Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli

This place years back was a great hidden oasis.  Then it got too popular. The prices rose. The Cul. inst. of Amer chef left to start his own place in Mammoth.  The service sucks. (Agreed, it IS a pick up at the counter type of place, but at least clean a few of the tables). And the FLIES,!!!!!
The last 3 times I was there I spent most of my time waving off the flies.
Like Ancient Rome, it was great, then it collapsed. I'm back to being a Nicelys customer whenever in LeeVining

This is why I love Yelp and Yelpers.  We have drive Highway 395 from Palm Springs to Reno many times, and have always driven right by this little town.  We were hungry, and our favorite restaurant in Bishop had lines around the block, so we continued on to Lee Vining.  I checked Yelp and this place sounded so good.  

It is.  It is wonderful.  The fish tacos rock, and the lobster taquitos were fresh and flavorful.  It is not an inexpensive place for order at a counter food, but it is worth it.  When you consider how remote this little place is, and the quality and freshness of what they serve, it is quite remarkable.  

We now have a new place to look forward to stopping on our journeys up and down the 395 corridor.  Note, they are open only May - October.

Who knew the Tioga Gas Mart and Whoa Nellie Deli would be a highlight of our trip?  Go figure.  But it was really that good.  It is the first restaurant and Mobil gas station you see after you turn off on highway 120 on the way to Yosemite.

This deli/gas mart is fairly famous  to those whose frequent the Eastern entrance to Yosemite.  There's a full selection of Yosemite gift shop paraphernalia, some last-minute back country sporting goods supplies, and some pretty tasty eats served up by the kitchen staff.

What other gas station serves up 1/2 lb handmade burgers. seared ahi plates, and the like?    

There are restrooms, indoor and outdoor tables for dining, plus a decent selection of grocery items for sale in addition to the touristy t-shirts and posters.