Prospector Steak House in Thunder Bay

27 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E1, Canada

★★★★☆
(786 reviews)
Categories: Steak house Restaurant

About

Old-school steakhouse in a historic bank building offering classic surf ’n’ turf & a salad bar.

Website
prospectorsteakhouse.com
Address
27 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E1, Canada
Plus Code
CQMH+GX Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
4–9 PM
Tuesday
12–4 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
4–10 PM
Saturday
4–10 PM
Sunday
4–9 PM

Services

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.3
★★★★☆
786 reviews

Most Mentioned

prime rib (89) buns (75) salad bar (74) garlic butter (17) entrees (15) party (11) chowder (7) beef barley soup (6) brewed (5) fish and chips (5)
5 stars
484
4 stars
180
3 stars
63
2 stars
29
1 stars
30
★★★★
December 10, 2024

I was disappointed with my sirloin peppercorn steak. It was nicely cooked and the sauce was very nice, but the meat was either a low grade or not properly trimmed. I had to saw through and spit out a lot of gristle. As usual, the complimentary soup and buns were awesome.

December 2, 2024

If I could give it negative stars I would. This was the worst dining experience I've ever had here. Been to the Prospector plenty of time, and I'm sorry to say it will be our last. The service was extremely slow, not only for our table but we witnessed a table leave after sitting without acknowledgement for 15 minutes. Our service was similar. Food was definitely not worth the wait or price. The manager that was supposed to come to the table didn't come until the very end and just made excuses for the poor service! Skip this place the only bright spot is the fresh buns! SADLY!

★★★★★
September 13, 2024

I love the Italian waitress, she was very attentive in providing service and options for salad dressings, meanwhile she has a big personality and just like an old friend . please give her a raise she definitely deserves !The food here is highly recommended. Prime rib💯We love the bun the are so warm and fluffy. Just look at those adorable juicy asparagus . Many restaurants prefer to grill them over an open flame until the surface becomes overly charred, causing it to lose moisture. lease just come to dine in, 这家prime rib比the keg好吃多了,keg狗吃了都摇头

★★★★
September 5, 2024

The Prospector was a place that my family went for celebrations: delicious steaks and the soup and salad bar! I decided to introduce my husband to it on our anniversary, but we were very disappointed. The calamari in the appetizer was tiny and 33% of the dish was actually red pepper, breaded and disguised as calamari. The breading tasted strongly of dill and sort of raw or dough-like. I ordered the sirloin: blue. My husband ordered the ribeye: rare. His steak came correctly cooked, but the meat was sinewy. My steak came grossly overcooked: medium rare to medium. It was tough, tasteless (except for the exceptionally salty mushroom sauce on top). I saved it for my dog ☹️😂. We had a phenomenal waitress who recognised that we were unhappy with the calamari and didn’t charge us for it. She brought us extra soup and buns when we asked. But we did have to ask. The chowder was delicious, though! As were their classic fresh buns and garlic butter. I’m saddened that my last memory of the Prospector will be a poor one.

★★★★★
August 13, 2024

The food is absolutely delicious, with large portions that include free bread, soup, and salad. The seafood chowder is a standout, and the steak is cooked to perfection—tender and full of flavor. The staff are super friendly and professional, making the whole experience even better. Definitely worth the price!

★★★★★
August 5, 2024

I recently dined at Prospector Steak House in Thunder Bay and loved it. I started with a beef soup, followed by crispy calamari with tangy sauces. My main course was a medium cooked steak topped with shrimp, served with fresh asparagus. For dessert, I enjoyed a warm, crumbly treat with creamy ice cream and caramel. Every dish was delicious, and the experience was fantastic. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Just came up to Thunder Bay for our anniversary and the border guard recommended this restaurant for our dinner. It was simply one of the best meals I have ever eaten in my life! Great service and atmosphere. Highly recommended!!!!!!

★★★★★
February 16, 2024

Another wonderful meal at a long standing ‘go to’ in Thunder Bay. Although it’s a steak house, you can feel very safe with the curveballs on the menu. The butter chicken and coconut curry were delicious. The garlic mashed potatoes are my entire family’s favorite side. We had excellent service tonight from our waiter/bartender Cory. Very attentive and had excellent suggestions. Bathrooms were clean. Parking in this area can be difficult but we found great parking close by today.

December 22, 2024

Come on down, we will sell you a gift card called at 11ish am......showed up doors open ......walk in, stand there for a few minutes, only to get told I didnt call and they cant sell a gift certificate before 4........annoyed and waste of time....

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

Delicious food in a stylish ambiance

★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Just all around great place to be

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

Great food and service!

