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After 40+ Years in Tucson, Dirtbag’s is Expanding to Phoenix

(Photo courtesy of Dirtbag's)

After 40+ Years in Tucson, Dirtbag’s is Expanding to Phoenix

Jun 20, 20241 min read

If the sun has gone down and school is in session at the University of Arizona, it’s likely you’ve seen a long line of students wrapped around the building near Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue.

Dirtbag’s has been a staple for students here in Tucson at 1800 E. Speedway Blvd. since the early ’80s, and now the party is heading up north to Phoenix (the Arcadia area) at 4801 E. Indian School Rd.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Dirtbags grow beyond Tucson,” said Gary Welch, owner of Dirtbag’s told AZ Family in Phoenix. “We’ve been a staple for generations of students and locals, and continuing that legacy in Phoenix means we can share our tradition with even more people. I’m proud to see the brand expand while maintaining the spirit and atmosphere that makes Dirtbags special.”

Sure, Dirtbag’s is a place for folks to party but there’s also food on the menu.

Classics like the Reuben, BLT, and Tuna Melt are good for keeping your energy going later into the evening, and the burger menu is big enough for even the pickiest of eaters to appreciate.

(Photo courtesy of Dirtbag’s)

The Famous “Dirtburger,” The Nacho Burger, and Pizza Burger will soon make their debut in Phoenix.

The Dirtbag’s team is expecting to open by August of this year — just in time for the new semester.

To keep up with the latest, follow Dirtbag’s Phoenix on Instagram. Party on!

In Tucson, Dirtbag’s is located at 1800 E. Speedway Blvd. In Phoenix, the new location will be at 4801 E. Indian School Rd. For more information, visit dirtbagsbar.com and dirtbagsphx.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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