The Prospector

Finally got to go here again after begging friends to accompany me. Loved this place, NOT THIS TIME!! Asked for the Prime Rib (which is my favorite) "medium cooked" Came out medium well. Not happy. Ate it anyway. My friend who is a Chef asked to take a look at the kitchen. The waitress obliged. I felt bad for our Server. The Owner was furious at her for doing so. Possibly for safety issues, who knows. Could it be the kitchen was not clean or up to code??? Employees are very disgruntled and have been for decades. Yes decades!! Maybe the new owner is not the best! I can see why and have seen this for many decades..........yes decades. I still like it here but not what it used to be. Servers are from the '60's from a local dive bar who cannot work anywhere else. The prices are still great however. I will go back with reservations. Reservations meaning should have I come here or spent a lot more and really got great service and a great meal somewhere else. Good luck trying to find a good Prim Rib anywhere anymore except where you want to pay $35+/meal.....and still good luck! There are no more relish trays that used to be provided. The dinner salads that come with the meal are very large and the soup as always is good.

I love this place, the food is so good. My favorite is the fried chicken. But I have had many steaks there also and never disappointed. It is a dive bar, but the best place for locals.

I dont get it, all these reviews, and almost nothing here on the Fried Chicken!!!  The prime rib and steaks are great, but let me tell you, the fried chikcen is probably the best in Long Beach!  And it's HALF of a chicken with fries for $5.99!!!  How can that be??? It may very well also be the best deal in all of Long Beach.... (The fries are whatever, but nothing that a little salt & pepper cant solve)

Let's get some facts straight here.....
* Yes, it's a DIVE bar and you have go through the bar to get to the restaurant.
* Yes, the decor is is probably the same as when it was opened.
* Yes, it's dark, a little musty, and the bathroom could use some serious work
* Yes, the parking kinda sucks and the neighborhood is not the best
* Yes, it's a really great spot to grab a great inexpensive dinner, a stiff drink, get good service, and just be!

Now that we've got that all settled, if that sounds like the kind of place you can jive with, then run, dont walk, down to the Prospector!  I was really only going to give 4 stars, but I had to offset all the pretentious posers who came in expecting ambiance and service like Micheal's on Naples....

Monday is my favorite day.... Prime Rib dinner for $12.99 or Fried Chicken Dinner for $9.99! Cant beat it.. Give it a shot, and when you get there, if you can hang with it, then take it to go.....