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Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Automotive Gas & Service Stations Restaurants American (New) Delis, Gas & Service Stations, American (New) [Edit]
22 Vista Point RdLee Vining, CA 93541
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
188 reviews for Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli
Review Highlights
"I had the lobster taquitos, which were mighty tasty."
(in 12 reviews)
"Sit in or out and enjoy the views of Mono Lake."
(in 13 reviews)
"The fish tacos are insanely good."
(in 23 reviews)
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188 reviews in English
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Review from Jenn C.
1/21/2012
Chef Matt Twoomey makes some awesome food in this little cafe tucked in the far half of the gas mart - there is outdoor seating and often live music in warm weather. Chef Matt is open to making vegan-friendly dishes - and he makes the most outstanding onion rings EVER - super thin slices of onion coated in sriracha chili sauce and dredged in flour, fried up to perfect crispiness. Perfect snack after burning a jillion calories backpacking or soaking in a hot spring.
I've missed my annual (and often bi-annual) visits due to knee surgery and then a different major trip last year - but this year - I plan to hit the Eastern Sierras hard to make up for it! I've missed Chef's cooking and can't wait to visit and bring some of my preserves for him to try! -
Review from Tracy S.
12/14/2011
It has been five months since we ate at Whoa Nellie Deli, and somehow I totally forgot to write the review, which is odd, since the food here is really, seriously, toe-curlingly amazing!
There is a wonderful sense of cognitive dissonance when you walk into this place and realize, Wow. It really is a gas station. You can just as easily come here to get beef jerky and a soda as you can gourmet food, which is why there is a real danger of sticker shock when you see the prices on the menu painted on the wall. My eye was immediately drawn to the Wild Buffalo Meatloaf, but at nearly $20, I was pondering other options. Husband convinced me to just go for it, and thankfully I did. He was in the mood for a steak, which wasn't on the menu, so he ordered the steak sandwich, no bread. Because we were coming off of a weekend of camping food, we also ordered a side salad to get some much-needed veggies.
And it was worth every damn penny.
The meatloaf left me whimpering, it was so good. Even though I am not usually a fan of squash, the spaghetti squash that came on the plate was sublime, like eating butter in vegetable form. Husband was in love with his steak (sandwich, no bread). Even more surprisingly, the salad we ordered was HUGE, and full of delicious, colorful veggies so fresh that we suspected there might be a chef's garden growing somewhere near the RV Dump Station. There was so much food that we had to get to-go boxes for half of our meals so that we could focus on finishing that ridiculously good salad.
The people who work here maintain a friendly attitude despite the crowds, although service isn't a big issue since everything is counter service. This is kind of nice, though, if you are out this way camping and dressing up isn't really an option.
There are a lot of great places to eat along 395, but I have to say, Whoa Nellie Deli is the Queen of the Highway. We will definitely be back next summer.Listed in: Highway 395
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Review from Athena T.
11/10/2011 5 photos
Every time we pass through Lee Vining we make a point to stop off at the Whoa Nellie Deli for a fantastic meal. Where else can you get such incredible gourmet food in a gas station?
The fish tacos and lobster taquitos are a must try. But so is anything off the specials board. The day we were there they had Ahi Sashimi, a Swordfish sandwich with sriracha crunchy onions, and Buffalo Osso Bucco. The soup of the day was sherried Mushroom. Now THAT'S a special's board!
I love the outdoor patio. It's a great place to stop and relax while you're sipping an incredible mango margarita and taking in the gorgeous view of Mono Lake.
Whether you're just traveling through or making this a foodie destination, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed if you take a little "gas station" food break here at the Whoa Nellie Deli. -
Review from Sean C.
San Francisco, CA
I stopped here for lunch on the long drive from San Francisco to Beatty, NV. They have a decent selection of gourmet items ranging from buffalo meatloaf to fish tacos as well as a limited sandwich menu.
I decided on a $8 tuna salad sandwich which was served on a wheat roll and was stuffed with so much tuna that it had to be eaten with a fork and knife!
Best gas station food ever!Listed in: On the road
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Review from Laurie H.