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

This is the 2nd year weve had a Christmas party on the Brew Pub, and once again , it was really well done. Thank You.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Food was great. Service was fast, knowledgeable, polite and fun. Lots of food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

You will get so much delicious food in one meal, from soup, salad, bread, and your entree - you will want to come HUNGRY! Great place, amazing atmosphere and setting, friendly staff, and some of the best food Ive eaten. Will be returning.

★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I came from out of town for work. The atmosphere was fantastic, server was amazing, drinks were okay, too sour for my taste so I had something else made for me. The appetizers were phenomenal, salad and bread was amazing. But then the entree came and it was very disappointing. I had ordered the Pasta Pomodoro and it was not edible. The prime rib meatballs were bland, greasy and tasteless, the pasta was overcooked, felt microwaved and the sauce, what sauce?! It was so dry but greasy at the same time. Luckily I filled up on everything else and threw my leftovers in the trash at the hotel. Id go back for drinks and apps but not for a meal again.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Super delicious!

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Still a good place to dîne individually or as a group.

★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

We came here because the prime rib was highly recommended. Sure enough, the prime rib did not disappoint, however, everything else was not so great. The Yorkshire pudding and mashed potato sides had no flavor. We also ordered a full rack of pork ribs because they had a half price special ($34 down to $17) but I couldnt finish it. The ribs were way too salty even though it seemed like just a normal rack of ribs coated in BBQ sauce. Parmesan potato wedges were overcooked and way too dry. Soup was good, salad was just salad, but their fresh baked bread was good with the whipped butter. Prices are high which makes it difficult for regular visits but ok for special occasions. This place is comparable to The Keg, but The Keg is better. Parking: Parking is limited to street parking meters.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I had the prime rib, baked potato yorkshire pudding, soup salad, and buns. The one thing I notice they dont have bread plates on the table. I should have asked for one as I really dont like putting my bun and flatware on the table. The yorkshire pudding was a little overdone, but everything else was great. Our server, Cindy, was excellent.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Great food. Huge portions. Great service. Fair prices. We had a party of five, each got something different and each really enjoyed what they had.

September 23, 2024

pork ribs are disgusting membraned still on slimy, sauce only on one side stay away from ribs!! Mc rib is better and better price

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Wonderful restaurant, would eat here again

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

During my trip, I stopped in Thunder Bay. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the service was excellent! Definitely worth coming back.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Great service and food

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Had the special, chowder (really good), Caesar salad, and porterhouse steak. The house made buns with garlic butter were very good. Food

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Incredible food Great service Great atmosphere Food : 5/5

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Who would have thought that Thunder bay has world class steaks

★★
August 23, 2024

I have not been to the Prospector since Covid hit, boy was I shocked to see that they raised the prices an average of $12 per plate. My mother orederd a burger and my kids ordered one off the kids menu. Theirs was $11, hers was $28 for fries and a burger. The burgers were the same size on both orders,the only difference was they put my Mothers on a lrger plate with more fries. I had the salmon. It was tasteless. They have clearly changed the recipe. The rice came with cheese in it, which it does not say on the menu, so if you have lactose issues do not order this. We were all so terribly disappointed in the food changes, and overcharge. The chowder was pretty tasteless as well. Will not be back anymore

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Great prime rib and the buns are great!!

August 23, 2024

Haven t been here since Covid was very disappointed in the food was terrible no taste my chicken was way over cooked fries tasted like they were cooked in fish oil best thing was the salad and buns never going back

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Great food and service not from thunder bay but will be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

There was a guy peeing just outside when we pulled up, but the food was great!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

We didn t eat and just dropped in for a few pints. The house beers here are legendary. Absolutely top shelf brewing quality on offer. Staff were super friendly and welcoming. We had a very long day and just wanted to relax for an hour or so ..3 sensational malty pints later, some smiles and warm service, we left with frothy warmth. When we return to this part of the world we ll definitely be coming back and dining also. Appreciation.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Ate here last night and can t stop talking about how great the experience was! Great quality food our server was amazing very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly! I had the pumpkin soup and a 10 ounce sirloin steak and both were absolutely delicious! Great portions! I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to dine in the waterfront district bia!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

My latest visit & update has increased my rating for Prospector Steak House. The seating was preferable this visit (at a booth) compared to high traffic table area. The service is always excellent with gentle & attentive personnel. Appetizers were served quickly and hot, soup, salad, escargot were impeccable. The shrimp stuffed mushrooms caps are very rich flavored. The infamous buns of course are always fresh and filling. Prime Rib cuts were exquisite, cooked to the request of the customer. Asparagus was perfect. I enjoyed a delightful birthday dinner with my good friend. Absolutely pleased with this visit. Thank you Prospector.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Firstly, bathrooms are clean. Second the waitress was pleasant and didnt flinch when I ordered an oil & vinegar dressing for my salad. The beef barley soup was a bit salty for my taste, by still 9/10. The triple AAA beef au jus, on homemade bun was delicious 10/10. Little details like lemon wedges for water and homemade croutons matter!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

My husband and I are form out of town and we were recommended to try this place! We went here to celebrate our birthdays. The endless salads, soups and buns was a highlight of the meal!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

My favourite restaurant and I always get the prime rib with soup and salad and of course the buns with their garlic butter.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Great place for a cozy dinner. The food and atmosphere were fantastic Parking: There was road construction around the restaurant, so it was kind of difficult getting a place to park Food : 5/5 |

★★
May 23, 2024

Mostly good but the prime rib was bordering disgusting. Everything else was great

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

All the food we had was good. The service was fast and friendly.

