We can’t wait to see the solar eclipse on Monday afternoon—and no, we’re not driving hours into the “path of totality” (81 percent coverage is just fine). Think of this as the lazy man’s version of witnessing history: five rooftop bars opening early to serve eclipse-themed drinks and food, pass out free viewing glasses, and offer patrons a glimpse at the 2:45 peak viewing time.
1. Top of the Gate
2650 Virginia Ave., NW
Head to the Top of the Gate at the historic Watergate Hotel starting at 1 PM on both Sunday and Monday to indulge in two eclipse-inspired cocktails, and an excellent view. The $16 drinks include a Manhattan with a sun-like orb of ice and the “Eclipse Pico” with white rum, black pepper honey syrup, and pineapple juice. It’s topped with a black orange ring that resembles a moon casting a dark shadow—and you can sip it while seeing the real deal on Monday.
2. Radiator
1430 Rhode Island Ave., NW
The Radiator team is hosting a special happy hour on Monday on the rooftop of Logan Circle’s Mason & Rook hotel starting at 1 PM. Although the drinks here won’t resemble any astronomical elements, the low prices will make it that much easier to (repeatedly) toast the big event: select beers will be available for $5, wines for $6, and frozen drinks for $7. The classy, wood-paneled décor provides a beautiful, summery backdrop for the afternoon’s festivities.
3. DNV Rooftop
1155 14th St., NW
This downtown rooftop pool and bar is extending its happy hour on Monday in honor of the eclipse. From 1 to 7 PM, head to DNV Rooftop to celebrate your inner child with viewfinders, kaleidoscopes, boozy popsicles, and throwback tunes. The Little Miss Whoopie food truck will also be parked outside Zentan, DNV’s lobby restaurant, from 1 to 4 PM serving moon pies and whoopie pies, and the first 99 guests get half-off.
4. CityBar
400 E St., SW
The new rooftop at Hyatt Place is offering a lunch buffet starting at 1PM on Monday for only $15 a person (if you pre-order tickets online; $20 at the door). A fun happy hour includes $1 off draft beers, $2 off wine, and $10 cocktails. An added bonus: guests can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Washington Monument while waiting on the moon to reach peak.
5. The Graham Georgetown
1075 Thomas Jefferson St., NW
Take advantage of $5 tequila sunrises from 1 to 3 PM at this rooftop hotel lounge in Georgetown. Get a beautiful view of the Kennedy Center and the surrounding neighborhood, no reservations required. They’ll also hand out free “Moonshine Moonshot” shooters when the moon reaches full coverage. Just remember the dress code from their website: “Georgetown chic.”
Former editorial fellow Erica Sloan is now an editorial assistant at Martha Stewart Weddings and Martha Stewart Living.
Rosa is a senior editor at Bitch Magazine. She’s written for Washingtonian and Smithsonian magazine.