Windsor, CA
1/10/2012
The fish tacos are to DIE FOR!!!! The BEST EVER!!!! In fact, all the food here is amazing and delicious and fresh, and you'd never know it, being in a "gas station." If you are passing thru Lee Vining DO NOT MISS IT. I live about 10 hrs away from this place and it makes me want to cry. What I would do right now for their fish tacos & a mango margarita.....
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Review from Tj K.
Clovis, CA
1/5/2012
Best gas station food this side of the Mississippi..and on either side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Not only is the food delicious (whether you get a hot meal or a wrapped sandwich to go), but the cooks/chef actually look and sound like they're having a good time. The first time I drove over Tioga Pass from the Central Valley to explore California's eastern high country, I stopped to refuel and purchase a few things from the adjoining convenience store.. It was amazing how many locals were here for an early breakfast (always a good sign in my book). Before I left, the amazing smell from the deli made me regret not stopping for a meal. I haven't made that mistake again, and now--this is a must stop destination along our path to adventure whenever we come across the pass.
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Review from Cindy A.
El Segundo, CA
I honestly did not think a gas station could ever have delicious food, but I was dead wrong. I've been hearing of this place for a while, and I finally got to try it out this past weekend. I ordered the Buffalo Meatloaf, and it was so juicy and flavorful, that my mouth craved for more. I was extremely sad that they were out of mashed potatoes though, since everyone said they were sooo good. I also tried the lobster taquitos, and I don't even like lobster, but I still liked it (probably because it didn't taste like lobster at all). Another friend had the BBQ chicken sandwich which looked delicious and huge. He scarfed that thing down fast because it was soo good, and he was so full that I had to help him finish his fries. I will definitely be coming back here to try the other dishes they have.
This place isn't a far drive from Mammoth, so if you're staying in Mammoth and want to try some delicious food come here. The prices aren't cheap though, so be prepared to spend 40 bucks on two meals. I was scared that since it's so popular there wouldn't be seats, but there is plenty of seating outside and they get your food out really quick. It also said no dogs on all the grassy areas, but everyone I saw there had a dog.
The specials menu always has some new stuff, but a lot of it is only available for dinner only. Also, they're only open in the summer and early fall, which also gives some great views of area, so make sure you plan accordingly. Oh yeah, and don't plan to get gas there... it's ridiculously expensive.Listed in: Mammoth Schleppin!
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Review from Adonis V.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tucked away inside a gas station, a pleasantly excellent gem of a restaurant exist. Whoa! Nellie! Who would've thought there would be a gourmet restaurant in a gas mart??? But that's what's here, excellent breakfast items await you.
I ordered the Cowboy Steak and Eggs for breakfast and the whole cow was served up...literally. It didn't moo or anything, it was medium rare but damn it's freakin' HUGE (that's also what she said). If you're hungry and want to gobble up a whole cow try this dish, you won't be disappointed. This place seem to care about quality and for that they get a high five.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Mark H.
Missoula, MT
12/22/2011
The first time we stayed in Lee Vining was back in 2001. We had spent all day 4-wheeling and exploring the ghost towns in the area (including Bodie) and the lady at our motel's front desk suggest the WND for dinner. Skeptical does not even begin to cover our reaction. But with not much else to choose from, and her reassurances, we took a chance.
It was amazing. My wife still talks about the breaded pork tenderloin she had that night. I honestly don't remember what I had, but it was equally astonishing. We ate there every meal during our 2 night stay.
Since then I have planned many trips through the area around a visit to the WND, most recently in 2006 (we moved to Montana in 2007) and highly recommend this "gas station dining" to everyone we can.
Never had a bad meal there, but my favorite was the Kansas City Steak Salad, the wife's is the pork tenderloin or the fish tacos.
Breakfast was always a good start to the day...
I wonder when I can get over that way again. Hopefully soon. -
Review from Secret Asian M.
Montrose, CA
8/30/2011
I have to reluctantly admit Whoa Nellie Deli is hit or miss. After snaking out of Yosemite at night, coming across the illuminated Mobil sign was like finding civilization in the hinterlands.
We ordered the vaunted lobster taquitos and a grilled swordfish sandwich on special that day. I have to say the taquitos are disappointing. The only thing "lobster" about them is that they are red. The filling is most bread crumbs with no discernible lobster-ness about them. However, the accompanying mango salsa and avocado were terrific.
