Parasol Up/Down

Review

You remember that time your wife was mad at you for spending all night at the bar? You know, that time you told her you "lost track of time"?

Yeah, happens all the time thanks to dimly-lit bars that keep the sunshine out and the patrons in. But if you visit Parasol Up/Down at the Wynn, you're going to have to come up with a new excuse.

Parasol lives ups to its name as one of the few bars you'll find that embraces the sunlight during the day thanks to a large glass-paneled roof and a picture window that gives guests stunning views of the Lake of Dreams and the water shows that take place there.

This isn't your average bar. Parasol Up/Down is a two-tiered bar with the top level appropriately called Parasol Up where you can relax in a lounge-style setting under a domed roof that acts as the shade -- or parasol.

Across the walkway is Parasol Down and sure, this portion of the bar is located downstairs (you'll love the spiraling escalator by the way), but that's not why it's called Parasol Down. The shade is removed here, allowing the sunlight to reflect off the Lake of Dreams and into the bar through a three-story window.

Aside from the beauty of this place, there is actually some drinking to be done here too. And while you can get the bar regulars, you'll want to scan past that Budweiser you typically drink and on to a menu that is so diverse it includes some of the rarest drinks on Earth.

Parasol is one of the few places that serve Hardy Perfection, which was aged 140 years and is believed to be the oldest non-blended cognac. Also on the menu is Gran Patrón Burdeos, one of the finest tequilas ever made.

The signature cocktails on the menu aren't your typical flair drinks either with some including ingredients such as yuzu juice and freshly muddled cucumber. Before you know it, you'll have already spent the day at Parasol, but it won't be because you "lost track of time." Maybe you can say you were researching your new favorite drink.

-- Review by Justin Lawson