WHEN Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner – decked out with robots and Cybertruck-shaped food boxes – opened its doors in LA in July, fans were buzzing.
But six weeks on, punters are torn – some hail its “retro-futuristic” feel, while others slate the grub and service as downright poor.
Guests can charge their Teslas – along with other EVs – while tucking into fast food
Inside the Tesla Diner
A Tesla Bot Optimus robot serves a child popcorn
The latest venture from the swung on Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard.
Dine-and-charge
The two-story restaurant doubles up as an charging station, as well as a drive-in cinema and an exclusive merch shop.
It boasts 80 Supercharger stalls for EVs and solar panels over part of the charging lot, which Tesla says provide shade for drivers and help cut the site’s carbon emissions.
Over 250 people can take a seat inside the restaurant or stay in their cars, day or night.
Those parked up – or on the diner’s upper level, the ‘Skypad’ – can watch classic films on two 66-ft LED screens while tucking into US fast-food favourites, with the audio piped through each ‘s sound system.
Meanwhile, the menu created by LA chef Eric Greenspan includes Americana staples like a $13.50 Tesla Burger with “electric sauce”, $13.50 fried chicken and waffles, $9 grilled cheese and $14 tuna melts.
In July, Musk took to his platform X to promote the launch of the diner.
He wrote : “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.
“An island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!”
But so far, the verdict on the Tesla and boss’ diner – first teased back in 2018 – is mixed.
Mixed reviews
The diner is currently sitting on a 3.9 rating.
While anyone can visit, many of the most passionate reviewers – both glowing and scathing – mention they stopped in to charge their EVs.
Some buy into Musk’s vision – one Google reviewer called it a “very cool concept” where “even the bathrooms were unique”.
A reviewer raved it was “one of the most unique and enjoyable charging experiences” they have ever had.
“The retro-futuristic design felt like something straight out of a classic film set with a modern Tesla twist. It’s clean, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed,” they added.
When it comes to the food, Google reviewers show the most enthusiasm about the chicken sandwich and tuna melt, with one person writing: “Best tuna melt I’ve ever eaten!”
But others think Musk – and chef Greenspan – missed the mark on a concept that bore great potential.
One visitor wrote on Google: “Hard to believe anyone would dare to open a restaurant with such poor food, service and atmosphere.
“This is a perfect way to destroy a brand.”
A visitor wears Tesla Cybertruck food box as a hat
Another chimed in: “Novel idea and cool building, but hands down the worst school lunch cafeteria food I’ve ever had.
“Couldn’t finish the chicken burger and fries. Returned the hamburger.
“How can you build such a cool building and miss on the food that much?”
TripAdvisor has just a handful of reviews – and most aren’t kind.
One punter who ate and charged at the diner with family in August wrote: “Bad food. Over-priced. Bad service,” – before launching into a tirade about rude staff.
Another visitor moaned they were “very disappointed with the mood”, adding, “Apart from the decoration, there is nothing futuristic. There are a few robots on display.”
A Tesla Optimus robot serves popcorn
An LED screen and Tesla cars 