★★
April 23, 2024

Service was lacking. waitress was MIA , door person had to bring us water and our salads Prime rib was unchewable, inedible , Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Was pleasantly surprised for a small town like Thunder Bay to have a steak house that I d put up against any others I ve visited while traveling North America. Well done Prospector

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Fantastic restaurant !! Fantastic food!!! The prime rib, special buns and cheesecake are to die for!! The prime rib was melt in your mouth tender, and the cheesecake is homemade in house and definitely shareable and worth the treat!! Thank you to Kenzie our server and to Cindy the manager for great service and for being extra kind!! We look forward to returning when we are next in Thunderbay.

April 23, 2024

Best barley soup-Worst prime rib

★★
April 23, 2024

We came here for my mothers birthday dinner. I had made a reservation on Tuesday for Friday evening. When we arrived there was no reservation under my name. The staff was able to figure it out thankfully and we were seated. It took a long enough time for our server to get to us that we already knew what we wanted to order. We waited what felt like 20 minutes between each visit from our server: first drinks, then soup (cabbage roll soup was the highlight of the meal) and buns, then salad, then more buns. We had been seated for over an hour before our mains arrived. It was obvious they had been sitting for a fair amount of time. My mozzarella sticks were overdone to the point of sending them back and my meatballs were very very salty. We think a waitstaff member may have walked off shift while we were there so we certainly dont blame our server- she was doing her best. This was a last ditch effort to give The Prospector a chance but it was the nail in the coffin unfortunately.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

This place was fantastic, it has excellent food and top notch service. I called 2 days ahead for a 7 person reservation on a busy night, they called me back and were able to fit us in at our requested time! And they put us at a table in the cabin at the back so it was quiet and felt like a private dining room. The decor is over the top and perfect, there is so much to look at. Our server was awesome. The food was to die for. I could have had a meal of just the fresh buns and garlic butter. I had the beef dip sandwich and it was excellent, it came with a starter of soup (i skipped the salad but it also comes with that). I also had a sangria (not on the drink menu but they made it!) and it was lovely. I can t wait to come back and try other things on the menu. Prices are very reasonable and your starters are included.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Great food Great service Big portions 100% recommend Thanks

★★★
March 23, 2024

Food was okay. Service could have been better. 3 times were our glasses empty without being asked if we wanted a refill, which they then, FINALLY, brought us a water jug. And it wasn t until we had finished our food that we were asked if our meal was okay.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Awesome

Local Guide
February 23, 2024

I would never visit this place again. Went with my wife for her xmas party Feb 1/24 and I ordered a rib eye steak was lime 47 dollars and it came wasnt even a ribeye and was like 1/2 inch thing and was a prime rib cut which I dont like the fat in the prime rib sure enough it was there. Ordered drinks 3 times for the same drink that never came. So disappointed in service, food quality, and over all experience was very poor. This place has gone down hill and will not recommend anyone to go here for a decent meat for quality monies. 2 thumbs down..

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Great dinner. Probably one of the best prime ribs I ve had. Hot horseradish, love the spice on the prime rib.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

I had fish and chips with Martini abd I enjoyed.The prices are high though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent place.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fascinating, fabulous and a great dining experience. The waitress Tammy was excellent, my glass was always full and she quickly attended to our dining needs.

December 23, 2023

Meat was so chewy,over cooked cooks definitely got lazy over the years, will not return

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Prime. Rib! You gotta eat here that s all I ll say.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent prime rib dinner with large potato! Went with a large group and they had a wonderful private room arrangements made. Service was attentive and accurate! Parking: I parked across the street entrance for the parking lot was on water street.

December 23, 2023

My wife and I went there this Valentines Day. We had prime rib and a lobster tail. We were very disappointed. The prime rib had no taste to it. The lobster tail had a charcoal taste to it and had no lobster taste at all and they didnt tell us that it was going to be $60 (ouch). I also tried the beef barley soup and it didnt taste anything like its supposed to. The quality of the dinner sure didnt come close to the price. The worst experience that we have had at a restaurant in Thunder Bay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food was excellent. Server made a personalized connection and as always the buns were the best.

