Elon Musk's Tesla Diner: A Futuristic Flop or a Retro-Chic Triumph?

2025-07-27 12:00:20.086

Elon Musk's Tesla Diner in Hollywood opened to massive hype, with lines stretching nearly 100 people long on its third day. Billed as a retro-futuristic drive-in, the diner promised high-end burgers, classic films, and Tesla charging. However, the reality fell short of the vision. Technical issues plagued the ordering app, causing significant delays, especially for non-Tesla owners who faced waits of up to three hours. The food, while served in stylish Cybertruck-shaped boxes, was described as mediocre, with some items arriving cold. Despite the problems, fans remained patient, attributing the issues to opening-day chaos. Many praised the diner's aesthetic, a blend of sleek, modern design and 1950s diner charm. The Optimus robot, initially advertised as a food server, was absent during the visit. While some tourists were disappointed by the lack of high-tech features, locals were largely forgiving. The article concludes by reflecting on Musk's broader political projects and the current state of dysfunction, contrasting the diner's retro-futuristic aesthetic with a dystopian reality.