Hankering Southern Kitchen

4.8 ( 219 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
448 2nd St, Aurora, IN 47001, United States
+1 812-954-1444
Hankering Southern Kitchen, located in the charming heart of Aurora, IN, offers a delightful dining experience that captures the soul of Southern cuisine. Nestled in a cozy setting, this restaurant boasts an inviting decor reminiscent of a warm family gathering. Guests rave about the quality of the food and the attentive service, consistently highlighting dishes like the Applewood Smoked Chicken and the Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs, both praised for their rich flavors and tenderness. Reviewers like Calen Emig admire the fried green tomatoes, declaring them among the best they've ever tasted. The house BBQ sauce complements the ribs beautifully, while sides such as collard greens and baked beans enhance the meal's overall appeal. Jennifer Schellhouse found the cozy atmosphere and quick service commendable, noting the impressive, picnic-style presentation of the food. Joyful encounters with employees contribute to a friendly ambiance, and while some mention the plastic cutlery, it hardly detracts from the dining experience. Whether indulging in the smoked meatloaf or the robust pulled pork, patrons feel the authenticity and care that goes into each dish. With a menu featuring homemade recipes and vibrant flavors, Hankering Southern Kitchen stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine taste of Southern hospitality.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Has private dining room
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Hankering Southern Kitchen

Calen Emig
May 30,2025
We visited Hankering for my first time, but my partner’s second time! We were overall very happy with the quality of the food and prices. The place is smaller but very cute and clean. The staff was all friendly and attentive. The food was very delicious. I love fried green tomatoes and theirs were probably the best I had. The hosue bbq was a great pair with the ribs. The sides were all great, they had the bottom of the barrel Mac and cheese for my partners’ plate, but after it was brought out our waitress informed us they were almost done with the next batch and was going to bring some fresh. So, it was no problem and there was awareness that I can appreciate! Aside from that, everything came out hot and fresh. I think the only negatives is that is a smaller restaurant and all the cutlery was plastic. I think with the more hearty time meals a silverware upgrade could be had. The menu being wood was absolutely adorable.
Steve Wilson
May 25,2025
This place is amazing! All the food, except maybe the kettle chips are homemade to house recipes. I have had a lot of pulled pork in my travels and theirs' ranks right at the top. It is so tender and tasty. The service size is large and I wasn't sure I could eat it all, but I blew right through it - it was so good. Very friendly staff, quick service and street parking in front of the restaurant. The tea is sun brewed for 7-days. If you're in the area, this is a must visit for a good meal.
Jennifer Schellhouse
Apr 25,2025
Located in the heart of Aurora, this little restaurant looks like you're just walking into Grandma's house for dinner. The atmosphere is rustic and classy. The lady who took our order and waited on us was so friendly and cheerful. We waited on food for only about 10 minutes. Served picnic style, it was absolutely phenomenal. The smoked meatloaf was unexpectedly delicious. The half chicken was tender, juicy, and the skin was crispy and seasoned to perfection. The sides were so good as well. To top it off, the bread pudding is some of the best we've had. The downside is that it's about 90 minutes from our home, but we will definitely be back when we are this way again!
robert lannan
Apr 20,2025
You get a decent amount of food for the price. Nice atmosphere. Smoked meatloaf is delicious. The fish is really good. The pulled pork looked amazing. The green beans and Mac and cheese was my favorite sides.
Jonathan Crisp
Mar 21,2025
I stopped into Hankerings because I noticed wood and a smoker. After living and working bbq in upstate South Carolina for a few years, I know this to be a good sign. I have eaten at a few places in the area that claim to have authentic bbq that can't hold their own against the authentic flavor. Very balanced smoke. Not too smokey, but also not under smoked. The owner found out I had connections to the bbq world as we talked and hooked me up with a sampler of sorts. I was able to try ribs, pulled pork, smoked meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, collards, baked beans, and mac and cheese, although they also have soups, sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs etc. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Other places in the area feel the need to make their pulled pork sweet and drenched in a sticky sugary sauce, not here. As a pitmaster, I'm biased to my own bbq but unable to cook on my smoker due to my current living situation, this is as close as I've found bbq wise to my 8own in this area. I will be back to introduce this wonderful local find to family and friends. Why not stop in yourselves? I'm sure you won't regret it, and the owners will be thoroughly blessed.
david dover
Feb 24,2025
This place is amazing I got the best service in Aurora. The food was fresh southern and homemade, and made me feel like I was back home. The appetizer green tomatoes with pimento cheese and goat cheese was hot fresh creamy and had a beautiful exterior crunch. The catfish was fresh as can be flakey and crispy and fell apart. The hushpupies were amazing the cornmeal was amazing crisp and the Mac and cheese was baked and very flavorful and cheesy. The baked beans were sweat and smokey great side choice. Finally the carrot rasin bourbon salad was delicious, sweet, and crunchy. The service was amazing and we were even blessed with a beautiful piece of bread pudding with amazing vanilla ice cream and an amazing sever. I Will most certainly be back to this amazing place.
Doug Chiller
Feb 16,2025
We had a lot of food . Everything was amazing. You must try the pulled pork sandwich for sure and ribs . My wife don't eat meat alot but she tried both and she said she will be getting the pulled pork next time . The Cheddar cheese Biscuit and Honey Jalapeno Cornbread is amazing. Whatever you get you will like because everything is amazing!!! The owners are very nice also . You can get a Home Cooked meal for 11 that's cheaper than fast food and 100 times better
DR Moore
Feb 10,2025
Absolutely an amazing lunch we had with great service. The pulled pork sandwich was as good as any I've ever had. Even the bun was awesome. Try it with collard greens on the side. A

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