The stand out winner was the swordfish sandwich which came covered with scrumptiously crunchy onion rings, on a soft roll with lettuce and tomato. It was so surprisingly, amazingly entrancing, we kept talking about it for a week and the moment we got home, replicated it much to our delight.
A second visit on the same trip was also hit and miss--the seared maguro salad isn't anything you can't find at a mainstream Japanese place in a southern California strip mall. The rice was the wrong kind as well as being cold and hard. The chicken jambalaya was merely okay. The standout for that meal was the sherry mushroom soup which was fantastic. However, at about 10 bucks, a bit pricey for a bowl of soup.
So, having said all of that, I'd certainly come back here, but with the caveat that one much choose wisely from the menu. Its not perfect, but in the middle of the boondocks, this is a good effort. -
Review from Dave T.
Riverside, CA
Updated - 10/20/2011
We stayed in Lee Vining for 3 days and didn't feel like cooking some of the time so we gave Whoa Nellie Deli our business again. Our first night we stopped in for dinner. My GF had the fish tacos and I had the carnitas tacos. Both dishes were awesome and could beat any Mexican restaurant anytime. we also ordered a side of fries, which are awesome!! Both are meals were great and more than we could eat. The food came quick and the staff was awesome.
It only gets a 4 star because of the price. $35 for our meal and we only had soft drinks, pricey!!!
The next morning we stopped in for breakfast and we split the egg sandwich, one of my favorites and was exactly the way I remember it the first time I had omessyssay, yummymeee!!!
I can't wait to try some of their other dishes someday. One of your neighbors had the Ahi Tuna and it looked to die for and was more than you could imagine, plus she was drooling while eating it! ;-)
Don't pass the place up and don't let it being a gas station fool you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2008
EXPENSIVE, that's the first thing I noticed here. $15 for Lobster Taquitos seemed a bit much too me.… Read more »
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Review from J. C.
Mountain View, CA
10/6/2011
I've tried restaurants in nearby communities. So far as I know, there are no comparable restaurants in Hawthorne, Nevada (62 miles) or Bridgeport, California (25 miles). In my opinion, you would have to drive south to Mammoth Lakes (29 miles) to get a meal of this caliber. I found the staff prepares meals of consistent quality at each visit. I think it's tough to pull off this kind of repeatable high quality when you're this far away from population centers. All of your perishable goods come from far away. You have a limited pool of potential staff. If a dish machine or convection oven craps out, you have to alter your workflow around the failure until someone arrives from a distant city to fix it.
I've tried menu items including Buffalo meatloaf and their famous fish tacos. The fish tacos arrive looking like two heaps of filling with flour tortillas under them. One taco has fish, red cabbage, and a mild horseradish sauce. The other taco was a mound of mango relish with a fish filet underneath. They look nice and taste good.
In spite of a steady flow of patrons lining up at the registers, service was fast.
I keep thinking, "If the fish were not deep fried, it would be even better." -
Review from sandyann g.
Livermore, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in such a hurry to get to the WND for some Fish Tacos that I got there too early for lunch! What? No Tacos at 9:30 am? I had to 'settle' for the Salmon bagel. I must have really been looking forward to the fish tacos because I was less than 'hooked' by the salmon. Perhaps I did not realize what I was ordering because I got 'smoked' salmon. Not as in smoked flavoring but smoked and dried out salmon. I couldn't eat it and Nikita didn't want it either. A dog turning down food? The best part about this bagel breakfast was the ripe tomato slices.
All three of the people behind the counter were picking food up and putting it in their mouths while preparing the customers orders. Gross! You might do that in your own kitchen to your family (well I do anyway) but you don't do it to strangers who are standing there watching you. Thank god I didn't see anyone licking their fingers. That is a deal breaker.
Perhaps this was an off day. I will be back though another day for the tacos as I know those are great. Along with the views of Mono Lake it is well worth the stop -
Review from Jen K.
11/3/2011
I guess for a gas station this was good, but compared to a regular dining experience it left me underwhelmed. The lobster taquitos was not filled with fresh lobster like I was hoping, instead it was a mashed consistency which might have been lobster....who knows because I couldn't tell. I ate it all though because I was so hungry. The only highlight was the mango margarita.
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Review from Hal A.
