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This deli inside a Mobile gas station is a surprise and welcome sight to those heading out or returning from playing in the back country of Yosemite and the surrounding area.
I had the cowboy steak sandwich again with the raspberry vinaigrette salad. Same thing I had last time, and it was just as good as I remembered. It's made with a rib eye steak (huge), so there is some work involved with cutting away the fat. Only improvement for me would be to have hotter horseradish.
This past weekend was my second time out here on my way up to hiking in Yosemite/Mammoth/BIshop. After about four hours of driving straight through Yosemite, when you think you need some gas and a break, you reach the T of Lee Vining and the Tioga Gas Mart with a hidden gem: the Whoa Nellie Deli!
Okay, so it is a little pretentious - world famous everything =P But... it's not too bad. I had the "Legendary" lobster taquitos the first time - pretty good =)
This past weekend I had the oyster po'boy - 4 large fried oysters in a tasty soft roll with lettuce and tomato. Tasty - but a little expensive for $9.50? You decide...
The best part oft his place has gotta be the view - especially if you make it there around sunset and sit outside with a nice view of Mono Lake.
Overall - Nice views, a little pricey, but definitely a cool place to stop by on the way out for some hiking!
This place is great. There are many reviews -- I don't need to elaborate. The fish tacos with mango salsa are a favorite, as is the buffalo meatloaf. The pizza is great -- bbq chicken is my favorite. And their breakfast menu is also good. Never been dissatisfied with a meal here. A bit on the pricey-side, particularly if you get the mango margaritas (GREAT BTW), but given the quality of the food, it's worth it.
For those hapless souls who rate this place badly, your experience was probably an anomoly -- ususal. Whoa Nelli Deli has been loved for years by the majority of folks. As a frequent visitor to the area, I can attest to that. The LA times even gave it a great review!
One caveat: they stop serving meals at 8pm. So if you are coming in from a long day of hiking, be sure to make it there before 8pm.
This is a happy place. It is a wonderful atmosphere, especially dining outside when bands are playing. A community meeting place for locals, and a pleasant surprise for tourists.
The store part has the basic groceries, sunscreen, and other stuff. Also cute souvenier/gift shop. Good book selection.
You can't go wrong with Mobile-Mart and the Whoa Nelli Deli!
To say this establishment is a one-of-a-kind is an understatement. The view, the remote location, the fact that it is in a gas station, and the truly outstanding food all combine with the phenomenal people watching to make this perhaps the most unique dining experience in all of California. I enjoy the buffalo meatloaf, the fish tacos, and lobster taquitos. This place is an absolute must on the itenerary whenever I am in the Eastern Sierra. There are live bands often on summer evenings playing outside. They even have a trapeze set up across the parking lot, though I've never been lucky enough to see that in use. Gourmet food in the sparsely populated high desert. It doesn't get much better than this.
Great fish tacos, and the last time I was here, lively entertainment.
Who would think that you could order gourmet food, sit outside with a view of Mono Lake, listen to music and do a wine tasting... all at a Mobil gas station? Fish tacos, lobster taquitos, steak salad, grilled salmon served on greens, wine, and one time we had mango margaritas.
It's about a 40 minute drive North of Mammoth at the East entrance of Yosemite. You may share a table with yuppies from L.A., locals from Mammoth and surrounding Sierra communities, and hikers fresh of the trail in Yosemite. A fun adventure, and they often have great bands playing.
I would not go here again. Driving 15 miles out of the way for "lobster" taquitos for $15. I thought they would be filled with big chunks of lobster meat, but instead it was some mush that had lobster flavoring in it, with a fancy salad that you could buy at Vons for a few bucks, and they definitely don't give you an entire bag. You can get a whole lobster for less than $15 easily at an authentic Chinese restaurant.
I think people like this place because it's unique. That alone does not make it good, it just means there's nothing to compare it to. It's uniquely bad.