December 23, 2023

If there was an option for zero stars I d give it. Called for a reservation. Arrived and was seated in the very back corner. Sat for 30 minutes not even offered a drink. Servers did not know we were there. All waitstaff was standing around talking while we were waiting to be served, as we left they asked where we seated will not return.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Absolutely phenomenal food and lots of it! Highly recommended!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

One of the best meals Ive had in a long time... If you have 2 hours to kill for a meal I recommend this place highly! I understand when staffing issues arise but take the time go grab a meal here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wow. Just wow. Fantastic taste. Lots of food for the price. Soup, salad, fresh baked warm buns and a side included with the entre. Some of my friends plates had enough food for two people. Soup and salad are not just a taste portion...quite substantial. Server took care of a table of 14 very well - thanks Sam! Food service was quick

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Prime rib was raw. Chewy . Ordered medium rare. Odd day in the kitchen. Only visit there.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

3 of us were put into a section with 1 large table of 10 people and another table of 4 people behind us. They were all together celebrating a birthday. Unfortunately, they were all yelling loudly across the room, and we couldnt hear each other or enjoy our dinner together. Why would they seat us there when they knew that there was a large group celebrating a birthday when the whole other section across was free and wide open? It was brought to the manager Boriss attention, but he didnt say or do anything to make it right. Absolutely terrible service. 2 thumbs down.

December 23, 2023

We have been to this place numerous times prior to Covid and they were all great experiences. I took a friend there for dinner last night and it was a great experience but the meal left a lot to be desired. The soup was tolerable, the Caesar salad was very dry, and the main course of New York steak was the worst Ive had even compared to my own cooking. The steaks were both extremely tough to cut never mind to chew. It was not what we expected for forty-five dollar steaks. I feel that the quality of the meal was far below previous experiences and we were very disappointed and would not likely to return. I expect to pay more for a meal, but eliminating vegetables from the meal, getting chincey with the soup and salad dressing, and not providing a tender juicy steak was far from being worth what I paid. The buns were great.

★★★★
December 23, 2023

It wasnt bad but for the price expected better. The Keg is better in my opinion for a similar price and nicer atmosphere. It was a Saturday evening and we had a reservation but ended up being seated in a very uncomfortable booth beside a large party. I think sitting on a piece of concrete would have been about as comfortable. We had rib eye steak which was tender, other member of our group had prime rib. Service was slow but waitress was friendly and apologetic.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food, great service and great atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Prime rib is excellent good service and cocktails.

★★
December 23, 2023

I just went there for the first time since COVID and wow has the food quality ever changed, the ribeye steak dinner I had was extremely over salted and I like salt, same for the mushrooms and the crispy onions. The shrimp was just plain shrimp in a bowl but on the receipt it said shrimp scewer, the Cesar dressing tasted like Mayo and that used to be a staple of this place. The garlic mash potatoes were bland but Im not sure if the salt destroyed my taste buds. I gave this place 4 stars the last time I left a review 4 years ago. And I have been going there since I was a young kid with my parents and now Im in my 40s. I dont know if they lost there good cooking staff or what happened but wow what a disappointment. I will give them another chance once the salt taste disappears from my mouth in a few months. I refuse to give up what was one of my favorite spots for the majority of my life. But for now this is my opinion. And the only reason they are getting two stars is for the waitress and hostess.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Steak tasted like it had been frozen.... But those buns. Oh my god the buns. Imma need a bag of those...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fathers Day Lunch 2023 Outstanding lunch. The food was hot, flavourful, well seasoned with a wider selection. The service was friendly, the drinks were cold and they met a request for a gluten-free diet Outside BBQ - chicken, ribs, burgers, hotdogs, Prime Rib Baked Beans Roasted corn on the cob Famous baked buns, cornbread Famous beef, barley soup Numerous salads Numerous baked goods and desserts Pierogies Number of other items that I did not sample Most importantly, the bill was reasonable. I will go back here next year for another Fathers Day celebration. Well done prospector some other restaurants who had Fathers Day & Mothers Day celebrations should take note Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

A very unique bar / pub / restaurant. Food is delicious and there is a wide selection of beers available. Friendly staff.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Guys this place is awesome the waitress Kenzie is the best as i asked for extra stuff and she just gave me as i reaaallly ordered . It was an awsome experience as I haven t feeling this welcome in a restaurant since looong time. Thank you Kenzie Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This restaurant is historical stakes house and very much enjoyed

★★★
December 23, 2023

The menu is very limited. Not a fan of the taste of most things they served us, nachos (super salty and little to no cheese, a lot of over cooked chips), pasta in cream sauce with chicken (super tiny portion and had no flavor), ribs (not a fan of the sauce at all but they were pull-off the bone). Thankfully we got there early and ordered the nachos. It took over 2 hours to get our meals. Not the same as what it used to be at all. I wont be going back.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Prime rib was awful, but they did make it up the meal with some else that was in similar price and it turned out awesome. Im willing to give it another chance!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

