This place was SO AWESOME. We stopped in on our motorcycle and the staff was so welcoming and the food??? FANTASTIC!!! Keely was our waitress and she was adorable and so on it. Tammy greeted us and made us feel like family. We live 60 miles away but are already planning to go back just for dinner!!! read more

I took my dad to The Hankering one night for dinner. The reviews online looked really good, and I try to take him to places that aren't chains whenever I can. When we pulled up, the outside looked a little quiet and honestly the whole town felt kind of abandoned. But the second you open the door -- totally different story. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was full of life: music playing, kind faces everywhere, and the smell of amazing food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We started with deviled eggs for an appetizer. My dad ordered the ribs with carrot salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. I got the pulled pork with greens, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes. The food was out of this world. The ribs? They understood the assignment and got extra credit. The meat literally fell right off the bone & perfectly seasoned. I definitely stole a few from my dad's plate. The pulled pork was incredible too -- super tender with no gristle, which I loved. And the sides... oh my gosh. My personal favorites were the mac & cheese, greens, and the baked beans. We finished with the apple crisp for dessert -- so good and easily enough for two people. And the best part? Everything is made fresh. We don't live in the area, but I already can't wait to go back. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Homemade Apple Crisp - so good! - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

We went for the catfish because it was my dad's birthday and that's his favorite. He liked it OK as far as fried fish goes, but said it didn't taste like catfish. Everyone else was happy with their meal: pulled pork sandwich with mashed potatoes, kids chicken tenders, low country shrimp deviled egg salad, meatloaf sandwich with peanut cole slaw and grilled cheese & tomato soup. We also had desserts. We tried the apple cobbler and bourbon bread pudding. The bread pudding was AWESOME! The cobbler was really just baked apples with ice cream and some crumbles. Not really a cobbler, but it was tasty. We ordered coffee during dessert and [fair warning] it was instant coffee. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is very casual. We overdressed because I thought it would be nicer. Casual isn't bad, just not what I expected.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Meals are served on cardboard, brown paper and metal trays.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I called twice to make a reservation. No one answered. I left messages both times and did not receive a call back. I called another time and got a person and was able to make a reservation, although I now know it was not needed. There was plenty of seating available. The server was VERY NICE and personable and attentive. The kitchen was slow, however. It is possible she was the only person working since we did not see anyone else. 3 of us ordered the low country shrimp and deviled egg salad but all the hot food came out first. Our server apologized for the missing salads and said she'd be right back. It was a good amount of time before she came back and we had the impression she was making them herself. While the food was delicious and our server was very nice, we probably won't go back. It was worth the drive (we live in NKy) to go once, but not to go again. read more

Our first time here and not sure how we have missed this place! Food and service was great!

We recently visted one of our old favourites in Aurora Indiana at Hankering Southern Kitchen. As the name implies they focus on southern cooking with smoked meats, fried catfish and made from scratch sides. They have a small menu but they focus on quality over quantity so everything they have is excellent. On this occasion I got their Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork Entree with 3 sides which for me were mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and kettle chips. The meat was excellent with a great bbq sauce really bringing out the flavour to it. The 3 sides were good too particularly the mashed potatoes. We also got a side of jalapeño cornbread which honestly may have been my favourite part of the meal. I've had some good cornbread before but this was next level delicious with the addition of the little jalapeño bits in there. Our waitress was excellent and took really good care of us so yay for that. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant seemed to have grown inside from the last time I was there which was really great to see and everything was extremely clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I can't speak highly enough of this gem of a restaurant. Very high recommendation. read more

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The food was outstanding and great service. Had fried catfish. It had corn meal breading. Very flavorful. Ribs are also great. Now about the sides. Peanut slaw, yum. Indiana thing. Greens perfect. And Mac and cheese. Very Friendly and helpful server. read more

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The food was great! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was terrible.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely needs a renovation but food was terrific.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Outstanding BBQ along with everything else on the menu as we have tried it ALL. Great owners/servers. Sides are just outstanding and a special treat as each is a incredibe flavor contrast. Prices are spot ON! Give em a try! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Albino Cardinal - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

Ok, shocked that this restaurant has been in Aurora for 4 years and we never had been there! This place is awesome, and now ranks top for BBQ we've found in the tri-state! Now for brisket, still Pig Candy, but for terrific baby backs and pulled pork, Hankering is it. Large portions, very fairly priced, awesome bbq sauce, nice sides, highly recommended! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Pulled pork - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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Was really surprised. Barbecue places tend to get inflated reviews, but this place is fire. The fried green tomatoes are excellent as are the deviled eggs with ham. The smoked meatloaf sandwich is on point. Cheddar biscuits are great as well. The service was friendly and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place has been remodeled nicely and it has cute little patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was top notch. I am picky on barbecue, but everything was quality and well presented. Coming back. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Smoked meatloaf sandwich with carrot salad with bourbon raisins. - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