Sure, the view is good. But I don't have to drive 15 miles past Mammoth to see good views. I'll just take the Upper Gondola at Mammoth to get a better view. Anywhere along the 395 has good views too.
This place has some tasty items on the menu. Their simple regular tuna sandwhich was quite large, tuna was overflowing from the sides.
The Fish Tacos were tasty, but pricey. Overall it was a nice place to rest before going on to a longer journey but I don't know if I would drive out of my way to stop and eat here.
After four days in the Yosemite backcountry my sons and I were ready for some chow with a view. We chose a Mobil gas station overlooking Mono Lake. Who would have thought of this in the high desert of the East side Sierras? Clean bathrooms- woohoo! We ordered and found a table outside overlooking the terrain. Our number was called and...
Son #1- He had a straight up basic burger and said the only better he'd tasted was at Taylor's Refresher in Napa.
Son #2- The huckleberry ribs- meaty and tender, a little sweet for my taste, but it had a hint of heat to balance the sweetness. His proclamation- 2nd best after Red Rock (also in Napa).
Myself- The fish tacos were excellent. I loved the taco with mango/cilantro salsa, and the cabbage slaw/ginger aioli taco was flavorful as well. The crust might have been a bit thick but the fish itself was moist, and the frying oil tasted fresh.
The order taker was curt but the kitchen was very efficient- the place was hopping the entire time we were there yet our food took less than 15 minutes. A good sign was sheriffs deputy's, paramedics, CDF crew and an ambulance team coming in for lunch. These are locals who know where the real deal can be found. Also on hand were German tourists, LA "actresses", and biker clubs.
Great food, good location and view, and an eclectic clientele make this a must do when in the Mono Lake area.
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This place has been a longtime favorite for me, and it's an oasis of good food and clean bathrooms for anyone who is playing in the nearby backcountry off Tioga Pass. Think gourmet meets dirtbag, as you'll see (among other categories of humanity) climbers, campers, fisherpeople, backcountry skiers and roadtrippers.
Despite the gradual increase in food prices over the years, it's still an amazing value place for the caliber of food. This most recent visit (this past weekend), the bf tried the special, a shrimp & bison sausage linguine with the most succulent shrimp I've had on the 395. And I had the fish tacos, which are still great - this is high praise for someone who generally does not like fried food.
Over the years the summer crowds have grown, so it's always a pleasure to savor the more relaxed ambiance pre-Memorial Day. Matt Toomey has been running this place for 14+ years, and genuinely loves what he does, which shows in the food and the return visitors.
So check it out - there's no better combination of great views (of Mono Lake) and great food in the Eastern Sierra.
I'm sorry but this place is waay over priced for what you get. If I pay $16 a head for lunch, I better be getting served, not standing inna long line and my number called out and me gettin my own food. Food was OK but mos def not worth the price. Better to go into Lee Vining and eat!
OK- the food here is pricey..I get it!
Had the ribeye sandwich at $12 and it went down great after a long day of fishing Lee Vining Creek(not complaining) .
Something thats bugging me is why would you go somewhere that is land-locked to go eat lobster? Fish I understand but lobster? Might as well fill up on the brine shrimp from Mono Lake as they will be fresher than the lobster.
Oh and btw junior, peeps like this place because the food is good compared to all the other joints Lee Vining has to offer
There are not many options around Lee Vining and this is about as good as it gets up here. It's a nice change from the typical cafe fare that is served in the mountains. We had the Ahi and the ribs and both were okay. A bit pricey, expect to spend 20 plus person. This place opens only during the summer and there are tons of hikers, rock climbers, backpackers that stop here to get something decent to eat after a long day of activity. It's a gas station and inside seating is limited but they have quite a few picnic tables outside.
Had two breakfasts and one dinner here while in the area. The best food in Lee Vining, and, yes, you can fill up with gas while you're there. You can easily miss this place because it is about 100 yards up the turnoff to go into Yosemite and appears from the road to be just a gas station with a convenience store. The people who work there are also very friendly and make for an enjoyable visit as well.
