By Patricia Harris and David Lyon, Globe Correspondents

New Haven: In just two seasons, Box 63 (338 Elm St., 203-821-7772, www.box63.com) has become a near institution at Yale. Modeled as a roadhouse “from back in the 1960s,” it occupies a former fire station building and is full of Yalie touches like woodwork crafted from Yale Bowl bleacher seats. Payne Whitney Gymnasium is across the street, making Box 63 popular with jocks. Whatever college games aren’t carried on NBC Sports Network are streamed on the Internet. Updated American bar and grill fare includes cowboy steak, shrimp and grits, and Fisherman’s Wharf cioppino.
Advantage: Cambridge, by a field goal.