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Top of the Mark
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch American (New), Lounges, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1 Nob Hill(between Mason St & Pine St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 616-6916
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 1 am
Sun 10 am - 1 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Brunch
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
587 reviews for Top of the Mark
Review Highlights
"all with FANTASTIC views of the city."
(in 99 reviews)
"Great for out of town guests and locals alike, in my..."
(in 18 reviews)
"I think I'll make it a goal to try all 100 martinis."
(in 64 reviews)
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587 reviews in English
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Review from Michael S.
American Canyon, CA
2/3/2012
The Top of The Mark was the evening saver after a very average dinner somewhere else. For those who are from the San Francisco area, you can feel the presence of Herb Caen as you ride the elevator to the top.
The Top envelops you in old San Francisco, excellent super dry Martini's and Manhattans served on the rocks (the way it should be served) all while you enjoy an amazing 360 degree view of the City By The Bay!
This is old San Francisco with a modern twist.
The band was fantastic playing a mix of old and new Motown style music and the dance floor was filled with well dressed upscale people having a great time. If I lived in San Francisco, this is where I would hang out on Friday and Saturday nights! -
Review from Samuel C.
Stockton, CA
So I probably would have given 2 stars but the View is spectacular, The Service however is not. The waiters do not know what they are talking about. I asked which wine would compliment my meal and say, " I dunno, try Pinot Noir, I hear people like that one".
ummm... OK
Next the food is too overpriced for the quality of food you get. Obviously your plan on spending some money, but Smaller than small portions is not OK. What Really is not OK is the vinegar potato chips that came with my meal.... REALLY???
So for dessert I got the Trio Creme brulle.... I think it was good but cant remember with the portion that I got. It was actually 3 "Asian soup" spoons with creme brulee in them. 3 bites for what I think was $18.....
Yeah.... I will not be back......
P.S. There is a cover charge to get in too. -
Review from Angela L.
1/30/2012
DRINKS:
1.) Old Fashioned - tastes like a whiskey in a cherry drink.. so that's what Old Fashioned is like, hm?
2.) Baked Apple martini
SERVICE:
very good
ATMOSPHERE:
Sunday night, tame, quiet, nice, good view, could see macy's n twinkling lights of downtown union square area.. from reading the other reviews, will come back for when there's live music. ;) -
Review from Nobbi L.
OK! So this place is a classic legend. For that it gets 5 stars. No, not just for that! The hostesses stop by my table, address you by name and inquire if all is ok. No pressure. No bill presented before you ask. It's Europe with a US flair, no a San Francisco Flair! Truly spectacular. Can't wait till the brunch tomorrow.
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Review from Darrin J.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
While staying at the Mark Hopkin's hotel we stopped up for drinks and dinner and were a bit surprised by that they had light fare for dinner. The mezes (Mediterranean) platter appetizer was flavorful and generous portion. The fresh crab was fresh and tasty but could have been a larger portion and more lump crab. Bison meatballs were wonderful with perfect flavor. The ham and cheese sandwiches three ways was generous and flavorful. The slider trio was a disappointment - burger had no flavor, pulled pork had even less, but the crab was good. Over all the food was only a 2 stars especially at the price. Service was good although the waiter was a bit scattered (3.5 stars). The piano player plus the views definitely put it at 4 to 5 stars. Over all okay and worth at least one visit.
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Review from Leighlah M.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
Nice place to have a drink on a date. It's pretty pricey, but good. Me and my boyfriend had 2 martinis each (each one is $14) and then we shared a very small (but tasty) crab and avocado appetizer. Our bill came to $75 (before tip). Large windows with a view of SF. My friend said she went during happy hour and it was good because you could watch the sunset and drink slightly "cheaper" drinks.
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Review from Zee S.
Davis, CA
1/18/2012 4 photos
Not exactly sure how to rate this establishment. The view is lovely, the property is really gorgeous and worth a gander for locals and visitors alike. We found easy street parking on a Saturday night which is also nice. So for a couple of drinks and some conversation drenched in dim light and the splendor of the city, by all means indulge. If you are at all feeling peckish and need a bite, I'd say eat before going or wait till after.
