Los Angeles is marking its centennial by showcasing the transformation of Santa Monica Boulevard from a historic Route 66 corridor into a modern hub for electric vehicles. The city's anniversary highlights a unique intersection of retro-themed dining and cutting-edge charging infrastructure.
The 80-car Tesla supercharger hub at 7001 Santa Monica Blvd
The Tesla Diner, which unveiled its concept on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, marks a significant shift in the city's automotive landscape. Located at 7001 Santa Monica Blvd, the Elon Musk-owned complex serves as a retro-futuristic intersection of dining and utility. According to the report, the facility can accommodate 80 electric vehicles, allowing drivers to charge via the Tesla supercharger network while enjoying their meals.
The diner's menu offers a mix of nostalgia and modern convenience, with typical meals costing between $20 and $30. Unique items like the "Cyberbox" burger, shaped like a Cybertruck, aim to capture a tech-forward demographic. A rooftop movie screen and "SkyPad" patio further integrate the classic drive-in cinema experience into the modern charging stop.
A $2.4 million revival of the Formosa Cafe's 1930s glamour
The Formosa Cafe at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd offers a different perspective on the city's century of history. Originally known as the Red Post Café in 1925 , the venue underwent a $2.4 million renovation before reopening in 2019 as the "Lot at Formosa." This restoration preserves the building's early 20th-century roots, including a disused train car integrated into the interior design.
As the source reports, the cafe has long been a magnet for high-profile figures, ranging from Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Keanu Reeves to notorious figures like Bugsy Siegel. today, the establishment serves Asian-inspired cuisine, with main courses priced between $25 and $45 and inventive cocktails served in specialty glassware, such as the monkey-shaped "Puebla Hurricane."
The unverified "roadhouse" status of Barney's Beanery
While the city celebrates its longevity, some historical claims remain less substantiated. The source mentions that Barney's Beanery, a fixture on the boulevard since 1927, is considered a "Route 66 roadhouse." However, the report provies no additional details to support this specific designation or how the establishment's identity ties directly to the highway's era.
This lack of detail leaves an open question for historians and locals alike: to what extent is the Beanery's identity defined by the Route 66 legacy versus its general longevity in Los Angeles? Without further verification, the "roadhouse" label remains a piece of local lore rather than a documented historical fact.
How West Hollywood's resurfaced roads bridge Route 66 and the EV era
The evolution of Santa Monica Boulevard reflects a broader trend of urban infrastructure adapting to changing technologies. The stretch of road, which once served as a vital artery for Route 66, is now being reimagined to support the electric vehicle era. this is evidenced by recent resurfacing projects on the east side of West Hollywood to ensure smoother transit for modern commuters.
This transition illustrates how Los Angeles balances its identity as a historic destination with its role as a pioneer in sustainable transportation. By integrating high-capacity superchargers alongside preserved landmarks,the city is attempting to ensure that its roadway culture remains relevant for the next hundred years.
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