We celebrated our 36 years of marriage and my husband's birthday last night. The waiter, Chetan, did everything he could to make the evening special. Wonderful service. We had a calamari appetizer that was absolutely delicious, wonderful fresh baked rolls, excellent chowder, and a lovely little Caesar salad. The main course was perfectly cooked beef and yummy mashed potatoes. The portions were so generous that we had leftovers for lunch. read more

Had a great experience here on my recent trip to Thunder Bay. We had the prime rib nachos, which were a huge portion and the toppings were spread very well so that every bite had something on it without having to dig around. Also had the Seafood Thermidor which was served in a bread bowl that was incredibly delicious. The bread bowl and the rolls were so good. Loved everything we had, although we kind of regret not getting the prime rib, we wanted to try something we can't get somewhere else. We were not disappointed. Server Linda was attentive and friendly as well. read more

See all

We took our friends who we'd been staying with to Prospector for dinner. Reminded me of the old school steakhouses from yesteryear, the ambience and atmosphere were pretty good. Service was on point and the food was good. I ordered the 6 oz. Prime Rib with a side of Yorkshire Pudding, asparagus, ceasar salad and of course their famous dinner rolls. Next time in town, we'll return. read more

See all

Son went in on Sunday with his gf. seafood chowder tasted funny. His prime rib was overdone when he ordered it as rare as possible. Server only came by to check on them when she broght the bill. It wasn't even busy, the main dining area was closed, they were seated t in the bar area by the staff. Very disappointing considering the price! read more

One of the best steakhouses I've ever been to in my life. When you order a steak, you get soup and salad and rolls included and the prices are very reasonable. Our server Cindy was excellent and we really loved the atmosphere. read more

Great ambiance, tasty food, and their biscuits are to die for. Always have been and hopefully always will be

Went there recently with the family for dinner. It was great. Salad and soup and buns included with the meals! Caesar salad was delish! They make their own dressing. And of course the buns were wonderful. We had the Prime Rib and some others had the salmon and the chicken carbonara. All delicious! And the service was excellent, they were very busy but service was still great read more

Love love love this place Super tender steaks super fresh salad bars The beef barely soup is to die for The buns well everyone loves the buns (try the whipped butter ) super savory I've been here on two different occasions and they always leave wanting to come back for more The staff there is also amazing friendly helpful (she was cute too;) Overall always a great time and food is always delicious Worth the money highly recommend!!! Request the edge cut ......Thank me later read more

Pricey menu but I really enjoyed the salad/soup/bread bar concept! My boyfriend was told that this was the place to go for prime rib so we came to give it a try. Along with a regular cut (12 oz) prime rib, we also shared 1/2 rack of ribs. Both were great - both were nice cuts of meat, the prime rib was cooked to the desired doneness, and the ribs were tender enough to fall off the bone. My only criticism would be for my side dish, which I chose to be garlic mashed potatoes. It was lacking in flavour, texture, and creaminess - disappointingly tasting like a bland pile of mush. The salad bar was interesting, offering a variety of toppings, but I found that some of the options were not very fresh. The soup/bread however... WOW! The bread was delicious! Freshly baked in the restaurant, the rounded muffin breads were so soft and fluffy and warm. Perfect to go alongside the two soups that were being offered. I had two servings of the seafood chowder because it was just so good! I assume the main meal prices are set so high because it covers the cost of the self-serve salad/soup/bread bar. In any case, I was won over by the soup and bread so I would definitely come back in the future. read more

Prospector Steak House - Ribs 1/2 rack with garlic mashed potatoes - Steakhouses Near Me - Thunder Bay, Ontario

