Foster-Powell
Overview
Foster-Powell is one of Southeast Portland's most dynamic emerging neighborhoods, anchored by the lively Foster Road corridor. Once a sleepy commercial strip, Foster has exploded with breweries, food carts, dive bars, and international restaurants. The neighborhood balances its industrial-tinged past with a wave of creative energy, making it a favorite for those who want Portland's real, unpolished character.
History
Foster-Powell takes its name from two east-west arterial roads: Foster Road and Powell Boulevard. The area developed in the early 1900s as a streetcar suburb and working-class industrial district, serving the nearby rail yards and the Brooklyn railyard. For much of the 20th century, it was a quiet, overlooked corner of Southeast Portland. In the 2010s, the Foster Road corridor saw a dramatic revitalization — breweries, distilleries, and food cart pods moved into vacant auto shops and storefronts, transforming the strip into one of Portland's most exciting dining and drinking destinations.
Highlights
- Foster Road food cart pods — some of the best in the city
- Foster-Powell is home to one of the best food cart pods in Portland, with everything from Filipino breakfast to vegan tacos
- A growing brewery and distillery scene with taprooms and tasting rooms
- Foster-Powell is home to several breweries and distilleries, including one of the city's best sour beer producers
- Local parks include Mt. Scott Park and Raymond Park
- Foster-Powell is within walking distance of Mt. Scott Park, Raymond Park, and the Springwater Corridor trail
Top Attractions
- Foster Food Cart Pod — One of Portland's best food cart gatherings with Filipino, Mexican, Thai, vegan, and more.
- Mt. Scott Park — A 14-acre park with a pool, playground, sports fields, and community center.
- Raymond Park — A 5-acre neighborhood park with a playground, basketball court, and picnic areas.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Mt. Scott Park
A 14-acre park with a public pool, playground, baseball fields, and a community center.
🌲 Raymond Park
A 5-acre park with a playground, basketball court, and picnic tables.
🌲 Powell Park
A 10-acre park with sports fields, a playground, and walking paths along Powell Butte.
🌲 Springwater Corridor Trail
A 21-mile multi-use trail running along the southern edge of the neighborhood.
Things to Do
🌮 Foster Food Cart Pod
Grab lunch from one of the city's best food cart pods on Foster Road.
🍺 Brewery Tour on Foster
Hit Barrel & Stills, Ruse Brewing, and other taprooms along the corridor.
🏊 Mt. Scott Pool
Cool off at the neighborhood public pool in Mt. Scott Park.
🚲 Springwater Corridor
Bike or walk the Springwater Corridor trail for miles of car-free paths.
🌮 International Dining
Foster-Powell is a global food destination — try Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and more.
🛍️ Thrift & Vintage
Foster Road has some of Portland's best thrift and vintage stores.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Crema Coffee
A Foster Road coffee shop with excellent espresso drinks, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly baristas.
Princess Coffee
A tiny, bike-friendly coffee stand serving strong pour-overs and espresso outside Foster-Powell's cart pod.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Ruse Brewing
An innovative brewery on Foster specializing in barrel-aged sours, farmhouse ales, and spontaneous fermentation.
Barrel & Stills
A craft distillery and tasting room on Foster with creative cocktails in a sleek industrial space.
🛍️ Shopping
- Foster Road Vintage Corridor — Foster has emerging vintage and thrift stores with great finds at affordable prices.
- Mt. Scott Farmers Market — A Saturday market at Mt. Scott Park with local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors.
💡 Insider Tips
- The Foster Food Cart Pod has Filipino breakfast on weekends — arrive early before the long lines form.
- Ruse Brewing has a quiet, family-friendly patio perfect for afternoon tastings.
- Foster-Powell is one of Portland's most affordable neighborhoods for a night out on the town.
Food Carts & Dining
Foster Food Cart Pod, plus several independent carts along Foster Road
🚆 Getting Around
Foster-Powell is served by TriMet bus 4 (Division/Foster) and 10. The neighborhood is less walkable than inner SE but the Foster Road corridor is bikeable and has improving transit connections.