The 85th anniversary event honoring the Top of the Mark, an iconic San Francisco hotel lounge, turned into a grand 1920’s dance party in May, 2024.
Opened during Prohibition, the Mark Hopkins hotel at the summit of the city’s celebrated Nob Hill quickly became a destination for locals and tourists alike. With dance music a tradition here since the 1930s, the hotel’s Peacock Court on the lobby floor was an iconic location to dress up and dance the night away in San Francisco.
Guests were requested to wear black and white, hats and gloves, and many complied to evoke the heritage of the Mark Hopkins. Laurent Fourgo and The Vintage Jukebox band supplied the dance music.
In 1939, Hotelier George D. Smith, the founder of the original Mark Hopkins Hotel, replaced the 19th floor penthouse suite with a grand, art deco lounge.
“Smith wanted one of the first bars at the top of a city hotel. At first people were afraid to travel that far up by elevator, but he persevered and named it simply, Top of the Mark,” said Pace.
During World War II, the Top of the Mark developed emotional overtones. San Francisco was the last port of call for most servicemen shipping out to the Pacific. Before they left, they would visit and get a free shot from what became known as the “squadron bottle.’
Current General Manager Michael Pace spoke about the nightlife fame of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) since 1973. He shared stories about the Peacock Court embodied by the two vintage vinyl records cut by the Mark Hopkins Orchestra who performed there along with occasional guest appearances from “King of Swing” clarinetist Benny Goodman and famed swing-era trombonist Tommy Dorsey.
Over the years, celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley visited along with dignitaries including Charles de Gaulle, Prince Philip of the U.K. and President Barack Obama.
The sky lounge continues to impress with breathtaking views of the city, iconic drinks and food.
Top of the Mark view of the Transamerica Building and Treasure Island Credit- Deborah Grossman
Before the most recent remodeling, the bar was located centrally in the room. Now the curved wood bar is on the side, and the dance floor and event space faces guests as they exit the elevator.
The bar pours its own iconic drinks such as the Mark Old Fashioned with Angels Envy Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino, Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters.
Its cocktail list gives a nod to local spirits producers. The Rose Garden cocktail prominently features San Francisco-made Junipero Gin mixed with St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Chambord, lemon and rose lemonade. The Golden Gate cocktail is shaken with vodka from Hanson of Sonoma, coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple, orange and cranberry juice.
Also known for martinis, Top of the Mark bartenders found the Vesper martini, a favorite of James Bond, a popular call at the 85th anniversary gathering.
Seasonal cocktails are also of interest. The Summer Soirée cocktail that caught my attention for my next visit is the Three Berry Mexcalita made with Dos Hombres Mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, dehydrated lime, and black lava salt.
Wine list
The wine menu begins with a full page of bubbles and manifests a strong French Champagne presence, in addition to Prosecco from Italy and a sparkling wine from Sonoma County. This pattern of mixing California and global wines follows with the other wine categories. Craft beers by the bottle and can are available, as well as a broad list of spirits.
Caviar
The ultimate culinary choice at Top of the Mark is unquestionably the caviar experience. Two options are offered from The Caviar Co.: top end Kaluga Hybrid and Siberian sturgeon caviar. Both caviars are served with the traditional accompaniments of buckwheat blinis, eggs, onion, capers, crème fraiche, chives and smoked salmon.
During a previous visit to Top of the Mark, I first faithfully followed tradition and enjoyed the caviar on a blini topped with the accoutrements. Then, after ordering the tempting appetizer of fennel pollen and orange spiced nuts, ranch house-fried potato chips and olives, I confess to topping the house made potato chips with caviar—a delicious combination.
Other menu items include German-style pretzel sticks with garlic and onion crème fraiche, grilled shrimp tacos, Chef’s cheese and charcuterie board, and short rib sliders.
The desserts are All-American featuring favorites such as classic strawberry and peach shortcake, chocolate lava cake and blueberry crumble.
From WWII to Summer 2024
At the anniversary event, my mind wandered to the history of the storied lounge. I thought about the young soldiers about to embark on a perilous journey across the Pacific Ocean. On their return to the port after the war, the soldiers who bellied up to the Top of the Mark bar were saddened by the loss of their friends and excited yet uncertain about their futures.
As the servicemen imbibed, they could see the moody and often foggy skies of San Francisco. I recalled a visit to Top of the Mark on a cloudy night with a full moon when I toasted the patriotism of soldiers and those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
As servicemen congregated at the bar for the free shot, they learned about the “squadron bottle” from their peers and squadron leader and were asked to write a message in the log. The only caveat was that if they drained the bottle, they bought a new one for the next squadron. The practice of writing messages in a page of the logbook was renewed in 2009, and both active duty and veterans continue the tradition.
On the day of the 85th anniversary event, I paused for a moment to gaze at the sunlit city.
I marveled how the beat goes on at this hotel which is California Historical Landmark #754. Dancing remains a specialty in the lounge. Live bands play every Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for a small cover charge. Look out for monthly, free seasonal events such as Summer Soirées on Thursday evenings with special cocktails and a local DJ.
Music, dancing, food and beverages continue to augment the memorable view and ambiance high above Nob Hill in the City by the Bay.