By Rachel Schmerge, June 27, 2025
Want to know what makes this triangle so special? Let me show you around.
Tucked between Powell Blvd, Foster Road, and SE 82nd, Foster-Powell is Portland’s only triangle-shaped neighborhood. Foster Road originally served as a route for farmers heading into town and was once Portland’s widest paved street, becoming the area’s commercial hub when the streetcar connected it to downtown Portland in 1892. The neighborhood was annexed into SE Portland in 1908 and enjoyed a wartime boom, but suffered a decline in the ’70s and ’80s. Foster-Powell began its comeback in the ’90s, thanks to young families, immigrants, and longtime residents drawn by affordability, location, and community pride.
Today, Foster-Powell is a laid-back, lived-in mix of old Portland grit and new Portland energy. Foster Road still serves as the heart of the neighborhood, dominated by local small businesses, international eats, and vintage neon signs. It’s a place where you can grab a banh mi and a bubble tea, catch a tango class or a drag show, and still spot more strollers than scooters. Here are a few of my favorite neighborhood spots- where to sip, snack, shop, and soak in all things FoPo.
Cozy Coffeeshops
Carnelian Coffee — 7950 SE Foster Rd
A charming cafe known for its ethically sourced brews, housemade syrups, vegan pastries, and rock-obsessed decor.
Speedboat Coffee — 5115 SE Foster Rd
A neighborhood fave featuring Coava coffee, modern decor, and the friendliest staff. Make sure to try the baklava and breakfast sandwiches!
Pieper Cafe — 6504 SE Foster Rd
A laid-back hangout spot serving up espresso, killer paninis, and house-made soups—there’s even pinball and a kid’s corner.
Bustling Bars
Thunderbird Bar — 5310 SE Foster Rd
A welcoming spot known for its delicious burgers and vegan options, with a pool table and large covered patio to boot.
Bar Maven — 6219 SE Foster Rd
Rustic and cozy, serving up Mediterranean-inspired comfort food and solid cocktails. Check out the fantastic happy hour!
5 and Dime — 6535 SE Foster Rd
A beloved cocktail bar slinging both classic and specialty drinks along with gourmet hot dogs, rotating seasonal bites, and a fun photo booth.
Unique Eats
An Xuyen Bakery — 5345 SE Foster Rd
This tiny Vietnamese bakery is a big deal, known for its cheap banh mi sandwiches and a delightful array of pastries like mochi donuts and macarons.
Tambayan Restaurant — 6020 SE 82nd Ave
Authentic Filipino comfort food with a warm, family-run atmosphere and generous portions—don’t skip the adobo, sinigang, or halo-halo.
Rose VL Deli — 6424 SE Powell Blvd
A hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese spot renowned for its rotating menu of soups, with standouts like pho, chicken curry soup, and Cao Lau.
Brunch Bites
Midpoint Food & Drink — 5550 SE 72nd Ave
Old school diner vibes with classic brunch dishes, boozy breakfast cocktails, and vegan options. Customers love the Potato Stacks.
Bar Carlo — 6433 SE Foster Rd
A funky brunch staple offering dishes like breakfast burritos, elote hash, and eggs benedict set in a colorful airy space.
Egg Carton — 5222 SE 52nd Ave
A cute food cart that’s always delicious—don’t miss the eggs Benedict or their famous egg and biscuit sandwiches.
Perfect Pizza
Pizzeria Otto — 7112 SE Foster Rd
Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with pillowy crust, top-tier toppings, and a warm, cozy dining room perfect for date night or a family splurge.
Atlas Pizza — 6529 SE Foster Rd
NY-style slices done right- thin, cheesy, and customizable- with vegan options, pinball, and a chill, family-friendly vibe next door to 5 & Dime.
Sweet Shops
I’ve Been Framed — 4950 SE Foster Rd
A community staple for affordable art supplies, custom framing, and creative vibes. Check out the great selection of specialty paper and cute trinkets.
Foster Outdoor — 5040 SE Foster Rd
An outdoor gear wonderland that’s a mix of your cool uncle’s garage and the Bargain Basement, with new and used gear at great prices.
Larkspur — 6317 SE Holgate Blvd
A cozy, community-focused plant and art shop offering accessibly priced houseplants, local goods, and crafty treasures, along with horticulture programs and events.
Thinking of putting down roots in Foster-Powell? Let’s talk.
Whether you’re house-hunting, scoping out investment potential, or just want a local to show you around, I’d love to help you explore both the neighborhood haunts and the housing market. Drop me a message to get started or check out my Instagram for more local tips!
Rachel Schmerge
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Hi, I’m Rachel, your guide to finding the perfect nest in the Pacific Northwest!
Before I was helping clients build equity, I was building worlds. Literally. I started my career as a prop maker for film and theatre, building everything from stop-motion miniatures to wacky props for Portlandia. That experience sharpened my eye for design, construction, and creative problem-solving- skills I now use to help my clients see the hidden potential (or pitfalls) in every home. Buying or selling a home should feel empowering, not overwhelming. I strive to give buyers and sellers the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the market with confidence. Whether strategizing winning offers or negotiating repairs, I bring a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to every transaction. Clients turn to me for my honest advice and "get it done" attitude. I’m not just here to sell homes- I’m here to help my clients make smart, strategic decisions that set them up for success. My own journey into homeownership started while making $20/hour at a nonprofit theater. Through creative lending solutions, I was able to buy my first home and give my senior dog the yard of her dreams. Friends began turning to me for guidance and I became their unofficial home-buying consultant. Years later, I’m still driven by the desire to make an impact in my community and help others achieve financial stability through homeownership, since I've seen the benefits firsthand. I especially love working with first-time buyers, single folks, and creatives to find affordable ways to break into the market. My love affair with Portland has spanned nearly two decades and I know this city inside and out- from the quirks of its historic homes to the best coffee spots in every neighborhood. I’m constantly in awe of all the fabulous architecture and nature which surrounds us. Whether climbing at local gyms, biking on Pedalpalooza rides, paddling the Willamette, or volunteering at the tool library, I stay deeply engaged in my community and love connecting my clients to local gems. If you’re looking for a real estate partner who will advocate for you, educate you, and make the process as smooth (and fun!) as possible, let’s connect!- T: 503-810-4490
- northwestnestpdx@gmail.com