See all

I've been going here for over 40 years, and have even been a DJ there. Good size menu and pretty large portions. The food is very good. They serve the standard fare (chicken, steaks, seafood, etc... Daily & early bird specials cannot be beat. You get a complete meal that includes your entree, soup, salad, veggie, your choice of potato, and a small desert at the end. The best deal in town. It's also Kid friendly (unfortunately). The place has a connected full bar via a door that separates dining from bar and live music club that offers local hipster bands on weekends. They also have Karaoke several nights a week (this is just annoying to me). But all the noise and music starts up after dining room is closed for the night so you won't be bother while dining. You can also just sit and eat Pub Grub at their bar. Highly recommend it. You will eat very well and be totally full. read more

See all

Visiting Thunder Bay for the weekend and tried Prospector's since it was close to our hotel. So glad we did! The portions are well worth the price and the food is amazing! The service is fast, friendly and courteous. I had the Bacon wrapped sirloin and my boyfriend had the ribs which were huge! Everything was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend to my fellow carnivores! ;) read more

See all

Seems to have gone downhill since Covid hit. They no longer offer the 'go up yourself' soup, salad and bun bar, which in my opinion was worth going for with the high prices they advertise on the meals. Now they do not have unlimited soup/salad, only buns. The servers have to run around more to each table, leaving a lot of tables waiting. read more

My wife and I loved the old west decor but more important was the best prime rib I have ever had and a terrific salad bar .We were referred to this place by a few locals who said it was the best place in town ,they were right !!!!! A very well trained staff also ,we can't wait to go back ! read more

Moving out of Thunder Bay after having been here for around 8 months, I had to try this place as it's been recommended to me quite often. It was quite underwhelming to say the least. The vibe of the restaurant is kind of like Montana's or Outback, not a fancy steakhouse like I expected. Of course appearances can be deceiving and so I waited for the food to really judge and just disappointment. My friend and I ordered the ribeye steak. It comes with a soup choice and salad choice. The beef barley was really nothing to talk about, tasting like something from the ready made section of a grocery store. I was expecting atleast some more flavour through maybe the use of beef drippings or something but no. They misread my friend and brought him the beef barley even though he requested the seafood chowder. They were kind enough to just give him both but he stated the seafood chowder was not something exceptional. Next the Caesar salad which was also almost standard, I dont know why but I expected maybe they made their own dressing but it did not taste like that. Finally on to the steak. The quality of the meat is somewhat there but thats where the compliments end. The steak was grilled as you can taste both the charcoal and see the sear marks. Most "steakhouses" I've been to go more the cast iron route, using some garlic, rosemary, butter to really compliment the meat but it was lacking in the flavour department. Not sure if it was even seasoned. The mashed potato side was also very lacklustre, not sure if butter or anything rich like cream was used to make it but it was just whatever. All in all, if you want a classy real steakhouse experience, this is not it read more

Tired looking ? Dirty Salad bar smaller than l remember ? Not fresh?? Soup OK Prime Rib flavourless and overdone Fair confused service Plonk wine read more

Ate here tonight with my wife and 3 daughter. Was seated at 6:15 ordered drinks and entrees the proceeded to wait until 7:15 for the my daughter Flatbread. Then at 7:30 my wife an my faughters prime rib came. My self and my daughter had to wait until the others were pretty much done eating to get our meals. It was busy so waiting a little longer for food is not the the worst thing, but when the food that comes is tasteless as the soup was, the prime rib was very fatty, my French fries were soggy and full of oil and my fish was soggy. And I had the pleasure of paying $163.00 before tip for the privilege of this bad meal. read more

