The quiet hum of the espresso machine. A skyline view of Nashville. A community like no other. Poindexter Coffee may look like a stylish hotel coffee bar, but for Vanderbilt students, it’s quickly becoming something bigger: a campus living room where deadlines, lattes and laughter all mix. The cafe’s name itself, slang for “nerd,” alludes to its purpose: a welcoming spot for students to caffeinate, collaborate or dive into a marathon study session.  

Unlike some coffee shops where lingering gets you a distasteful side eye, Poindexter Coffee embraces the idea that students may need hours to finish a paper or cram for exams.

Eric Conte-Gordon, the cafe’s director of food and beverage, stressed that hospitality is at the heart of everything Poindexter Coffee is and does.  

“We love feedback, and we want students to feel like this is their space,” Conte-Gordon said.  

This mentality is evident in small details, such as discount cards for Vanderbilt students, comfortable study nooks with ample outlets and seasonal menus curated with campus life in mind.  

On Vanderbilt game days, Poindexter leans into the school spirit with themed specials. The cafe rolls out dishes inspired by the opposing team, letting Vanderbilt students literally “eat their enemy,” while Vanderbilt-themed drinks keep the Commodore pride flowing. It’s a light-hearted way to make game weekends feel festive, even if you’re watching the game from a laptop instead of the stadium.  

Poindexter isn’t only about long study sessions and coffee refills; it doubles as the start of a fun night out. Just upstairs, the Graduate Hotel houses White Limozeen, a Dolly Parton-themed rooftop restaurant with unbeatable views, and Cross-Eyed Critters, a karaoke bar where you can belt your heart out with a live band. Think neon lights, microphones and a stage waiting for you and your friends. Together, the trio of spaces makes the Graduate a one-stop spot where a day of studying can seamlessly turn into a night you won’t forget.  

Poindexter also emphasizes its core mission: spotlighting local products and celebrating its identity as a female-led company. That commitment to empowerment and community connection bleeds into seasonal menu drops. With fresh flavors, local partnerships and creative spins on classics, the new lineup promises something for every kind of student, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before class or settling in for an all-night study session.  

“We want students to know that when they order something here, they’re also supporting the community around them,” Conte-Gordon said. 

Moreover, the cafe often sources its wines from female-led, local wineries to promote and support female leadership in the community. Additionally, Poindexter’s delicious beverages are made with Humphreys Street Coffee, a company that invests back into the youth of the neighborhood through mentorship and job training. As you are enjoying a latte and taking in the cafe’s immersive decor, have peace in knowing you aren’t just drinking coffee, you are partaking in an act of giving back to the greater Nashville community.  

At the end of the day, Poindexter Coffee proves that being a “nerd” has never looked this good. It’s the unique spot where you can camp out with your textbooks as long as you’d like, grab a latte (or three) and then swap study mode for karaoke or rooftop cocktails without ever leaving the building. Because at Poindexter, studying hard and playing hard finally share the same address.