The food was so terrible, and I mean just so terrible I can't get over how terrible it was. We ordered the lamb kebabs which were dry and tasteless, and the nob hill sliders were equally bland and dry. We were going to order one more dish to round out a shared appetizer dinner but decided against it because the other two dishes were horrible to the point of being inedible. in a city that boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, it would be criminal to eat at a place that serves such uninspired food. I assume that the food is an after thought at this bar, it is foremost a venue to be enjoyed for the view and the drinks, so that's what I'd recommend people patronize it for.
In addition to the food, our service was pretty dismal. We asked to be moved to an empty table by the window, our server was weirdly peeved and made comments under his breath that we could have told him we wanted to move. The server on the other side was unhappy that another customer was added to his tables. There were some internal staff dynamics going on that just didn't need to be made apparent to the customers. I'd call that a management weakness.
To conclude, we enjoyed the view, detested the food and the staff made us feel awkward, like we were in a car with a bickering family. -
Review from Andrew S.
1/12/2012
I recently stayed at the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco. The hotel is well known as a throwback to an age of decadence of the City by the Bay in the 1930s and 40s. After the old Mark Hopkins mansion burnt in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake/fire, this hotel was constructed in its place. Interestingly enough, the hotel was finished in 1926 during Prohibition, with a bar as part of the original design. The Penthouse was converted in 1939 into a bar, which for the past 70+ years has been a staple in the San Francisco nightlife scene.
The real estate is exquisite -- located at the apex of Nob hill, the most scenic spot in San Francisco to see the surrounding city and bay.
For its history, the bar has been a place where various martinis and cocktails were invented and re-invented. The bar has over 100 martinis to choose from. I've read that during World War II, servicemen would bring their girlfriends and wives to Top of the Mark for one final kiss, leaving the ladies to stay and cry as the men head sail off under their local good luck monument, the Golden Gate Bridge. Furthermore, on their website, it cites that servicemen would buy a bottle and leave it with the bartender so that the next soldier in their squad could come through San Francisco and have a free drink. Whomever drank the last drop would be required to buy the next bottle.
My mom told me on the phone while I was there that she would travel as a young woman with her parents to the Fairmont hotel next door and have lunch at Top of the Mark.
I had a few business lunches there with colleagues and crashed a Morgan Stanley party one evening. The food is pretty good and well portioned, and the interiors aren't overly ornate -- its all about the view, and each table is positioned well for both all types of diners. Much of the interior retains the integrity of its mid-20th century charm, with ornamentation and various art and photo pieces lining the walls. -
Review from Farhad M.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2011
I made it here for an afterparty for a corporate event, but suffice it to say I'll never go back.
The views here are awesome, but all the "rules" are a HUGE turn off..."You can't take this drink from here to there", "you can't take this drink from there to here", "you can't take this drink out to the patio", "you can't be standing up, everybody must be seated at a table". Like seriously? I think there are less rules in maximum security prison. Not the way we expect to be treated when we're drop $1000+ in an afternoon
Not to mention that the hostess was a MAJOR C U Next Tuesday. Our group had a table of 10 people before the other 10 of us even got there and she refused to let us go join them under the guise of "you can't pull chairs around because we seat each table individually/" This is a freaking bar for christ's sake!!!!
The only reason I'm giving 2* instead of 1* is because the wait staff were awesome and the drinks were delicious. It seemed like all the attitude and general bitchiness was coming from the restaurant and hotel management (both upstairs and in the lobby) -
Review from Jeff S.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
This is a San Francisco Gem...don't understand the bad reviews.
I've been enjoying this lounge for many years and If your out on a date and it's going well then head to this destination.
Gorgeous views of downtown from all windows...order a bottle veuve and some strawberries and enjoy the experience.
If you live in the neighborhood you should take advantage of having such an awesome lounge in your backyard. -
Review from Michelle S.
Orange, CA
1/11/2012
This place is a serious classic and a must for an elegant evening in San Francisco. Gorgeous views, quiet atmosphere, superb food, and amazing wines. I should point out, this is not a trendy nightclub or hopping bar. You will not find clusters of upscale hipsters roaming about looking to "friend you". This is quintessential fine dinning.
