Tumble 22 - Texas Chicken Joint

"The Austin hot chicken chain restaurant features cooling pies with flavors like peanut butter and chocolate mousse, buttermilk, key lime, and pecan, all available whole or by the slice. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services at all locations." - Nadia Chaudhury

"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

"Specializing in Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches, Tumble 22 has become one of the most popular names in the Austin fried chicken sandwich scene (Is that a thing? Let’s make it a thing). And rightfully so—all of the chicken here, whether sandwiched or sans-bread, comes perfectly fried, hot, and drenched in a hot spice dip that ranges from “wimpy” to “cluckin’ hot.” They keep it simple here—a bit of coleslaw, bread-and-butter pickles, and some Duke’s mayo rest on top of a massive fried chicken breast that somehow manages to stay as crispy and tender as any that we’ve ever had. " - raphael brion, nicolai mccrary

"The hot chicken restaurant with several locations (this one in Crestview and others in Cedar Park, Lake Austin, and Round Rock) offers, well, spicy fried chicken. Spice levels range from mild to extremely hot. Takeout and third-party delivery orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury

"The hot chicken restaurant with several locations across Austin offers several chicken meals that are under $11, with varying piece and side options. Takeout orders can be placed online; all locations have indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury