This week, Californians are learning the result when an individual lacking taste opens a restaurant. The Tesla Diner & Drive-In formally debuted in Hollywood at 4:20pm on Monday, a timing likely chosen due to CEO Elon Musk’s famous fascination with the number’s connection to marijuana.
“If our retro-futuristic diner turns out successfully, which I believe it will, @Tesla will roll these out in major cities globally, as well as at Supercharger locations along long-distance routes,” Musk shared on X. “A hub of delicious food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!”
In daylight and devoid of its neon lights, the grey metallic Tesla Diner & Drive-In has the appearance of a combination between a stainless steel restroom, a 1950s UFO aesthetic, and a car dealership. Musk characterized it as “Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging,” and Tesla asserts the two-story “retro-futuristic” diner can host over 250 guests and features 80 V4 Supercharger stations for customers to recharge their electric vehicles. It also boasts two 20-meter LED screens for film showings, with schedules accessible on Tesla touchscreens.
Predictably, the Tesla Diner & Drive-In integrates Tesla technology. A humanoid Optimus robot has been spotted handing out popcorn to guests, while NBC reports that the establishment uses Cybertruck-themed containers for its meals. It’s unclear whether these will remain permanent fixtures or are merely for the grand opening.
Musk’s diner will operate around the clock, serving traditional diner options like hot dogs, tuna melts, fried chicken and waffles, and grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside “Charged Sodas” containing “natural caffeine.” The menu features a $13.50 “Tesla Burger,” described as a “succulent diner-style burger with smashed, crispy edges made from ⅓ lb. prime Brandt Beef with New School American cheese, lettuce, caramelized onions, pickles, and Electric Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll.” The specifics of “Electric Sauce” remain ambiguous.
The kitchen is headed by Eric Greenspan, a chef from Los Angeles recognized for managing ghost kitchens (restaurants without traditional dine-in spaces, available solely for delivery or takeout). Other chefs have formerly hesitated to engage with Musk or his culinary project, with the New York Times indicating that some rejected invitations to operate it.