Where is the best place for a budget-friendly barbecue sandwich in this town?

The factions are clearly defined and fiercely loyal. On one side is Slick Pig BBQ and the 99-cent pork sandwich Tuesdays. On the other is Whitt’s Barbecue and the $1.50 pork sandwich Wednesdays.

This rivalry is the Red Sox/Yankees of Murfreesboro barbecue. A Berlin Wall of smoked barbecue divides the two, and it’s time to settle this once and for all.

Let’s say you’re a college student with five lonely dollars in your wallet. Between Slick Pig and Whitt’s, which truly is the better deal, or better put, which gives you more for your fleeting money?

A quick glance at the menu and some on the spot math would make Slick Pig seem like the better deal: two sandwiches (.99 x2), a side of fries ((.99 x2) + .99), and a cup of sweet tea ((.99 x 2) + .99 + 1.29 = $4.26).

When compared with Whitt’s: two sandwiches (1.5 x 2), a side of baked beans ((1.5 x 2) + .89) and the free-with-student-ID sweet tea ((1.50 x 2) + .89 + free = $3.89), the waters get a bit murkier when deciding on the better deal.

So what are you really getting with this purchase? Most who have eaten at Slick Pig would concede their sandwiches, although wonderfully priced, are not the highest quality and are a bit on the small side. The sauces are presentable, and the barbecue is of average quality.

The fries, however, are a force to be reckoned with. Seasoned to utter perfection, they can be more satisfying than the sandwiches. The sweet tea is worth its weight in liquid gold, and the refills are free.

Whitt’s sandwiches, while a bit more expensive, are hands down the better sandwich. That 50-cent increase in price equals an 80 percent increase in quality. The sandwich is bigger, juicier and more satisfying. While Slick Pig charges an extra 35 cents for slaw on your sandwich, it is included at Whitt’s.

Oh, and did I mention Whitt’s sandwiches come with pickles?

In the arena of side dishes, though, Whitt’s cannot hang with Slick Pig’s fries.

Whitt’s sweet tea is equally delicious, but a refill is harder to come by. Slick Pig offers the self-service refill, but at Whitt’s you must go back to the window like a beggar and ask for a refill, and anyone who’s been at Whitt’s on a Wednesday knows how long you might be waiting for a refill of the sweet nectar.

Service-wise, it’s a draw. Slick Pig has longer lines than Whitt’s, but they get your food to you a bit quicker.

However, when your food comes you’re reduced to a mere number, as they bring out your food and shout your order number.

At Whitt’s you wait at the window until your food is ready (and it takes a few minutes some days). You’re more likely to get a smile at Slick Pig, but service with a smile is a rarity at both establishments.

So what it comes down to is the overall experience you get with your well-priced barbecue sandwich. In the end, Slick Pig is more of a place to have an OK sandwich and see lots of people. The buzz from the crowd often nullifies the chance of a good conversation, but you’ll see plenty of people you know at Slick Pig.

At Whitt’s you can have a nice conversation over a high-quality sandwich, and the setting is cozier.