"When Tumble 22 started as a tiny trailer in 2017, it gave Austin a taste of what the Nashville-style fried chicken trend was all about. These days, lots of similar spots have opened (including Nashville’s own Hattie B’s), and Tumble 22 is practically a household name in Texas, with more than half a dozen locations across the state. It’s reliable and consistent—every chicken sandwich or tender is well-seasoned and crispy. None of it is going to change your outlook on life, love, and poultry, but it all does a satisfying job of getting you through lunch or dinner with a little sweat (and heartburn, if you order the “Stupid Hot” made with ghost peppers). Try the O.G. for Tumble’s take on a pretty classic fried chicken sandwich, or make a meal out of a few tenders, mac and cheese with pulled pork, and pecan pie. There’s also a full bar if you want to make a night (or afternoon) out of it. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel The O.G. This is the main attraction. You can get it grilled or fried, but unless you’re cutting back on calories, you’ll want the golden-brown version. Both feature a chicken breast topped with coleslaw, sweet pickles, and Duke’s mayo. The meat is flavorful and crispy, if a little dry around some of the thinner parts, but this is an overall solid sandwich. photo credit: Richard Casteel Two Piece Dark Bone-In The bone-in dark meat is the ultimate crossover of tender chicken and crispy skin. This is our favorite thing to eat here as long as you’re OK getting your fingers a little messy. photo credit: Richard Casteel Tenders We like the tenders because they’re easy to dunk into a side of ranch. They’re not the most moist and tender we’ve had in town, but they certainly come close. photo credit: Richard Casteel Dirty Mac The Dirty Mac has a bed of creamy mac and cheese loaded with shredded hot chicken and a drizzle of ranch. If you like any of those things, you’re going to like them together. And if you don’t, you’re probably at the wrong place." - Nicolai McCrary
