Elon Musk’s long-teased Tesla Diner has officially opened its doors in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and it’s already sparking headlines, selfies, and a fair amount of controversy. The two-story, 24/7 venue combines a 1950s-style drive-in diner with Tesla Supercharger stations, dual LED movie screens, and even robot servers. Musk himself called it “one of the coolest spots in LA” on X, and the diner is being billed as a prototype for future Tesla-branded entertainment hubs.
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the diner features 80 Supercharger stalls, a rooftop terrace, and a menu of American comfort food served in Cybertruck-shaped boxes. Customers can order from their Tesla’s touchscreen, sync movie audio to their car’s speakers, and watch short films while their vehicle charges.
The Menu: Bacon, Burgers, and Backlash
The food, however, has been met with mixed reviews. While the menu includes burgers, hot dogs, wings, and milkshakes, critics say the execution falls short. Rolling Stone described the bacon as “limp and flavorless,” and the fries as “soggy and underseasoned”. Tasting Table noted that the Wagyu chili and maple-glazed bacon sounded promising but were “lukewarm and oddly sweet”.
Chef Eric Greenspan, known for his grilled cheese creations, curated the menu—but some diners say the food feels more like a branding exercise than a culinary experience. “It’s Instagram bait,” one customer told CNN. “You come for the vibe, not the flavor”.
Robots, Roller Skates, and Real Criticism
Adding to the spectacle are Tesla’s Optimus robots, which reportedly serve popcorn and interact with guests. Staff on roller skates deliver food to cars and tables, reinforcing the diner’s retro aesthetic. But behind the neon and novelty, some visitors have raised concerns about long wait times, cold food, and lack of vegetarian options.
The diner’s opening also drew protesters, including labor activists and climate advocates, who criticized Musk’s business practices and questioned the environmental impact of the diner’s energy use. “It’s a shrine to excess,” one protester told The Guardian. “It’s not about sustainability—it’s about spectacle”.
A Brand Experience, Not Just a Meal
Despite the backlash, the Tesla Diner is undeniably a branding powerhouse. With merchandise, LED screens, and a built-in fanbase, it’s less a restaurant and more a pop-culture installation. Musk has hinted at expanding the concept to other cities and long-distance travel routes, suggesting this is just the beginning.
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