Edgewood Café

Even on a mid-week evening, EDGEWOOD CAFÉ is packed with locals by 5:30. Single dads with kids (who love the pizzas or fish and chips); single moms with kids (who also like the hot dogs and chicken fingers) ; gatherings of three or four friends who know the menu well and make recommendations to fellow diners (“Try the scallops tonight!” or “The pub steak and fries are wicked good!”). That kind of eatery. It’s also a place where the waitresses clear for each other, bring extra glasses (it’s BYOB) if you’re offered a sip of your neighbor’s chocolate wine (!), and make sincere suggestions about the desserts (bananas Mondale with brown sugar and rum is a favorite). Owner/Chef John Walsh’s version of calamari — tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette and asiago — is very tasty. And he uses take-home boxes (there’s also take-out) that are biodegradable and microwaveable. What more could you ask for? | 1864 Broad Street, Cranston | 401.383.5550 | edgewoodcafe.com