2 words. Prime Rib.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Stairs to the toilet and restroom seemed a bit dingy

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I really enjoyed the food here! It is a little pricey but they serve a large portion for the soup and salad (even though it s unlimited). I definitely got my money s worth! The prime rib was really tasty but not seasoned too much. The aus jus and horseradish helped with that though!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This place is amazing! my family and me stopped in on a visit to Thunder Bay from out of town and we ordered appetizers, the food and beer were incredible as well as the service. I recommend the BBQ Braised Beef Poutine and Nachos, the portions were plentiful for everyone! Overall it s a must visit!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Hadnt been for about 10 years (I dont live in thunder bay anymore), but wow, I did not leave disappointed. Had the best (and most fun server), great drinks, great food, this will be a must stop place everytime Im back!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

We ve been so many times over the years and have been forgetful on submitting a review. We went for our anniversary tonight and had Cindy as a waitress. The service was perfect and the food was just as good as every other time we have gone. It s always our #1 choice for prime rib in town. We left stuffed and satisfied. We always look forward to the next visit to the prospector !

December 23, 2023

Great buns, really great buns. Everything else was unfortunately bad (un-eatible).

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Prime rib dinner will not leave you hungry!!

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The Prospector Steak House was a disappointment. Other than the excellent service we received from our server, most of the food and the atmosphere at this restaurant leaves a bit to be desired. The dining area is split up into a couple different dining rooms. It is designed to look like a rustic steakhouse or Rib Joint. And it looks fine, but there s nothing particularly engaging about the decor. The food was OK to start. The salad was good and the clam chowder soup was OK. It was the main entrées that let us down. My colleague had a slice of their famous prime rib. It came in over cooked. The mashed potatoes did not look appealing. The Yorkshire pudding was underwhelming and overall the presentation left very much to be desired. My ribs were similarly just OK. The sauce was a bit sweet for me, but that s a matter of personal preference. The ribs were prepared. OK but we re a bit chewy. Overall, we were disappointed with the steakhouse, and we would not return

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Our group of six had an amazing dinner here on Friday night. The Prospector Steak House is a must dine location for Thunder Bay. The hot and fresh Prospector buns with whipped garlic butter are fantastic! After almost filling up on buns...we had seafood chowder, caesar salad, and then our main course. All the corses were home made, fresh, and great tasting. The prime rib was melt in your mouth yummy. Their prime rib dinner is excellent. Our server was Tammy and she is also amazing. She is attentive, quick, and very friendly. Overall, this restaurant is a must dine local gem.

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Had a family birthday celebration here last week. Service was excellent and portions were substantial. A couple of us had overdone steaks/prime rib served but still tasted ok. Honestly just really miss the salad bar. Would even be willing to pay a premium to have it back.

December 23, 2023

Every time we pass through Thunder Bay, it is the only place we dine.

December 23, 2023

Sad to see the quality of the food is declining, some portions are decreasing, yet the prices are rising. Very disappointing. We won t go back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food. Generous full course meals. Great knowledgeable staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Always great food and service, never left disappointed

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fantastic food and service first time in this place beef soup, excellent, prime rib was succulent, tasty, best we ever had. Service was very friendly and professional. Definitely recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food was great. They were busy but you would never have guess by the amazing service Kenzie and Paul gave. Love the Blueberry Mojito, thanks Kenzie for making it just right!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Best prime rib in Thunder Bay! Rolls with garlic butter, YUM. Food

★★★
December 23, 2023

My steak was OK, proper medium but too salty, but my mothers was half the thickness with double the salt. It was unedible

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Beer, bread, butter, wings, steak, and service were amazing! Andre and Theo are the best!! Food : 5/5

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Friendly and courteous staff with a great atmosphere for dining in. Tried the Escargot and was pleasantly surprised! May visit again some time in the future.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food and service were incredible. Atmosphere was warm and cozy. Our waitress was lovely, kind, charming. We had so much left overs simply because there was so much food. The buns are to die for. Thanks for a great experience prospector !

