Tesla’s first-ever diner has officially opened its doors in Hollywood, California. The Tesla Diner & Drive-In at 7001 Santa Monica Boulevard represents more than just another restaurant; it’s a carefully crafted destination that merges nostalgic 1950s aesthetics with cutting-edge electric vehicle infrastructure.
Designer: Tesla
Located just steps from Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame, this unique venue combines three distinct experiences under one futuristic roof. The facility serves as a full-service restaurant, a drive-in movie theater, and one of the world’s most advanced Supercharger stations. After years of construction and anticipation, the venue opened to the public on July 21, 2025, at 4:20 PM, marking a new chapter in Tesla’s expansion beyond automotive manufacturing.
Architectural Marvel Meets Retro Design
The building’s exterior immediately commands attention with its sleek, curved metallic facade. Designed by architecture firm Stantec, the two-story, 9,300-square-foot structure creates a striking visual contrast against the urban Hollywood landscape. The facility features approximately 3,800 square feet of enclosed lower-level dining space and 5,500 square feet of outdoor seating and food preparation areas. The circular design elements and flowing lines pay homage to mid-century futurism while incorporating Tesla’s minimalist design philosophy.
During daylight hours, the building’s polished metal surfaces reflect the California sun. The structure appears to float above the charging stations below, supported by sleek pillars that maintain the building’s weightless aesthetic. Large glass panels wrap around the building’s perimeter, offering diners panoramic views of the bustling Santa Monica Boulevard. The most eye-catching feature becomes apparent after dark when the building transforms into a neon-lit beacon.
Vibrant red and blue LED strips trace the building’s curves, while the iconic “TESLA DINER” sign glows in electric blue lettering. This lighting scheme creates a dramatic nighttime presence that can be seen from blocks away, establishing the venue as a true Hollywood landmark. The building’s rooftop terrace adds another layer of architectural interest, featuring an open-air dining space with panoramic views. From this elevated position, guests can see the famous Hollywood sign in the distance while enjoying their meals. The rooftop design incorporates both covered and uncovered seating areas, allowing for year-round outdoor dining in Los Angeles’ favorable climate.
Tesla has created what many are calling one of the coolest spots in LA. Elon Musk himself praised the team’s work after dining there personally, posting on social media that the team “did great work making it one of the coolest spots in LA!”
Interior Design: Where Past Meets Future
Step inside the Tesla Diner and you’re immediately transported into a world where 1950s nostalgia collides with 21st-century innovation. The interior design masterfully balances retro diner elements with Tesla’s signature modern aesthetic. The main dining floor features classic diner booth seating upholstered in rich red vinyl, reminiscent of the golden age of American roadside dining.
Chrome accents and checkerboard floor patterns reinforce the vintage theme. Modern LED lighting systems create a warm, inviting ambiance throughout the space. The color palette primarily consists of Tesla’s signature red, white, and black, with strategic pops of electric blue that tie into the brand’s visual identity.
Counter-style seating along the exterior windows allows guests to watch the bustling activity of the Supercharger stations below. The interior features neon lighting that adds to the retro appeal, creating an authentic diner atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Bar stools positioned at strategic locations provide additional seating options while maintaining the classic diner aesthetic. The space includes both indoor dining areas and the rooftop terrace, offering guests multiple environments to choose from based on their preferences. One of the most talked-about features of the dining experience is the staff’s commitment to authenticity, with servers gliding around the restaurant on roller skates.
This attention to detail demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to creating an immersive experience that goes beyond simply serving food. The roller-skating servers bring back a classic element of American diner culture that disappeared decades ago, adding an authentic touch that delights visitors and creates memorable photo opportunities.
Supercharger Station: The Heart of the Experience
At its core, the Tesla Diner serves as one of the world’s most advanced charging destinations. The facility features 80 V4 Supercharger stalls, making it one of the largest Supercharger installations in the United States.
These aren’t ordinary charging stations; they represent Tesla’s latest technology, capable of delivering faster charging speeds than previous generations. The charging experience integrates seamlessly with the dining and entertainment offerings, allowing Tesla owners to plug in their vehicles and immediately access the restaurant’s services without worrying about monitoring their charging progress. The charging stations are strategically positioned to provide easy access to both the restaurant and the drive-in movie screens. Each charging stall is equipped with the latest V4 Supercharger technology, which can handle higher power delivery rates and accommodate a wider range of electric vehicles.
