Top of the Mark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Top of the Mark
Interior, showing view
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Restaurant information
Established	May 11, 1939 (1939-05-11)
Current owner(s)	InterContintental Hotels Corporation
Street address	999 California Street
City	San Francisco
County	San Francisco
State	California
Postal/ZIP code	94108
Country	United States
Coordinates	37°47′30″N 122°24′37″W / 37.791558°N 122.410364°W / 37.791558; -122.410364

The Top of the Mark is a famous bar located on the top floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. It sits on the nineteenth floor of the hotel, high up on Nob Hill in San Francisco, California. From this amazing spot, you can see incredible views of the city. On clear days, you can look out over the financial district, Chinatown, North Beach, and the beautiful San Francisco Bay. You can also spot Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park from above.

History of the Top of the Mark

The Mark Hopkins Hotel was built on the land where a big mansion once stood. This mansion belonged to Mark Hopkins Jr. but it burned down after the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The hotel officially opened in 1926.

From Home to Hotspot

For a while, the top floor of the hotel was a fancy apartment. A man named Daniel C. Jackling rented this huge 11-room space. He paid a lot of money for it every month! But he moved out in 1936.

In 1939, the hotel decided to turn this apartment into something special. They spent a lot of money to add glass walls to the 19th floor. This created a stunning lounge with amazing views. It quickly became known as the Top of the Mark.

Radio Fame and Wartime Memories

In the 1940s, a woman named Marjorie Trumbull became famous. She did radio interviews with celebrities right from the Top of the Mark. These interviews were broadcast on a radio station called KSFO.

During World War II, San Francisco was a very important city. Many soldiers passed through on their way to fight in the Pacific Ocean. The Top of the Mark became a special place for them. Before leaving, servicemen would often have a last drink there. They would watch the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge, thinking about their journey ahead.

The northwest corner of the bar was even called "Weeper's Corner." This was because wives and girlfriends would gather there. They would watch the ships carrying their loved ones sail away, saying their final goodbyes.

A Unique Tradition for Soldiers

During the Korean War, a new tradition started at the Top of the Mark. Groups of air force members, called squadrons, would buy a special "squadron bottle." This bottle was kept at the bar just for them. Each member would sign and date the label after enjoying a free drink from it. The person who took the very last drink from the bottle would get to keep the signed bottle. Then, they would buy a new bottle for their squadron. By the end of the Korean War, there were 32 of these special squadron bottles in use!

Top of the Mark Today

The Top of the Mark is still a very popular place. It offers many different kinds of special non-alcoholic drinks. You can also enjoy dancing and live music there on most days of the week. During the December holidays, the Top of the Mark offers a special afternoon tea service. It's a great spot to visit and enjoy the amazing views of San Francisco!

Gallery

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  Inside the bar, looking out over the Financial District

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  The outside of the Mark Hopkins Hotel

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  A wide view of the Financial District from above

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  Sunset over San Francisco Bay

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  Special drinks at the Top of the Mark

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  Huntington Mansion, Huntington Park, and Grace Cathedral from the Top of the Mark