Few things are as good as the green fried tomatoes topped with goat cheese, Cajun remoulade and hot pepper jam, served here. The Hickory smoked pork sandwiches and collard greens were good. The waitress was very attentive and nice. I recommend this place when in Aurora. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a while now and I'm super glad that I did! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a super cute place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was DELICIOUS!!!!! I didn't get any pictures of the deserts I got the cheesecake was the best!! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Applewood Smoked Chicken - Mac And Cheese - Mashed Potatoes - House Salad - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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Food is seriously good and you get plenty of it - they're not stingy here. Everyone was very friendly.

My dad had surgery recently and has t had much of an appetite but he really wanted tomato soup from Hankering's. I went in and asked for 2 orders of tomato soup to go This is what they got for $15. My mom said it was a much smaller container than they have got in the past and it was barely 1/2 full. We love supporting small businesses but will not support a business that is okay with treating customers this way. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - This is 2 orders of tomato soup. - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

I was excited to find a new restaurant that had so many favorable reviews in the area I was visiting. Sorry to say but extremely disappointed. The fried green tom were dressed nicely but I could not eat them bc the tomato slices were way too thick for my liking. The muffin was over cooked and not flavorful and the chicken corn chowder was kinda bland. Sorry...but I had to be honest in my review. read more

This was our first time here. It was the wife and I and our daughter and her husband and our Three grandsons. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The setting was very nice and family friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was able to use my wheelchair. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent and the catfish was very good. We will be back because finding restaurants that caters to families as they did deserve our support. I wanted to try their dessert s but the grandkids wanted ice cream. If you're hankering for some delicious food and a stress free dining experience I would give The Hankering Southern Kitchen a chance to earn you business! read more

I just happened upon this little restaurant when trying to waste some time before an appointment. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is quaint and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The fried green tomatoes are delicious! I was sad to look down and realize they were gone. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great friendly place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Make it a point to get there! read more

Stopped by for a quick lunch, in and out in 25 minutes which was awesome. The green tomato pickles on the grilled cheese were a great addition. I'll probably order extra pimento on the sandwich next time simply because I love it. The smoked tomato bisque blew my mind, such a unique take on tomato soup. The greens and sweet tea were classic, and also very good. Staff was very kind as well. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - "Grown Up" grilled cheese, smoked tomato soup and collard greens - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

Best food and service! Absolutely delicious and we'll be back! Catfish was a winner and the cornbread was some of the best we've ever had. read more

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Delicious and consistent southern food made by great people. We have enjoyed all the menu items we have tried, and it has easily become our favorite local eats. The ribs and greens are amongst the best, and the desserts are over the top! Excellent. Clean and nicely updated 1800s building with comfortable seating with outdoor seating as well. Excited to see growth for this family owned restaurant, it will be well deserved. read more

What a hidden gem! You could easily walk past this place and not realize it was there, but don't make that mistake. I was so pleasantly surprised. If you're looking for southern home cooking, this is the spot! I ordered the BBQ meatloaf with Mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes and mashed potatoes. All of it was delicious. And the sweet tea is spot on! I stole a bite of my brother's apple cobbler and immediately regretted not ordering some for myself. We were the only guests in the dining room on a Saturday night which was hard to believe. The prices are also fantastic given the amount of food you receive. The owner, Tammy, served us and she was incredibly sweet. I'm telling everyone in the Aurora area about this spot and can't wait to go back. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Meatloaf - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

Food was excellent and the service was great!! Everyone in the restaurant was super attentive and very nice. Some of the best catfish I've had in a long time. I literally ate it until I thought I was going to burst. The Cajun tartar sauce was a cool twist on a classic and we all really enjoyed it. The baked beans were very good and the mac & cheese was basic but tasty. Cole slaw was not my favorite- it was really salty. Made me wonder if it might have been an off batch? I'll give it another go next time because everything else was so good. Those jalapeño corn muffins though... wow. They came out piping hot and absolutely melted in your mouth. I'd make the trip back just to have those again. Can't wait to go back! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Catfish, Mac & Cheese, Peanut Slaw, Baked Beans, Cajun Tartar Sauce - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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Went to Hankerings for the first time on Sat. Jan. 18th. Will definitely be going back. There were 5 people in our group, we all ordered something different and everything was great. From the food, to the service we were all well satisfied. When you go here, you must get the bread pudding, it is so so good. read more