Boulder Creek, CA
7/20/2011
Recently spent four days in Lee Vining. Someone said there are seven restaurants in Lee Vinining. I think there are only two - The Mono Inn and the Whoa Nellie Deli. If you can drop your need for snob appeal, the W.N.D. has a great selection of surprisingly sophisticated dishes. On one occasion I had seared ahi which was excellent. We went back several times when we were at a loss where to have lunch or dinner.
Four stars - It can be a little hectic and noisy - but it's still worth it! -
Review from Norm H.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
7/21/2011
This is the best gas station slash deli in California. From the cleanliness to the service to the great gourmet food you can't go wrong.
The food is so good and the outdoor patio is a great place to grab a bite with a great view of Mono Lake.
If you are driving on the 395 you must stop here to fill up your gas tank and stomach! -
Review from Dave G.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 8/12/2011
Stopped in on a recent summer weekend after a camping trip in Tuolomne Meadows and a visit to June Lake. Man, it's gotten REALLY popular!
The parking lot was filled to the gills and the place was packed, but they moved the lines really fast and had food flying out the window quick as you ordered it.
I had the carnitas tacos and my wife had the fish tacos. They were pretty good, with innovative flavors, but I was a bit disappointed after my past experiences here. Still a great treasure along the eastern Sierra, and we'll definitely be back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2010
Terrific food in a completely unexpected location. Had the jambalaya and was really impressed.… Read more »
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Review from Jerri R.
Palm Springs, CA
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
So unexpected and worth the stop just for the experience. Call me spoiled but the often mentioned fish tacos were ok; greasy breading and portions of gray meat along with flaky white. The lobster taquitos (again mentioned often by Yelpers) were blended meat paste; difficult to identify any lobster meat. Black beans had a nice flavor but the serving size equaled about 4 tablespoons. The leafy greens with the lobster dish were fresh and took up most of the plate... a little over a cup full.
Note to Yelp or owners... Please update site to indicate that breakfast is not served after 10:30 am. -
Review from Tracy Y.
Oakland, CA
7/6/2011
We ate here on a Friday afternoon and again the following Monday morning.
The prices are a little high but then again I wonder if they have high transportation costs from the bigger cities. My dining companion (aka my wife) had a grilled fish sandwich with crispy onions that she's still talking about. My carnitas tacos were just ok. The tomatillo salsa was way too sweet and the carnitas was cubed - how strange.
Also my tacos were a total fork&knifer meal which one does not expect from tacos.
I admit that my tacos left me a little hesitant to eat there again. But we stopped on our way home to feed/potty dogs and have some breakfast. The breakfast sandwich my wife had looked amazing. The veggies were really fresh, nicely done bacon and a tasty croissant.
My breakfast was so super good. Two eggs over medium, taters, toast and smoked trout. All of which was really well prepared. The troust was a vibrant color and smoked just right. My eggs were just runny enough to soak into the potatoes and create a little bit of a sauce.
So one fail out of four isn't bad and the good stuff was so good that I'm willing to overlook the taco fail. -
Review from sueann s.
Cupertino, CA
7/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This deli found inside the Tioga Gas Mart serves up high quality food and provides a great view of Mono Lake. I've heard rumors of live bands playing here on summer nights with the occasional belly dancer. And though we weren't lucky enough to visit while the trapeze artists were present, I hear they offer up lessons to tourists.
We stop by every time we visit the Eastern Sierra area and we have not yet been disappointed. The menu is extensive and a few examples of their offerings include lobster taquitos, chicken jumbalaya, and herb crusted grilled pork tenderloin. (From a gas mart deli!!)
Some of our recent favorites are their "world famous" fish tacos, the calamari sandwich, bbq chicken pizza and their seared tuna (very generous portions).
Fries are amazing and only costs an additional $1 when you order an entree. Get the fries, you will not regret it. Quite possibly the best fries I've had. -
Review from Sandy K.
Long Beach, CA
Updated - 11/6/2011
This place was just okay. After all the raves, maybe I expected too much, I don't know. I had the famous tacos and they were good, but not exceptional. The place is pretty expensive too! It's a fun place to go, but just don't expect too much.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2011
This place was just okay. After all the raves, maybe I expected too much, I don't know. I had the… Read more »
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Review from tom l.