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

They accommodated my large group by putting us in our own seating area. The food was amazing, the drinks were amazing, the servers were the best! I always head here every time I come to Thunder Bay!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

When traveling to Thunder Bay I always have a dinner here. Such generous portions and great tasting food. Value for money for sure!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Enjoyed the service and the food. Buns are good

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The fish was great because it didnt have a thick coating batter on it.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

I Seriously drive my family 18.5 hrs one way straight from Kitchener Ontario to eat here Once a yr!! I think that says it all! Amazing People ,Amazing Food! Thanks for the many wonderful memories! Hope to see all again soon!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Excellent and lovely eatery establishment. Delicious bear meat and wolf meat filled me right up after my node run. Lots of comp boxes and a handy recycler. Although I kept getting pushed off the recycler and got hit by a rock by this little jiminy kricket and the scientists didn t even shoot him. Must be a bug need to patch it pronto

★★
December 23, 2022

on multiple occasions thay have not accepted or refused a reservation based on vaccine status.........from myself and wife(who cant after adverse reaction from first shot) to a group of twenty in the same boat. (partners that cannot be fully vaccd)........flat out refusal.........based on the decision of management i cannot and will not ever return to you restaurant.........sad as it was my go to place for birthdays/celebrations for 25 plus years.......2 stars because i do like the service/food/buns WHEN I WAS ALLOWED TO ENTER now its my choice to say no

December 23, 2022

I have called the prospector restaurant to make a reservation for twelve people, three times and my wife once. We left messages on the voice mail option but no call was returned.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great night out. Excellent prime rib dinner.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

The meal was beyond amazing. Almost worth the flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay. Our server was exceptional, thank you Linda for such great service with all of the activity that was happening around - very busy still at 8pm on Friday night. Once again, beautiful evening.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

This establishment is absolutely marvelous, I love picking up my potato and meats combination meal from here and taking it back to the front garden of my 3x3 base. In addition the brew selection is tremendous and i enjoy getting tipsy with my mates Rodley and Joseigh. Ive attached some imagery for your enjoyment .

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The frsh unlimited buns are awesome...only in Thunder Bay..

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Worth the money you spend here

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Not overly expensive and you get your moneys worth. Prime rib is excellent.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Excellent from start, escargot and shrimp au gratin, to finish, the Prospector bones and the linguine!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

We had a great time eating at the Prospector Steak House on April 28, 2022. We were two families, 10 in total, including kids. The service was terrific. We arrived so late, and the restaurant was about to close; however, they went out of their way to deliver the food, and most importantly, the food was soooo tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Best Prime rib in Thunder Bay. This local gem will not let you down! Make sure to learn about the family history of this restaurant. Everything on the menu is DELICIOUS!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Always a good meal. Never disappointed, always great service with a smile. I suggest the Ribeye steak

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great portions. Friendly service. Steak was cooked perfectly. Buns are also really good.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Great food Great service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The best prime rib and mashed potatoes in town! The entire menu is chuck full of wonderful dishes to suit everyone s taste preferences. Sadly there is no more salad bar, but you still get unlimited salad, soup and buns so you can t go wrong. There have been some changes made inside. There is now a brew house side with a limited menu, in house draft beer as well as many other beverage choices to wet your whistle. The staff is wonderful as well! If planning on going in on the weekend, I suggest a reservation, they can be booked up.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Good service and food was quite good. The Fish n Chips was HUGE! I recommend this place

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The meat wasnt great

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

We normally go a few times a year. We were very weary on going as we heard the salad bar was gone after reopening from Covid closures. Rest assured! Its still amazing. Instead of a salad bar, they bring your buns, soup and salad to your table. Our waitress was handsdown the definition of what customer service in the food industry is all about. She made two extremely tired parents first date night in a long time worth it and the food was soooo good!! Thanks again!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Food was good, portions gigantic. Come with a healthy appetite and prepare to take home leftovers.

★★★★
December 23, 2022

Nice restaurant with character. Food was ok. Service ...top shelf.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Again a rare 5 points and its all about the great staff. The people here are friendly, efficient and serve promptly. They also give great recommendations if you are tossing up the options. There is only street parking available but theres lots all around the area. There is an accessible entrance and washrooms on the main floor as well as more available downstairs. I chose the lounge to sit as I like to watch a vibrant bar staff in action. The meal, beef bones with asparagus and a salad is my favorite. Prime rib is my next favorite but I felt like enjoying succulent beef bones. Along with the entree, I enjoyed a couple of their inhouse prints, the Padre Luchador mexican style beer and a Founders Amber which paired well with the beef dish. I finished with a specialty Grand Marnier Coffee and will try a sample flight of 3 of their beers for dessert. A reasonable priced big meal for one with three drinks totalling at $70.00 taxes included. Yeah, went for the flight of Blueberry Wheat, Wall IPA and PAL light lager.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Friendly staff, amazing food equals a great experience!

December 23, 2022

The food is very average. Not worth the price.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Had dinner there yesterday and everything was amazing! Service is great and food was delicious. Entrees comes with salad, soup and bread.. all unlimited. Recommend the prime rib, super juicy and soft!

