On July 21, 2025, Elon Musk’s vision of blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology came to life with the grand opening of the Tesla Diner and Drive-In in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Situated on the historic Santa Monica Boulevard, this retro-futuristic eatery combines classic American diner fare, electric vehicle charging, and a drive-in movie experience, creating a unique destination for Tesla enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The diner, which opened its doors at 4:20 p.m.—a playful nod to Musk’s affinity for marijuana references—has already garnered significant attention for its innovative features, including Cybertruck-shaped food boxes, robot servers, and massive LED screens. This article explores the Tesla Diner’s opening, its unique offerings, and its potential to redefine roadside dining.

A Vision Seven Years in the Making

Elon Musk first teased the concept of a Tesla Diner in 2018, describing it as an “old school drive-in, roller skates, and rock restaurant” paired with a Tesla Supercharger station. The idea was to merge the nostalgic charm of 1950s American diners with the futuristic ethos of Tesla’s electric vehicle technology. After years of planning and construction that began in September 2023, the two-story, stainless steel-clad structure—designed by Tesla’s chief designer Franz von Holzhausen and architecture firm Stantec—finally opened its doors on the site of a former Shakey’s Pizza. The result is a 9,300-square-foot hub that seamlessly blends dining, entertainment, and EV charging.

The Tesla Diner is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that encapsulates Musk’s penchant for bold, boundary-pushing ventures. With 80 V4 Supercharger stalls—the largest urban Supercharging station in the world—the diner caters to both Tesla and non-Tesla EV drivers. Solar canopies shade the western charging lot, reducing the site’s carbon footprint by an estimated 26.6 million pounds of CO2 annually, aligning with Tesla’s sustainability mission. The diner’s 24/7 operation ensures accessibility for late-night snackers, early commuters, and road-trippers along the historic Route 66.

A Retro-Futuristic Dining Experience

The Tesla Diner’s aesthetic is a striking blend of 1950s Americana and sci-fi futurism, often described as “Grease meets The Jetsons.” The two-story building features a 3,800-square-foot ground floor with an open kitchen, bar, and dining area, while the upper “Skypad” level offers balcony seating with panoramic views of Los Angeles and two 66-foot LED megascreens for a drive-in movie experience. On opening day, the screens played episodes of The Jetsons, a 1960s animated series depicting a futuristic world of flying cars and robots, perfectly complementing the diner’s theme. Tesla drivers can sync movie audio directly to their vehicle’s touchscreen, enhancing the immersive experience.

The menu, crafted by renowned chef Eric Greenspan and restaurateur Bill Chait, features classic American diner staples with a Tesla twist. Breakfast options include a $12 Egg Sandwich, $11 Breakfast Tacos, and $15 Biscuits with Red Gravy. The Burgers & Sandwiches section offers a $13.50 Tesla Burger with “Electric Sauce,” a $14 Tuna Melt, and a $13 Hot Dog. Kids’ meals, such as a $9 Grilled Cheese or $13 Chicken Tenders Combo, are served in adorable Cybertruck-shaped boxes, which some patrons have even worn as hats. Sides like beef tallow fries and desserts like hand-spun milkshakes and $7 cinnamon rolls round out the menu. The kitchen operates entirely on electric power, from fryers to griddles, reinforcing Tesla’s commitment to sustainability.

One of the diner’s standout features is the presence of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. On opening day, Optimus delighted guests by serving popcorn from a movie-style machine, waving, and giving peace signs. This robotic touch adds a futuristic flair, hinting at potential automation in food prep or service in the future. The diner also offers exclusive merchandise, including Tesla Bot action figures, Hollywood Retro Diner T-shirts, Supercharged gummy candies, and trucker hats, available at the Diner Shop.