It's been about a year since I've visited this restaurant on their opening day, and all I can say is WOW! This place has got it right. Service still friendly but this time most of the tables were full. That tells you all you need to know. They've got something special. Home cooking and at an affordable price! The portions and options you get to select from are huge. I mean...3 sides with your entrée? That's unheard of and definitely makes for sampling heaven. The smoked meatloaf was tender, fresh and with just the correct amount of smoke flavor. Collards with hamhocks was melt in the mouth delish! Hell! they have a commercial grade smoker parked just outside the side of the restaurant so you know they're coming correct. I can't wait to go back. And for sure it won't take another whole year to do so. Give this place a visit quick, fast, and in a hurry! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Smoked meatloaf with sides - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

Food is really good! The pulled pork had a bit too much fat pieces in it for me but the sauce was really good! The food is very flavorful! The restaurant is a bit on the smaller side. Service was a bit slow but she was very nice and attentive! Would like to come here again and try other dishes! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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Great food Great service Great food portions !!! Excellent Barbecue dinners and sandwiches Great potato salad Great Ambience read more

Had dinner there for the first time; excellent. The portions are very generous with a great selection of sides. The collard greens are excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Pulled pork - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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This is a hidden gem! The food is amazing. The staff is really great. Hubby had the bbq Sammy and said it was as good as some he has had in the south. I had the adult grilled cheese with tomato soup and it was fabulous. Hubby hates tomato but ate half my soup. Highly recommend! Oh and add the cheddar garlic biscuits. You won't regret it. read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Barbecue sandwich. - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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This place was so yummy! Staff was very sweet and attentive. Food was amazing!! Definitely recommend this place! read more

Hankering Southern Kitchen - Ribs, potato salad, coleslaw - Southern Near Me - Aurora, Indiana

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Small place with outstanding food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A first time stop for us but we will be back when passing through the area.

Great food and very kind lady that waited on us. If ever in that area again I would definitely go back. Fish, bar b que, and fried green tomatoes.... DELICIOUS Highly recommend!!!! read more

Great food, just like my mother was trying to make! Reasonable prices, fast courteous service, generous servings, great tasting healthy food. Very tastefully decorated and furnished. What's not to like (or love)? read more

Wow ! Completely surprised at how delicious everything tasted. Hankering superseded our expectations! This will be our go to spot because it's going to be tough to want to go anywhere else! Do your senses a favor and get ready for some of the best bbq flair you can imagine! Service.... delightful & friendly with warm friendly patrons... a delightful delicious experience... Chefs Kiss ‍ read more

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Casual joint with great service. Some of the items are hit or miss. The good- jalapeños cord bread, fried tomatoes, deviled eggs, side salad, beans and pulled pork. I would skip the meatloaf, and the peanut slaw was way too salty. read more

I had the chicken and dumplings....was one big "dumpling" ...I would call it a big drop biscuit. the chicken was dry and was not cooked in the gravy. the gravy was good. just average. my husband had the ribs (tough, salty and dry) pork and beans (good) greens (just ok). service was really friendly and fast. Restaurant was clean. Silverware was plastic and dishes were paper.... Prices were reasonable. read more

One of the best places to eat locally. Fantastic and simply delicious meals, super friendly service and a clean, cozy atmosphere. The Smoked meatloaf and pulled pork sandwiches are both amazing. read more

The food was the best barbecue I have ever had outside of Memphis and Texas. The smoked meatloaf was tender and juicy. It came with a drizzle of barbecue sauce but it wasn't needed. However, the barbecue sauce was delicious and melts in your mouth. The service was fast and they were very attentive. The dinner comes with 3 sides and we tried all of them and you can't go wrong with any of them. I highly recommend stopping in and enjoying the food. read more

This is a quaint little restaurant in downtown Aurora serving delicious traditional southern offerings! Ribs were delicious, chicken was moist delicious and smoky as was the smoked meatloaf. Side dishes were all prepared properly with southern flare. Staff was prompt and kind and chef was very hospitable! Will definitely visit again if in the area! read more

Pleasant surprise off US-50. We are driving US-50 across the country and this was a welcome change from diners and fast food.

The Hankering is fresh consistently so good. Everything we've tried has been fresh & homemade, even the sauces & dressings. Haley couldn't have been more helpful & attentive. She made some great suggestions. The Hankering has become one of our favorite places to eat. read more