Tesla Diner & Drive-In opens in California

This week, Californians are learning what happens when a man with no taste opens an eatery. The Tesla Diner & Drive-In officially opened in Hollywood at 4:20pm on Monday, a time no doubt chosen due to CEO Elon Musk‘s well-documented fascination with the number’s association to marijuana.

“If our retro-futuristic diner turns out well, which I think it will, @Tesla will establish these in major cities around the world, as well as at Supercharger sites on long distance routes,” Musk posted on X. “An island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!”

In the light of day and without the benefit of its neon signage, the grey metallic Tesla Diner & Drive-In building looks a bit like a cross between a stainless steel toilet, a UFO design from the ’50s, and, appropriately, a car showroom. Described by Musk as “Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging,” Tesla states that the two-storey “retro-futuristic” diner can seat over 250 people, and has 80 V4 Supercharger stations for patrons to top up their electric vehicles. It also has two 20-metre LED screens which will show movies, with schedules available on Tesla touchscreens.

Credit: Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, the Tesla Diner & Drive-In is reportedly filled with Tesla technology. A humanoid Optimus robot has been seen distributing popcorn to patrons, while NBC reports that the business has Cybertruck-themed containers for its food. It’s unclear if these will be permanent fixtures at the diner, or if they are merely flourishes for the grand opening.

Musk’s diner will be open 24/7, serving standard diner fare such as hot dogs, tuna melts, fried chicken with waffles, and grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as a selection of “Charged Sodas” which include “natural caffeine.” The diner also lists a $13.50 “Tesla Burger” on its menu, 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.” It is not clear what “Electric Sauce” is.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Tesla

The kitchen is headed by Eric Greenspan, a Los Angeles chef known for running ghost kitchens (restaurants that have no physical eat-in location, and can only be ordered from for delivery or takeaway). Other chefs have previously expressed apprehension about getting involved with Musk or his culinary venture, the New York Times reporting that some turned down requests that they operate it.