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Review from Michael C.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011
Thanksgiving Day Buffet $99
We had reservations for 430p. We arrived at 4:32 and were told they were running behind schedule but we would only be 15 minutes delayed. At 5pm I asked the host how much longer, he said he didnt really know but there was only one party ahead of us. After another 15 minutes we were seated (45minutes after our reservation), we were given seats directly next to the buffet a mere 3 feet from the buffet table. I mentioned to the hostess, "we waited 45 minutes for this" to which she replied, "that is all we have" with no apology.
For the next hour we were jostled about by the throngs of people getting there food. Not exactly the type of experience we had hoped for.
The waiter advised us that it was an open bar which to me means the booze is free. My companion ordered a glass of wine. When I called to make reservations I asked if there was liquor included I was advised no, which was contradictory to what my dining companion was advised by the waiter. We asked for clarification and again he used the term open bar, we asked if that means it was free and he said no. They went back and forth on the meaning with the waiter raising his voice trying to make his point.
The food: pitiful
The stuffing has the consistency of mashed potatoes. It was horrific.
The paella had smoked chorizo and lima beans, that was it. No seafood.
The had many items with no labels.
The dressings were not labeled, there were 3, oil and vinegar, thousand island and bleu cheese. I believe it was the chef I asked for ranch dressing, I never got it after asking 3 different people for it.
The chicken was as dry as the sahara.
On the menu they listed various caviars. It was various tobiko's. Know the difference, most people do. Bait and switch?
No sushi or raw fish :(
The prime rib was good as was a lobster medallion appetizer. The prawns were huge, the crab they were putting out had a very odd texture and they never seemed to replenish.
The desert table was always a wreck.
Overall, very disappointing and wayyyy overpriced.
The company was fabulous and the view beautiful of what I could see since we got the crappiest table in the house. -
Review from Patrick Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
I came here on New Years Day 2012. The wife had to work so I decided to have a martini or 3 in the late afternoon. And what better place to do that than a bar where everyone is on vacation? I whip my ride into the Mark Hopkins cul de sac and get the friendly valet service. Up the elevator and into the TOTM. Greeted by super friendly host who guides me to an old school bar with a view of Twin Peaks and the city. Bar tender mixed me up a blue martini, then a classic gin martini, then I don't remember...$13 a piece off the 100(!) martini menu. Looked at the food menu but the selection is tiny and overpriced, so I settle for the bar nuts (quite excellent and including wasabi peas). Bartender is friendly and chatty--he's outraged that apartments in the city cost over $200k now (um, is he living in a Star Trek time warp?). Sat next to some teachers in town for a conference. (One guy talks loudly about when he got arrested and was at risk of losing his license. Glad he's from out of town.)
Obviously a tourist trap, but it was an enjoyable, hazy couple of hours filled with well-mixed martinis and unbeatable views. -
Review from Rina M.
Mountain View, CA
1/3/2012
After hearing about the hype for so long, I was ecstatic to finally make it out here on New Years evening. Even at 11pm, it was easy to get a table and drinks were out in a timely manner. The menu is extensive and borderline overwhelming, I got a French 75 and it was on point. The wraparound views of the city were amazing and the fact that it wasn't a foggy evening was an added bonus. The drinks are overpriced but I'm gonna tell myself that the markup is for the view. Totes worth it.
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Review from Lauren B.
11/20/2011
It's hard to know what to rate this place because the range of "sub ratings" that contribute to the rating range from 2 stars to a 6 stars.
I'll start with the Perks . . . this is one of the best views in all of San Francisco. It's a 360 vision that allows you to see everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to the East Bay to the avenues. I've been up and down and all around in San Francisco and there aren't many places like this. It's beautiful at night. The dance floor is fun and the live band that was playing was pretty good although I'm sure they aren't always there.
