It’s well worth dining off hours just to be ensured you can request a lakeside table.

Lago has the added benefit of having spectacular views of the famed Bellagio fountains.

This cocktail gets our vote for most adorable accessory, Mezcal peach compote in a sea salted-lime agave cone. The Smoked Peach Margarita is pictured below, with hand-selected Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, house-smoked Pallini Peachcello liqueur, lime juice, vanilla-thyme syrup and a smoked sea salt rim. Our dinner companion not only agreed about the cocktails, but added, “It’s not just the cocktails, this whole place is a panty-dropper.” Duly noted. Which is not an actual designation, but probably should be. We loved every single concoction we tried, and every single one more than qualified as Vital Vegas-certified panty-dropper cocktails.

This is the place, however, for delicious temptations prepared expertly by a team of bartenders who can truly call themselves “mixologists” without irony. Most of the signature cocktails at Lago are in the $16-20 range, so if you’re looking for cheap hooch, this isn’t the place. Let’s start with the Rosso Bellini, topped with a “Golden Caramel Nest.” It’s so pretty, you’ll be tempted to not eat it, which would be a crime against caramel. We’d heard about the great dining at Lago, but the signature cocktails made our visit utterly unforgettable. We are not a food expert, so we have no idea who Julian Serrano is, but we love his restaurant and bar.

Let’s drink and eat and ogle dancing fountains, but mostly that first thing. From the view to the cocktails to the food and service, Lago exemplifies all the things Vegas gets right, and why Sin City continues to be an unmatched travel destination. Lago made its debut at Bellagio resort in Las Vegas on in April 2015, and we finally got around to giving it a try. When you think about quintessential Las Vegas experiences, Lago by Julian Serrano at Bellagio has to be on the list.

Peach pellegrino