Palo Alto, CA
5/30/2011
We spent four nights on June Lake, near Mono Lake, hiking and exploring. Whoa Nellie was a gift from heaven. Who would expect extremely high quality food and creative delicious dishes near Mono Lake, never mind at a gas station? We'd stop there to pick up sandwiches on our way out to a hike, then eat these delicacies at Lundy Falls surrounded by snow covered cliffs and rushing water. Pure bliss. If we could plan it well, we'd stop at Whoa Nellie on our way back to our June Lake inn for an incredible sit-down meal. The choices are varied and all tempting, the ingredient quality is excellent, the final product is delicious and nourishing, AND the service is top notch. Everyone was friendly and happy and helpful.
Don't judge the book by it's cover. It looks like a gas mart, it sells gas, and yet the food is better in many respects then many restaurants in the Bay Area. This is a special find not to be missed. Thank you Whoa Nellie for loving what you do and doing it so well! -
Review from Nicholas N.
Brea, CA
9/18/2011
I have a relative who used to work here. She took me here twice in August 2011, I ordered the fish tacos the first time... They were ready in 60 sec and they were obviously pre-made and cold. 4 days later we returned (to my dismay). This time i ordered a bbq chicken sandwich, again ready in 60 sec and cold. At $10 to $15 a plate, they could at least cook food to order. Lots of people rave about it, I'd say eat in Bishop or Mammoth and drive right past it
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Review from Sandy M.
Wall Township, NJ
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing. We were really hungry since all services on tioga pass were closed. Stopped here with low expectations, left here with a delicious meal in our bellies !
Outstanding tacos and salads . Home cooked. Reasonable prices and super friendly staff ! WOW all at a gas station : ) -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
Good place to eat outside of the camp ground area of Yosemite. I came here in 2006 and ate a fish taco.
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Review from selena p.
Monterey, CA
7/30/2011 2 photos
I was born in the Sierras and decided to take my family to visit as they had never been. My family had left Lee Vining when I was 7 or so, it has been quite a few years since I had been back. 17 to be exact. Once settling into our great motel (Murphys) and connecting with some ol' family friends it was time to figure out where to eat, let me tell you the options are few...
But if you as the locals they say go to the Mobile! Lobster Taquitos, ceasar salad with steak and fish tacos...
So that is what we did and they were right. This is fast food done right.
It was so good we ate 3 of our 6 meals out there.
The ribs were beyond fabulous, the Lobster taquitos were amazing, and the fish tacos were out of this world. No complaints whatsoever!
Everyone had a smile and made you feel welcome which is number one on my list as I am in the hospitality business myself. The bussers even opened the door and smiled while saying hello.
We are already planning next years return trip as we enjoyed our trip and want to go back and finish hiking places we didnt get to cross off our list and try other items on the menu that we didnt get the opportunity to try...
A+ and Five *'s Thanks.... -
Review from Marianne s.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
I know what you're thinking...it's a gas station. But it's so much more! Fish Tacos, Lobster, Steak...ya. Pretty good! Don't go when they are super busy but a great stop when you're heading back to Mammie from a day in Yosemite or Topaz. It's still fast food, but if Walker Burger is closed this is a gem!
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Review from Mike B.
Bridgeport, CA
5/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favorite places to eat. I live within 30 miles and try to eat here multiple times throughout season.
Tonight we came for Mother's Day, there were four of us. Three of us had the the fillet Mignon that was the special. The fillets were all center cuts and were prepared to perfection. It was paired with garlic mashed potato's and a pile of fresh spaghetti squash. We topped the dinner off with a glass of the house Cab which was wonderful.
I have yet to have a bad meal here, let alone an average meal. I would recommend lunch or dinner here to anyone...... -
Review from Han S.
Fremont, CA
6/28/2011
I dig the unique fish taco dish with mango and bean sauce. I eat it all.
Order the fries for $3.50, well worth it.
Good beer selection but pricey.
I wish food quality is more consistent.
Good bathroom, cell phone stop. -
Review from Tom C.
8/8/2011
Oh my. The fish tacos are insanely good. And perfect with a beer after a long day of hiking. Nice crunchy batter with really tasty mango salsa and black beans on the side. You're going to pay $20 for entree and beer, but considering where you are, its worth it. If you're on 395 or coming to/from Yosemite, you gotta eat here.
