We tried the Tesla Diner in California to see if it's actually worth it

We traveled to California to try the new Tesla Diner in Los Angeles to see if it’s actually worth it, and the answer is bittersweet.

Also, we probably misused the word ‘new’ considering it’s been open for about a year.

But this actually gives us the chance to mention an extra detail about it.

And all that glitters is not gold.

Tesla Diner was opened in record time

One thing that both Tesla and the US in general could teach a few countries in the world is bureaucratic efficiency.

There are countries where it would take forever to get this approved and built.

But even in California, which as everybody knows isn’t exactly the easiest state to get permits, Tesla managed to build this in record time.

It was first announced in 2018, which is not yesterday – true – but then they ‘broke ground’ in late 2023, and it was ready by mid-2025.

When I traveled to Los Angeles in November 2024 (above), the Diner was still a work-in-progress skeleton.

Months later, it was already open.

I actually went twice, in November 2025 and August 2026, and a few things had already changed.

This is a ‘shrine’ to Tesla

We don’t know whether the Tesla Diner is profitable or not, maybe it doesn’t even break even.

But that’s not the point.

This is clearly a huge marketing tool for Tesla.

Especially when you remember that there are dozens of Superchargers on site, and they’re open to everyone, not just Tesla owners.

The venue itself looks exactly like a diner built by a robotics/AI/car company that pioneered modern EVs.

It’s futuristic, but with a touch of retro, like the Fallout franchise.

There are two main differences between November 2024 and now.

One, the merchandise display was relocated to free up main floor floor-space near the queue.

Two, the menu has changed.

This is a ‘dry’ restaurant, by the way, no alcohol is served, presumably because that would require completely different permits and would turn it into an ID-required establishment.

The food is okay – it’s just fast food.

We don’t want to name names, so let’s just say it’s probably better than your least favorite fast food chain, but probably worse than your favorite fast food chain.

The prices are significantly higher than they were when it opened, though.

I got cheese fries and a tuna sandwich and it cost around $26.

The same items cost $18 nearly a year ago.

But that brings us to the point: this is not a place you go for food.

The Diner is also a ‘drive in’

There are three main things you want to check out at the diner.

Apart from the food, obviously.

One, the gadgets, which are cool but very expensive – even by Los Angeles and/or California standards.

The lightning bolt-shaped salt and pepper shakers, for example, cost $65.

Second, all three versions of Optimus are showcased in display cases.

Three, this is a drive in open-air cinema.

There are massive screens where they project movies, usually old movies, which is a cool experience, especially from the rooftop bar.

Which leads us to the answer to the indirect question in the title.

Is it worth a visit? Yes, because it’s cool, but it’s probably one of those places where you end up going once or twice a year, not every month.