Hankering Southern Kitchen
448 2nd St, Aurora
(812) 954-1444
Recent Reviews
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If you’re reading this, you’ve probably never been to this establishment. Stop searching for a place to eat, park the car, and run in. You will not be disappointed!
The smell of good food smacks you in the face as soon as you walk through the front door—and I mean that in the best possible way. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt like welcomed guests, not just customers. It’s clear this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a home—literally. The place is a house-turned-restaurant, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the owners live there. That’s part of the charm.
The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and unpretentious, like being invited over for Sunday
dinner by family who actually enjoys cooking. Every detail—from the decor to the service—felt personal and thoughtful.
Now let’s talk about the food. (Spoiler: it’s phenomenal.) I ordered the adult grilled cheese, smoked tomato soup (I’ve never had anything like it, so good) and collard greens that you could literally taste the time that went to making the greens because they were amazing. My partner had the fried catfish & mac n cheese. The catfish wasn’t just good, it was memorable. Piping hot, perfectly seasoned, and fried to perfection. This wasn’t your average restaurant catfish—it tasted like someone’s grandma made it fresh in the kitchen, with love and generations of flavor behind it. Which is actually the best way to describe everything we ate.
We were just passing through town when we stumbled across this hidden gem. But we’ll definitely be back—and next time, we’re saving room for dessert. Something tells me that bourbon bread pudding with ice cream is an experience all on its own.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ate there this evening. Great little restaurant we have been wanting to try. Good food, good hospitality, and good prices. Recommend the Catfish and Smoked Chicken. Great choice of sides. Very enjoyable.
We ordered a variety of food, and everything was SO good. Staff was very attentive and friendly, will 10000% be back. Everything is made in house!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first time here and I will definitely be back. The food was amazing and the service was great even though they were busy. Prices are fair too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I wanted to try a local BBQ place for lunch. I was a bit disappointed.
We ordered appetizers the loaded nachos and bread. Nachos were a big disappointment, the chips used for the nachos were stale and appeared to be from the bottom of the bag (lots of crumbs and smaller pieces), the amount of chicken on top was extremely lackluster, and the single tiny leaf of cilantro was a good laugh. The bread was old as well and lacked any flavor. 1 out of 5 for both of those (we regret ordering appetizers).
Originally I wanted some smoked ribs, but they said they didn’t have any. So I went with the half chicken. 4 out of 5 for that.
Otherwise what I didn’t appreciate was the business decided to have some type of team meeting behind us (there was a group of 8 or so people) while my wife and I was still eating. Why that couldn’t be held in a different part of the restaurant or after we left I will not understand.
I will not recommend this place to anyone else.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Very small with a limited menu. Unexpectedly loud for a place with so few tables.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Overall very impressed. The ribs I got were very good as were the mashed potatoes and Cole slaw. The only thing I would ding this place on are the overall atmosphere and the prices. The place is a little pricey, but worth it. There were hardly any decorations.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Plate, Mashed Potatoes, Ribs Plate
Food was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So good, I bought a shirt! Highly recommend a road trip to enjoy the food and vibe!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Passing through Aurora, and saw a chance for some comfort food. We were not disappointed. Biscuits were excellent and the ribs were fall-off the bone and flavorful. The sides were the perfect match (had Mac&cheese, beans, and coleslaw. My wife had the Little Smokey Chicken Sandwich . . . She loved it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great place for some good smoked bbq
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
10/10 recommend going to eat at this gem. Hands down the best bang for your buck. If you haven’t already go give them a try!
We went to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. It was our first time visiting and the food was so amazing that we were still talking about it hours later. The servings were large. And all agreed that the flavoring in the dishes was extra special. Our table started with the jalapeno cornbread. It was flavorful and not too hot. We also had the smoked meatloaf sandwich, pulled pork platter with sides and the large salad with chicken. Yummy. The only reason that I gave the service 4 stars is that there was a misunderstanding about what one of us ordered. But mistakes happened and we didn't consider it a huge deal. The staff was very apologetic. We are looking forward to our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Plate, Smoked Meatloaf Sandwich
Good food, great service, and reasonable prices in this charming small town. I would recommend it
to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice little restaurant if you want a snack
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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