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Review from Jenni K.
Mariposa, CA
9/15/2011
Awesome!
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Review from Tahoe Q.
Incline Village, NV
9/28/2011
Wow. I am bummed. I just had dinner at the Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli tonight. My husband and I have not only eaten here about once a year for several years (as we pass through the town); but we've recommended this place to many friends and family members.
What happened? About 4 years ago, I got the lobster taquitos (back then, they were about $12). I was amazed at how excellent they were - I thought it was great value for the money.
Tonight I ordered the World Famous Fish Tacos, and my husband got the grilled Asian salmon on a salad. Geez. Uninspired hardly describes the slop we were served. My fish tacos actually stank fishy right after I cut them open. Not a good sign. I got two itty bitty pieces of some kind of white fish that had been battered and deep fried. The soft tacos were heaped with filler: cabbage from a sack drizzled with a gross mayo-based dressing. It was served with a small, flat, watery serving of tasteless black beans. The beans had more mayo-drizzle zig-zagged all over it. WTF? Is that supposed to impress me?
My husband's salmon looked like it'd been grilled a few hours ago. It was all dried out and tasted kind of sour. It was served on a small pile of mixed greens - from a bag! Slices from half an apple and half an orange decorated the plate. Salmon with apple? Yuck. Plus the apple slices were completely mealy and brown, like they'd been sliced a couple hours ago. We saw Manuel in the kitchen pop our entrees into the microwave. Yup, nuked. No inspiration, care, passion, quality or flavor at all.
We paid $30 for this pathetic excuse for food. I am sorry, but there must be a change in management here. No one cares about the food anymore. The cooks were cheerful enough, but seem not to be trained in how to prepare fresh, healthy, tasty food that is actually worth $15 a plate.
Save yourself the money. Either find another place in Lee Vining or go to the market and get something to go. This Mobil Gas station deli is coasting on a LONG DEAD reputation. Their food is utterly pathetic, and I will not be eating here again. -
Review from Peyton C.
Corona, CA
4/16/2011
I have eaten at several gas stations and NONE have given you an experience like Whoa Nellie Deli.
They are very friendly and their food? DELISH! I plan on going back next time I am in the area. The price is reasonable considering how good the food is and where they are located. -
Review from Kevin D.
Asheville, NC
5/14/2011
This place used to be incredible, but lately the quality of the food has gone downhill. It's true that this place is a gas station that serves Buffalo Burgers, fish tacos, ahi tuna and many other delicacies, but they have gotten so busy lately that the food is sacrificed.
If you're driving along 395 there are definitely better places to eat alongside Mono Lake.
I will say this one positive...Occasionally there is a band playing and when there is, this place is exciting. Tons of people, dancing, drinking, good music. During those days, the Mobil gets a 5 star just for the vibe. -
Review from William D.
Oakland, CA
9/15/2010 4 photos
Me & the boys stopped in after an epic road burner ride through Yosemite on the Tioga Pass.
It was real close to their closing time,so the bro & I looked @ the menu & made the quick decision to order the prime rib steak on special($24.95 each)
The steak was a generous bone in prime rib that was topped with a blue cheese & cooked to perfection.
It came with grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes(also excellent)
Steve & John had the fish tacos .Even though I didnt have any they looked awesome & both said they were the bomb.
Two pitcher's of the ale on tap(can't remember the name,but very close to Sierra Neveda).
Not the cheapest meal ever,but how many times in your life are you going to be able to order a top notch steak dinner @ an effing gas station,espically @ 9:00 pm on a Friday night in Lee Vinning.
Classic!!! -
Review from Patty L.
Berkeley, CA
9/9/2010
A three day long backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierras led me to discover this gas station / culinary gem (which I will now refer to as Mo' Mart) for the very first time. Oh the irony is there indeed, folks! Like stealing from the poor to give to the rich, this Mo' Mart will steal your heart. My friends gave me fair warning about this place and told me about their favorites - ribs, rack of lamb, buffalo meat loaf, lobster taquitos..and so much more.
"At a freaking gas station? You've got to be joking"
Sure enough, we arrived and my jaw piummeted to the ground. Picnic tables adorned the well kept lawn, and off to the side lay views of the raw and stunningly picturesque Mono Lake. Ranchera music blasted from the speakers and at that very moment I began to crave tacos. If only they had...