While the view is great, it's tough to fully enjoy it when you are stuck waiting outside because the capacity has to be "exact" and there are only 3 openings and are you in a party of 4 . . . 30 min later . . . you may get told to sit down with the drink or stay in a general area . . . and why was it so hard to find the bartender when he was needed? I was supposed to be at a party? Anyways, while I understand being "compliant" I guess I thought they were just thought they were just a bit too rigid/anal/petty with the ways in which they were "managing the crowd" and it kind of ruined the mood.
At the end of they day, I'd go back, especially if I had friends from out of town. I just wouldn't expect it to be an easy going night. -
Review from cindy n.
San Mateo, CA
11/30/2011
It was ok
when my bf and I went, it was soooo foggy and couldnt see anything at all.... ahaha -
Review from Jonathan L.
Saratoga, CA
10/24/2011
Seriously, I've experienced better. As in Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay "Better"
Came here for brunch and the variety was just disappointing for a $69pp buffet. No sushi bar and no caviar etc. I mean, really?! I don't care if you're an American or an Ethiopian buffet restaurant. If you charge $69pp for a buffet, you're going to have a sushi bar. Period. No questions asked.
They had forgettable desserts and their Green Tea Tiramisu should have been labeled "Green Tiramisu" since their "Tea" was non-existent, hot foods, cold dishes.
Memorable dishes include: Meat carving station, freshly made waffles, roasted duck in raspberry reduction sauce and their bread pudding.
BOTTOM LINE: Save your money for Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. Their service, view (if you're lucky), and wide variety of spreads will go above and beyond your expectations.
Top of the Mark did not deliver any surprises except for the lack of variety for the $69pp we paid for.
Their hostess could you a course in entertaining guests. At least fake a smile that looks a little less condescending. -
Review from P N.
Walnut Creek, CA
Updated - 12/11/2011
Called here recently and asked for the coordinator who helps folks who are looking to propose. I was calling for a friend who was planning on proposing to his girlfriend and thought since we had been here before, they would have been great. The lady who came on the phone was so short with me and literally talked me out of having him discuss purchasing a package with her. She even said "he can look online" Rude and unprofessional. If I were management I would be furious hearing the call that took place.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2009
Patty at Top of the mark was great! We went there Saturday night and my honey proposed to me. She… Read more »
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Review from bob r.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2011
We had a medium size group that wanted some good jazz.
I called here and was told that Friday night had great jazz. I looked up the group, and listened to some of their songs. Amazing ! !
We arrived Saturday evening for apps and drinks about 830pm.
Ordered drinks(even tho the waiter (tall older balding man) was snobby and somewhat rude)(no smiles at all).
We hung out till the band came on.
Strange, but these guys are white ! ! !
We waited for the jazz to begin in a few, as they tuned their instuments.
Then they began to play(and ..... sing ? ).
There was no jazz.
The young white male could not sing, but you could tell he thought he was the best in town.
The next song was sung(?) by a young lady.
She was flat. And I'm not talking about her build.
Flat, flat, flat ! !
OMG ! We all could NOT believe our ears.
First, it was not jazz.
Second, they were terrible.
Third, it was not music ! ! !
OMG ! !
We asked for our check and the snobby waiter took so long that we had to sit through three more "songs" ! !
NEVER AGAIN ! ! ! ! ! -
Review from D r.
Santa Clara, CA
12/20/2011
I Have been trying for 3 days to make a reservation and wanted to talk to someone - you get some squeaky moused voice recording that they do not take reservations at any other time unless from Tuesday to Friday from 11am. Seriously, most busy people want to book over the weekend. I had someone call me back and left the general number but all that gives is a recording. This farce of a business needs to make it easy for would be customers to make a booking! I am off to the Fairmont instead now.
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Review from Jessi R.
Seattle, WA
9/11/2011
The view gets 5 stars.
The food gets 4 stars.
The price of the food gets 3 stars. Yes, overpriced.
The personality of the staff gets 1 star.
We stopped in while playing tourist in the area. Admittedly, we were dressed pretty casual for a weekday happy hour...but we were paying customers and clearly tourists. Why not look past the shorts and roll out the red carpet? We were treated poorly from the start, for that reason I don't think we would go back. -
Review from Tim R.
