Solar eclipses are so rare that many people won't be lucky enough to see even one in their lifetime. But this summer, millions of people are gearing up to see the solar eclipse on Aug. 21 — the first one visible from the U.S. in 99 years!
Locations along the path of totality, the areas where viewers will get to see the sun completely disappear behind the moon, are becoming frenzied tourist destinations. While hotels and Airbnbs are booking up fast, there are still plenty of ways to get in on some prime viewing action.
Restaurant reservation site OpenTable shared a list of great spots along the path to eat, drink and also enjoy a great view of this maybe once-in-a-life time lunar event.
Reservations are probably going to be snapped up fast, so if you want to hit up any of these hot spots, get moving soon.
Portland, Oregon – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 10:19 a.m. PT
Currents at the Riverhouse: Yelpers say the Pacific clams here are top-notch.
Hayden’s Lakefront Grill: Located on a lake, this new American eatery features great, locally-sourced foods.
Kansas City, Missouri – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 1:09 p.m. CT
La Bodega – Kansas City: Authentic Spanish tapas in Kansas City? Yes, please! Try the Pimientos Rellenos De Piquillo. These roasted piquillo peppers are stuffed with tuna and rice are a crowd favorite.
The Jacobson: Reviewers give this spot's creative cocktails and truffle fries rave reviews.
St. Louis, Missouri – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 1:19 p.m. CT
Cielo: Not only will you get to see the solar eclipse from this casual Italian restaurant, but downtown St. Louis and the Arch are visible, too. Try the ravioli — it's a regional favorite.
Tavolo: This restaurant serves a variety of pizzas and pastas, such as the meat-filled Sugo’s Pizza, topped with tomato sauce, sausage, pepperoni, bacon, hamburger, mozzarella cheese.
Nashville, Tennessee – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 1:28 p.m. CT
Rock Bottom Brewery Restaurant: Locals say you shouldn't miss the epic Big Night Pie, a four cheese filo pie filled with zucchini, black olive quinoa caviar, eggplant raisin sauce, smoked red bell tomato sauce, arugula, and caper garlic vinaigrette.
Wild Ginger: This Pan-Asian restaurant is located in the Franklin section of Nashville. Their Bombay Calamari, made with seasoned flour breaded with hint of turmeric, mango chili sauce, are wildly addictive.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 2:43 p.m. ET
Essex: Watch the eclipse over a sparkling brunch cocktail — they have a big variety here — including specialty mimosas like Ginger Berry or Apple Cider.
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen: Yelpers rave about this traditional southern restaurant, known for classics like chicken and dumplings, fried chicken and classic, southern-style greens.
Greenville, South Carolina – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 2:39 p.m. ET
Larkin’s on the River: This fine dining destination is perfect for a special occasion, such as a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse. We’re dreaming of their Short Rib "Poutine," made with Yukon Gold fries, braised short rib, demi-glace, mushrooms, Brie and Boursin cheeses. For a lighter touch, there’s Chilean Sea Bass paired with shrimp sofrito, onions, assorted bell peppers, applewood smoked bacon, fresh spinach.
Passerelle Bistro: Why should Fido miss out on all the eclipse fun? This bistro is pet friendly and features modern French fare like Garlic Shrimp (broiled shrimp, garlic, butter, espelette pepper, lemon), or Frisée Lyonnaise salad (bacon, poached egg, gruyere and croutons, in a champagne vinaigrette.)
Charleston, South Carolina – Eclipse viewing time at approx. 2:46 p.m. ET
BLU Restaurant & Bar: Enjoy oceanfront dining at this seafood spot that offers ocean-fresh catches like Crispy Snapper with aromatic beans, melted leeks and avocado in a cilantro pesto or Cornmeal Fried Flounder with citrus Carolina gold rice.
Water’s Edge: Minutes from historic Charleston, this waterfront restaurant lets guests view not only the eclipse but local fishing boats as they deliver the daily catches. Try the Crab Bruschetta — jumbo lump crab meat with marinated tomatoes on garlic crostinis.