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Categories: Restaurants, Bars, Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Nob Hill4-course menu, Moet Champagne Rose, live music and raffles to benefit "La Casa de las Madres"
Visit http://topofthemark.com for more information
Mon-Thu. 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 4:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
"I attended Peter Grunberg's solo piano program last night at the Hotel Rex, part of San Francisco Performances series 'Salons at the Rex.' …" read more »
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The Mark Hopkins located at the top of Nob Hill in San Francisco is a delightful traditional hotel. And the Top of the Mark has been a treat since 1939, even for us locals. It is a great place to take that someone special for a drink and good conversation on a week night.
But the best thing about the Top of the Mark is their Sunday Brunch. Talk about decadence. This brunch is an all you can eat Henry the VIII type of affair. This includes all you can drink champagne, caviar and a big breakfast buffet up in the sky. Sort of like buffet heaven with lots of desserts. Its all there on Sunday's. Yes it costs 59 bucks a head all inclusive. But when you figure everything this entails, it is actually a good deal. This brunch would make even Robin Leach all hot and bothered.
The Top of the Mark sunday brunch has that eighties decadence vibe and provides a perfect setting for any special occasion. Come here and close the deal.......Did I mention the 360 degree views of SF? Yes Winthorp, indeed I did....
Stopped in for an after dinner drink on a Thursday night and the place was busy but not packed. We were greeted at the elevator but a slightly snobby hostess who informed us the because we were not guests of the hotel we would have a $10 per person cover added onto out bill. We say ok and find a nice table for 2 with a beautiful view of the city.
We are really interested in drinks only after a big dinner in North Beach. Upon looking at the drink menu I find that the wine list leaves a bit to be desired but since I was leaning more towards a cocktail that seems ok. The list of martinis is several pages and really overkill in my opinion. I don't mind a specialty cocktail or two but a list that size really makes them all start to sound the same and makes me loose interest in even reading all the choices. Martinis are each $13 and served in a rather skimpy sized glass. I can't even remember the catchy name of the one I drank but it was nice even though it was pretty sweet after I discussed with the server that I did not want a very sweet drink.
All of that aside, the ambiance was nice. The swing band was good and got many couples out on the dance floor. There were a large variety of age groups but mostly couples rather than larger parties. It was a fairly clear night and the view was worth the trip alone. In the end they did not end up charging us a cover charge so I felt that what we walked out paying was pretty fair for the atmosphere, drinks and view.
A very fine diner that has a great view over the bay and elegant food to eat. Located at the top floor of the hotel, this place is great for a anniversary on weekends where they have music and classic entertainment. The people are very nice here and fun to talk to.
There is no beer on tap, and 12 oz bottles range from $6 to $7.50.
My boy-friend and I came here last night for our special date night and we could not have had a better time!
When we arrived around 9ish, it was pretty crowded in the lobby area-- it seemed like a long wait. We just wanted to have cocktails and enjoy the Friday Night Jazz (from 9 p.m. onwards) and we were told we would be seated in 15-20-- and we actually were, which was impressive!
The ambiance is beautiful in this bar-- it's sleek, modern but in a classic, not trendy way (this joint has been around for a long time!) The best part is obviously the 360 degree view of the city, but even the inside of Top of the Mark creates a wonderful atmosphere to be savored and enjoyed.
The energy and the crowd was great-- totally unpretentious! Last night there was some sort of wedding or engagement party, so people were really getting down on the dance floor to the live band, which was a blast to watch and made getting out there ourselves totally do-able!
On top of the great live music (a 6-piece jazz band with an incredible duo of lead singers!) the service was friendly and speedy, especially considering how many people were there that night.
We were so pleased. We danced, we drank, and we'd go back again-- of course, not too often considering we spent about $75 bucks on 3 drinks and a shared dessert (not to mention the $10 per person cover charge). But for a nice or special occasion, it is absolutely worth it!
Loved it!
A venue of elegance - I think that says it all. Grab your partner and be ready to get your groove on to some mellow jazz tunes. The live band is amazing and will play anything and everything to get the crowded out of their seats and onto the dance floor. It's a place for the classy crowd, so don't be bringing your club head posse up in here.
You'll instantly fall in love with the view, so try to get a seat by the window with a cosmo in hand. There is a $10 cover if you arrive past 10pm, but you can most likely sweet-talk your way out of it. The bouncers are more like doormen here than bouncers, so no need to feel intimidated. Come dressed to impress. Perfect date spot.
Great place to go to for drinks and a view, if you have the cash.
Saturday Night: 3 people + $10 cover each + one round of drinks + tip = $82. YIKES!