★★★
December 23, 2022

So I would ve given this review a 5 star and this is my first review ever. The fish and chips (Beer Battered Pickerel, Walleye for the people reading this that are from outside Ontario.) So far it s the best I have had in the city of Thunder Bay .. until I ended up finding 5 bones total. It s not cheap here but it s worth paying for if you don t get the bones the Chef missed in your fish. Total turn off. And if it had of been a kid that choked on it who know what would of happened. Awesome fish if all the bones where removed as advertised. I m still going back as my wife had a steak and it was pretty good as well. Keep up the good work, but I know you guys can be better! Cheers.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The rolls. Who care about the food, the rolls are to die for!

December 23, 2022

couldnt rate 0 stars just know you didnt earn this 1 star over priced burnt food

Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Just finished my wifes birthday party. It was a large party and it took about 45 minutes to get a couple cokes and root beers out to the table. Service was slow, servers werent overly helpful, a few of the meals were inedible, while two could not eat it, three others just grinned and bared it. They also got rid of the soup and salad bar. All in all I wont be going back.

★★★
December 23, 2022

Food was wonderful however Service was very slow. It took 1hour and 20 mins to get our meals and we were a table if 4 people. Server was way to busy to keep up with our drinks.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Wonderful dinner. Very friendly and helpful staff.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Excellent food, great staff. Prime rib is just prefect . Parking can be challenging. However always a great experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

I wasn t sure how the experience was going to be post COVID as they no longer have the salad bar. Rest assured it is better than ever. They bring buns, salad, and soup to the table. The buns with garlic butter are divine! The prime rib was delicious as well and was perfectly cooked. The meal was also very reasonably priced. My partner and I ate two entrees with dessert for less than $100. I would definitely return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great food and excellent service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Awesome People and awesome food! The beef barley soup and the steak was sooo good

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Salmon for me and my partner pulled steak on bread very good with starter including Barley soup and salad of choice super restaurant

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Very good food Excellent staff Highly recommended

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Great food.

★★
December 23, 2022

I ve been going to the prospector for 40 years. Leo Hockenhull would be embarrassed to be in his restaurant today. The prices are up 25 percent from 10 years ago ( expected ) but the quality is not what it should be . The manageress Joyce ran a tight ship . The place was packed every night and now it is only about a quarter full . The rib bones meal is one that I have had about 120 times . Seven big bones and meaty . Now , three bones but still meaty. My spouse had the salmon and it was small. It used to be with rice pilaf and veggies but now it is with a few potatoes and no veggies. Veggies missing on my meal too. The salads are spartan and those wonderful light delicious buns are now heavy and dense. All in all , it pains me to give it a failing grade compared to the old days when there was a lot more care in it . The beef barley soup is heavy in salt to the point that salt is all you can taste . The price is NOT an issue , raise the price if you must to bring it back to the way it was . Sorry , but I will not return and over the years I gave them probably $40 K in meals there and gift certificates that I proudly gave to my business clients that gave us referrals. Sad , really .

★★
December 23, 2022

Food was great but i was at a hotel and ordered take out , got the food came back and had no spoon or forks in the bag !!! I had to eat with my fingers , even the mash potatoe

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Amazing dishes and wonderful staff. Shout out to Tammy for being so awesome

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great food, had the sirloin 8oz with loaded potato, salad and soup. Jackie was awesome and super helpful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

We called at 8 for a table and got a reservation no problem for 845. The server was wonderful with our infant and attentive. Always a pleasure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Cant say enough good things about this restaurant. Recently moved to Thunder Bay and this restaurant was recommended by many. Brought my fiance for the first time last night and the experience was terrific! Our server Maddie, (I believe that was here name, we were very excited and in the moment so I hope I remember correctly!), and she was incredible! Friendly, welcoming, and quick service. I love this place because the food is delicious, the portion sizes are big and the atmosphere is welcoming. So happy to see a restaurant where every dollar you spend is worth it, and you can so much food! Both of us enjoyed the prime rib dinner. The buns are AMAZING, my fiance couldnt get enough. They brew their own list of beers and the amber ale is delicious. I could go on and on, but please try this place if you havent already! Highly recommend!

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

After speaking with a gentleman in the airport he had recommended this place. I walked over from my hotel. I ordered a ceaser drink which was meh. Not sure if its on the menu or not. Didnt really come with any good garnishes. I ordered the mozzarella sticks and didnt care for them at all. The waitress removed them from my bill. They had a bitter, burnt taste and the cheese was hardly melted. For the entree, I ordered the 10 oz ribeye dinner. It comes with soup, salad, buns and a side. Decided on the beef barley soup and ceaser salad. The side was a loaded baked potato. The salad barely had any dressing on it so it wasnt great and I didnt finish it. The soup was pretty decent. The meat inside which Im guessing is leftover prime rib was very tender. The buns were the best part, they were fantastic. The potato was small and burnt, way overcooked. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare which was nice. My server who was the bartender was great.

