Franco's Norma Jean's Nightclub

Franco's Norma Jean's is a gay nightclub on Merritt Street in Castroville and, as far as we can find, the only dedicated gay club in Monterey County. Monterey County Weekly reported that owner Ernie Sanchez bought the bar in 1987 and turned it gay a couple of years later. The name and the Marilyn Monroe paintings refer to Monroe being crowned the town's first Artichoke Queen in 1948. Google reviewers describe a big dance floor, a good sound system, drag shows and a Latin mix of cumbia, salsa and reggaeton, with a local, cowboy-leaning crowd. It opens one night a week. Google lists Saturday, 10pm to 1:45am. The club's old website no longer loads, so call (831) 794-7423 or check recent reviews before driving out.