Above and at front, Alissa Bacchetti enjoys a refreshment at the Shamrock bar in Tracy. Photos by Michael McCollum / 209Vibe.

Want to get lucky?

It’s fair to say, we all could use a little good fortune in these tough times. Most of us would just settle for an alcoholic retreat.

You can get a little of both by visiting The Shamrock, one of Tracy’s longstanding drinking establishments.

The no-frills environment boasts plenty of seating, dart boards, three pool tables and access to an adjacent card room – a separate business – via a door in the middle.

“It’s pretty well established,” said owner Greg Walker of the mainstay, now in its 18th year.

The color theme channels the flag of the Ireland, with orange, white and green splashes.

Neon shamrock lights advertise the small selection of beers on tap. There are many more in bottles, including Samuel Adams, Fat Tire and Sierra Nevada.

At the request for “something fruity,” one of The Shamrock’s bartenders is quick to mix a Jolly Rancher that goes down smooth and begs for a repeat performance.

The drinks will help those nerves in case you plan on getting a lucky lady’s digits, but the lottery machine in the corner may be the more likely route to a reversal of fortune. The automated machine blinks in need of refills for several ticket varieties, likely bought by patrons hoping for a little bit of Irish luck.

“Unfortunately, no big winners yet,” said Walker. “But we’re waiting.”

Below one of the multiple flat- screen televisions is a sign proclaiming a “leprechaun crossing,” but there’s no cutesy cheesiness at this bar. OK, the sidewalk is painted with clovers. But the drinks are solid, the service is quick and the beer is perfectly chilled.

The highlight of a visit is a look at the back bar, handcrafted in the 1870s. The massive wood piece was made in Philadelphia, said Walker. He purchased it from the owner of the former Shamrock in Stockton — a long-time downtown watering hole known for its rollicking St. Patrick’s Day Party.

That Shamrock is now long gone, replaced by a printing plant.

The crowd at the Tracy Shamrock isn’t stuffy, and the bartender on duty asks about that next round not a moment too soon. First-timers feel just as welcome as longtimers and the vibe is low-key, casual cool. Sure, there are other bars in Tracy, but The Shamrock has a nice ring of familiarity to it that makes you want to stay more than a couple rounds.

“It’s a good place,” said Walker. “A lot of people enjoy it.” The 11th Street location also makes for good access from nearly anywhere and ample parking means no searching for a space.

There’s no guarantee you’ll win the lottery or even score, but The Shamrock is something of its own local pot of gold, leprechauns and all.

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