★★★★
December 23, 2022

Wonderful place to eat.no rush. Food was on point and lots of it. By far one of the best steakhouse Ive been to.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The food was good. Kensey was a sweet waitress, taking time to answer question about hiking trails.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Was very busy when I arrived last night and they seated me at the bar. Despite the craziness, the staff were very attentive. The meal I ordered consisted of a very soft bun, beef and barley soup, Caesar salad, followed by the main course of a New York Striploin with parmesan encrusted potato wedges and a Yorkshire pudding. Dessert was a brownie. I had 3 rum and Pepsi (Coke not available). Price was incredibly reasonable. With tip, the entire meal was $72. Ive paid substantially more for a lot less. The wedges were particularly delicious, though the steak and soup were great as well. The low point was actually the Caesar salad, which just seemed boring in comparison to everything else but was still entirely serviceable. Highly recommend, would come back if I were in the area!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

We havent been in like over 10years for me since I worked there... and our experience was great....even though we had a rezo for 7:30 and only got a table almost at 8....being a Chef by trade i can understand when a place is b.z like it was... service was amazing and food cooked to perfection! Idk why i waited so long to go back but it was the perfect 42nd birthday dinner!we will be back again sooner than in 10 years thats for sure good Job team

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great atmosphere and food. Their soup is the best!

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

I ordered the 10 oz Steak and Shrimp, which comes with 1 side, soup, salad and unlimited buns. I told the waitress that I cant have nightshades or gluten and she was very kind and willing to ask the kitchen about what was in the various dishes and salad dressing. I was able to have a side of rice and garden salad with balsamic, without the tomatoes. The steak was juicy, perfectly cooked and nicely chared on the outside. However I couldnt have either the beef barley soup or seafood chowder soup options or the unlimited buns that came with my meal: so I asked if I could get a side instead of the soup. She said there were no substitutions allowed and they would charge me for it. I could understand if I was just being picky and wanted a switch, but thats very tacky to charge someone with allergies to substitute. I already only had one choice on the menu and eating out causes enough anxiety. I wasnt eating soup or buns, the least they could do was give me a few veggies instead. I dont think people appreciate how truly awful it is to go to restaurants with allergies. I would have given a 5 star rating otherwise, if there was more emphasis on the customer service. Dietary restrictions: The waitress was very nice and asked the kitchen about the ingredients that Im allergic to. But they will not make substitutions without an additional charge, which may leave you with very few options. No Gluten Free menu or indications on the menu.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The steak and shrimp were delicious. I Handed the server $100 for payment and she looks at me and says do you want change ?

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Food and service are excellent. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

★★
December 23, 2022

Waited over an hour for our food and only 2 of 6 people got soup and a salad. People were showing up well after us and getting their meals with little to no long wait. Told the waitress at the beginning that we d need just a few more minutes before we re all ready to order and she didn t come back for another 20, we had to call her over. Probably never coming back here with 6 people again

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Food was delish, service was excellent. Only thing I really miss is the salad bar.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Cant say enough of this place! I have not had a better steak in my existence. Ordered Medium and was cooked to perfection. Bread was delicious and ceaser salad was fantastic.....I know, its just a ceaser salad....you would think that, but Prospectors just hit different. The unlimited fresh bread and garlic spread was the icing on the cake Great atmosphere, friendly staff and fast service. Will definitely be back and highly recommend!!

December 23, 2022

No more all you can eat salad bar with soup and fresh breads. That s a definite 2 thumbs down. When ordering main course meal, portion size have decreased considerably. That s well over a year ago, we said we would not visit again since new owners have taken over. Very disappointing and thumbs down.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Buns

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Had a delicious diner here tonight, service was great and I was amazed at the quality of my meal. I had the prime rib and it was one of the best steaks I had. The included dinner rolls were so fresh. Ill definitely come back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Love it, classic Thunder Bay restaurant

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

The Prospector Steak House offers a fine selection of own brewed beer available in the pub side of the establishment along with a more limited bar food menu. The restaurant side of the Prospector has an extensive selection of starters and mains with some very good steaks. The special desl meals offer very good value for money with soup, salad and the steak dinner main for a set price. You can also order the Prospector beer in the restaurant. Recommended.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

We had not been there for overx15 years but not disappointed. Meal and customer service was as great as years ago.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Best steak in town , pricey but well worth it. Also the buns are to die for

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

The food was excellent and the staff were friendly. Will definitely be back. Had a great night.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Excellent Prime Rib, the best Ive ever had. I go everytime I visit Thunder Bay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Very good food. Highly recommended. Thank you for the delicious meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Fantastic service, prime rib entrée cooked to perfection! You will not leave hungry. Cheers!!