In a quiet corner of West Hollywood, at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Orange Drive, rises a large round silver building. Tesla Diner, opened in July, combines a two-story restaurant, an electric-vehicle charging station, a Drive‑in cinema, and a merchandise store – all in one. It has also become a popular pilgrimage site for fans of Elon Musk and his companies.
The idea of a Tesla-based diner was first proposed by Musk in 2018, but construction began five years later. Before the opening, Musk and his firms endured a lot: from the 2022 purchase of Twitter to an alliance with Trump and widespread protests against Tesla.
Technology and Design
The venue hosts about 80 fast-charging stations around the building, guests can order food directly from the touchscreen displays in their cars. The Drive‑in cinema’s audio is transmitted directly to the car.
The interior creates a sense of a futuristic show: a circular entrance, curved counters, oval halls and chairs in chrome, white, and black. A spiral staircase with exhibits of various versions of the autonomous robot Optimus leads to the Skypad rooftop, where Tesla and Optimus merch are sold, including sweets for $35. From here you can see giant screens and the panorama of the Hollywood Sign.
In the opening weeks on the Skypad, the Optimus robot handed out popcorn, but the device was turned off for several weeks during visits.
“Before the diner’s opening, fans could limit themselves to visiting exclusive charging stations, factory tours, or SpaceX Starbase. The Diner is a more ‘grounded’ and ‘natural’ space for interaction with like-minded people.”
According to Tow, he has five Teslas, several Starlink devices and Powerwall and Powerbank systems; he considers Musk one of the rarest innovators in the world.
“He’s here to help the world and make it better”
Fans often gather near the diner: at the opening, Cybertruck owners organized coordinated light shows, and some promote road trips across the country in electric cars to see the diner and SpaceX events.
Meanwhile, local residents express concerns: a poster depicting Musk and the word “DOUCHE” appeared on a neighboring balcony, as well as increased noise and traffic due to heightened attendance. Protests also concern Tesla showrooms and manufacturing sites. Some fans admit they would like Musk to turn his attention back to his companies.
Despite the controversy, Tesla Diner continues to attract attention as a place where technology meets fan culture, and where different views on the future of the auto industry and space initiatives come together. It is a place for those who seek not only food but inspired conversations and the opportunity to witness rapid progress of technology in real life.
Community and Future Plans
The community and visitors discuss how the events around the diner could affect tourism, local business, and the district’s image. Technological exhibitions, demonstrations of modern cars, and museum exhibits create a daily resonance between innovations and the city’s everyday life.
Tesla Diner continues to be a unique place where technology meets fan culture, and where diverse perspectives on the future of the automotive industry and space initiatives come together. It’s a place for those who seek not only food but inspired conversations and the opportunity to witness rapid progress of technology in real life.