Internal Medicine Residency Program

Resident Life


Marcus Threadcraft, MD
VA Outpatient Chief Resident

VUMC Resident Voices

"Not only is Vanderbilt a great place to work and train during residency but Nashville is a fantastic place to live! We believe life outside the hospital is just as important in becoming a well-rounded and socially conscious physician.

From the varying greenways/hiking trails, music venues, restaurants and sports events, there is truly no shortage of fun things to do in the area. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our city and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!"

 

 

Nashville recommendations from Chief Residents

Classic Nashville 

  • Grand Ole Opry – Legendary weekly radio show with live country music performances
  • Ryman Auditorium – Must-see historic venue in the heart of downtown with top-tier acoustics 

Smaller Venues and Listening Rooms 

  • The Bluebird Cafe – Iconic songwriting venue in Green Hills (where Taylor Swift got discovered)
  • Jane's Hideaway – Hidden gem with live bluegrass and southern comfort food
  • The Listening Room – Singer-songwriter showcases with full dinner/drink service
  • The Local – Cozy spot with frequent local acts from singers/songwriters with amazing food and an even better vibe
  • Rudy's Jazz Room - Cozy, mellow lounge featuring jazz musicians, classic cocktails and traditional Cajun/Creole dishes
  • Station Inn – Premier spot for bluegrass in Nashville
  • Skinny Dennis – Brooklyn dive bar transplant with strong honky-tonk vibes 

Outdoor and Seasonal 

Symphonic and Classical

Sit-down Meals 

  • Barcelona Wine Bar – Lively tapas spot with excellent cocktails and a great patio
  • Butcher and Bee – Seasonal, shareable plates with Middle Eastern influences
  • Iberian Pig – Chic Spanish spot with craft cocktails and charcuterie
  • Kisser – Elevated Japanese comfort food in East Nashville (lunch only)
  • Lyra – Eastern Mediterranean with inventive twists and a beautiful interior
  • Noko – Modern Asian wood-fired concept in East Nashville
  • Oku – Modern sushi spot with sleek décor and creative rolls
  • Pelato – Small Italian plates in a cozy Germantown venue
  • Pelican and Pig – Wood-fired everything in a cozy East Nashville setting
  • Rolf and Daughters – Inventive New American cuisine in Germantown. Trendy and always excellent
  • Sadie’s – Modern Mediterranean that transitions well from dinner to drinks 

Wine and Cocktail-forward Spots 

  • Attaboy – Custom cocktail experience — no menu, just vibes
  • Mother’s Ruin – Cocktails, beer, and snacks served in a comfortable bar with a diverse crowd and a patio
  • Old Glory – Subterranean bar offers elevated cocktails served in a historic boiler room with iron and concrete
  • Otto’s – Stylish neighborhood hangout with natural wines and small casual plates
  • Patterson House – Speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar with a quiet, upscale vibe
  • Pearl Diver – Tiki bar with tropical vibes and a killer outdoor space

Breakfast and Brunch

Casual Eats / Neighborhood Gems / Takeout 

  • A-Roi – Low-key spot for quick, flavorful Thai food
  • The Centennial – Classic dive sports bar with solid food in The Nations
  • Degthai – Fast-casual Thai with bold flavors
  • Greko Greek Street Food – Authentic Greek street food done right
  • Jack Brown’s Burger Joint – No-fuss burgers with creative toppings and beer selection
  • Midnight Oil – Relaxed restaurant offering pizza by the slice or pie, including gluten-free options, plus margaritas
  • Smith & Lentz – Brewery with a great food menu, especially pizzas and sandwiches
  • Southern Grist – Craft brewery with rotating taps and casual eats
  • Tailgate Pizza – Craft beer and solid pizza — ideal for casual hangings, especially on half-priced pizza Wednesdays
  • Two Ten Jack – Ramen and Japanese-inspired izakaya in East Nashville

International/Street Food-Inspired

  • Edessa – Kurdish and Mediterranean dishes served in a warm, welcoming space
  • Red Headed Stranger – Southwestern-inspired tacos with creative twists

Dessert / Treats

Breweries and Bars

  • Bearded Iris – Known for hazy IPAs and industrial-chic taproom
  • Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar – French Quarter vibes and nightly live blues. Go on Saturdays and see Big Monti!
  • Monday Night Brewing – Large open space perfect for groups and events
  • Neighbors – Laid-back neighborhood sports bar with solid drinks and snacks
  • Pins Mechanical – Arcade bar with specialty cocktails, craft beer, duckpin bowling, yard games, pinball and more
  • Schulman’s – Cool dive bar energy with good food and a rotating menu
  • Von Elrod’s – Beer hall near First Horizon Park; great for pretzels and people-watching

Outdoors / Nature

Kid-Friendly / Family Activities

Arts and Culture 

Recreation

Annual Events and Festivals

Professional Sports

Other

Watch the video to learn more about what VUMC residents love about life in Nashville.