This place has the feel of something expensive (I wonder why?) and really exclusive, but what it definitely has is the most beautiful view of my favorite city!
Today I decided to sip cup of macchiato and enjoy sunny, cloud free day and my choice fell on the Top of the Mark.
I grabbed my laptop, and drove to the Nob HIll, easily found parking spot, and went right to the top.
The breathtaking view of the city and the bay gave me so much inspiration!
I will be back, and next time I'll get a small bite, I hope it will be delicious as the view.
The last time I was this close to God I was staring at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Pretty sure the pearly gates opened up and some ethereal angels played trumpet fanfare as I ascended to the top floor of the Mark Hopkins one rainy Sunday. Or maybe that was just my post-night-out-on-the-town stomach growling...
Either way, I was stoked for a marathon champagne and grub session on the parents' tab, those old booze hounds... It goes without saying, the view is lovely, and the waitstaff is nice too. This brunch has everything you could ever want and many things you never knew you wanted...
Caviar? As a hangover cure? Yes, please.
Bread pudding so heavenly I'd gladly slap your mother for the last bit? Indeed!
Crab cakes at 10AM? Bring it!
And the very fact I didn't need to eat again until Monday dinner made it all worth the price.
I may not know much, but one thing I do know: if there is a God, he/she/it frequents brunch buffets. And word to the wise: Keep your mother away from my bread pudding.
Stayed there this weekend and went up to the top for drinks when we had nothing to do. They were surprisingly expensive, but very strong. They didn't charge us the cover because we were staying at the hotel, that was nice.
The view is awesome, go before dark and get a window seat...pray for no fog, and just stare out the window.
Just a heads up: The view from the restaurant is not panoramic. The bar splits the semi ovular room into two sides. If you are facing the bar once you get off the elevator, you want to be seated on the tables to the left of the bar.
I don't need to repeat how spectacular the views are, because they are amazing (try the bar on the top floor at the Marriott on 4th St. for comparable views).
The pre fixe menu sounded well crafted. Unfortunately, the food flavor was only a smidge above average. I liken the menu to foods that are "safe" - your 21 year old brother will eat it and so will your 90 year old grandmother.
Waiter was nice, we were a tad rushed and we really wanted to extend our dinner to be able to see SF's city lights come on (I know, every server's nightmare). The city lights did not disappoint.
When I made a reservation, I made it a point to tell them it was my anniversary and they graciously sat me at the "best table in the house". The table had a card wishing us a happy anniversary (nice touch!).
Go because it is a landmark and nice views. I wouldn't do dinner, but maybe get in later for some drinks.
If you are between the ages of 40 and 70, like snooty staff members, and your idea of a great Saturday night is dancing as if you're at a wedding reception, then this is the place for you! Yes yes, it has a great view blah blah blah. So does twin peaks. So does the top of Dolores Park. There are many places in the City that have great views, so no, that didn't make me like the place that much more. And anyway, riding the elevator at the St. Francis is so much more fun!
I don't happen to love live bands playing jazzy, almost musac versions of old classics (think the temptations in an elevator). And, I certainly don't like paying cover to listen to that. I was there for a friends birthday party, and, unaware that there was a cover, I asked if the bday boy had a tab running for his guests. They looked at me like I was crazy and told me they didn't take reservations. Yeah, I get that. Why don't you stop looking down your nose at me before I slap that look off of your face.
It was at that moment when I took a step back in the line, turned to my friend, smiled and said "Well hey, if we want to pick up on rich, older, slightly unattractive men I guess we should stay." At which point, the (probably) rich, older, slightly unattractive man in front of us turned around and looked at me. Classic.
Needless to say, we didn't stay.
This place is class.
You will feel more comfortable if you come dressed nicely, business casual or better. Most of the other patrons are, and it's just that kind of place, on top of a luxury hotel, on top of a hill in a luxury neighborhood. This is Old San Francisco, featured in an old World War II movie when a Naval officer takes his wife out on the last night before deployment. There is a picture at the bar of a B-29 bomber with "Top of the Mark" as its name, painted on the nose. One of the seats is supposed to always be reserved for a U.S. Marine.
The service is professional and businesslike. They don't pretend to be your friend, they are at your service. When it's busy, you can tell they appreciate it when you already know what you want when they come to take your order. If you want gushing servers to fawn over you, I don't think you'll find that here.
But that's not the point. You come for the views, absolutely fantastic with the huge windows. When I was leaving one Friday evening, a good jazz band was starting to play.
The drinks are not cheap, but not as expensive as I had expected, given that the place is what it is.
