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

2025-07-27 00:00:24.046

Elon Musk's highly anticipated Tesla Diner in Hollywood opened to massive fanfare, with hundreds of fans lining up for a taste of "retro-futuristic" dining. However, just days later, the experience proved far less glamorous. Long wait times plagued the diner, exacerbated by technical issues with the ordering app, prioritizing Tesla owners over walk-up customers. The food, described as mediocre by many, included items ranging from high-end sandwiches to fast-food staples. While some loyal Musk fans remained undeterred, others, including tourists, expressed disappointment, citing long waits and a lack of promised high-tech features. The Optimus robot, a key attraction, was often out of service. Despite operational issues, the diner's unique aesthetic and Cybertruck-shaped packaging proved popular. Musk himself touted the diner's success, contrasting it with the company's declining revenue. The article concludes by reflecting on Musk's broader political projects and the paradoxical acceptance of dysfunction in contemporary society.