ABOUT

A NEW BAR WITH AN OLD SOUL

Darling is a Chinese-inspired cocktail bar located in the heart of Central Square, Cambridge — built within the cherished former Mary Chung’s space. Founded by hospitality veterans Brian Callahan and Zimu Chen, Darling offers an intimate and sensory-rich bar experience, blending boundary-pushing cocktails, reimagined dim sum, and a layered, cinematic atmosphere.

At Darling, nothing is static. The cocktail menu changes daily, the music shifts with the mood, and the space feels both lived-in and reborn. With deep reverence for history and a restless energy for invention, Darling invites guests into something familiar yet wholly new.

THE TEAM

Brian Callahan began his career in hospitality as a barback in 2013, quickly rising through the ranks to become Bar Director at some of Boston’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Tiger Mama, Orfano, and Row 34. Known for his instinctual approach to flavor, texture, and balance, Brian brings a bold, experimental edge to the cocktail program at Darling.

Zimu Chen, originally from Nanjing, China, moved to Boston in 2010 and found his calling in restaurants like Eastern Standard, Mariel, and Coquette. He brings a grounding hospitality presence, pairing managerial precision with cultural inspiration drawn from his roots and travels. Together, Brian and Zimu have created a concept rooted in respect, creativity, and joy.

Executive Chef Mark O’Leary (formerly of JM Curley, O Ya, Shojo) leads the culinary program. His dim sum menu balances comfort and nostalgia with unexpected technique and refinement.

THE COCKTAILS

The beverage program at Darling — named in spirit after the phrase "kill your darlings" — is designed around seasonality, focus, and constant reinvention. Each cocktail is a layered story built from advanced methods like milk-washing, fermentation, and clarification, balanced by Brian’s playful yet precise touch.

Expect house-made infusions, global spirits, and surprising flavor combinations rooted in technique and emotion.

Notable Cocktails Include:

  • Common Trope – Jasmine vodka, lychee, black rice sake, cucumber

  • Sweep The Leg – Tomato water, vermouth, Chinese celery, passionfruit, rum

  • Holy Trinity – Ginger-scallion-garlic gin, Shochu, Manzanilla, pickled scallion garnish

  • HK French Toast – Cognac, peanut butter, condensed milk, toasted brioche

  • Hope I Packed a Parachute – Matcha, red bean, coconut amazake, taro foam

  • Pinky Ring – Mezcal, corn mirin, raspberry chartreuse, Umeshu

Non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine are also available.

THE FOOD

Darling’s reimagined dim sum menu celebrates Chinese tradition through the lens of comfort food and memory. Menu highlights include:

  • Suan La Chow Show – Sichuan pork wontons, house chile crisp, vinegar soy

  • Soy-Braised Duck Feet – Persimmon, crispy garlic, chile oil

  • Hong Kong Shrimp Toast – Milk bread, shrimp mousse, sesame, pineapple

  • Filet O Fish Bao – Salt cod, American cheese, tartare

  • Red Braised Pork Ribs – Dr. Pepper glaze, crispy taro

  • Egg Custard Tarts – One with Cinnamon Toast Crunch custard; one with whipped tofu, vanilla, and orange zest

THE SPACE

Darling was self-designed by co-founder Brian Callahan to feel layered, imperfect, and alive. Exposed brick, walnut bar tops, rough cement, and hand-finished materials frame the space. A mural by Julia Purinton of Medusa Studios anchors the bar with blue-green tones and hidden Cantonese characters.

Design references include:

  • Wong Kar Wai films (In the Mood for Love stills featured throughout)

  • Graffiti icon Tsang Tsou-choi

  • A soundtrack of 90s hip-hop, soul, modern pop, and punk curated by Brian

Guests enter around a corner — preserving a moment of intimacy and discovery — before finding the bar.

VISIT US

464 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139

Hours
Tues–Thurs: 5pm–12am
Fri–Sat: 5pm–1am
Sun: 5pm–12am

Reservations available via Resy
Follow us on Instagram @darlingcambridge