A Magnet for Tesla Superfans

The Tesla Diner’s opening drew a passionate crowd of Tesla enthusiasts, many of whom camped out for hours before the 4:20 p.m. launch. Fans arrived in Cybertrucks and other Tesla models, some adorned with custom decals featuring Dogecoin-inspired graphics or glittery wraps. Wil Morrise, a 55-year-old Tesla superfan and founder of Tesla Club – SoCal, described the diner as “futuristic” and likened it to a place one might find on Mars. He and his family, who arrived at 10 a.m., enjoyed a $15 chicken waffle sandwich and a $13.50 Tesla Burger, praising the restaurant-quality food and expressing eagerness to return. Other superfans, like Tracy Kuss from San Diego, drove hours to charge their Teslas and experience the diner, with some waiting since 5:30 a.m.

Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts on X highlighting the diner’s unique features. One user wrote, “I drove 6 hrs to eat, charge, and chill at the Tesla Diner that just opened. My family is ecstatic right now,” while another praised the “solid cheeseburger and great beef tallow fries.” However, not all reactions were positive. Skeptics like X user Miss Jilliane predicted that Tesla influencers would overhype the food, claiming it’s “the BEST they’ve ever had.” The diner’s high-tech allure and Musk’s cult-like following ensured a lively opening, but it also attracted protesters critical of Musk’s political ties and business decisions.

Challenges and Controversies

The Tesla Diner’s launch comes amid a turbulent period for Elon Musk and Tesla Inc. Musk’s brief tenure as a senior adviser in the Trump administration, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, drew backlash after budget cuts negatively impacted Tesla’s stock, which fell 14% since early June 2025. His public falling-out with former ally Donald Trump and a reported $20 billion personal wealth loss have added to the scrutiny. Additionally, Tesla has faced criticism for issues unrelated to the diner, such as the controversial behavior of Musk’s AI chatbot Grok and the Cybertruck’s reliability concerns, exemplified by an incident where a machine-gun-mounted Cybertruck used by Chechen forces in Ukraine shut down unexpectedly.

Locally, some Angelenos expressed disapproval of the diner’s presence. A protester told the Los Angeles Times, “We will do everything in our power to get him to sell this place and get out of here,” citing Musk’s controversial reputation. The diner’s proximity to residential areas and the light pollution from its megascreens, which must turn off by 11 p.m., have raised concerns about its integration into Hollywood’s urban fabric. Despite these challenges, the diner’s opening was a logistical success, with busy staff managing a steady flow of customers and glowing Superchargers illuminating the lot.

A Model for Future Expansion?

Musk is optimistic about the Tesla Diner’s potential, stating on X, “If our retro-futuristic diner turns out well, which I think it will, @Tesla will establish these in major cities around the world, as well as Supercharger sites on long distance routes.” He even responded to a fan’s request for a location in Starbase, Texas, with a simple “Ok,” hinting at possible expansion to SpaceX’s home base. The diner’s blend of dining, charging, and entertainment could serve as a blueprint for future Tesla Supercharger hubs, transforming pit stops into destination experiences. However, questions remain about the venture’s profitability, given the restaurant industry’s slim margins and Tesla’s primary focus on electric vehicles.

The involvement of seasoned restaurateurs like Greenspan and Chait suggests a commitment to quality, but maintaining sustainable, high-quality ingredients while scaling the concept could prove challenging. Some speculate that the diner may function as a loss leader, subsidized by Tesla’s EV charging revenue, to boost brand loyalty and visibility. Regardless, the Hollywood location has already become a cultural phenomenon, drawing Tesla fans, tech enthusiasts, and curious locals eager to experience Musk’s latest creation.

Conclusion

The Tesla Diner and Drive-In represents a bold fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and branding, encapsulating Elon Musk’s vision of a future where technology and entertainment converge. With its Cybertruck-shaped food boxes, Optimus robot servers, and drive-in movie screens, the diner offers a glimpse into a retro-futuristic world that resonates with Tesla’s forward-thinking ethos. While its opening has sparked excitement and controversy, the diner’s success could pave the way for a new era of roadside dining, where charging an electric vehicle is as much about the experience as the destination. As Musk himself described it, the Tesla Diner is “one of the coolest spots in LA,” and its impact on the city—and potentially the world—will be closely watched in the months to come.