Get the fish tacos! The prices are a little steep, but you get what you pay for. Its quite a trip to go to a gas station and find a great restaurant inside, but it was very good. Ill be going back next time I'm in the area.
Walking into the Whoa Nellie Deli is like stumbling into a lost garden of Eden. I had filled up my gas at this Mobil station on several occasions in the past but had never been inside until a few months ago while on a photo shoot. I had read about their gourmet fish tacos on a photography forum about this place but figured people were being sarcastic since Lee Vining is essentially a truck stop for the Mono Lake area. I mean I had been to this gas station before and didn't notice anything unique about it other than it was at the intersection of the Tioga Pass and 395. So I decided to go in this time anyway to see what the fuss was about and was pleasantly surprised to see a full menu at the counter.
I ordered the fish tacos which were on the pricey side but it was worth every cent! These are really unique tacos. One taco includes mangos and some other tropical stuff, and other one is of the southwestern variety. The ingredients they use are top-notch. I was pretty stuffed.
So add me to the fan club. Move over Nicely's!
I've been to Whoa Nellie Deli a bunch of time. The 1st few times I really enjoyed it, this time it was just ok. I still like going there though.
It's in Tioga Gas Market where the Mobile Gas Station is. So inside is this small area where they cook up some expensive food.
This time we got:
ahi sashimi seaweed salad $13.95 - 6 medium size slabs of ahi tuna grilled on one side. Some seaweed & red cabbage. Just ok.
Hubby got a steak salad $14.95 - he liked it ok, thought it tasted better before. Some pieces can be dry, others are good. Salad was pretty average..like Costco quality.
Other dishes we liked in the past:
bbq ribs
meatloaf
They are known for their fish tacos - It's deep-fried fish so I won't try it, maybe hubby will next time.
I'll try a burger or hot dog next time w/ potato salad instead of fries.
Credit cards taken. Clean bathrooms available w/ soap..nice after camping & hiking.
Gas was $4.89 for 87 gas on Sun 8/17/08. Yikes.
The best fish tacos in California are in...... The Sierra Nevada's? This is a special place, with mind blowing food and amazing views. Absolutely 100% should you visit this incredible establishment if you are within 50 miles. It's a unique experience, but in no way intimidating for a first timer. It's FUN and functional. The cuisine is American West, with touches of french, latin, and german topped with sensible and creative presentation in every dish. They do Pizza here pretty well too--- I know to some readers that they might expect this is just an above average AM/PM, but the joke would be on you. Professional, vibrant, fun, and mouth watering would describe the experience here. There's a reason Fromer's, the LA Times, and even the Neeeeew York Times have raved about this place. It's one in a million.
Pick hits: The pork chops, the fish tacos, and definitely consider ANY special they offer. Everything is great, and there's no gimmicks!
Highly recommended, very very fun for kids too. Not a romantic destination, its a family joint, but god is the food perfectly prepared here. A beautiful thing.
Good for kids, great views. Easy place also to grab a glass of wine and split a dish while looking over the beautiful lake. Clean, but when busy you may have to claim a table that isn't bussed.
Open kitchen, that kids and adults like to sneak peeks at.
Tip: the chef might throw you something special if you lie and say you are a "Kansas City Royals Fan"
The deli here was great. Went there twice on my recent Eastern Sierra Trek.
The fish tacos were excellent and the Kansas City skirt steak caesar salad was excellent. The premade (saran wrapped), possibly the non-premade sub sandwiches (mine was the Tioga); were just okay. The BBQ chicken pizza and the pepperoni were great as well. For being a gas station, quite an unexpectedly good place to eat; better than many/perhaps most of the nearby restaurants.
Yum! What a fun place to stop by for food on the way to Mono Lake. It wasn't at all what I envisioned in my head. I thought it was a super small shack, but it is much to the contrary. It's like gourmet food camping. We had the fish tacos, lobster taquitos and desert. Mmmm....
