Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco: America's #1 Blues Nightclub

At 401 Mason Street at Geary, in the heart of San Francisco's theater district, thumps San Francisco's crown jewel for the blues and southern soul food. Biscuits and Blues earned a grand reputation in merely 12 years among blues fans and musicians as the place to be for an intimate night with the blues.

California publications have raved about the club, including the California Rough Guide that said, "Almost too good to be true. Great food at reasonable prices and the absolute best place to see live music." Travel and Leisure Magazine said, "A cool vibe permeates throughout...a SF treasure."

Biscuits and Blues CEO Steven Suen answered a few questions about what it takes to have the hippest nightspot in the hippest city on the West Coast.

The Blues Foundation and the Bay Area Blues Society named Biscuits and Blues "America's #1 Blues Nightclub." What sets the club apart from the rest of the pack?

Quality, consistency and a dedication to the blues. Performing musicians see us as a standard for quality and a must on their resume.

How much local fare influences the club's brand of southern soul food?

Our club's brand of southern food was developed by Regina Charboneau (popular San Francisco chef and restaurateur) who originally came from the South with a French heritage. She had just last week promoted her book (Regina's Table at Twin Oaks)of southern cooking and did a round of book signing at Macy's and Barnes & Noble.

What dish would you recommend?

Our famous Southern Fried Chicken. It is not a special name until you tried it.

Who are some of the notable performers that have graced the club's stage?

This month we have Charlie Musselwhite and Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers. Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats, James Cotton, John Hammond, Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Henry Butler, Jackie Green, Carlos Santana and many others have appeared here in the past.

For people who only know San Francisco for cable cars and Fisherman's Wharf, how would you describe the city's music scene?