Plano, TX
Best views of the city. Breath taking panoramic.
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Review from angel s.
San Jose, CA
12/28/2011
A gem indeed. Great place to sip martinis, hang out with great company, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
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Review from Jennifer C.
Redwood City, CA
10/24/2011
Actually, it's more of a 3.5 but I don't get that option.
+++ wonderful views of the city. Exceptional on warm Indian Summer nights.
++ ambiance is nice
++ dessert presentation was very well done but was super tiny for what you pay for
+ interesting cocktails
I'd consider this a place to go to for a 'special' event and the drinks we got were ok. They tasted great and were total creepers... you know the kind. You barely taste the booze and BAM it hits you.
I'm not sure about their food but based on what I saw pass by, the presentations are at least nice. -
Review from George U.
Irvine, CA
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Perhaps I expected more, but I can tell you it's a good view with okay drinks.
Since I am impatient, I disliked waiting for the elevator to the top; however, this wasn't so bad since I was with my friends. I was chagrined to find one of the three hosts being a bit chilly towards my party and other guests. One family in particular was not treated well while they waited for a table. We did not suffer the same fate since we were headed to the bar for a drink.
When we got to the bar, my friend, my girlfriend and I ordered a drink. The bartender made a terrible gin and tonic, which is unusualy since there's only two ingredients in the gin and tonic and it's very hard to screw up.
The one thing that I did like about this place was the atmosphere. The other patrons seemed excited to be there, which got me a bit excited.
Regardless, I probably will not come here again. It's not worth it with so many other things to see, taste and experience in San Francisco. -
Review from Nancy B.
Rancho Cordova, CA
12/28/2011
If you want a fabulous view of the city and a cocktail while you are there, this is the perfect place to go. I've had dessert and drinks many times in the past. Dessert and drinks are always well done. The key is to get a table right by the window. We got a table that wasn't right in front, but when one opened, our waiter kindly moved up to the window. The service was prompt and attentive. Gorgeous city views and great drinks!
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Review from Rachel L.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wine tasting was pathetic! It may be free but its really nothing don't waste your time. Pay $5-$10 in Sonoma or Napa or wine bars, your value of money is more worth it rather then at the TOTM.
Martini menu was good. View is amazing. -
Review from sparkle f.
Oakland, CA
9/20/2011
I wanted to take some girlfriends who just moved here from the East Coast to the Top of the Mark for teatime to see the amazing views.
I came to this Yelp page and called the number to make a reservation. No one answered, so I left a message to have someone call me back, as instructed on their voicemail. I waited a few days. No one ever called back. I called again. No one answered. I came to this Yelp page and made a reservation through the link to OpenTable, and received a confirmation email.
A week and a half later, the three of us get all dolled up in high heels and dresses for tea, pay $30 for parking next door, and when we walk into the Mark Hopkins there is a sign at the elevator which says that the Top of the Mark is closed for a private function. We went to speak to the concierge to ask about our reservation. She gives us a blank look and points at the sign by the elevator. Yes, I can read...but no one ever contacted us to say that they would be closed on the day of our reservation. She brusquely suggests that we go over to the Fairmont for tea instead...OK.
I was very surprised by the lack of explanation or apology and I have to say that when I stayed at the Intercontinental in Paris, the staff there were amazing and lovely to us, even though we were American tourists. Why can't your French concierge in San Francisco try some politeness?
We took her advice anyway and walked into the Fairmont without reservations. They were very nice and went out of their way to accommodate us. The tea room is stunning and the tea service was absolutely beautiful, I highly recommend it.
If you want tea at the Intercontinental, try Paris. -
Review from Tony L.
Foster City, CA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is for the Sunday brunch. I have eaten the brunch here many times and I thought I should review it.
The Sunday Brunch continues to be one of the best in town for the variety and quality of food and the spectacular view. Reservation is a must.
The service has always been impeccable. They greet you promptly, they clean the plates away quickly, they refill your drinks without asking, and they will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied.
The selection of cold food is spectacular, there is endless supply of oysters, scrimp and caviar. A good selection of cheeses, cold meats, salad and fresh fruits.
