Living in Edgewood, when we want take-out, we have seven small, family-owned businesses, all within less than a mile of our house.

POCO LOCO: The popular Mexican food truck opened their small restaurant at 2005 Broad St. in Cranston a couple of years ago and has been our frequent source for inexpensive, authentic, tasty Mexican food.

In addition to their $2 Tacos and $5 Grande Tacos, they offer a wide variety of burritos ($7), quesadillas ($5) and tostados ($5). Our favorites are the avocado fritters ($6) and sheet pan nachos ($8), a meal for two. Call ahead at 461-2640.

EDGEWOOD CAFÉ: Located at 1864 Broad St. is the site of a former pharmacy and ice cream shop. The intimate restaurant is described as “dining with a casual touch.” In the good weather, tables are available on the sidewalk. They do not take reservations.

Dinners run from $12.95 for spaghetti and meatballs to $21.95 for steak and fries. Sandwiches go from $5.95 for a Swanky Frank to $9.95 for Phil’s Cheese Steak. Owner Phil is a Johnson & Wales graduate.

Gourmet pizzas ($11.95) and specialty desserts are popular. Open for dinner only. Take-out meals are $1 extra. The telephone number is 383-5550.

CUPCAKERIE: Muffins, cakes, teas and cupcakes are the specialties, all freshly baked on the premises. Prices are $3 per cupcake or $30 a dozen. They offer a variety of flavors, including a unique chili cupcake. They specialize in wedding cakes.

You will also find them at a number of farmers’ markets. Cupcakerie is also a dog bakery, featuring Jack’s Snacks.

Located at 1860 Broad St. Telephone is 461-2601.

WAI WAI HOUSE: There are two tables in the tiny restaurant at 1850 Broad St., but most people do take-out. The Chinese menu offers large portions of Cantonese and Mandarin style at very reasonable prices.

Joyce makes a meal on a pint of shrimp lo mein ($4.95/$7.75 for a quart). I love their pork egg foo yung ($6.75) and make two meals out of it. We both enjoy moo shi shrimp (7.75) and their General Tso’s chicken ($9.25).

Call ahead at 941-3360 for pick up or delivery.

CHA-BEI: This charming little tea and noodle bar features a variety of teas from China, delicious tea smoothies ($3.50) and presently four authentic Asian-style noodle dishes ($5.50 small and $7.50 large).

Manda and Tyson are there to greet you and explain the dishes. Manda travels to her homeland every year to visit the tea plantations and select only the finest to bring back.

Cha-bei has been open for two years and has a growing group of customers who love their spicy and sour sweet potato noodles, with Chinese vegetables, peanuts, Chinese black fungus, cilantro and Spam. That’s right, Spam. And it’s delicious.

Eat in (there are five tables and six counter seats) or take out. Open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Telephone: 261-0349.

VIVALDI’S PIZZA: Located at 1826 Broad St., Vivaldi’s has a huge assortment of pizzas, calzones, stuffed breads, grinders, wraps, pasta dishes and the best fish and chips in the area, served every day ($9.95).

On a Friday night, I will get fish and chips, while Joyce orders a small specialty pizza. The Vivaldi’s Special is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, meatball, onions, peppers and mushrooms ($9.95). You can eat in, take-out or take advantage of their free delivery. Call ahead at 461-7495 or 461-7511.

J.P. SPOONEM’S: Our favorite breakfast place, Spoonem’s, at 1678 Broad St., is like Cheers without alcohol. Everybody knows your name, including Pat and Joe, who serve up a variety of omelets, French toast, waffles, pancakes…you name it, they’ve got it.

My brother-in-law visits us from Connecticut, not to see us but to have breakfast at Spoonems. He orders the Big Daddy, which includes two eggs, bacon or sausage, toast, home fries and pancakes (He orders their pumpkin pancakes).

Spoonem’s has the best homemade hash in Rhode Island, plus freshly cooked ham sliced right off the bone. For a real treat, try their johnnycakes.

Open for breakfast and lunch, with a Reuben to die for, their phone number is 941-3550.