Eggs, set, go: Travel the world through Kansas City’s deviled and dressed eggs

Extra Virgin // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

What southern U.S. cookout staple can trace its origins back to ancient Rome? The humble yet beloved deviled egg.

Now, deviled eggs are found at many family gatherings in the Midwest. They can transport you back to your childhood or be a vessel to take you across the world. Here in Kansas City, you can experience global flavors through a range of magnificent dressed and deviled eggs. 

Crossroads Cantina // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

Elote Deviled Eggs at Crossroads Cantina

1925 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108

These punchy but decadent twists on a classic will make you question how far the deviled egg can go. The filling uses their street corn dip of sour cream, Tajín, cotija, and mayo, blended with egg yolks and a splash of pickle jalapeno juice for good measure, making the filling a beautiful blend of all the best parts of elotes. They’re topped with pickled jalapeños and roasted corn, and as we enter summer, the corn will only get sweeter. 

Price: $9 for 6 halves. Happy Hour: no.  Gluten-free: Upon request. 

Extra Virgin // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

Halved Fudgy Eggs at Extra Virgin

1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Enjoy a trip to the Mediterranean Sea without leaving the patio of Extra Virgin with these half-priced happy hour eggs. Topped with spices like za’atar and sumac, and a crunchy pistachio dukkah, these fudgy eggs are heavily seasoned in the best way. The olive oil finish makes these rich, and the lemon accent cuts through the richness for a symphony of flavors. The light chili warms your palate, but it remains mild so you can eat the whole serving or share it with the table. 

Price: $9 for 6 halves. Happy Hour: Yes, half-priced apps. Gluten-free: Upon request. 

Union on the Hill // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

Deviled Eggs at Union on the Hill

2976 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Along your journey, find the quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurant of Union on the Hill. By far, these are the most filled deviled eggs in the city: A heaping pile of classic deviled egg filling, finished with your choice of celery, smoked bacon, cured smoked salmon, or olive oil and chives. The varied but simple toppings make these a must-stop on our tour de eggs. 

Price: $12 for 6 halves. Happy Hour: Yes, $6 for 4 halves. Gluten-free: Yes. 

Deviled Eggs at The Wise Guy

1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Wise Guy is a sister site to Crossroads Cantina. The Wise Guy staff is serving up an Italian-inspired twist on deviled eggs: carbonara style. Decadently topped with crispy pancetta to evoke the flavors of carbonara. Finished with black pepper and parmesan, the eggs are beautifully embellished. Clark Grant is the menu setter for this family of restaurants and highlights the diversity of eggs through their work.

Price: $9 for 6 halves. Happy hour: $2 off. Gluten-free: Yes. 

Deviled Eggs at The Rockhill Grille

2000 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Rockhill Grille // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

Also part of the family with Crossroads Cantina and The Wise Guy, The Rockhill Grille adds to the deviled egg inventory of our city. 

The egg offerings at Rockhill change, but it is currently featuring pimento cheese-stuffed deviled eggs–a Midwest essential. They are topped with peppadew peppers for an acidic counterpoint and brightly finished with fresh chives. The modest twist on a classic deviled egg helps keep this list grounded. 

Price: $9 for 6 halves. Happy hour: No. Gluten-free: Yes. 

Zesty Roman Eggs at Triune

1656 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64108

I am unable to verify the validity of how “Roman” these eggs are, but the whipped egg yolk makes these eggs another great tour stop. These eggs are served with ‘old-fashioned’ cured salmon on top. The zest is provided by the zip of pickled mustard seeds and pimenton (paprika).

Price: $13 for 6 halves. Happy Hour: Yes. Gluten-free: Yes. 

Chewology // Photo by Marley Kay Lowe

Dressed Eggs at Chewology

900 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

While these Taiwanese street food-inspired dressed eggs have evolved over the years, they have been a required appetizer for every visit. 

The textural contrast of the crispy onions and the refreshing bite of a pickled red onion make these dressed eggs a unique snack. These must-eat dressed eggs transport you across the world while providing a comforting reference point. Chewology is a wonderful place to end our tour, as you can find a new comfort in everything on the menu by Chef Katie Liu. 

Price: $9 for 4 halves. Happy Hour: No. Gluten-free: No.