Whoa Nelli! I can't wait to get back to the Whoa Nelli Deli! You will never believe it when I tell you, but this gourmet deli is located inside a Mobil gas station. The first time I went there, we were filling up the tank, and the hubby says, "Some people at work say they have great food in there." He gestures inside. I'm thinking, "Yeah, right. In a gas station. Hardy har har."
So, I go inside to check it out. Whoa Nelli is right!! This place has lobster taquitos, grilled salmon, blackberry salad--anything BUT deli food. Anything BUT gas station food. Hanging on the wall is a framed issue of Bon Appetite magazine featuring the joint.
I order the lobster taquitos on the suggestion of the article. My taste buds get excited! They're made with a mixture of lobster, bread crumbs, cheese, chili powder, and spices and sit atop a bed of comforting, delicious black bean puree and are topped with pineapple salsa. (A whimper of delight is truly appropriate here.) They are served alongside a lovely mixed greens salad with a blackberry vinaigrette and mango slices, all sorts of sweet tastes to accompany the richly fried and stupendous taquitos.
They have some standard deli fare as well, like pizza slices and sandwiches. Their dessert case is always filled with tasty-looking morsels, like carrot cake. I have always been too stuffed from the taquitos to try the sweets, but they look good. Based on the food my family and I have ordered here, I'm sure you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
The view itself is worth the stop! The gas station is away from the highway, nestled into the side of the mountains and overlooking the vast and beautiful Mono Lake. You can sit on picnic tables outside to eat and take in the scenery. Gourmet eating done right! You truly will forget you're at a gas station. I promise!
FYI: The deli closes in the winter--this year, it was the last weekend of October. They open sometime in spring.
GREAT food! They must know that people will pay nearly anything for food after camping for a week. It was pricey but worth every penny, at the moment! We had the fish tacos and mango margaritas. I really recommend both of these things. The mango salso covered fish taco threw me off at first sight, but after biting into it I was in HEAVEN!! Yum!! I wish that we would have eaten indoors, rather than outside. It was a bit windy and my husband was grumpy from being 'outdoors' all week long. I also wish it was cheaper and that they would bring your food to your table. We ordered pizza for the kids and they each got a very basic small slice on a paper plate for $4-$5 each....the plate blew away every time they picked up their pizza. I understand this is not the fault of restaurant, but it was frustrating and expensive enough to make me take away a star :-(. Check this place out if your ever in the area.
Whoa Nellie! You have a Deli at a Mobil Gas Station?
Everything I had was tasty and delicious but this may be a direct result of the post Half Dome Calorie Starved Body/ YOSEMITE HAS BAD FOOD Effect.
I ordered one of the specials: Tomato Fennel Soup with Crab Stuffed Artichoke. It was a dish fun to eat: spooning the soup, peeling the artichoke leaves, and digging out the crab filling. Also tried to "World Famous" fish tacos which were a perfect gringo style fish taco - soft flour tortilla taco shells and refried black beans. One taco came with a spicy cream sauce w/ shredded cabbage and the other came with a super fresh and chunky mango salsa. YOU MUST ORDER THE MANGO MARGARITA - heck I would get a pitcher of that that liquid mango gold goodness if I was feeling like a lush.
The seven layer carrot cake was one of the best I've ever head - my boyfriend agreed. The cream cheese frosting was not too sweet and the carrot cake was fresh and moist - all topped with toasted coconut.
I want to go back and try everything else on the menu!
If the Whoa Nellie was located in a big city, it might not receive the fanfare it does. But, since it's located at the 120/395, this place is a shining beacon of tastiness for outdoor enthusiasts.
Not everything on the menu is great and the quality can be inconsistent, but when they're on the ball the food is awesome. When they're not on the ball the food is still good, just not worth the price.
I usually go for the mid-range meals like carnitas tacos or jambalaya, and get a side of fries. I've never sprung for the $20 to $40 plates, however I have tried the blackberry ribs; the sauce was delicious but the meat was a little dry.