Lovely view, great drinks!
This joint is phenomenal if you are 45+ dancer, with a craving for $12 martini's, who likes to rest with a party of 3-4. Key word being=SIT.
The "no standing" rule is lame, but NOW makes sense. Clearly, everyone who is willing to pay the $10 cover, comes to the Top of The Mark to get a look at the splendid city of SF. With that being said, the last thing a spectator wants to see is a skyline being blocked by a big head in the way. Duh. It makes sense, but sucks when you are trying to mingle and move.
Recently, I was here with a large group of 30 somethings that did not want to sit. We wanted to drink and get ready for a great night, but this spot was definitely not accommodating to our corner takeover. Poor guy at the front was a working bee enforcing the rules and bringing chairs. Unfortunately, we were not having it, and we left.
On the following day, a small group of us returned. We were hungry after a mishap, and decided to take a risk at the Top. The live music was fun, my martini strong, and the fru fru appetizers were a disappointment. Luckily, someone else picked up the bill.
Come for the view, the drinks, the music, and the chill/quiet atmosphere. This joint is not intended for a rowdy crowd, it's intended for a Mad Men crowd looking cool.
If you're a resident of San Francisco you should check out the Top of the Mark. The place is absolutely BEAUTIFUL on a clear night.
I've never had trouble ordering a drink but they had such a large selection of $12+ drinks to choose from that sounded amazing.
I enjoyed the music in the background and some couples dancing. The 360 views of SF from the top of the Mark Hopkins were amazing.
This place is unparalleled. Forget the Starlight room. Top of the Mark is the place to be.
I came back here again with the same people I did two years ago (we're making it a tradition) and I have to say that this time, the service was pretty shitty. I don't know if it's because we look young or what but we would spend a good 10-15 minutes waiting around just to have our order taken.
The view and everything else is great but the service is a hit-or-miss now.
Man, if I didn't have such a ridiculously low alcohol tolerance, I would come here more often. Not… Read more »
Yet another site of yet another beginning of the end of the beginning of something great. Oy vey! And to think I used to have moves.
What I'm trying to say is that rejection and heartbreak aside, no boy could ever ruin this place for me. I can't remember the first time I came here but I remember being immediately enamored. Growing up close by makes it all that more romantic (in my head, of course, because god forbid I experience anything remotely resembling romance...).
The views, ambiance, and Hotty McHotterson who sings there on Fridays aside, I have to knock off one star for the service. These folks could give a damn and have probably been working here since the day the place opened. The door folks can be kind of assholes. I'm usually on the VIP list because I'm all hooked up like that, and they still give me and guests a hard time. Oh well- at least they're keeping the riffraff out. And by riffraff I mean all of my exes and past exes-in-waiting. Well you're not ruining this spot for me, boys!
Come, dance, revel in the views and lush surroundings. And bring a flask. Because the drinks are mucho pricey and practically non-alcoholic :)
Food was miserable - reminded me of wedding catering.
All the window seats have a terrible draft - the AC vents are located right above the windows and blow a steady stream of ice cold AC right down on top of the tables next to the windows. All around us I saw women bundled up in coats or asking to be moved to a different table.
Oh yeah, the view is good. Regardless, it's not fun to pay $59 for freezing while eating wedding food.
I think every San Franciscan needs to come up here at least once in their lifetime: new residents and locally born / raised alike.
Take the long ride up the elevator, sip on a cosmo, relax to some live jazz music. Then lean over the window and take in the world at your feet.
Yep, we get to live here. And we are really lucky.
This is from what I hear the place to be in San Francisco . . . back in 1939. It has a lot of history even though judging by the numerous pictures of ages past it has gone under some remodeling over the years. There's nothing new to say about the Top of the Mark and I can agree with everybody's reviews that the view is a 5 star one, the drinks aren't cheap and the servers while accommodating don't seem to be loving life. The band on Friday night wasn't too great but many of the people seemed to be enjoying the times had. We just talked and ha a couple rounds of Martinis while looking out over the southern part of the city.
Most of the excitement came while we waited about 10-15 minutes for a table in the small lobby; it was an example to impatience of people. Some things I overheard were:
"You can't expect me to pay $10 just to come in!"
"You have to be joking; you want me to wait 10 minutes for a table!"
"You mean I can't just come in and look around?"
Maybe I'm old fashioned but waiting a few minutes isn't a big deal and neither is paying cover for entertainment. I felt bad for the hostess but I'm sure she's heard it all before.
All in all we had a nice time but would have enjoyed it more if it weren't for the other people and the music.
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San Francisco, CA
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