BEST OF PDX

9 Devilishly Good Eggs

With creative additions like horseradish, brioche breadcrumbs, salmon, and beets, Portland restaurants and bars prove that the devil’s in the details.

By Allison Jones April 4, 2012

Hold the Cadbury Cremes, because when it comes to eggs we’re craving something savory this spring. From classic concoctions dusted with paprika to bright pink beet-pickled eggs worthy of the Easter Bunny’s basket, we’ve got your guide to the nine best deviled eggs in Portland (no egg hunt required).

1. Evoe 3731 SE Hawthorne Blvd; 503-232-1010

Cozy up to the bar at this sweet culinary alcove connected to Pastaworks on Southeast Hawthorne and get ready for a deviled egg adventure, courtesy of chef Kevin Gibson. The toppings will depend on the chef’s mood and daily-shifting pantry (think brioche breadcrumbs and fresh dill, black truffle, or olives and orange zest) but they’ll always be delicious.

2. Grüner 527 SW 12th Ave; 503-241-7163

Chef Christopher Israel’s beet-pickled deviled eggs are a picture-perfect way to start a meal at the lauded Alpine eatery. These beauties come ringed with a Easter-Egg bright magenta hue and are piled high with rich yellow yolk cream spiked with cornichons, horseradish, shallots, and chives. Can’t get enough? Israel shared the recipe with Tasting Table so you can get your fix at home.

3. The Woodsman Tavern 4537 SE Division St; 971-373-8264

Sometimes it’s best to leave a classic alone, and like much of his menu at The Woodsman, chef Jason Barwikowski believes the deviled eggs are great without the extras. The ultimate drinking snack, these simple eggs are dusted with a touch of cayenne and are a perfect pairing for one—or three—of bar manager Evan Zimmerman’s creative cocktails.

4. The Heathman Restaurant and Bar 1001 SW Broadway; 503-790-7752

Leave it to The Heathman’s Executive Chef Michael Stanton to make a classy entree out of deviled eggs. For $4, diners get one classic, one green-hued stunner with spinach, and one house-cured salmon egg—a total of 6 halves—served with arugula and bacon salad.

5. Savoy Tavern 2500 Southeast Clinton St; Portland 503-808-9999

Stop in for Happy Hour (4 to 6 pm and 10 pm to close every night) at this Midwestern-inspired Clinton Street mainstay and grab a few horseradish-spiked deviled eggs topped with diced beets and chives. We won’t tell if you then order a few more.

6. Urban Farmer 525 Southwest Morrison St; 503-222-4900

When he takes a break from flipping top-quality steaks, chef Matt Christianson tops his take on the deviled egg with house-cured maple-glazed bacon and maple syrup flakes for a sweet and salty crunch that’s downright decadent.

7. Saraveza 1004 N Killingsworth St; 503-206-4252

Saraveza chef Natalie Flower puts her own spin on the pickled deviled egg, with a pleasantly bright beet-infused vinegar flavor running through the whole egg, rather than just the ring around the edge. The result? An addictive balance of creamy and tart. A plate of these bright red darlings are perfect with a bottle of beer from the shop’s epic selection.

8. Gold Dust Meridian 3267 Southeast Hawthorne; 503-239-1143

If you’re looking for a slightly-spicy deviled egg you can enjoy in a dark corner of a bar (where no one can see you devour six orders of them) head to this SE Hawthorne hideaway, where they top their simple-and-delicious eggs with house-made pickles and a dose of discretion.

9. Bunk Bar 1028 Southeast Water Avenue #130; 503-894-9708

Let’s face it—deviled eggs are one of America’s perfect comfort foods. When you think of comfort food in PDX, the word "Bunk" often comes to mind. Leave it to the masters to come up with their new deviled eggs topped with pickled daikon and carrots along with "twice-fried" pork confit. Top that.

Alright, guys, it’s your turn. If you don’t like deviled eggs you’re either a vegan or a liar, so spill it: where do you go to get your egg-and-mayo on? P.S. I know many say deviled eggs are best when they’re DIY, so feel free to share your own "secret recipe" as well!

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