Hankering Southern Kitchen

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.

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!

A hidden gem in Aurora.. I had the smoked meatloaf with the fried tomato as an appetizer. Both were great. The peanut slaw is a local favorite and a nice surprise if you haven't tried it before. The baked beans were really good as well. I will come back!

Everything was amazing! Must haves are the jalapeño cornbread muffins and fried green tomatoes! The catfish was lightly breaded, fresh and delicious with the Cajun starter sauce! You get three sides with your meal and they were all housemade and to die for! The restaurant is in a beautiful historic building and decor is adorable! You gotta visit this place! We will be back many times over!

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

Had an amazing experience.
1st time here. Tried the smoked meat loaf with Mac and Cheese. Flavor profile out of this world. Could not finish the portion, and asked for it to go. The leftovers were equally amazing when reheated the next day.
Amazing local owned business. Why don't you give them a try.

Exceptional pulled pork and fried green tomatoes. Jalapeño honey corn bread was very good. Catfish was good.

Great dining experience!! Southern cooking with hometown atmosphere. Everything was clean, everyone was friendly. My wife and I ordered two different entrees with sides so we can share. Both the rib's and pulled pork were excellent. Definitely will be back.

Came here for dinner and had a great meal! The portions were huge and we could tell everything was home made. Our favorites were the fried tomatoes, grownup grilled cheese, and the lil smokie .

There isn't enough stars for this rating. The food is amazing, and hospitality is wonderful, location is perfect. My personal favorites are the Pulled Pork sandwich, the Pecan Salad, and Deviled Eggs, yet everything else is amazing and savory too. You can't pick wrong. PS. They adopt their customers like their family, glad to know Amy, Steve, Tammy and Damien!

This is an great casual spot and the food we had was great comfort food. We shared the smoked ham deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes, and devoured them all. The fried green tomatoes were cooked perfectly, great texture and crunch. Then we shared the grown up grilled cheese and tomato bisque. They were very hearty, full of flavor. We'll definitely be back with full appetites to try the pulled pork and more!

Such a great find! We stopped in for dinner, and the food is delicious. We especially enjoyed the chicken and corn chowder, and the honey jalapeño cornbread is awesome! Service was especially friendly and you can feel the care that goes into all of the small details. I’m so glad we found this gem of a small local restaurant!

Delicious, friendly staff, reasonably priced and you don’t wait too long. So excited about this little treasure in Aurora. Everything was delicious! My parents had the wings and said it was the best smoked wings they’ve ever had. Must try!

Very nice place, great spot for lunch. Food came out FAST. I had the catfish.

This was our first visit to Hankering SK and it did not disappoint! The food was great and fresh. The owner is the sweetest and so kind. The fried green tomatoes are definitely a must if you stop in!

The food was great! Some of best southern food we have tasted! We are already planning our next visit!

This is the best restaurant we have found in a long time the owner and all employees are so friendly and nice the smoked food is delicious 😋 everything we have tried is excellent 😋 my granddaughter found this place one Sunday evening they were smoking chickens and she said papaw whats that smell it smells so good, We found out they're closed on Sunday so we came back on Monday and tried it out Best Restaurant my granddaughter found for us we have been going there atleast twice a week the food is so good

First time eating here and we weren't disappointed. The pulled pork was delicious as well as the baked beans, potatoes,and Mac and cheese. Large portions so plenty of left overs. Clean restaurant and our server was very sweet.

The Chicken Corn Chowder was so delicious along with a corn muffin. My husband and I both got the Smoked Meatloaf with a BBQ Glaze. All Entrees come with 3 sides. We highly recommend Hankering Southern Kitchen! It’s a lot to eat and the prices are just right!

This was our first time here and we were pleasantly surprised.
The meatloaf sandwich was delicious the macaroni and cheese was creamy and cheesy. Yum! Will definitely come back.