A few weeks ago, I had a chance to visit the famous Tesla Diner in Los Angeles. This is definitely one of the most interesting and unique EV charging infrastructure locations in the world. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, it’s not positioned immediately off any highway. You have to endure some heavy traffic to get back to highway 101 or I-10, so this spot is not an ideal charge spot on an EV road trip. But the Tesla Diner is still a great destination for Tesla fans and EV enthusiasts, as well as local EV owners without home charging.
The Tesla diner features 80 V4 charging stalls with NACS cables, but it is open to other compatible EVs. There are two gigantic LED screens showing short films (or promotional videos), and a two story dine-in restaurant. Although, during my visit on a very rainy day, the top floor patio was closed.
The drive-in movies aspect of the Tesla diner was kind of gimmicky in my opinion. They will not be displaying anything worth watching on these screens, because they don’t want you to occupy a charging stall for two whole hours. But I can report that the dining experience is actually very decent. Tesla’s tight software integration means you can preorder your food from the car on the way to the location, with food delivery to car when you park to charge. Alternatively, you can go inside to place an order an have your meal. I think a 15-30 minute charging stop here is ideal because that can replenish the majority of your battery, and grab a burger or snack.
The food/drink ordering experience is handles by iPad-like devices at the entrance, where you also the ability to purchase some Tesla Diner inspired merch. I had Falcon Wing chicken sandwich ($12.75) and an almond latte ($6). Both were very decent, but I did not have super high expectations for a novelty location. Food pricing was okay for LA, but probably a big high for anywhere else. Supercharging pricing however, was in line with other Superchargers nearby.
I would definitely recommend anyone fans of Tesla, or fans of interesting EV infrastructure to pay the Tesla Diner a visit. It’s hard to complain about lack of amenities at this Supercharger location, but perhaps they need more restroom capacity for an 80 stall charging site.