Despite the occasional taste let-down, I love the outdoor seating, the view of Mono, the music, and the people scene.
I love this place so much, I even have a picture of their lobster taquitos in my profile. Every single time I go to the Mo-Mart I always get their lobster taquitos. I can't help it. Cooked lobster inside crisp red taquito shells, smothered with mango salsa and a heaping pile of fresh dark green salad with their classic raspberry dressing. If you want to see a picture of it, look at my profile. You can't miss it.
Always order a pitcher or a cup of their famous mango margaritas with your meal, depending on how many are in your party. You won't regret it...and they're not very strong because they know people are driving...after all, it is a gas station. They also have wine for you to purchase as well - some good labels. If you're in the mood for dessert, they have you covered with some decadent - and very rich - chocolate cake. Or carrot cake. But let me get back to the food...
My companion always tends to order their cowboy steak sandwich with steak fries, and let me tell you, it's really freaking good.
I can't even remember other things on the menu because I'm so fanatical about those lobster taquitos.
The best thing about the Mo-Mart is that it's on your way to or back from everything the glorious Eastern Sierras have to offer - hiking, skiing, climbing, backpacking, fishing, mountaineering, mountain biking, you name it. It's right at the entrance to Tioga Pass (Highway 120 - the entrance to Yosemite) on the East side, intersecting at Highway 395 - my favorite highway of all time. So, if you are returning from any of the aforementioned activities, you would be a fool to pass up the Mo-Mart!!
Finally, it's also super fun to meet up and eat with all the mountain-types. You know, skiers, fisherman, climbers, etc. They're fun people, and occasionally the Mo-Mart will have a band playing where people will dance around, drink beer, and have a grand ole time. I've even heard of people getting married here - not sure if that's some covert operation, but hey - I'd do it if I didn't have family obligations!! PS...watch out for the birds and don't get shat on!!
How do I tell my friends about a gas station-deli that they been driving by for years and NEVER stopped inside to get lunch? It's amazing how this gem at Tioga Pass and 395 could be one of the most unassuming culinary highlights of the Eastern Sierras?
My wife ALWAYS orders the fish tacos with pineapple mango salsa. My brother in law ALWAYS orders the buffalo meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. Who'da thunk it? The St Louis style pork ribs with a huckleberry reduction isn't too shabby either. After 5 p.m., you can expect game on the menu too. The deserts are very rich and decadent. I always order a double portion of spaghetti squash, they do a good job. Picnic tables overlooking Mono Lake, sitting next to hippie chicks, bikers and Canadian bus tourists all lends a laid back vibe to your meal.
Matt, the Kahuna Chef is a riot. If you are a hockey fan, he'll bend your ear. (although he has no love for the Anaheim Ducks). The staff is attentive and out going. Love the backpacking-outdoorsy-suntanned-tramp-stamped chicks that work as servers. You are in for an excellent meal with generous portions.
BTW: I stopped here on 4th of July 2007 around 9 p.m. to fuel up my scoot. The place was jam packed. The Trespassers were jamming behind the gas station, standing room only. The joint was jumping! Had to have 7 or 8 people on 'stage' ripping through a medley of bluegrass versions of Pink Floyd that absolutely just rocked! Under the stars with a local micro brew.....most excellent!
Talk with any local for a good place to eat and you will be pointed to the Mobil Gas Station. We drove right by it the first time but it was worth the U turn.
I got there 2 egg and sausage breakfast and a turkey sandwich to go. Eggs were perfect and the sausages were nicely cooked.
I missed out on trying the tacos but that is their specialty.
This is a great place for a bite and too also clean up after kayaking on Mono Lake.
When I am visiting again, definitely going here again.
Kinda cool to find a restaurant, almost in the middle of no-where & in a gas station. A co-worker of mines suggested I stop here on my 2 week vacation in Yosemite/Mammoth Area.