And lo and behold, the Mo' Mart carried FISH TACOS, which were absolutely amazing. The fish was fried to a perfect crisp, not greasy or heavy at all. Along with a side of warm black beans, the two fish tacos I got with my plate came with two different toppings. One was a delicious fresh mango salsa and the other was a crunchy mixture of wasabe, cabbage, and carrots.
I also got to try my friend's barbequed ribs, which were really tender and flavorful. The potato salad was a bit of an odd color - like a light red velvet. However, it tasted divine and may I dare say, somewhat healthy. This nutritionist is dumbfounded...
Great beer selection. We got a 6-pack of the Mammoth Pale Ale, which is brewed at 8,000 feet in Mammoth Lakes, CA. There's nothing like a tasty microbrew after a backpacking trip and what's also great is that this place also carries draft beers. I've got nothing but love for ya Mo!
The best part of my first Mo' Mart experience, though, really had to do with seeing a giant tour bus full of Italian tourists pull into the lot. About 40 of them passed by us and I could not stop chuckling at their bewildered faces. Those Italians probably now think every gas station in the U.S. is like Mo' Mart.
So yeah, Mo' Mart is brimming with irony.
The dessert options included chocolate cake with fresh raspberry sauce, carrot cake, or key-lime cheesecake with fresh mango mousse. I love chocolate so no surprise that's what I went for and boy, I am thrilled I did. My friends and I got our cake to go and saved it for our stopover at Olmsted Point, which offers breathtaking views of Half Dome. Once we arrived, the cake with raspberry sauce was silently devoured by the four of us in a matter of minutes. Nine dollars perfectly well spent.
Mind you the food here isn't super cheap, but you really do get what you pay for. Views of Mono Lake, live bands, delicious food, plentiful seating, and friendly employees are just a few of the reasons why Mo' Mart is one of my new favorites stops en route to the Sierras. -
Review from Pamela M.
La Verne, CA
7/1/2011
Lee Vining firefighters, GREAT food & good lil beer selection. YES please!!!
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Review from kevin l.
Fremont, CA
6/10/2011
2nd time here. Good, but I don't get what all the hype is about. Must be the very limited selection of restaurants in the area I guess (there was only 1 other open nearby). Finding a bug in our salmon salad didn't help either.
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Review from Scott G.
GROVELAND, CA
9/7/2011
Best food in the Eastern Sierras! This is what I tell everyone about the Mobil Mart. Sure its a gas station with a treasure in the back called the Whoa Neli Deli. Every item I have tried there is great, the outside seating is relaxing, and when there is live music; well it cannot get much better. If any of my clients happen to be crossing Tioga Road I always suggest they stop at the MobilMart. Every client has since thanked me.
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Review from Joe S.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
10/13/2010
OK, I have a bone to pick with some of these bad reviewers. Don't take it personally, my fellow Yelpers, but I think some of you are completely missing a few really important points here. The gripes seem to be about:
1) The price. C'mon, people...for all practical purposes, this is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and it costs a helluva lot to get anything delivered there. I know, because I own a restaurant in Tahoe, and it's pricey there...let alone at Mono Lake. Look at a map...it will give you some perspective.
2) The freshness of, for example, the lobster meat or the fries...again, this place is not on the coast or ANYWHERE near a single farm of any kind. How the hell do you expect them to have fresh-off-the-boat lobster meat? In fact, the fact that they have some of these ingredients at all is impressive.
3) The ambiance of the gas station. Are you kidding? First of all, it's one of the nicest, cleanest, and friendliest gas stations in the country, with an amazing view and epic outdoor area to enjoy. And second of all, the fact that it's in a gas station is one of the whole reasons why it is so unique and memorable and pleasantly surprising. How many times are you on a road trip and stop at a random gas station, to find a top-notch GOURMET restaurant inside, serving filet mignon? Again, a little perspective is in order here.
OK, that aside...I love this place. I am a restaurateur and foodie, and I make the drive from Tahoe down to Joshua Tree several times a year, and this is not only the best food on the 395, it's one of the highlights I look forward to every time. Do yourself a favor and stop in and eat...and just remember, you're at a gas station overlooking Mono Lake!