The Prospector has always been my favourite restaurant in Thunder Bay. It's my opinion that it's the best the city has to offer and it blows places like The Keg completely out of the water. Their menu offers a few chicken or shrimp entrees as well as ribs, but their beef selection is obviously king of the menu here. They offer several different cuts, all of which are just absolutely delicious. I don't usually eat beef so I end up ordering their grilled chicken breast or their garlic buttered shrimp entrees. The grilled chicken entree is one of two or three different chicken selections (unfortunately, I can't remember the other options right now) and although I find it to be very tasty, it's not exactly anything special. The shrimp fares a bit better but in the end, it's the beef that really deserves most of the praise. I say "most" of the praise because the Prospector has the most amazing salad bar I have ever been to. They offer a huge selection of salad ingredients (all of the usual fare plus stuff like baby corn), soups and fresh buns. They consistently offer two soup selections: beef barley and clam chowder. The beef barley soup is probably the best I've ever tasted; it has actual chunks of beef in the heavy broth, plump bits of barley, vegetables and it's lightly peppered. It's to die for, seriously. The buns are baked fresh; there's a constant stream of them coming out of the on-site oven. They're so incredibly light, fluffy and warm. The soup, salad and buns are often so delicious on their own that I often just order the salad bar by itself ($8), sans entree. The service here is usually really good. The waitresses are usually pleasant and friendly, coming back often enough to ensure your meal is going well. The Prospector is often very busy, so you should expect to wait in the bar area from anywhere to 15-45 minutes depending on the day and time. Fridays and weekends right after work is usually the worst time to go and they do not take reservations on Friday and Saturday (not sure about Sunday). Just a note about the history of the restaurant; this is the only location and there has never been more than one. It originally opened in what used to be a Bank of Montreal, established in the early 1900's. Some of the old interior architecture from the bank is still located inside, so it's really interesting to see these historical features mesh together with the woodsy prospector theme from the rest of the restaurant. The Prospector is still located here, although it did move briefly into a location further up the street, in the now demolished Keskus Mall. Just a fun bit of trivia. :3 read more

The lady at our hotel recommend this place, and this place was THEE highlight of all the places we ate at on our Lake Superior trip. You want the best tasting beef you ever tasted? This place claims it is selective of its Alberta beef. I actually believe it. They are known for their prime rib, and it's what you must get. So flavorsome, with a beautiful salty seared outside, and the medium rare inside was so tender, and fork could cut it. The salad bar was great, with fresh bread being baked at all times. Service was great. Are you sure this is the only location? The prime rib is also served with a yummy serving of yorkshire pudding. That was equally just as good. I totally would recommend this place as a MUST in TB. You will leave too filled to do much. read more

I have been here three times in the six or so years I have lived in Thunder Bay. The first 2 times I was disappointed, so when friends wanted to go here, I was a bit disappointed, but determined to give it a fair shot again. But, alas..... it was not good. I ordered my 32 dollar filet mignon Medium Rare, and I didn't get to the medium Rare part until I got to the very core of the steak. My companions, however got the crab legs, and they were apparently the best that either of them had had. So, there is a give and take. I was, however, extremely disappointed. I won't be going back. read more

Ate here on our last night in Thunder Bay.. Apparently it's somewhat of a landmark that's been around since forever so we decided to give it a shot Atmosphere is done up like an old western saloon.. We both ordered the prime rib which came with either a caesar salad or access to the salad bar (we both opted for the caesar salad, salad bar looked very ordinary) The buns everybody keeps mentioning are light and airy and are constantly coming out fresh out of the oven while you are there. You can slather them with garlic butter and have as many as you want, a very nice touch. Beer was nice and cold and fresh tasting on draught, can't complain about that at all As far as the actual prime rib entree goes, the prime rib itself was good and nicely trimmed as mentioned on their menus but what soured the experience was me stupidly choosing mashed potatoes as my side instead of the french fries. The mashed potatoes were a tiny portion served from an ice cream scooper (literally a single small scoop of dry mashed potatoes on your plate) was a very unappetizing presentation, portion size, and just wasn't very good. I saw another person beside us have their plate delivered with the french fries and I instantly knew those would be the way better choice... they were fresh cut and not frozen! Honestly they shouldn't even give the choice for those mashed potatoes because they are so inferior compared to what the french fries looked like, it's just gonna make people unhappy like myself Cheesecake for dessert was "whipped" and not the dense kind, which was fine but I much prefer the NY dense style.. Their cheesecake was almost fluffy and seemed like it was half whipped cream.. If you read this before going, mark my words, order the french fries and avoid the mashed potatoes! read more

