The legendary Top of the Mark has reopened with new tasting experience

The Mark Hopkins Hotel is one of the Grand Dames of San Francisco, sitting on top of Nob Hill since 1926.  Now known as Intercontinental Hopkins San Francisco, this landmark is a part of San Francisco’s rich and colorful history, hosting the likes of American presidents, international heads of state, and even royalty.

Located on the 19th floor of Intercontinental Hopkins San Francisco,  the legendary Top of the Mark has reopened with a new tasting experience. Starting July 1, the penthouse lounge will launch a Tableside cart tasting experience called the “Vodka Expressions.” 

Guest can choose from a salty or sweet flight of Hanson Organic Vodkas, delivered via tableside cart.  There are five flavors of Hanson Vodka – Original, Cucumber, Meyer Lemon, Mandarin, and Habanero.  The sweet flight will be paired with treats from Kollar Chocolates.  Some of the sweet pairings will include Original with a Passion Fruit chocolate, Meyer Lemon with a Sunflower Seed Praline or Habanero with an Orange Grand Marnier chocolate.

Starting August 1, the Top of the Mark will launch the salty flight, which will include a choice of caviar pairings with house made potato chips, cucumber, or endive, all enriched with crème fraîche. 

A refreshed cocktail and appetizers menu are also offer at the lounge.  For appetizers, guest can choose from Fennel Pollen and Orange Spiced nuts, Top of the Mark’s famous Ranch House Fried Chips, and Harissa Spiced olives.  Other items include Sonoma County Goat Cheese Fundido with Chorizo, Pickled Calabrian Chilies and Crostini; Tuna Tataki Tacos on a Fried Wonton Shell with Sriracha Aioli, Cilantro and Red Bell Pepper; or Short Rib Sliders with Anise and Apricot Glazed Short Ribs, Cilantro Jalapeno Slaw and Garlic Aioli.

History of the Top of the Mark

In 1939, Mark Hopkins’ owner George D. Smith converted the 19^th floor penthouse to a glass-walled cocktail lounge and named it Top of the Mark.  In 1941, when the United States entered World War II, Top of the Mark became a destination for Pacific-bound soldiers to have one last drink before shipping out, toasting the Golden Gate Bridge for luck.  This led to traditions such as the “Squadron Bottle,” where servicemen who came to the Top of the Mark would sometimes leave a bottle with the bartender for when they returned safely.

The Top of the Mark is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Appetizers are served from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Top of the Mark is located on the 19^th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins at 999 California Street at the crest of San Francisco’s tony Nob Hill. 

Dining tips:  Go before the sunset and request to have the seat by the window.