My boyfriend and I shared a Garden Salad (good size, crisp lettuce, basic salad, all fresh) & we also, shared the ribs. The ribs were very tasty and the mashed potatoes were good, as well as the carrots. There was also, some mystery veggie on our plate, that was mushy but tasted ok. The menu stated it came with seasonal veggies, but not sure what it was.
Prices are a bit expensive. We also, stopped thru here to share a tuna sandwich. I thought the sandwich was ok, but quite hefty for around $7. Not much in it. Should have probably ordered fries or a side w/ it.
Had some coffee, as well. Decent coffee.
Food at a gas station is usually a hot dog or a bag of chips, but here in Lee Vining the shoe is on the other foot. They have gourmet food at the gas station, they don't mess around here.
Everything looked fantastic but I went with the Buffalo meatloaf, mashies and greens. Terrific, every bite was satisfying and homey. Hubby got the skirt steak ceasar, which needed a bit more dressing but was stellar just the same. Other pals had a cheeseburger that was massive with a salad and the rack of lamb (gas station food) it was all good, but the lamb was a bit underdone for my liking.
All in all it was the best food I had ever eaten in a place where I could also play the lottery, buy a postcard of Mono Lake and pump gas that is currently $4.49 per gallon. I love road trips to the Sierras.
Whoa Nellie-this place was a HUGE disappointment. so much hype, yet SOOOOOOOOOOO not that good. the "lobster" taquitos that everyone raves about, were more like catfood lobster taquitos (no joke, and we were starving after 4 days of backpacking). everything else we tried, fish tacos, and french fries, seemed to be pre- packaged frozen and then fried. the "salad" served with one of the entrees, had no dressing on it and was obviously dumped out of a huge bag of "mixed greens". they prepare the food so fast that your head spins. it just can' t be gourmet when it comes out in about 2 seconds.
i gave it 2 stars because, yes, it probably is the best quickie meal you'll have in the area. also, did i mention zero ambiance? the view of mono lake is kinda cool. save your money by driving thru yosemite with a bag of kettle chips.
Love this place... gourmet food in the middle of nowhere!
My husband loves their meat loaf, I've had the lobster taquitoes, bbq chicken pizza, oyster po'boy, pork tenderloin, and lots, and lots of others. On our last visit this past weekend hubby had the meat loaf, with potato salad and buttered spaghetti squash.... I had the oyster po'boy, great big battered oysters... it was so overfilled, we enjoyed eating the oysters by themselves before 3 can finally close up the sandwich! it was yum yumm...
We stop by whenever passing through to Lone Pine, or Mammoth Lakes... or just to stop after backpacking at Saddlebag Lakes.
One star off for the not so good ready made deli sandwiches.
Incredible food in a gas station? Yes, its a rewarding stop here on the east side of the Yosemite- I've had a pulled pork sandwich, mahi mahi salad, jambalaya, and a hamburger here in two visits...all of these were tender morsels. They have a wide variety of food to take on whatever your food mood is.
The road that leads here from the Yosemite is ridiculously beautiful- Tioga Pass. You must take this road once in your life and end up at this Mobil gas station that overlooks Mono Lake.
I think that this was the best rack of lamb that I've ever had at a gas station, and my friend said that his filet mignon was the best he's ever had at a gas station too.
The Whoa Nellie Deli is something unique, alright. Located in a gas station (yes, really, inside the Mobil gas station), you'll find this quirky place where you order and pay at the counter, pick up your food when they call your number, sit in Formica booths, and enjoy some damn fine gourmet food. Really, I'm not kidding. This is also probably the only gas station where I've had a mango margarita, and a good one at that. Lee Vining is a strange but beautiful place (well, actually the town itself ain't much to look at, but the surroundings sure are), so the Whoa Nellie seems to fit right in. They also have outdoor seating that offers a fine view of Mono Lake and the fueling island. This is a must-go place if you're in the area.
Note: they're open seasonally from the end of April to the 1st weekend in November.
