This was a great bar right off Old Town Square. There was no cover, and the drinks were not too expensive (this is Prague, remember). One thing that was nice about Marquis was that in addition to their long bar, there were a few other places to sit with your friends. There were many TV monitors, and I distinctly remember them showing a lot of Fashion TV, which I have not seen much at all in the U.S.

The place was rather dark, but I felt had a good atmosphere. You could either order drinks directly from the bar or from waitresses. This was strictly a bar with no dance floor.

Don't be afraid of the name--the kinkiest thing here are the red velvet sofas and the ceiling. The Marquis de Sade stands apart from other Czech watering holes because of its huge room with high ornate ceilings that belie the casual wooden furniture and kitschy wall hangings. Beer is cheap, the volume is loud, and it's so well located that you can easily stumble home. The Marquis De Sade is a good place to order a shot of absinthe or Prague-brewed Staropramen. Absinthe, or the green fairy is one of the allures of this place. Illegal in the US and most other European countries, it can be found here and in many other bars throughout Prague. Some of its more infamous drinkers such as Van Gogh and Hemingway Have credited Absynthe with helping them reach high levels of creativity and brilliance. There have been many reports of green fairies appearing to those who partake.

Take heed, though; if you do try it, I suggest arranging a designated driver - even if you are walking back to your hotel.

They've often got live music on weekends, and when you get booted at closing time, they'll kindly give you a plastic cup in which to take the rest of your beer.

You may wonder just what you're getting yourself into by agreeing to go to the Marquis de Sade, but it's unlikely that you'll happen upon anything kinkier than a deep velvety-red decor dotted with enormous modernist paintings, and perhaps an initiation into the mystery of "La Fée Verte". The Marquis de Sade is usually agog with a comfortable mix of the expat crowd, a smattering of Czechs, and several curious tourists. It's a fine spot to meet up with friends before moving on for whatever you have planned for the evening. They usually have a good array of live music, and if you're hungry, you can get food here until about 11pm when the kitchen closes.

Absinthe, or "La Fée Verte" (the green fairy) is one of the allures of this place. Illegal in the US and most other European countries, it can be found here and in many other bars & cafes throughout Prague. Known for some of its more infamous drinkers such as Van Gogh, Hemingway, & Oscar Wilde, Absinthe has been credited with helping them reach levels of creativity and brilliance unavailable without it. Whether that's true or not, the drink whose active ingredient is Wormwood, can certainly evoke visions of green fairies and beyond. You can drink it neat over ice or do as the French, and make it a ritual (as follows).

When you're served a glass of Absinthe, it will likely come with a spoon and a few packets of sugar. Fill a teaspoon with the sugar, dip the teaspoon slightly into the Absinthe so that the sugar absorbs the liquid. While holding the spoon above the glass, light the sugar with a match or lighter. Allow to burn a minute or so, until it starts to caramelize and bubble. As the flame starts to die down, stir the sugared spoon into the liquid. Either drink quickly as a shot or you can pour in cold water to quaff in a more leisurely fashion.

Take heed though, if you do try it, I suggest having someone around that is not imbibing. Though my own experience was minimal, it does bring on hallucinations and other surprises. Getting some friends home after one too many shots was challenging to say the least.

To get to Marquis de Sade, take Metro line C to Námestí Republiky. Open daily 11am-2am, Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4pm-6pm (Beer priced 25kc drops to 18kc).

Email marquis.bary@mail.a-zprague.cz