A colleague of mine at Mashable inquired if I would like to check out the new Tesla Diner in Hollywood and write a piece on it. I agreed, primarily to assist a fellow journalist rather than out of support for Elon Musk.

I intended to visit the diner on the first Saturday following its July 21 launch, but social media revealed extended lines and protests against Elon, so I opted to hold off. I’m relieved I didn’t go on Sunday as well, as an umbrella fell on a customer’s head. Would my family and I manage to visit without any issues?

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The atmosphere

Tuesday appeared to be an ideal day to steer clear of the weekend throngs. At 2:15 PM, a queue still snaked around the retro-futuristic diner, crafted by Tesla’s Franz von Holzhausen, with many individuals lingering near the 80 EV charging locations.

The 45-minute wait was primarily borne by curious tourists and families. Tesla owners utilizing the chargers could bypass the line, stirring some quiet dissatisfaction among the waiting guests.

While in line, patrons were offered complimentary cold water, and the diner’s large screens showcased silent clips from Wacky Races and an episode of Star Trek. Tesla owners had access to audio through their vehicles, and films are displayed nightly. The vibrant atmosphere boasted desert landscaping and dining tables, with seniors and children contributing to the ambiance during my visit.

The ordering process

Our group of three was finally seated and welcomed by a hostess who described the touch-screen ordering setup. The delay was due to having only two ordering screens available, despite the presence of empty tables. The menu includes classic diner options such as burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheeses, and tuna melts.

The interior showcased silver chrome, tables, a counter with seating, and a bustling kitchen. There were nearly as many staff members as there were customers.

Our receipt did not include an order number since we did not purchase drinks. An employee confirmed that our tuna melt, grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, and fries were brought to us. The staff was primarily friendly, despite the crowd outside.

The cuisine

The food was enjoyable! My tuna melt featured dill and pickles, which I appreciated. The toasted bread, melted cheese, and tuna reminded me of Friendly’s. Chef Eric Greenspan prepared straightforward yet well-executed dishes. The ranch dip for the fries was also dill-flavored and commended by my husband. The menu is accessible on the Tesla website.

The downside was the portion sizes. Our small sandwiches were served alone, yet priced as if they were full meals. We spent nearly $50 without beverages.

Our food didn’t come in Cybertruck boxes, unlike those at some other tables. Not a significant issue for us, but others might find it disappointing.