Welcome to the Future of Nostalgia: Tesla Diner in Hollywood

When Elon Musk unveiled plans for a “Grease meets Jetsons” diner back in 2018, few imagined it would truly materialize—let alone on Santa Monica Boulevard, the storied heart of Hollywood. Fast forward to July 21, 2025, and the Tesla Diner has opened its doors (and charging stalls) to a curious mix of cinephiles, car enthusiasts, and burger aficionados. Located at 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, this gleaming two-story “flying saucer” combines a classic American drive-in with cutting-edge EV charging—marking Tesla’s bold entry into the restaurant business .

A Retro-Futuristic Playground

Designed by Stantec architects, the 9,300-square-foot diner is equal parts mid-century Americana and sci-fi spectacle. Neon accents and chrome trim harken back to 1950s Route 66 diners, while giant LED screens play everything from vintage cartoons to “The Twilight Zone.” Roller-skating servers, dressed in rocket-age uniforms, zip between tables; an “off-duty” Optimus robot dispenses popcorn and ice cream; and even the burgers arrive in miniature Cybertruck boxes—all reinforcing the diner’s tongue-in-cheek “retro-future” theme .

Charging and Chowing Down

At its core, Tesla Diner is a Supercharger hub too. With 80 V4 stalls—the largest urban charging site in the world—drivers can fuel up their EVs while they feast . The car-integrated ordering system lets you browse the menu from your Tesla’s touchscreen; for non-Tesla drivers, conventional kiosks and waiter service are available. And yes, you can watch on-screen movies while your battery tops up—no concession stand audio cables required.

Chef-Driven Classics (with a Twist)

Tesla tapped Los Angeles celebrity chef Eric Greenspan to reimagine diner staples. The menu spans smash burgers, fried chicken & waffles, avocado toast, hot dogs, wings, fries, and cane-sugar sodas—all priced between $4 and $15. Milkshakes come in quirky “Pie Shake” flavors, pairing slice-in-a-cup nostalgia with a modern palate. Early tasters praised the inventive riffs on comfort food, even if consistency varied during the grand opening rush .

When Technology Glitches

No Musk venture is complete without a bit of chaos. By day three, lines stretched for blocks, thanks in part to an over-eager app that prioritized Tesla owners and inadvertently sidelined walk-in guests—some waiting up to three hours for a burger . Robot servers intermittently went offline, forcing staff on skates to pick up the slack. Yet, despite fickle tech and sporadic menu shortages, many diners shrugged and stayed put, drawn by the venue’s pure spectacle.

Fan Frenzy and Merchandise Mania

If nothing else, Tesla Diner has mastered the art of hype. Branded tees, action figures, and limited-edition candy fly off shelves as fast as chargers fill cars. Social-media posts brim with neon selfies, Cybertruck-box burgers, and robot-served milkshakes—proof that Musk’s knack for viral buzz remains undiminished. Even critics admit: it’s more thrilling than most dining-room dramas.

What’s Next?

Musk has hinted at a second Tesla Diner at SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas—and perhaps a global rollout tied to Supercharger locations. If Hollywood’s opening is any guide, each new venue will blend nostalgic charm, futuristic flair, and occasional technical theatrics in true Tesla fashion .

Verdict: Spectacle Over Supper?

Is Tesla Diner a culinary destination or a high-voltage theme park? The answer likely depends on your tolerance for tech mishaps and three-hour wait times. But for those hungry for innovation (and a side of nostalgia), Hollywood’s newest hotspot offers a feast for the senses—whether you came for the charger, the cheesecake, or just the chance to say you were there when Elon did it again.