Classic Cuisine Served on Sparkling Shores

Sweet Home is arguably one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. The south Santiam River flows along the north border of the city, with burgeoning creeks throughout originating from picturesque Foster Lake. The charming 1936 former residence overlooking the water is The Point Restaurant & Lounge, a beloved family-friendly destination for fresh, locally sourced meals well-loved by locals and visitors alike.

The Point first opened in 1970 as a restaurant specializing in fresh burgers and homemade pies. Owner Michael Hall was 13 years old when he began mowing the grass to earn money for school clothes and fell in love with the place. He went on to work in the kitchen, wait tables, and serve as Assistant Manager for several years before he and his wife Mirasol bought the restaurant in November 2009.

Over 50 years in business have brought new additions to the menu, such as hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, but the classics The Point is known for, especially the homemade baked goods, are still as tasty as ever! The Alaskan Halibut Fish and Chips are among the current customer favorites and feature fresh halibut, hand-fileted and fried until golden brown. The famous Point Prime Rib is also widely popular with guests, fresh baked with a classic crust and available Thursday through Saturday.

The epitome of casual elegance, The Point’s menu encompasses everything from comfort food served in large portions to filet mignon and lobster. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and mornings offer staples like chicken fried steak and homemade biscuits and gravy. For an extra special dining experience, try The Point’s Signature Bloody Mary Meals, which feature giant bloodys so loaded with goodies you’ll be astonished, like the Cajun Surf and Turf stacked with Angus sirloin tips and jumbo prawns.

As a team, the restaurant designs tasty and creative weekday and weekend features that often highlight seasonal ingredients. Utilizing components from local suppliers is a cornerstone of the operation. “We feature local vendors as much as possible,” Michael explains. “For example, Miner Ranch provides part of our beef, as does Sweet Home Meat Market. Our vegetables come fresh from Wright Family Farm.”

Famous for delectable desserts since its inception, The Point welcomes many visitors who travel long distances to get a taste of their authentic recipes that have been handed down for decades. Their rich and velvety cream cheese pies are a particular favorite, with mouth-watering varieties like Marionberry Cream Cheese and Raisin Sour Cream. The Old Fashioned Marionberry Cobbler is to die for and can be served a la mode upon request.

The restaurant has a full bar, and the skilled bartenders can mix delicious cocktails to satisfy any craving, including a fun list of specialty drinks like the Mango-Peach Margarita or the Blackberry Mojito. The wine list boasts a fantastic selection of local wines from Moore Family Vineyard right in Sweet Home. A variety of brews are on tap, including The Point Special Lager, several microbrews and bottled beer and ciders.

There’s no better combination than exceptional food with a beautiful view, and The Point is adored by customers for its scenic views of Foster Lake, the sweeping shores lined with clusters of tall fir trees. Guests can enjoy their meal inside the comfortable restaurant and lounge or, for a real treat, bask in the spectacular views of the water on the covered patio.

Dedicated to outstanding service, the team at The Point always creates a relaxing dining experience for their guests with warm, attentive smiles and kind words. Besides the group of high-schoolers Michael hires every year for summer jobs, employees are long-tenured, with many who’ve been part of the family for over 20 years. “When I was growing up, restaurant work was an entry-level job,” says Michael. “But over time, the culture has evolved, and here, we treat it as a career.”

The Point is proud to be a destination restaurant for Sweet Home and the entire Willamette Valley. “It’s perfect for a date night, or for some, we’re their regular stop between Newport and Bend,” Michael says. Besides their loyal local following, there’s a heavy flow of out-of-town guests, some who stop in every week. “They tell us, ‘You’re the reason we come to Sweet Home,’ which is always great to hear.”

The Point Restaurant & Lounge is located at 6305 US-20 in Foster. Please give them a call at 541-367-1560 or visit their website at www.pointsweethome.com/ for reservations and online ordering.