Inside Tesla’s Drive-In Diner
On Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, Tesla has built something that feels part time machine, part sci-fi set. It’s a full-scale experience where classic diner comfort meets futuristic tech.
Tesla’s Boldest And Quirkiest Project In Years
Tesla’s retro-futuristic drive-in diner in Los Angeles blends EV charging with dining and entertainment. All in one location, and it’s unlike anything the brand has built before. This mix of nostalgia and modernity reflects Tesla’s willingness to experiment beyond cars.
Connor Caine, Wikimedia Commons
Seven Years From Idea To Opening Night
The concept was first floated by Elon Musk in 2018, but traces back even further in Tesla’s internal discussions. After years of speculation and quiet planning, the diner officially opened in 2025. The extended timeline allowed Tesla to refine the design and integrate unique features like synchronized in-car movie playback.
RON RAFFETY, Wikimedia Commons
Elon Musk’s 2018 Vision Finally Becomes Reality
In 2018, Musk tweeted about building an old-school drive-in, roller-skating diner at a Supercharger station in LA. Servers on roller skates made it to the final cut, and the rest of the vision materialized: a place where charging your car becomes an experience.
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A Prime Spot On Santa Monica Boulevard
Tesla chose a prominent corner location on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, a street known for its vibrant culture and heavy traffic. The site’s visibility makes it a landmark for EV owners and a curiosity for passersby. It’s strategically placed to attract both locals and long-distance travelers.
Tesla Diner | Open 24/7 by Tesla
A Diner, A Theater, And A Charging Hub In One
This Tesla site offers 80 high-speed V4 Superchargers, a 24/7 diner, and two massive LED megascreens. Visitors can dine indoors or on the Skypad terrace, although some would wait in their vehicles while charging. By merging three attractions into one location, Tesla redefines what a roadside stop can be in the electric age.
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Retro-Futuristic Design That Turns Heads
The building’s architecture blends chrome accents and neon lighting. It represents the optimism of the 1950s diners while incorporating Tesla’s sleek, minimalist style. Solar canopies over the charging bays tie sustainability into the aesthetic, which makes the entire space visually striking and functionally aligned with Tesla’s brand identity.
Tesla Diner | Open 24/7 by Tesla
Stepping Into A Two-Level Dining Experience
Inside, the diner features comfortable booth seating and bar-style counters. A staircase leads to the upper-level Skypad, offering open-air dining with panoramic views of the megascreens. The space is designed to feel welcoming for quick bites or leisurely meals and to cater to diverse visitor preferences.
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Al Fresco Meals With A Movie View
The Skypad terrace lets diners enjoy burgers and milkshakes under the open sky while watching films on the giant outdoor screens. Located above the charging area, it provides a clear, uninterrupted view in a prime spot for couples and families seeking a cinematic, outdoor dining experience.
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Two Giant 66-Foot “Megascreens” Light Up The Night
One of the most striking entertainment features is a pair of big LED megascreens that measure between 45 and 66 feet. They display a rotating selection of modern and classic films visible from multiple angles. Positioned to be enjoyed from both the Skypad and parked cars, the screens transform the space into a high-tech homage to drive-in theaters.
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Modern Blockbusters Meet Classic Drive-In Charm
Programming includes recent Hollywood releases alongside beloved classics for varied audiences. This mix captures the nostalgia of mid-century drive-ins. Watching a movie here feels both familiar and fresh, enhanced by Tesla’s innovative integration of in-car audio for a personal theater experience.
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Syncing The Big Screen With Your Tesla’s Display
Tesla owners can use a custom diner app to synchronize the outdoor movie feed with their car’s central display. This allows passengers to enjoy perfect viewing angles and matching sound through the car’s premium audio system. The feature mixes digital convenience with the charm of a shared cinematic moment.
Tesla Diner | Open 24/7 by Tesla
Ordering Dinner From Your Dashboard
Through the same in-car diner app, Tesla owners can browse the menu and request delivery directly to their vehicle. This eliminates the need to leave the comfort of the car during a charge. It’s a streamlined approach that matches the brand’s focus on convenience and user experience.
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Burgers, Fries, Wings, And Milkshakes With A Twist
The menu offers classic American diner fare: juicy cheeseburgers, crispy fries, flavorful chicken wings, and creamy milkshakes. While familiar in taste, the presentation and ingredient quality elevate the experience. Items are crafted for both dine-in and car service, ensuring they hold up well whether eaten indoors, outdoors, or behind the wheel.
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Chef Eric Greenspan’s Nostalgic Diner Menu
Renowned chef Eric Greenspan, along with restaurateur Bill Chait, curated the offerings to reflect the comforting appeal of mid-century diners. While honoring tradition, they’ve infused the dishes with premium ingredients and thoughtful preparation to make sure that every bite feels indulgent without being overly fussy.
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Food Served In Adorable Cybertruck-Shaped Boxes
Adding a playful branding touch, many menu items arrive in packaging shaped like Tesla’s Cybertruck. These novelty containers double as a conversation starter and a collectible souvenir for fans, which turns every meal into a photo op.
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Charging Your EV While You Charge Yourself
With 80 V4 Superchargers available, drivers can replenish their vehicle’s battery while enjoying a full meal in under 30 minutes. The process is fast enough to make a complete dining-and-movie experience feasible without long waits.
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80 V4 Superchargers Under Solar Canopies
The charging bays are shaded by large solar canopies, which generate renewable energy for the site and protect vehicles from heat. The V4 Superchargers are compatible with any EV featuring the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This makes the diner an inclusive destination for both Tesla owners and other electric drivers.
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Merch Stands And “Supercharged Gummies” For The Road
Beyond food and film, visitors can browse a small merchandise stand selling branded apparel and novelty snacks like “Supercharged Gummies”. The shop adds a retail element to the experience and lets guests take home a tangible memento of their visit, whether it’s a T-shirt or a sweet Tesla-themed treat.
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An Experience No Gas Station Can Match
By combining dining and charging, Tesla’s diner offers far more than the utilitarian function of a fuel stop. It replaces the quick, impersonal gas station visit with a setting designed for enjoyment, and proves that electric travel can go way beyond efficiency.
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Making EV Ownership Feel Fun, Not Just Sensible
The diner shifts the narrative around electric vehicles from purely environmental and cost-saving benefits to enjoyment and lifestyle. By adding entertainment and a sense of community, Tesla shows that EV culture can be vibrant and social. Who knows, it might even encourage a gas-burning car owner to switch.
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A Hangout Spot For Drivers And Movie Lovers Alike
More than a pit stop, the diner functions as a gathering place where friends, families, and solo travelers can spend time just like the good ol’ days. Whether coming for a meal or a film, it offers a relaxed experience that feels like a local and convenient hotspot.
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Tesla’s Plan To Expand If LA Proves A Hit
Elon Musk has hinted that more diners could open in other cities if the Los Angeles location succeeds. Expansion would allow Tesla to replicate this mix of charging and leisure nationwide, potentially changing the way Americans think about road trips and long-distance electric vehicle travel.
Other Brands Join The Race For Cooler Charging Stops
Tesla isn’t alone in upgrading charging experiences. Rivian offers scenic outposts in places like Joshua Tree, while Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have introduced premium lounges with coffee bars. These innovations signal a broader industry push to make charging destinations appealing in their own right, not just a necessity.
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Turning Long Charging Times Into An Attraction
Where traditional fueling takes minutes, EV charging can require longer waits. Tesla flips this potential drawback into a feature by pairing it with food and entertainment. Instead of idly waiting, drivers can enjoy a mini outing.
