The Tioga Rd is NOT to be missed! And by all means, eat at the Whoa Neli Deli, if you like to get ripped off. Frankly, I can't recommend a restaurant in Lee Vining, but Nicely's is decent. I've never eaten at Bodie Mike's, but I hear it is good. (it's never been open when I am there) While in Lee Vining take 30 mins to visit the Mono Lake Committee's visitor center in town and then another half hour to visit the one just north of town. They have a decent movie too.
Be sure to do the Mist Trail hike in the valley. But in September, there won't be any mist on the trail. But it is still a fun hike. I suspect also this year, Yosemite Falls will be dry by then too. It's been a low snow year again.