The installation represents a significant investment in charging infrastructure, positioning the location as a destination rather than just a quick stop. The integration of charging, dining, and entertainment creates a unique value proposition for electric vehicle owners. Instead of viewing charging as a necessary interruption to their journey, guests can transform it into an enjoyable experience that combines multiple activities in one convenient location.
Drive-In Movie Experience: Entertainment While You Charge
The Tesla Diner’s drive-in movie theater features two massive 45-foot LED screens that dominate the charging area. These aren’t traditional movie screens; they’re high-resolution LED displays capable of showing crystal-clear images even in bright daylight conditions. The screens primarily show short films and presentations, with content specifically curated for the charging experience.
What sets this drive-in apart from traditional movie theaters is the seamless integration with Tesla vehicles. Audio from the screens syncs directly to the car’s sound system, eliminating the need for traditional speaker setups that characterized old-fashioned drive-ins. Tesla owners can adjust the volume to their preference and enjoy high-quality audio without disturbing neighboring vehicles. The content strategy focuses on shorter presentations rather than full-length movies, recognizing that most charging sessions last 30-45 minutes.
This approach ensures that guests can enjoy complete entertainment experiences during their typical charging time. The screens also display Tesla-related content, including promotional materials and educational information about the company’s various products and services. Initial programming includes classic content like “The Jetsons,” which reinforces the retro-futuristic theme of the entire venue. From the rooftop terrace, guests can enjoy an elevated view of both movie screens while dining. This vantage point provides a unique perspective on the drive-in experience and offers clear views of the Hollywood sign in the distance. The combination of dining, charging, and entertainment creates a multi-layered experience that transforms a utilitarian activity into something memorable.
Culinary Offerings: Classic American Fare with Tesla Touches
The Tesla Diner’s menu pays homage to classic American diner fare while incorporating subtle nods to the company’s identity. The food offerings include traditional favorites like burgers, fries, chicken wings, hot dogs, and hand-spun milkshakes. The menu also features egg sandwiches, hash brown bites, grilled cheese, tuna melts, and fried chicken with waffles, providing options for different tastes and dietary preferences.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the dining experience is the presentation. Food is served in custom Cybertruck-inspired containers that mirror the angular design language of Tesla’s electric pickup truck. These unique food boxes have become a talking point among visitors and represent Tesla’s attention to detail in creating a cohesive brand experience. The Tesla Burger serves as the signature menu item, priced at $13.50 and described as a “juicy diner-style burger with smashed, crunchy 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.”
Hot dogs are available for $13, while egg sandwiches cost $12, hash brown bites are $8, and grilled cheese is $9. The pricing reflects the restaurant’s position as a destination dining experience rather than a quick-service establishment, with sides ranging from $4 to $15. Hand-spun milkshakes add to the authentic diner experience, prepared using traditional methods that create the thick, creamy texture associated with classic American diners. The beverage selection includes various soft drinks and specialty “Charged Sodas” that contain natural caffeine. The culinary team is led by Chef Eric Greenspan, a Los Angeles chef known for running ghost kitchens and creating elevated versions of diner classics that meet modern quality standards while maintaining authentic flavors.
Technology Integration: Robots and Innovation
The Tesla Diner showcases the company’s broader technology portfolio beyond electric vehicles. During the pre-opening event, an Optimus humanoid robot was spotted serving popcorn to guests, demonstrating its distinctive movements and captivating visitors with immersive interactions. While current operations rely primarily on human staff, the presence of robotics technology suggests Tesla may experiment with automated service in the future. The robot’s appearance generated significant buzz among visitors, who were eager to interact with Tesla’s humanoid technology in a real-world setting.
Tesla vehicle owners can potentially order food directly from their car’s touchscreen, creating a streamlined experience that eliminates traditional ordering processes. This integration shows Tesla’s vision of creating connected experiences that span multiple aspects of customers’ lives. Digital displays throughout the restaurant provide information about charging status, menu items, and entertainment options.
The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it one of the few round-the-clock dining options in the Hollywood area. This operational schedule aligns with Tesla’s commitment to providing convenient charging access at all hours. Staff members use tablet-based ordering systems that sync with the kitchen and charging station management, ensuring smooth operations around the clock. Late-night visitors can enjoy the full dining experience while their vehicles charge, making it a convenient stop for travelers at any hour. The technology infrastructure supports both restaurant operations and charging station management, creating a unified system that enhances the customer experience. Tesla’s Hollywood Diner goes beyond just a restaurant or charging station; it’s a proof of concept for how the company envisions the future of transportation, dining, and entertainment converging into integrated experiences.
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