Back in 2018, Elon Musk floated the idea of an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant” built around Tesla’s Supercharger stations. At that time, it sounded more like a meme than a business plan. But seven years later, that idea has taken its physical form on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles and it looks like something picked up from a ‘50s diner fever dream and dropped right into a sci-fi movie set. Tesla Diner & Drive-In Theater is a fusion of 1950s Americana, sci-fi robotics, and Tesla’s sleek tech-first ecosystem, where customers would feel like they are stepping into a scene from The Jetsons, where they can charge their electric vehicles while snacking on burgers, sipping milkshakes, and watching movies on giant LED screens.
And yes, indeed your server just might be a robot.
The diner’s two-story stainless steel structure, designed by Stantec, resembles a flying saucer with a nostalgic twist. It is located on the site of a former Shakey’s Pizza and includes a full-service restaurant on the ground floor as well as a rooftop lounge with panoramic views of Hollywood. Neon lighting, vinyl booths, and chequerboard flooring finish the nostalgic style, with just enough Cybertruck edge to keep it firmly rooted in the Tesla universe. Inside, servers dressed in classic diner uniforms, some reportedly on roller skates too, share the floor with Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, which made a surprise cameo selling popcorn during the soft launch.
Dine While You Charge
While the diner is open to all drivers – no EV or Tesla required, but those driving a Tesla vehicle do get some extra perks. What truly sets the diner apart is its seamless integration with Tesla’s Supercharger ecosystem. The Hollywood location has 32 V4 Superchargers, with future plans to expand to more than 70. Instead of waiting in their cars, Tesla owners can now order meals from their dashboard, have them delivered to their car, and watch a movie while their vehicle charges.
The drive-in concept is carried out with a tech-forward flair that has two towering 45-foot LED movie displays that show classics and Tesla-branded shorts. Audio is transmitted straight through the cars’ superior sound systems, resulting in a surround-sound movie experience right from the driver’s seat.
Comfort Food, the Tesla Way
The menu features classic American comfort foods such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, loaded fries, onion rings, and hand-spun milkshakes. However, as this is also a Tesla venture, the meals are served in Cybertruck-shaped takeaway boxes that include a QR code for easy reordering.
While not gourmet, early reviews praised the nostalgia-driven flavour and inventive packaging. There’s also a focus on sustainability, with plant-based alternatives and environmentally friendly kitchenware being typical fare.
Robots on the Floor
One of the biggest draws is the presence of Tesla’s Optimus robot, which has until now been seen primarily in tech demos and factory simulations. At the Tesla Diner, Optimus made its public debut in a new role – serving snacks and interacting with customers. While still in its early stages, the robot drew cheers and TikToks as it handed out popcorn to movie watchers. Other robotic systems behind the scenes help prepare and deliver food, foreshadowing a future where restaurants powered by AI could become the new normal.
For a company that revolutionized the way we drive, this diner shows that Tesla is also betting on how we stop. The Hollywood location may be the first of its kind, but it’s not likely to be the last. By merging food, film, and fast charging into one location, Tesla has created something more than a Supercharger station, but now it’s a destination.
Elon Musk wasn’t exaggerating when he called it “the coolest place in LA” on X. Whether you’re plugging in or just passing through, Tesla’s Hollywood diner isn’t just serving up meals, it’s serving up an entirely new kind of car culture.
