The Dirtbag's crowd is too sexy for their shirts.
Most of the time, however, the patrons manage to remain fully clothed.
On any given night, the bar is packed with spiffed-up college students looking to mingle and get their drink on. The bar is considered clique-y, in part because it's ground zero for certain segments of the fraternity and sorority crowd.
It's not for nothing that Dirtbag's is regarded as party central for Greeks and Greek seekers.
But that's not the only reason for Dirtbag's popularity. A large, well-lit bar complete with a smoking patio, arcade games and Wildcat memorabilia, it has become a UA tradition. The decorations include license plates that display UA pride ("UOFABOY," "BOOASU").
"This place is a staple of college life," says Justin Park, 24, who graduated from the UA in December and now lives in Phoenix. "This is where I grew up."
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Park and his friends, who spent much of their college years at Dirtbag's, say the bar has changed since the days when they were regulars.
"I used to know everyone here, and now I don't know anyone and it's kind of awkward and strange," he says.
That's partly because Dirtbag's enjoys a constant turnover of customers as students turn 21. But special times during the year, such as homecoming and graduation, bring together the new and old faces.
"We see people coming back who are now married with kids," says Gary Welch, the bar's owner. "There were so many of them, I started making baby shirts that say 'Little Dirtbag.'"
And while the name may seem a bit quirky, it's part of the 26-year history of Dirtbag's.
"It was the original owner's nickname from his frat house," Welch says.
Lauren Levin, 21, sitting at a table with a group of her girlfriends on a recent Saturday, says she comes to Dirtbag's to relax after class.
"This is the only bar we go to," Levin says. "We like the atmosphere and the staff. Plus, we're seniors about to graduate and we live close by, and most of our friends come here."
And while the bar is often packed with up to 260 patrons on the weekends, Welch says Dirtbag's employees are always on the prowl, ready to kick out anyone who makes an inappropriate advance toward a woman or tries to start a fight.
"We protect the girls and make them feel comfortable," he adds.
A large part of the Dirtbag's appeal comes from its menu. Food is served until 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on how busy the bar is, and waffle-crisp fries and burgers are among the most popular items, Welch says. Nightly drink specials also help to draw a crowd.
"Once you get in here and get to know everyone, it's a great time," Welch says. "People come here to be seen and have fun."
If you go
• What: Dirtbag's, 1800 E. Speedway.
• Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
• More info: 326-2600.
