Top of the Mark
Cocktails in the clouds

Updated October 14, 2025

A trip to the Top of the Mark, the restaurant/bar at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill, is one of the quintessential San Francisco experiences; everyone should do it at least once!

It's so traditional, it's become a little uncool to go there; but doesn't that make it retro-cool? I can't figure that out, but I do know they have one of the most spectacular and scrumptious buffets I have ever enjoyed. And what a view!

City view from table at Top of the Mark in San Francisco

View of the Bay and the City

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History of the Top of the Mark

The Mark Hopkins Hotel is one of the Grand Dames of San Francisco, catering to the rich and famous of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and sitting on top of Nob Hill since 1926.

The hotel sits in the area that the wealthy of 19th century San Francisco built their mansions. Most of the Nob Hill homes were destroyed by fire in the 1906 earthquake, which also claimed the turreted mansion of Mark Hopkins.

Who was Mark Hopkins? Mark Hopkins was one of the founders of the railroad which became the Southern Pacific Railroad. He had a mansion built on Nob Hill but died in 1878 before it was finished. His wife lived there until her death in 1891, and the house was later donated to the San Francisco Art Association, who owned it at the time of the earthquake.

The Mark Hopkins Mansion

One of San Francisco's most elegant hotels was built on the site of the former mansion in 1926 and became one of the most prestigious hotels of the city, along with the Fairmont Hotel across the street. More on the history of the hotel.

The Peacock Court (just past the ornate lobby) was the scene of debutante balls, and hosted many of the biggest names of the big bands and entertainers of the gilded age, like Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Xavier Cugat, Betty Grable, Dorothy Lamour, and Rudy Valley.

Dorothy Lamour, 1940

Betty Grable, 1951

Just some of the famous guests who have stayed at the Mark Hopkins are: Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Charles de Gaulle, Herbert Hoover, Nikita Krushchev, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the Rolling Stones.

See Mark Hopkins Hotel for more info and room bookings.

The 19th floor penthouse suite at the hotel was converted to the Top of the Mark in 1939.

Go For the View

Most people go up to the Top of the Mark for the 360 degree view. It's on the top floor of the hotel, the 19th, and has its own elevator.

Downtown San Francisco

Which view is better, day or evening? Hard to say. The sparkling city lights are very romantic, and the day view gives you a great view of the downtown buildings, Alcatraz and both bridges.

Transamerica and bay view from Top of the Mark

Transamerica Pyramid and Yerba Buena Island

Go for the Evening Cocktails and Entertainment

Separate entrance for the cocktail lounge

Travel back to the Fifties and sip a Martini (or other selection) like Holly Golightly, gazing at the sparkling lights of San Francisco. Dancing, too!

Drinks at the Top

The Mark has long been known as a place to go for a special occasion, like a 21st birthday, an anniversary or marriage proposal.

During World War II, the bar became a well-known spot for Navy men to meet and have a last drink before shipping out overseas, often promising to meet back there after the war was over.

During it's heyday, the Top of the Mark was a fancy place to go for cocktails and dancing. It still has some of the 1940's ambiance, but unfortunately it's gotten a reputation for mediocre service. According to their more recent reviews, though, the food seems to have improved quite a bit.

Looking for a hip bar with a young vibe, this ain't it. It does tend to attract an older crowd who enjoy the nostalgia of it's romantic history, but many young visitors appreciate that as well. It used to enforce a strict dress code, which did help preserve it's classy, upscale feel, but that has slipped, so it's gotten a bit of a dated feel without the elegance of past years.

Nevertheless, many people still love it, and in spite of everything, I think it's worth it to experience such an interesting bit of San Francisco history in a spectacular setting.

They don't serve actual meals, but have a menu of small plates to go with the drinks, ranging from home-made potato chips and sliders to pricy caviar dishes. Desserts, too.

Tips for having a great evening:

Go just before sunset - gorgeous, and less crowded.
To get a seat by a window, when it's your turn for a table, tell the hostess you'll wait for a window table.
There's no actual dress code, but business casual or above is a good idea. You can wear what you want, but it's fun to get into the spirit of the elegant tradition.

They used to do an amazing Sunday brunch, but I'm still waiting for its return.

What's on the menu? They have a list of all the appetizers, desserts and drinks available on their website.

See Top of the Mark menus and more.

One of their brunch buffets

Entertainment at the Mark

They have live entertainment on Saturday evenings, with a $15 cover charge ($10 for hotel guests).

Check out their Top of the Mark events page to see what's on.

Holiday Special Events

Mark Hopkins entrance. Ready for the holidays.

The Magical Tea. A pretty holiday tea is served Saturdays and Sundays during the season, November 29 - December 21, 2025. Includes cookie decorating, Lowell High School Choir performance, and Santa appears in the lobby (Dec 6-21, 2025). The menu is enticing!

The Mark Hopkins also puts on some great buffets for the holidays at the Top of the Mark.

Buffets for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Plus a Thanksgiving buffet.

See Top of the Mark holiday celebrations.

Visiting the Top of the Mark

Mark Hopkins entrance, Fairmont Hotel across the street

The Mark Hopkins Hotel is located on Nob Hill, at the corner of Mason and California Streets, just uphill from Chinatown (two very steep blocks) and 6 blocks from Union Square.

Top of the Mark Cocktail Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 4-11 pm

Friday & Saturday: 3 pm-12:30 am

Book a table: reservations through Open Table.

Transportation

All three cable car lines cross just below the hotel, at Powell and California Streets, and the California line goes right past the hotel. They can take you to Chinatown, the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach.

See riding the cable cars for tips on how and where to catch them, how to avoid the lines, and a route map.

Parking

Garages nearby are expensive. And forget street parking. Some suggestions:

Cheapest. 750 Bush Street garage: $6/hr.
Mark Hopkins garage: $10/hr.
Masonic Center, 1101 California, $11/hr. 1 level block.
Nob Hill garage, 875 California Street: $10/hr. 1 steep block.

Tip: Use a parking app, Spot Hero to find the cheapest parking in the area, and space availability. This is what I use. Works best to book it ahead.