcome to Little Ways
A ’70s-style bistro from the Flower Shop team, now open for al fresco dining. Co-founders Ronnie Flynn and Dylan Hales give us the grand tour.
The team behind downtown favorite The Flower Shop, have once again delivered with Little Ways, a restaurant, bar, and lounge occupying a two-story standalone building in SoHo. “We took over the old Novecento space, which has been there for about 30 years,” co-founder Ronnie Flynn told us last year when the new venue was taking shape. “A lot of good vibes in there.” With the restaurant now open for al fresco dining and drinks, Thursday through Sunday, we once again caught up with Ronnie and co-founder Dylan Hales to talk about everything from must-try dishes and drinks to the music you can expect to hear on the Little Ways playlist.
Tell us about the location and why you were drawn to it.
Ronnie Flynn: Fortunately, the venue found us, in a way. SoHo and, more specifically, West Broadway has a rich history in Manhattan from the era of Kings Farms in the 1700s all the way to the artists’ loft movement in the late ’70s. Our landmark building was built in 1839 and has a lot of character. The minute we walked into the space we all agreed it had a great soul, which always feels positive. Plus having an opportunity to open a restaurant and bar in a little quaint two-story building in the middle of this massive global city just feels special!
Dylan Hales: Ronnie and I have always loved West Broadway. It’s a gateway to a variety of neighborhoods and has such a rich history. Little Ways is actually a landmark building and used to be a glass factory.
What did you set out to achieve with Little Ways?
DH: Similarly to The Flower Shop, we thrive to achieve a warm, friendly venue with a sense of community where strangers become friends.
Are you excited about your neighbors?
RF: Of course!! We love the GrandLife family! We have already had to borrow one of your wine decanters, haha.
DH: We know quite a lot of neighbors already and look forward to meeting the rest of them!
Must-try dish(es)…?
RF: I really like the mortadella eggs benedict on the brunch menu, and the grains and greens bowl for dinner or lunch… And our selection of frozen treats make for a pretty tasty summer treat any time of day.
DH: The chef’s selection of meats and cheeses.
Can you recommend an after-work cocktail?
RF: Our Espresso Martini is very good for a little boozy pick me up. The frozen watermelon margarita is our summer special. If cocktails don’t rock ya boat we have a detailed selection of natural and biodynamic wines (with a secret reserve list of wines that are pretty hard to find in NYC).
DH: Love Potion—House of Waris botanical infused gin, passionfruit, vanilla, and lemon.
How about an after-dinner or late-night drink?
DH: We are known for our ability to throw a great party and connect like-minded people. We are living up to our reputation.
Can you name a few songs or artists on the Little Ways playlist?
RF: Wilson Picket, Otis Rush, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and many more songs you will probably want to Shazam.
DH: Fats Domino, Billie Holiday, Dean Martin, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald.
If you could ascribe Little Ways a feeling, what would it be?
RF: Welcoming.
Little Ways is open for outdoor dining, Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 11pm.
