RESTAURANTS • First Word
The Skinny: A coastal-chic restaurant and cocktail spot in the Marina, Bar Darling is the latest project from the veteran bar owners behind Harper & Rye, April Jean, Peacekeeper, and Mamanoko, among others.
The Vibe: With its blond wood backbar, botanical mural wallpaper, and sea-green tile fireplace, the airy space has front glass panels that open fully to the street. Weekday happy hours and weekend prime-time have been packed solid since it opened last month.
The Food: Mamanoko chef Dieber Tzab has put together an eclectic menu of bar snacks — and in a nod to the low-key famous offerings from Trick Dog and the Olympic Club, there’s an “off menu” “burger dog” with American cheese and bacon-jalapeno aioli, served until the long buns run out. The three slider options — Japanese chicken nugget, pineapple-teriyaki burger, and lamb merguez — join a host of zhuzhed up bar snacks like whipped feta dip, smoked salmon crudo, and goat-cheese and spinach tartlets.
The Drink: The high-volume cocktail spot has a bevy of unique choices like the Tam Tam (gin, carrot, lemon, saffron, and honey), the Loshay (tequila, amaro, bitters, allspice), and the Asher, an olive-oil-washed gin martini with rosemary. There are also a couple of NA cocktails, a house white blend and a house rosé on tap, and five local beers and a cider on draft.
The Verdict: The new spot of the moment for the Marina social set, it’s bound to be crowded and even have a line to get in some nights. During quieter hours, Bar Darling is also a pleasantly chill hangout spot for a get-together over a well-made drink.–Jay Barmann
→ Bar Darling (Marina) • 2263 Chestnut St • Tue-Sun 2p-2a • Reserve.