Yahoo Sports The Delectable Dozen: A guide to the best deviled eggs in Charlotte
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, deviled eggs are a Southern staple. Yet even among fans, polarizing debate persists. Hellman’s or Duke’s mayonnaise? To include relish or not? My grandfather had his own twist on the classic: a generous splash of banana pepper juice and a sprinkling of capers. Fortunately for me, food was his love language.
So what exactly are they, and what makes them “deviled?” They’re hard boiled eggs that are peeled, cut in half and filled with a mixture made from the yolks, mustard, mayonnaise and other seasonings.
Surprisingly, these morsels date to ancient Rome, where they were served with “fiery” spices and sauces, thus “deviled.” Or as they’re sometimes referred to in church settings, “dressed eggs.” Gotta keep it clean.
I fall into the love ‘em camp, as does my dad. Between the two of us, we’ve sampled more than our fair share and have categorized them based on approach. Enjoy!
The classics
131 Main
Location: 17830 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
Location: 9886 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 5970 Fairview Road #100, Charlotte, NC 28210
131 Main excels at traditional American fare, and its deviled eggs are no exception. This timeless recipe is flavored with sweet relish, finely chopped chives and crispy bacon. They are generously filled, yet somehow fluffy and light — the perfect way to start brunch.
Price: $12 for four halves.
Dish
Location: 1220 Thomas Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Plaza Midwood comfort food favorite Dish recently reopened with extended hours, including a late-night menu. Deviled eggs are a way of life here. The traditional recipe (proudly made with Duke’s) is deliciously tangy, and half an egg is served with almost every entree. They also can be ordered separately, easily the best deal in town.
Price: $3.75 for three halves, $5.50 for six halves.
Haberdish
Location: 3106 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205
Haberdish is a Southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar in NoDa, so it’s no surprise these goodies make the list. Served as an appetizer (get two orders if you plan on sharing), the egg whites are subtly smoked and have a tangy filling set off with chives and paprika. I recommend adding the smoked trout (so tender!) to take it up a notch.
Price: $8 for four halves.
Laurel Market
Location: 114 Cherokee Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
The Laurel Market in Myers Park is famous for its insanely delicious deli — the breakfast and lunch sandwiches are among the city’s best. But prepared food also is available, even after the counter is closed. Definitely pick up the deviled eggs — fresh and seasoned with Dijon mustard, sea salt and curry powder for punch. They’re perfect as an appetizer or quick snack.
Price: $5.95 for four halves.
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With a twist
204 North Kitchen and Cocktails
Location: 204 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
204 North is a chic uptown hotspot with craft cocktails, tasty small plates and hearty entrees. Deviled eggs seem a surprising inclusion, but they do not disappoint. Made with a traditional base, they’re topped with Nashville hot oysters — crispy, fiery and tasty.
Price: $12 for four halves.
Bad Daddy’s
Location: 1626 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 15105 John J. Delaney Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 8625-A Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078
Location: 8915 Christenbury Pkwy, Concord, NC 28027
Location: 5501 C Josh Birmingham Concourse C, Gate 4, Charlotte, NC
Another surprising inclusion — deviled eggs at a burger bar? Just, yes. The “Not Your Mama’s Deviled Eggs” are lightly fried in a tempura-like batter, stuffed with a spicy filling, then topped with crumbled bacon and a fresh jalapeno slice. Bad Daddy’s has five locations circling the city, including one at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Price: $6.95 for five halves.
Steak 48
Location: 4425 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
SouthPark’s Steak 48 is one of Charlotte’s most popular restaurants for good reason. It obviously shines when it comes to tempting cuts of meat, but the appetizers, sides and desserts (they have an actual beignet tree …) uphold the same standard. The crispy shrimp deviled eggs are phenomenal, served with sweet Thai chili-battered shrimp, garlic aioli and a Parmesan crisp.
Price: $21 for six halves.
Golden Owl Tavern
Location: 9041 Robert D. Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
University City’s Golden Owl Tavern is a swanky bistro inside the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.The restaurant features Southern-inspired fare with clever twists — and one of the most popular dishes is the Nashville hot chicken deviled eggs. Served only at dinner, these eggs have serious personality — flavorful with just the right amount of spice and crunch.
Price: $12 for four halves.
Elevated
Asbury
Location: 235 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Asbury is a modern restaurant located in the historic Dunhill Hotel in Uptown. Named as a nod to local architect Louis Asbury Sr., this restaurant (one of Charlotte’s finest) offers the best of Southern hospitality, and its deviled eggs have a cult following. The latest incarnation features locally sourced Harmony Ridge eggs, Duke’s mayo (of course), Lusty Monk mustard and a fennel and radish kimchi, topped with crispy grit crumbles.
Price: $8 for four halves.
Link and Pin
Location: 155 New Bern Street, Charlotte, NC, 28203
Location: 9723 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Location: 8128 - 1200 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Link and Pin, the name paying homage to Charlotte’s rail system, chugged into South End in late 2019 and has been a hit ever since. Specializing in culinary-driven delights and smoked cocktails, the restaurant has since opened two additional locations at the Arboretum and in Huntersville. And the deviled eggs are nothing short of inspired. “Granddad’s Deviled Eggs” take the ordinary to extraordinary with trout roe and candied jalapeno bacon — definitely a showstopper.
Price: $8 for six halves.
Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails
Location: 1320 S Church Street, Charlotte, NC, 28203
These eggs are simply first rate, as is the stellar rooftop deck with views of Uptown. Lincoln Street uses Dutt and Wagner farm fresh eggs, pickled shallots, Espellet (a mild pepper) and chives. They are divine and packed with flavor — the perfect starter for brunch … along with a variety of mimosa carafes.
Price: $8 for four halves during the week, and $5 for four halves from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
On The Nines Bistro
Location: 205 Golf Course Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115
On the Nines Bistro is a Euro-inspired bistro with scratch-made seasonal dishes, craft cocktails and superb wines just a stone’s throw from Lake Norman. Chef Steve Jordan is dedicated to fresh and local fare, using pure ingredients and infusing Southern flare. His deviled eggs are inspired, served with Virginia ham, black truffle, smoked salt and crispy shallots. They’re as tasty as they are gorgeous.
Price: $10 for six halves.
