Top of the Mark Afternoon Tea
September 29, 2010 Even for a jaded SF native, sipping herbal tea at the Top of the Mark sky lounge can be a thoroughly relaxing afternoon of girly fun. I was terribly bummed when the Ritz ended their afternoon tea service back in January, so when I was invited to indulge in some pastries at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins I decided to check it out.
Seriously, how can you resist that iconic, gorgeous city view as you nibble on scones - OK, I inhaled them - and gossip with your girlfriend? It was one of the loveliest afternoons I've had in a while.
I love to learn anything that involves SF's colorful history, so I was charmed to discover that we were sitting at the Weeper's Corner. During World War II, as servicemen sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, their wives and girlfriends would gather at the northeast corner and tearfully watch their loved ones sail off to war. Heartbreaking, isn't it?
The Top of the Mark Lounge, circa 1959.
If the afternoon tea is too frou-frou for you, there's live music and dancing on most evenings. On Thursdays they have the awesome Stompy Jones performing swing music - it's quite the scene. I might have to go back soon to check it out!
The "Tea at the Top” service is held every Monday to Saturday from 2:30-5:00 p.m. Call 415-616-6916 for reservations.
www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com
For editorial consideration, a press invitation was provided for this post.
Reader Comments (6)
Oooooh, I love going for high tea. This looks lovely! And that old photo is awesome.
Even from that picture, I can tell those scones must be fabulous. What a treat to spend an afternoon nibbling those treats and sipping tea with that amazing view.
My idea of a heavenly afternoon...They have good breakfasts, too, which make it the perfect spot for a chic family outing. I'm waiting languidly for my son to be well behaved enough to get back to this seriously decadent delightful indulgence.
Sonja - I know, I love old SF photos!
Carolyn - those scones were pretty delish! The view was beyond incredible.
Delphine - I need to go with you when Le Bibu is all ready! ;)
I didn't know they had good breakfast...thanks for the tip....
Thanks for sharing Tami! I'm going to have to try this place on out <3
No prob Christina! :)
If you do go let me know what you think! xo