They have a selection of soups and pastas. There is carved to order prime rib and ham. They will made your eggs anyway you want. There is waffle and pancakes and wide variety of pastries. To top it off, the dessert bar will make your dentist very happy.
Expensive and can be very crowded on special occasions like Mother's day and Easter Sunday. -
Review from Sam S.
Anchorage, AK
12/2/2011
I was staying at the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, the hotel in which the Top of the Mark is located, for a conference. On the last day, I decided to try the Top of The Mark for lunch. I was dressed casually (jeans and a polo shirt) but from the way the waiter looked at me, You'd have thought I had walked in wearing swim trunks. I thought for a minute that I would be turned away. However, I was seated. The view is admittedly wonderful, and is the sole reason for my two (as opposed to one) star rating.
I ordered the $16.95 lunch special, advertised as a gourmet sandwich, salad, and soup. What actually arrived was a quarter of a sandwich, several leaves of greens, and a half cup of soup. The sandwich was goat cheese and quince. It was good, I think, but there was only two bites so I am not entirely sure. The soup was a version of miso and was pretty tasty. The greens were, well, greens, with a dab of French dressing.
I finished my meal in about 3 minutes. And then I was still hungry. I noted as I finished that I had never received the bread basket other diners had, so maybe that would have helped had I gotten it.
All in all, food was good, but ridiculously overpriced for the quantity provided. I have no plans to return. -
Review from Lis A.
9/26/2011
Go to 'Top of the Mark' if you are want a long leisure extravagant Sunday buffet brunch.
Like most 5-star hotel brunches, this champagne brunch comes with an amazing buffet including a section for: caviar & bellinis, seafood, cold appetizers, hot entrees, fruits and desserts. There's also a meat carving station and made-to-order omelets & waffles station. At $70/person, you get what you pay for.
Service is excellent and the piano music was a nice touch.
Nothing compares to Raffles Hotel brunch in Singapore but I enjoyed the company, the beautiful panoramic views of the city and the relaxing leisure pace. -
Review from David B.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great place for nostalgic San Francisco sightseeing or a special occasion once in a while, but not much else. The view is fantastic and one of the few in the city with this amazing vantage point. Hopefully you don't get a foggy day or table far from the windows (as I have), because it will suck.
The experience of taking an old, crowded elevator to a small, crowded lobby to wait for a long time to be treated to uninspiring food selections and overpriced cocktails is a disappointment. Service every step of the way was robotic and generic, sad to say.
Despite these frustrations it is still a fun, unique experience for some drinks as part of a special night out. Try to pick an off night with no other events in Nob Hill so you don't get stuck in the tiny lobby up there. -
Review from Jamie D.
Concord, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Talk about a classy joint. My old boss was in town and we were celebrating a bit so he took me here. Its so much fun to go up the hill and arrive at this bustling corner with a bunch of well-dressed people everywhere. The lounge is located on the 26th floor so you have to take the 1 elevator that actually goes up there, but to me this is part of the fun. We arrived around 9pm on a Friday night (the Friday before Christmas, actually) and it was busy as hell... we were told it would be 20 minutes for a table (and yes, you need a table even if you only want drinks - its classy ;) ), but we were seated in 5. Little did I know there would be a fantastic piano band with a rocking dance floor happening! We got a table right next to the action and I could not have had more fun if I tried. Even though we were seated on top of the dance floor, I still had no problem carrying on a great conversation while observing a wonderful group of people get down to some awesome music. The only reason I give this place 4 stars is because I had to go to the bar to get all (3) drinks. Our server, whoever he or she was, must have been slammed because we didn't see them all night, but to their credit I am pretty sure there was a wedding/retirement/something special happening, so I really didn't care. The group at the bar was fun and I didn't mind walking through the crowd a couple times to grab a drink at all. I probably can't afford to go here on my own accord anytime soon, but when I can, I definitely will.
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Review from Maria S.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ultimately, Top of the Mark is a disappointment. Sure, the view is quite spectacular on a clear day - or evening - but it's mostly a waste of great space in a beautiful San Francisco hotel.