We went here this evening and were very disappointed. The ribeye steak looked like and tasted something that would you would have received at a bad buffet. The loaded baked pototo had lots of cheese but bacon and chives were missing. read more

Steaks were good could improve on the potatoes mashed or baked they were really disappointing and cool and being bugged if we were done with our plates while we were eating was a little irritating first time we've been there in two years maybe I'll wait four years and try it again was disappointing read more

We heard that this is the place to go in the city and everyone told us to go. So we went on our last day of vacation. It's quaint, for sure. Set in an old bank, we were oohing and aahing to our table. We were presented with water and menus very quickly. After poring over the menu, we settled on what we thought was a sure bet. We ordered the seafood thermador and teriyaki chicken. (I know. We should have ordered the steak. We really should have. And next time I will listen to my gut, not my tummy.) The thermador, I believe, was made of rubber with scallop flavoring and krab [intentionally spelled that way]. The bread bowl it was served in was the highlight of the plate. Not even the carrots were good -- they were mushy, overcooked, and weird tasting. The salad bar was fresh and good, but not all it was cracked up to be. (You can order the salad bar alone, but at $14 for the salad bar alone, I would just get a meal -- it comes with). At the salad bar, there was seafood chowder -- which I am convinced was from a Campbell's can. When you factor in the $75 bill without alcohol and the quality I cannot help but give it one star. It wasn't inedible. The bread was stunning -- I cannot remember the last time I had a roll be so delicious. But, as another reviewer remarked, it doesn't hold up the rest of it. read more

It's not a particularly pretty steakhouse. Actually if they put tablecloths on the tables it might look fancier. But the reason to come to this restaurant is definitely the prime rib. It makes me laugh when people go to a restaurant that has steakhouse in its name and order fish or chicken. Why would you set yourself up for disappointment? And the prime rib does not disappoint. The best part of the prime rib, the cap is melt in your mouth delicious. Don't fill up too much on soup, salad and buns. The seafood chowder is quite tasty. And buns I'm told were delish. But I think the one drawback of this restaurant was the server did not offer fresh ground pepper with the prime rib. Would have definitely preferred that than the ground pepper that was on the table. This is a hearty meal but would have been an elevated experience with some finishing touches. read more

Prospector Steak House - Steakhouses Near Me - Thunder Bay, Ontario

Have been here twice. Food is ok. Salad bar a serious disappointment. The rolls when warm are nice. Messed up one of the orders. Plastic in the salad. Large hair in one order. Waitress was amazing. Manager gave us free dessert. read more

The best prime rib in Thunder Bay. The all you can eat salad bar with beef barley soup and seafood chowder comes with your meal. The cheesecake is amazing! The manager and waitresses are very friendly and make you welcomed. My wife and I love this place. Ps don't forget to try their famous fresh baked buns. read more

I'm in Thunder Bay on business and my local colleagues tell me about this place called "The Prospector" which is apparently THE place to get yourself Beef. I'm in and out of every major city in Western Canada and every city has it's THE place, and most have generally been pretty good, but I have to say The Prospector is the first one where I'll be making up excuses to my boss for some additional site visits. I ordered the Regular (8oz) portion of Prime Rib, Medium Rare, which their menu states is trimmed of bone and excess fat to be 8oz of actual Prime Rib. I have to say, it was exactly as advertised, just a little fat nicely marbled into the meat, no rubbery scraps to trim out. I chose the baked potato, which was served with packaged butter portions and sour cream; additional accompaniments included baby carrots (steamed I think) and a Yorkshire pudding style bun (maybe a popover?). My dinner included a trip to the salad bar, which I think the future I'll fore-go in favour of the Caesar salad (this the source of the missing star). Note to The Prospector: You don't make friends with salad. Overall, dinner was delicious, and the Regular portion with salad (again, I recommend Caesar) was plenty filling for me (a large fellow by any definition), and services was good (my drink was well tended, food service was well timed, remediation of my bill also prompt). My bill after taxes and tip was around the $35 mark, which would put it more the occasional splurge zone for my budget, but I definitely felt as though it was money well spent, as opposed to those occasions my (so-called) friends have dragged me to The Keg or Hy's and you walk out with that slightly violated feeling. read more

