22 Vista Pt. Rd., Lee Vining, In the Mobile Station at the turn to Tioga Pass on U.S. 395/ 647-6090
Summers Only
$$

It's been said in recent years that a trip to Yosemite is not compete without two things: A visit to Half Dome and dinner at the Whoa Nelly Deli in Lee Vining. While the former, in its glaciated granite glory, is an obvious must-see, the gas station/gourmet restaurant overlooking the ancient Mono Lake is pretty hard to pass up. Eastern Sierra locals drive from as far south as Bishop for specialties like mango-laced lobster taquitos, buffalo meatloaf and, the steak Caesar salad. The deserts and mango margaritas are also good option after a day of hiking around Yosemite. What more could this place offer than gas and top notch cuisine? You guessed it -- live entertainment. Akin to Sherwin's Folly in Mammoth, the best jam bands from all over the state come here to rock out. And better yet, since the music venue is part of a gas station, you can buy six-packs of beer and sip on them on the outdoor patio while grooving to South Lake Tahoe's Blue Turtle Seduction, among others. Whether headed north or hanging out in Mammoth, Lee Vining's Whoa Nelly Deli is deserving of the recognition is has won, and will surely see more in the future.