Elon has quite a reputation for being an industry leader in inventions. In the heart of Hollywood, California, Musk has opened the Tesla Diner, a retro-futuristic drive-in restaurant powered in part by humanoid Optimus robots. Customers at this one-of-a-kind eatery can experience a blend of nostalgia and next-generation technology, from robot-served popcorn to Cybertruck-themed food containers and 24/7 EV charging.
Just when you think Elon has done it all, he hits back with massive movie screens designed for Tesla owners and the general public. Is this Musk’s vision for the future of dining, entertainment, and sustainable transportation all rolled into a single destination?
Where To Find This Diner
The Tesla Diner is proudly situated at 7001 West Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods. This location holds historic significance as it replaces a former Shakey’s restaurant, transforming a well-known site into a futuristic destination that merges classic American diner culture with cutting-edge technology.
The two-story retro-futuristic building features rooftop dining with panoramic city views and is flanked by a large array of Tesla Superchargers, blending the traditions of Americana with the future of sustainable transportation.
Cybertruck-Inspired Dining
This might just be a very smart marketing strategy, but going to this diner gives you the full experience of the future. Signature dishes like smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and fried chicken sandwiches arrive in custom containers shaped like the angular Cybertruck, thoughtfully designed by Tesla’s own team. Even the milkshakes come in matching themed cups, seamlessly blending playful branding with functional practicality.
Guests often find themselves snapping photos of their meals before digging in, while roller-skating servers and Tesla’s humanoid robots enhance the spectacle.
Tesla Technology Everywhere
Diners can order food directly from their Tesla vehicles using the in-car interface, have their meal delivered right to their car window, or sync their entertainment with the giant LED movie screens dotting the property, giving them the ultimate drive-in experience. The Optimus humanoid robot greets guests and serves popcorn, giving you a glimpse into the future.
With 80 high-capacity V4 Supercharger stalls, digital menus, app-based integration, and a fully cashless experience, every interaction, from charging your car to savoring a burger, feels like a demonstration of the Tesla ecosystem in action. “There are also 32 V4 Supercharger stalls, with plans to expand to 75,” said a reporter on site. “As for the theater, short features about 30 minutes long, which is the length of a typical charging session, will reportedly be shown on the two big screens.”
The Opening Day Buzz
Long lines of Tesla enthusiasts, locals, and curious visitors snaked around the block, with some fans arriving at dawn and camping out for hours just to be among the first through the doors. Adding a playful twist, the doors officially opened at 4:20p.m., a nod to Elon Musk’s signature sense of humor. The air thrummed with both nostalgia and sci-fi wonder as massive LED movie screens looped classic films, and guests snapped photos of their Cybertruck-inspired meals.
“I just had dinner at the retro-futuristic @Tesla diner and Supercharger. Team did great work making it one of the coolest spots in LA!” said Elon Musk on X.
A Menu Crafted for Everyone
From classic American comfort foods like juicy smash burgers and crispy crinkle-cut fries to plant-based and gluten-free options, the offerings emphasize quality, sustainability, and innovation. The kitchen staff works with locally sourced ingredients, supporting California farmers while minimizing the environmental footprint.
“Bill Chait, lead operator and longtime LA restaurateur recalls Musk visiting the restaurant last week and telling the team that if a dish wasn’t “epic,” it shouldn’t be on the menu.” according to Eater.
Automation and the Restaurant Industry
Robotic systems and artificial intelligence now handle tasks from order taking and food delivery to kitchen prep, bringing newfound speed, precision, and consistency to dining experiences. These innovations help operators address persistent labor shortages and rising costs, providing 24/7 service and reducing dependence on human staff for repetitive or hazardous tasks. With self-ordering kiosks, AI-powered cooking stations, and even humanoid servers greeting guests, automation is becoming a practical asset rather than a novelty.
“What to do about mass unemployment? This is going to be a massive social challenge. There will be fewer and fewer jobs that a robot cannot do better than a human. These are not things that I wish will happen. These are simply things that I think probably will happen,” said Musk.
Community Reactions and Reviews
Many praised the innovative blend of dining, entertainment, EV charging, and robotics, calling it “the experience of the future” and commending the sleek design, seamless tech integration, and even the taste of classic American fare served in Cybertruck-themed containers. Not all feedback was universally glowing.
Some found the prices high, and opening day was marked by long wait times and a touch of chaos. There were even a few protesters voicing concerns about Elon Musk and broader Tesla controversies.
The Road Ahead
With the Hollywood Tesla Diner already drawing crowds and capturing international headlines, Elon Musk and Tesla have set their sights firmly on expanding this retro-futuristic restaurant concept far beyond Los Angeles. Musk has openly shared his ambitions to establish Tesla Diners in major cities around the world, as well as at key Supercharger sites along long-distance travel routes.
Plans for a second Tesla Diner are already underway in Starbase, Texas, marking the start of what could become a global network. “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 at Supercharger sites on long distance routes,” said Musk.
From an Idea to Reality
Back in 2018, Musk publicly shared his ambition to reinvent the classic American drive-in, tweeting about his plans to create “an old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant” at one of Tesla’s Supercharger locations in Los Angeles. What started as a playful idea quickly turned into a serious project as Musk envisioned a diner that could be a prototype for future Supercharger stations worldwide.
Despite delays, Musk stayed committed to bringing the concept to life, wanting to create “islands of good food, good vibes & entertainment” for Tesla drivers and the public. After years of anticipation, permitting, and careful planning, Musk’s early dream has finally materialized as Hollywood’s Tesla Diner.