The Prospector Fails To Mine Burger Gold.

If Knott's Berry Farm had a bar this would be it.  Complete with faux cave walls, tacky western murals and a gold rush theme, Haskell's Prospector offers the western wannabe a watering hole on 7th and Junipero.  

On Saturday afternoon, Hot dog Jones and I saddled up to the bar ordered two beers and then moseyed over to a table in the corner.  While waiting for the Giant Jew (GJ) to make his appearance, I surveyed the bar scene and was amused at the eclectic mix of lounge lizards.  At a table next to us, I observed the not so rare urban cougar.  Clad in a slinky black dress and white high heals, she was definitely on the "Prospector Prowl".  At the bar, there appeared to be two female "softball players" arguing about Melissa Ethridge's  last album.  A couple stools down the bar, there was a tall blonde sporting camouflage pants, think Army surplus chic', working the old timers at the bar. 

The atmosphere at The Prospector is self described as "unique", and that could not be closer to the truth.  In fact, the bar and lounge at The Prospector is closed off from the restaurant by a glass wall and door.  Like something out of a government laboratory, the lounge area has been hermetically sealed from the restaurant.  Given the local neighborhood and crusty clientele,  it seems Mr. Haskell has taken precautions to quarantine the "unique" bar flies from his family eatery.

After a few beers, this cow poke rang the dinner bell and ordered the "Buckaroo" burger for $6.95.  Served open face; the tomato, lettuce, white onion and pickle came on the side.  The burger came with  a choice of soup/salad and fries.   The soup was "split pea delight", so I did the safe thing and opted for the salad.  

The burger flew out of the kitchen covered in bright yellow processed cheese, .50 cents extra. The bun was slightly stale and the meat was cooked to the tenderness of rawhide.  The burger was served dry, lacking any sauce or condiments. While the tomato was crisp and fresh, the poor shriveled leaf of lettuce was limp and anemic  much like an old man without his Viagra.  

Now, I know that since 1965, The Prospector has been known for their inexpensive prime rib, steak and lobster dinners and not their burgers.  But Mr. Haskell, this Burger Miner was digging for mORE!