Tesla Diner: A Review of Elon Musk’s newest spectacle in Hollywood
The Tesla Diner, Elon Musk’s latest venture in Hollywood, has been the talk of the town since its opening on July 21. While initial plans to visit on the first Saturday were thwarted by reports of block-long crowds and anti-Elon protests, a low-key Tuesday afternoon visit revealed a unique dining experience with its share of hits and misses.
First Impressions and the Diner Experience
Arriving around 2:15 PM, a line still wrapped around the retro-futuristic diner designed by Tesla lead designer Franz von Holzhausen. Dozens more loitered around the 80 EV charging stations. The crowd was mostly composed of curious tourists and families, with none of the political paraphernalia one might expect given Musk’s public image. Tesla owners enjoyed Jump the line privileges, much to the quiet resentment of those sweating in the sun.
Free cups of cold water and jumbo screens showing silent clips of Hanna-Barbera cartoons and classic Star Trek episodes offered some respite. Desert landscaping and dining tables dotted the front, side, and back of the diner, creating a lively scene minus the chaos.
Ordering and Food
After a 45-minute wait, my party of three was ushered inside. A friendly hostess explained the touch-screen ordering system, which we found lacking with only two ordering screens. The menu was limited but classic, offering burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and tuna melts. The interior was sleek and chrome-heavy, with nearly as many black-clad employees as customers.
Our receipt lacked an order number, leading to some confusion. Nevertheless, our food—tuna melt, grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, and fries—arrived, delivered by a friendly staff. The food was simple but well-prepared, reminiscent of East Coast diner fare. L.A. chef Eric Greenspan’s influence shone through, especially in the dill-flavored ranch dip and delicious fries.
However, portion sizes were small, and prices high given the diner setting. Without beverages, our meal for two adults and a child cost nearly $50. Our food wasn’t served in Cybertruck boxes, a letdown for some Tesla fans.
The Second Floor Experience
The first floor, while clean, lacked visual appeal beyond the chrome decor and exterior line. Ascending to the second floor, though, offered an impressive open-air dining deck with stunning views of the Hollywood hills and high-rises. Three Optimus robots, Musk’s ambitious foray into robotics, stood encased in glass along the twisty staircase, though the popcorn-serving robot was absent on our visit.
Should You Visit Tesla Diner?
Whether or not to visit Tesla Diner ultimately depends on one’s feelings about Tesla CEO Elon Musk. If you’re a fan or can set politics aside, it’s a unique, if pricey, dining experience, especially if you’re with kids and need to charge your Tesla (owners enjoy VIP line privileges).
The location off Santa Monica Boulevard (Route 66) offers little parking for non-Tesla vehicles and is near constant traffic. However, views, robotics, and classic diner fare make for a memorable experience.
