The Prospector, located on 7th St. and Junipero Avenue and now an icon in Long Beach, is one of the most interesting restaurants you’ll ever go to. Like most everyone who goes there for the first time says, "I know I’ll be back soon. What an interesting place. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere unique." With separate bar and entertainment area the Prospector was founded in 1965. The décor, an 1849 Gold Rush theme, is well-worth the visit itself. The Prospector is not a pretentious place; but rather a pleasant, cozy, comfortable and extremely reasonably priced one. New customers are always very pleasantly surprised when they see any Prospector meal placed in front of them. All include a huge colorful tray of chilled vegetable and relish appetizers AND fresh salad AND (their famous) soup AND entrée WITH baked potato, fresh hot garlic toast AND a delightful dessert with whipped topping.

As Luis Lemus, the beloved owner and head chef for many years, says, " The Prospector hasn’t changed much in all the years it’s been around simply because the customers love it the way it is." Luis has worked at The Prospector since 1978 and progressed his way from the kitchen to owner through hard work, a pleasant personality, and desire to please the customers. He claims it was a lot of "luck" too. But when you experience The Prospector’s unique, down-home atmosphere you’ll realize why "Luis’ dream" has nothing to do with luck. Luis has musical entertainment three nights a week at The Prospector, including karaoke two nights in the separate entertainment and bar area. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4-6pm.