Top of the Mark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Top of the Mark
Interior, showing view
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
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 restaurant and lounge located on the top floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. You can find it on Nob Hill in San Francisco, California. It sits on the nineteenth floor, offering amazing views of the city.

Because it's at the highest point of downtown San Francisco, on clear days you can see many famous places. These include the financial district, Chinatown, North Beach, and the San Francisco Bay. You can also spot Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park.

The Story of the Top of the Mark

Building the Mark Hopkins Hotel

The Mark Hopkins Hotel was built by George D. Smith. It stands where a grand old mansion, owned by Mark Hopkins, Jr., once was. That mansion was destroyed after the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The hotel officially opened its doors in 1926.

Creating a Special Viewpoint

The top floor of the hotel was first rented by Daniel C. Jackling. He lived there until 1936. In 1939, the hotel's owner, George Smith, decided to make a change. He turned the 11-room penthouse on the 19th floor into a special room with glass walls. This new room became known as the Top of the Mark. It offered amazing views of the city.

Famous Voices and Wartime Memories

In the 1940s, a famous radio host named Marjorie Trumbull interviewed celebrities from the Top of the Mark. Her shows were broadcast on KSFO radio.

During World War II, many soldiers passed through San Francisco on their way to serve overseas. The Top of the Mark became a special place for them. They would gather there for a farewell moment, watching the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge. The northwest corner of the room was even called "Weeper's Corner." This was because family members would gather there for a final look at departing ships.

A Unique Tradition for Airmen

A new tradition started during the Korean War. Air squadron members would sponsor a "squadron bottle" at the bar. Each member would sign and date the bottle after enjoying a free drink. The person who took the last drink from the bottle would keep it. Then, they would buy a new bottle for the squadron. By the end of the Korean War, there were thirty-two squadron bottles in use.

The Top of the Mark Today

Today, the Top of the Mark is still a very popular place. It offers many different kinds of special drinks. You can also enjoy dancing and live music on most days of the week. During the December holiday season, the Top of the Mark offers a special afternoon tea service.

Images for kids

• 

  Interior, overlooking the Financial District

• 

  Exterior view

• 

  Panoramic view of the Financial District

• 

  Sunset over San Francisco Bay

• 

  Special drinks at the Top of the Mark

• 

  James C. Flood Mansion, Huntington Park, and Grace Cathedral