On April 8, Dallas is due for about four minutes of sweet totality as The Great North American Eclipse obscures our otherwise sunny afternoon outlook. It has been about 146 years since we’ve had the hemispheric good fortune of a total solar eclipse, so best not waste it. While some may don safety sunshades, others will be doing shots, squinting straight up into the ring of fire, and—like the ancient Chinese, who believed an eclipse was a space dragon swallowing the sun—saying, “Cheers, you magnificent beast!” Since the latter seems like more fun, we’ve compiled a list of places with rooftop decks where you can do just that. (Below those, you’ll find other options from which to perch and watch the totality.)
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This Lowest Greenville watering hole prides itself on daring cocktails such as the Sith Lord, which combines vodka with créme de cassis, Earl Grey tea, and other earthy elements for a sophisticated yet sinister refreshment. 1928 Greenville Ave.
Sundown at Granada
The name says it all. Aside from its spacious outdoor landing, this spot will be serving up some of their signature watermelon margaritas for just $5 all day. 3520 Greenville Ave.
Waterproof at The Statler Hotel
It’s hard to imagine a more majestic setting than the 19th floor of the iconic Statler for a little Monday afternoon interstellar action. Last we checked, they still had reservations available, too. 1914 Commerce St.
Sky Blossom
Their sixth-floor rooftop bar overlooks The Eye, a 30-foot sculpture of a dangerously unprotected ocular organ. But you’ll want your gaze fixed at an altitudinal angle of about 64.6 degrees. Closer to earth, you’ll find Vietnamese fusion and craft cocktails. 1514 Elm St., Ste. 611.
Surf Camp
Atop National Anthem in the East Quarter, this bar isn’t usually open on Mondays, but owner Nick Badovinus is teaming up with D Magazine to throw a subscriber-only party called The Totality Awesome Rooftop Rumpus. 2130 Commerce St.
Even More Choices
Hotels, restaurants, and performance arts venues are also hosting watch parties. Here are some of the most notable in our region, and some beyond.
- Canvas Hotel
- $100, music from DJ GMO and a live painting as the eclipse happens. 1325 Botham Jean Blvd.
- Virgin Hotels Arts District Rooftop
- $20, watch the eclipse with live music, food and drink specials, and rooftop views of the city at the second-floor Pool Club. 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd.
- STIRR Dallas
- Order honey-stung chicken and waffles, a blood orange margarita, and watch the eclipse on STIRR Dallas’ rooftop. Reservations required. 2803 Main St., #110
- The Joule – Eyeboretum
- Pick between a lunch at Sassetta, CBD Provisions, or Mirador for complimentary access to the eclipse viewing party with cocktails and snacks next to The Eye. 1601 Main St.
- JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
- Eclipse viewing is included in your stay—you can watch from the hotel’s 11th floor terrace. Or just head to its bar. 800 N Harwood St.
- Hôtel Swexan
- To accompany your stay, the hotel is offering eclipse viewing from the 20th floor with a telescope available, complementary glasses, craft cocktails, planetary films, and a New Moon + Solar Eclipse meditation class. 2575 McKinnon St.
- Marriott Dallas Uptown
- The Total Eclipse Package includes a Rooftop Eclipse Viewing Celebration by the pool with a free brunch. $454 and up. 3033 Fairmount St.
- Renaissance Dallas Hotel
- Watch the eclipse on the 20th floor of the hotel with a package including complimentary glasses and a souvenir cup. From $553. 2222 N Stemmons Fwy.
- Omni Dallas Hotel
- A Solarbration room reservation allows you to see the eclipse with Omni eclipse-safe glasses and a themed treat. 555 S Lamar St.
- Sky Blu Rooftop Bar
- Try space-themed charcuterie boxes, desserts, and cocktails at the eclipse viewing event supporting Dallas Girls Inc. STEM Class scholarships. 1949 N Stemmons Fwy.
- Solar Eclipse Party at The Lunar Light: Discovery
- $55, a watch party with glasses provided. 8535 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy.
- Samuell Farm
- $5, watch at Samuell Farm and receive free glasses. 100 US 80, Mesquite.
- Texas Eclipse Festival
- $249-$349, the four day festival includes campground access, over 200 live performances, yoga classes, space and technology classes, and more. 105 Co Rd. 114, Burnet.
- Total Eclipse of the Arts
- See the eclipse accompanied by the Revelers Hall Band and up-and-coming artist Corina Grove. Free, but ticketed. 2403 Flora St.
This story originally appeared in the March issue of D Magazine with the headline “Toast to Totality.” Write to [email protected].
