Welcome to Top of the Mark
Top of the Mark is a renowned bar perched high above San Francisco, offering stunning views of the Bay. Located in the historic Mark Hopkins Hotel, it seamlessly blends iconic charm with a rich history, including the poignant Squadron Bottle tradition honoring service members. The curated drink menu features exquisite wines, including esteemed Cabernet Sauvignons and delightful rosés, alongside top-shelf spirits like Remy Martin. Patrons rave about the exceptional culinary offerings, from flavorful shrimp tacos to the exquisite asparagus pizza. With impeccable service and a warm ambiance, Top of the Mark transforms each visit into a memorable experience for all.
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999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States Hotline: +1 415-616-6916
Welcome to Top of the Mark, an extraordinary dining and drinking haven perched atop the esteemed Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. Located at 999 California St, this iconic bar offers not just delectable cocktails and culinary masterpieces, but also breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. It’s a place where every sip and bite is an experience, infused with history and elegance.
As you step into this renowned establishment, you are greeted with the warmth of a rich tradition that dates back to World War II. Here, the Squadron Bottle tradition reminds us of hope, comradeship, and the spirit of service. Veterans and active-duty personnel gather to pay homage to their shared experiences, transitioning this bar into a living memorial fostering connection and remembrance. This profound atmosphere is amplified by the thoughtfully curated menu, designed to complement the stunning surroundings.
The culinary offerings at Top of the Mark are nothing short of exceptional. Among the standouts is the asparagus pizza, drizzled with a delightful lemon sauce — a dish that ignites the palate with fresh, vibrant flavors. Equally remarkable are the shrimp tacos and beef short rib sliders, both showcasing an attention to detail that enhances their taste. Additionally, the hummus and dessert selections, including a mouthwatering blueberry cobbler and a unique strawberry cake adorned with dehydrated strawberries, elevate your dining experience to new heights.
For those looking to sip on something special, Top of the Mark serves an exquisite array of wines and signature cocktails. The San Francisco Sidecar and Lillet Royale are just a couple of the crafted offerings, inviting guests to indulge in flavors that perfectly mirror the vibrancy of this city. And let’s not overlook the iconic champagne selection — a bubbly companion perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a special anniversary like that of returning guests or simply a night out with friends.
What truly sets Top of the Mark apart is its exceptional service. The staff are remarkably attentive, often anticipating your needs before you even notice them. Such personalized attention ensures that every visit is memorable, making it a cherished spot for locals and tourists alike.
In a city overflowing with options, Top of the Mark shines as a beacon of sophistication and historical significance. It is more than just a bar; it’s an experience enveloped in culture and camaraderie, urging you to indulge your senses while savoring that stunning view. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or celebrating the present, Top of the Mark is the ideal destination to toast to life's enduring moments.
They are the best!! The attention to detail is amazing. The asparagus pizza is so good it has a lemon sauce on it that is delicious. Shrimp tacos are very good, and the beef short rib sliders id say are very tasty, hummus is also one that i like a lot. Blueberry cobbler, a strawberry cake with these little dehydrated strawberries on top of it, the caviar is always good, i had a scotch on the rocks they have ice cubes with there logo on them. Very cool!! We also had this little fruit tart that had a good custard in it. We also had a bottle of champagne, a bottle of red wine. I always enjoy going here so much, for the ambience and the great service.
High atop the Mark Hopkins Hotel, the Top of the Mark offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, creating a majestic backdrop for this storied tradition. During World War II, servicemen gathered at this iconic bar before heading off to battle. Here, they began the Squadron Bottle tradition—a practice where a bottle of fine liquor was left in the care of the bar with the promise that it would remain untouched until the donor’s safe return. This act of leaving a Squadron Bottle was not merely about the liquor but symbolized hope, faith, and the strong bonds among comrades-in-arms. Each bottle became a silent sentinel, waiting for its owner to return and share a celebratory toast, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the hopeful anticipation of reuniting with loved ones. Over the years, the Squadron Bottle tradition has grown to honor all branches of the military. Today, veterans and active-duty personnel alike visit the Top of the Mark to pay homage to this legacy, leaving bottles and sharing stories of valor and perseverance. The tradition is a living memorial, connecting generations and serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who serve our nation. It stands as a revered institution where the essence of patriotism is both remembered and lived, making it a must-visit for anyone who values the rich tapestry of military history and the noble spirit of service!
This bar is just the right amount of classy to fit its iconic views. Myself and a wedding party came here after the reception and we felt so high class here. The drinks were excellent and the views stunning. I will say though, closing this bar at midnight on a Friday night seemed a bit early, and I know myself and the rest of the wedding party could have kept going until 2 AM.
The view, the service and the atmosphere are incredible. We went to celebrate our 10th anniversary and were given a prime table in the corner with amazing views. Our server was there the second we ran low on anything and the views are worth visiting alone! This place was recommended by our hotel concierge (Palace Hotel) and we are SO glad we decided to go! The caviar tasting was incredible with a huge portion and the zero proof drinks/mocktails were so tasty! Definitely our spot to visit now on anniversaries as a new tradition!
Enjoyed everything but want to mention the exceptional service by the staff. A special call out to Jillian who waited on our table. She anticipated our wants before we could even ask. We were in town to visit our son and you made our first night really special without even knowing it. Drinks and food were delicious and the service was excellent. Thank you from a happy guest.
The iconic pinnacle of San Francisco, immersed in character and stories with a view that never gets old, no matter what time of day or table you get. French 75 fits the bill perfectly, but their house cocktails are solid too and the ahi tuna is delicious. Live music Saturday was a nice surprise - especially when people started swing dancing!
A fantastic Christmas brunch. Every detail was nailed. Food, service, piano, and that view, all paired for a wonderful experience. The history of this establishment and the "fleet" bottles took me back to a long ago place. From the bacon to the caviar, every bite was better than the next. Service was attentive and not overbearing. If you're looking for a wonderful Christmas brunch, or you're just in town and want to grab a drink, be sure to visit the Top of the Mark.
A exquisite atmosphere, absolutely a ideal area in San Francisco. If you find yourself catching too many drinks, the hotel is a great place to stay as well! Along with the best view you can get out in the city. Their menu might not be huge but the items they have are very versatile & great veggie substitutes if you don’t eat meat. I’ve been here already over a handful of times and I can’t get over THE TOP OF THE MARK!!