Prices are high, as expected in an Intercontinental hotel. Unfortunately, neither the food nor the drinks provide any value for the money. Service is lackadaisical at best, and nonexistent late night. (You have to belly up to the bar for a drink after 10 PM, and the joint closes down entirely at midnight.)
Another turn-off? Being harassed by the companion of the live musical guest to purchase his CDs. No, thank you.
If you're staying at the hotel, it's worth checking out the view, and perhaps enjoying a cocktail or two at the bar. Otherwise, don't bother. -
Review from Felix M.
Menlo Park, CA
5/11/2011
Looking for a good brunch buffet? Top of the Mark has one of the best brunch buffets in the city. Sure, the price is really representative of a deal for Nob Hill residents (the Big Four would have called this inexpensive) but the view is not to be missed.
Want to impress out of town visitors? Take them here. The restaurant offers a 360 degree view of San Francisco and a very large buffet, full of quality eats! Price runs around $60/head for Sunday buffets. At night, most evenings, they have great dancing and still those spectacular views!
If you go for the Sunday brunch buffet, use the California Street Cable line to the Mark Hopkins and then walk down California after the buffet to work off all of the extra calories. -
Review from Shreya O.
Fremont, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice place for a fancy Sunday brunch, especially if you're celebrating something or have out of town guests. Be sure to request a window table, as this place is all about the view.
They have a decent array of vegetarian options - a few hot entrees (cheddar pancakes with apple compote, potatoes, etc), several cold dishes (vegetables, salads, fruit, cheeses, breads, pastries) and great desserts.
Service is impeccable. Your champagne, orange juice and coffee will be refilled before you'll even notice it needs refilling. But of course, I would expect no less for $70/head. -
Review from Dylan C.
Pacific Palisades, CA
5/18/2011
Arrived 5 minutes after 7pm. Found a $10 cover for the Swing Band was required to enter. Spoke to the Maitre'd told him we only wanted a drink.
We were lead to the Bar. Cover was waived which was very nice.
The View Sensational. The service from "Thom" the bartender was excellent. Thom made my friend the best drink she ever had. We watched the sunset from this incredibly beautiful local. A wonderful experience. Great music. A nice mix of people. We Had a blast. Definitely going back the next time I am in SF.
Old San Francisco at its Best ! -
Review from Sasha N.
Mountain View, CA
10/1/2011
I will never ever go back to this place again because of the HORRIBLE and POOR SERVICE!
A group of friends and I came here on a Saturday night - the line was so ridiculously long. We arrived around 8:40pm hoping that we wouldn't have to pay for the cover charge. The hostess put my name down and rudely told our group we would have to pay because we weren't going to get seated until after 9pm. That's not the reason why we left. All of us agreed to leave because of how the hostess was responding to our questions (or lack of). She seemed uninterested, irritated and was friendly with ALL the other guests EXCEPT us (wtf? customer service?).
We decided to go back to Top of the Mark a month later. This time we went there on a Friday night. Parking was diificult to find because they didn't offer valet that night (wtf?). There's a parking garage a block down California St., but the rate was unbelievably expensive. The waitress was practically making conversation with every other table except ours. The beautiful view did not compensate for the poor service. Their mojito was tasteless and their white russian was not that great either. The food was way overpriced for its quality. The music was TOO loud! I could not wait to leave and get the f*** out of there. -
Review from Mandy A.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/23/2011
Went in May on a Sat night. Cover charge (but I was a hotel guest so didn't have to pay). Live band playing all the recent hits (ie. 1970-1980) SO LOUD. Martinis are $12 each and service was far from personal. Felt about half the age of everyone else in there. View was nice. Dance floor was hoppin'.
Will not return on a Sat night again. -
Review from J E.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2011
You come here for the view. Period.
Came on a Tuesday night for their summer wine tasting - absolutely crowded and the "tasting" was a little drop of one brand of red and white. Blah. We ended up getting a beer and just enjoying the view. Everyone was dressed pretty classily-and I enjoy that.
Didn't order food although it looked good. Very spendy.