EXPENSIVE, that's the first thing I noticed here. $15 for Lobster Taquitos seemed a bit much too me.
We stopped by here twice in our three days in Lee Vining, but only opted for breakfast on our last day. We ended up getting the Tioga Egg Sandwich for breakfast, around $8. I will say if you get this, don't try and drive and eat it, that doesn't work!
So you get a croissant with lettuce, red onion, tomato, bacon and an egg omelet with cheese folded in half to top it off, HUGE!!! Make sure you add some mayo, that makes it even better!
Next time I'm in town I'll have to try something else, but the breakfast was damn good!
Gourmet gas station food. I love this place. Everything is amazing. I always eat here several times when i go climbing in Yosemite's Toulumne Meadows.
Yes it's overpriced and I don't go often. But the food is good not just because the rest of Lee Vining majorly sucks. It could hold its own in an actual settlement, maybe even a city, neither of which would describe Lee Vining. The vibe in the spring, before the droves of Yosemite tourists swarm the place, is great with a bunch of sunburned, exhausted, and content outdoors people unwinding after busting ass all day in the mountains. Oh and the chefs are super-awesome. One guy let me take his jumper cables up the canyon towards Tioga Pass when my battery died. Talk about trust. But yeah it's overpriced.
Gourmet food at a Mobile Station in Lee Vining? WHAT?!
I discovered this place by reading about it in the New York Times food section and got to go when we had a family reunion at June Lake.
This place is famous for proving that you don't have to be in a city to serve up excellent food. Interestingly enough they are famous here for fish tacos (and yes, they are among the best I have EVER had!). Good food at good prices.
I guess the owner is a acrobat enthusiast as there is a whole set-up out front. It is not available for public use--I asked. It supposedly is used as an incentive to those who work there.
NOTE: This place is only open when the Tioga Pass is open.
Who knew? Probably one of the great hidden gems of Yosemite. Forget Half Dome, Mt. Dana, Cloud's Rest, Hetch Hetchy, Ten Lakes... the Mobil Station is where it's at!
Okay I'm being a bit facetious. This Mobil Station, located outside the very outskirts of the northeast point of the park is the best place to stop AFTER conquering one of the above named climbs/hikes/vista points.
I had no idea this place existed until our guides on a recent trip insisted we check it out. We dropped in after hiking Mt. Dana, the 2nd tallest peak in Yosemite (13,000 ft). The fish tacos are apparently the bomb but I couldn't resist the burger. The fries were amazing.
The atmosphere was fun and friendly with lots of outdoor seating, live music and wine tasting. There was even a trapeze set up but I have no idea what's up with that. So odd.
I like this place. I just wish it wasn't so far away.
After hearing about this place for numerous years we were finally able to eat here and loved it. The prices are a little on the expensive side but it's on the way to numerous touristy spots so that's expected. They have the best fries which had some type of garlic coating. Their burgers, lobster taquitos and tacos were also wonderful. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area.
First off, I must say that Kathrine's review has a mistake in it. This establishment is open seasonally from the end of April to the 1st weekend in November. During some of this time, Tioga pass is closed, but the deli is open. It's pretty much true that while Tioga Pass is closed, so is the Whoa Nellie Deli, but not entirely. There's ususally a few weeks in November and in March or April where Tioga Pass is still closed, but the deli is open. This is according to thier website at http://thesierraweb.co.... I've also eaten here in the spring when the pass is closed on a number of occassions. Just expect that this place will be closed during all of December through most of March.
Otherwise, Kathrine's review is dead on. The lobster taquitos are phenomenal. The pizza is great. If you're in the area, wow your friends by stopping here at this place. They'll never suspect you can get such good food at a gas station.
Lee Vining, CA
Category: American (Traditional)
Lee Vining, CA
Category: Parks
Lee Vining, CA
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Lee Vining, CA
Category: Bookstores
Lee Vining, CA
Category: Gas & Service Stations
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