The more celebrated establishments tend to be found north of Powell, but SE 82nd is strewn with absolute gems well south, towards the land of big box stores in Clackamas. Amid pipe shops and auto repair garages, Bún Bò Huế Restaurant specializes, naturally, in bún bò huế, that intoxicatingly rich, lightly spicy soup bolstered with pork blood. Beverages include Vietnamese coffee, avocado smoothies, or the tricolor chè ba màu sweet bean drink.

A recent arrival at the CORE food pod, Briskets & Gravy continues to expand its ultra-simple model (brisket on a biscuit) from popular farmers market pop-up to its first permanent cart in Fairview and now this second location at the indoor/outdoor CORE food cart collective. Enjoy tender, pecan-wood smoked brisket worthy of the Lone Star state on B&G’s flagship biscuit sandwich — topped with gravy, a fried egg, and chives — on a hoagie with onions and peppers, or via snackable brisket bites, fried mashed potato balls stuffed with brisket and cheese. The only vegetarian options are the truffle fries and onion ring sides, but the chicken wings are another standout for those less partial to beef.

For those seeking an interactive dining experience, few pleasures compete with joining a table of friends, throwing one sliver of marinated meat after another onto the grill, and watching the blue flame do its work. K-Town offers nearly 30 different proteins for Korean barbecue, ranging from short rib and brisket to octopus and eel. The atmosphere is typically raucous, especially later in the evening when the soju is flowing freely. “All you can eat” options require the whole table to participate — so choose your comrades carefully.

Lents Draft and Bottle strikes that ideal balance for a bottle shop: smart and creatively-sourced to keep the serious beer nerds coming back, but with chill, unpretentious vibes for those who still don’t know the difference between a pilsner and a hefeweizen. Unlike some beer-first spots, the wines and ciders are far from afterthoughts. Hours may vary with games or other special events.

When strolling down Woodstock, follow the hypnotic smell of baking bread to Bella’s Italian bakery. Fresh focaccia serves as the foundation for a half-dozen Italian sandwiches, and Bella’s dough anchors chewy pizzas. Visitors with a sweet tooth will find cannoli and a host of other sweet pastries. Bella’s also stocks a selection of cheeses, vinegars, and olive oils to accompany any bread that actually makes it home. Beverages include espresso drinks and wine by the bottle or can. Bella’s is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Previously found next to inner Southeast’s sadly departed Base Camp Brewing, Sherpa Kitchen has found a new home in Lents’s premier food hall, The Zed. The venue may have changed, but the momos have not. Visitors won’t regret skipping the thukpa noodle dishes in favor of delicate steamed momos or nuanced dal bhat. Imbibers will find momos pair nicely with brews from Zoiglhaus or cocktails from the Zephyr Lounge, both conveniently housed within the food hall.

Zoiglhaus landed in Lents in 2015, kicking off a remarkable burst of development at the junction of SE Foster and 92nd. After establishing itself as a creative brewery and German-inspired restaurant, the Zoiglhaus team has kicked up their ambitions with The Zed: a food hall, pub, cocktail lounge, and event space, with music, comedy, and other attractions — plus the indispensable Lents Tool Library around back. Zoiglhaus may have in-house food competition, but safe bet it will remain the only option for Jagerschnitzel.

Another jewel in the growing lineup of food purveyors inside Zoigelhaus’s food hall, La Arepa specializes in tasty, fast Venezuelan fare, including empanadas and, naturally, the namesake arepa — cornmeal patties stuffed with meat or other fillings. Those looking for a full meal should consider the pabellón plates: platters of plantains, rice, beans, and either shredded beef or fish. Those dining in can grab a tasty lime or passion fruit drink from the cart or an adult beverage from the Zoigelhaus crew.

Just steps from the Foster Max station, the Flipside bar has been hosting a dynamic assortment of food carts since opening in 2018. Each are worth trying, but Oaxacan cart Sabor Tindureño concocts a dark, complex mole that will keep folks coming back. Enjoy the iconic Oaxacan sauce in a mole plate or burrito. Just as satisfying are the picaditas, fluffy handmade tortillas topped with Oaxacan cheese and spicy asada or fresh, piquant cactus.

Nestled between a dry cleaner and a convenience store on SE Foster, the unassuming Mike’s Original Sub Factory eschews frills and focuses on affordable meals, crisp baked rolls, and harmony among its fresh ingredients. The Italian deli meat sandwiches are the main attraction, but the menu also features a turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sub, as well as an assortment of teriyaki bento boxes. Beverages are limited to soda, water, and lemonade.

Portland has no shortage of sushi varieties, from Mitate’s vegan sushi to cured Edomae-style, but the Takahashi Restaurant occupies a singular niche as a remarkably homey Japanese diner. The menu features plenty of sushi, freshly sourced and tastefully prepared, along with a wealth of noodle, meat, and tempura dishes — including one shrimp, avocado, and cream cheese concoction helpfully named Cholesterol. Few out-of-towners venture east of 205, so when dining in, expect to rub elbows with neighborhood regulars catching up with the friendly wait staff and chefs.

A cavernous old building on SE Powell is the scene of some of the best vegan Chinese cuisine Portland has to offer. The objective at Yuan Su isn’t reinvention but expert imitation, delivering vegan renditions that inspire double-takes. Even non-vegans might find themselves fooled by the restaurant’s “pork,” thanks to its deceptively rich flavor and tender texture. The wine and beer list can generously be described as modest, but smoothies come in several flavors.