Shamrock Shopping Center

«Shopping Center» seems like such a histrionic overstatement, it only adds to the legend of Shamrock, which has been «Sham-​rockin’ it» since the late 60s right here in my old home neighborhood. Like many legends, the actual place and the people have little hope of ever living up to the hype… just like the very cool-​looking, but hopelessy, ultra-​cheapo ninja knives and Chinese throwing stars they’ve been hocking, and refusing to accept returns on, since forever.
A quick rewind for those unfamiliar with the Shhh!-Rock…
There was the highly suspicious fire that burned the original Shamrock to the ground, about 10 years ago. How many little businesses around North Portland have this sort of sketch chapter in their history?
There was the phoenix-​like rebirth of the joint, just a few year’s ago, to deafening acclaim (not really, no. I don’t know anyone who breathlessly awaited its return. But still…)
No question it’s a nicer, more upgraded building, and the A/​C is much spiffier than the old days. But there’s no coin-​op Arcade Games, man! How can they possibly hope for a five star rating, without «Star Castle» and «Asteroids 2» and «Elevator Action» ??? Kind people involved w/​owning and operating the newfangled Shamrock, stop the insanity! Take a lesson from the dizzying success of vintage arcade bars around town, like Ground Kontrol— bring back the video games! I promise to do my part to bring other, like-​minded trashy locals in at least occasionally to keep plugging quarters in and recapturing our rat-​tail rocking, parachute pants and Nike Vandals wearing, Jolt cola drinking misspent youths…
Welcome Back, Shamrock. Just wasn’t the same around those parts, without you…

Very unfriendly service. There are two men that seem to run the place and both are surly and unpredictable. I will not shop here and I think this business is bad for the neighborhood.

This started to be a nice place, then up went all the signs, including telephone litter.
With over 25 signs now, all advertising alcohol and cigarettes
Prices are high, but to be expected for convenience store. Problems in the past, tend to draw a heavy drug crowd. The neighborhood has been transforming into a family oriented area, but fears, that this store will be begin to draw the wrong crowd and intice gang members to move back into the area. The owners speak little English, so discussing issues is a problem
To report sign litter you can contact the city of Portland at 503−823−5185
I do not recommend this store for children

Growing up just up the street on Oswego, I had a history with Shamrock.
Grabbing a Pepsi after school, dropping a couple of Quarters into the Donkey Kong machine and decompressing before heading home.
Last Year, I was back in Portland on a contract gig.
Being the Frugal Consumer I am (Thanks Dad), I investigated this store to see if I could save some $$ on beer.
guess what.
I could.
Huzzah.
Many 6-​packs of Widmer Snow Plow were purchased and consumed during my stay. Thanks Shamrock.