Came here with my huge family and every one of us was complimenting the quality of the beef at this place. Better than anything most of us have had before. You have to make sure to save room for the entree though. The waitress we had was an absolute angel. Would recommend to any meat lovers who are staying in Thunder Bay. read more

the food was good!! the ribs were amazing and the prime rib is great!! the sea food is good but the prices have gone up. they do seem to over cook the food somewhat so you need to do down one more than what you are ordering to get it cooked like you like it. i would recommend any one to at least give the place a shot. this place gets many mixed reviews on the food because of the large selection. i was at the steak house last year. i will try to make a trip this year to rate it again read more

I really enjoyed the salad bar here especially the fresh baked buns! They were awesome. Surprisingly for a steak house, they didn't do a great job on the steak. Worth another try however, if only for the salad bar! read more

I like the buns. But I do not pay $40 for buns. We had an office event. Showed up early and sat at the bar. Was there for 30 minutes and not one person asked me if I wanted a drink. Ordered a steak, medium rare. It was extremely well done. This is a steak house. You should know how to cook a steak. read more

Great character, good food. If you're in town and want something unique to Thunder Bay, hit this place up.

Told that this place is the best selection for a total local meal. Maybe the beef was local, everything else was not....frozen veggies? cmon! Not worth the price, or the wait, or the service. i can bbq a better steak at home with local farmers market veggies thankyouverymuch read more

Personally have never had a bad experience at this restaurant. Prices are fair, and quality is definitely there! Atmosphere is very warm and inviting, and air is filled with the delicious aroma of GREAT FOOD. Try the buns & garlic butter...mmm! read more

Best prime rib in town hands down. The buffet and buns are worth the price of going. I have always had fantastic service here as well.

My parents celebrated their 50th Anniversary at The Prospector in December. We spoke to the manager, Joyce, ahead of time about a fixed menu and other options. We went full menu and a space was reserved for a Sunday. When we arrived, we were put in the front room. There was enough space for us all and we had a bit of privacy. The service was great as was the food. They even let us bring in an outside cake for the event. Everyone was happy and my family had a good day. Great servers and good food. Thanks to all. read more

A family favourite. We have been coming here for our anniversary for many years. The Prime Rib melts in your mouth. The salad bar is always fresh and well stocked and also include beef barley soup, seafood chowder and the best buns you have ever had! read more

I love this steakhouse. Its locally raised beef, fresh salads and soups, great seafood, and plenty of other favorites. The salad bar is awesome, and the cuts of beef range from a nice proportionate steak, up to cuts of steak and prime rib that would fill any stomach. Prices are very reasonable, atmosphere is rustic western casual, and the wait staff is very pleasant. My only complaint is its almost too popular on some nights. I've waited as long as two hours for a booth. read more

Love the crab and that they have a great salad bar with two soups to choose from with fresh bake buns the staff is very comforting only thong I wish was that they are open later overall great restraint a must go to if you haven't been there read more

The Prospector USED to be great but somewhere over the past number of years something has changed. Last time I went back, the prices were inflated and the service was less than stellar. Our food came out very quickly, not allowing us to enjoy the salad bar and buns...at least these are still good as ever. My steak tips were gross, the steak being tasteless and chewy. My parents steaks were also not cooked to order. I think the worst thing about it was the bus boy/girl, kept coming by the table every time a fork was put down asking if we were done...I am not sure what gave them this idea when we just got the food and had only taken a few bites but they kept coming until my mom told them just to take her plate as they were so annoying. I wo't be going back. read more