Better better better. Better. They have everything you could ever need, the prices are a little better, they always have something great kegged up to drink while you shop (for free), and best of all, you don't have to deal with Griz. The people who work there (some of whom are HBT regulars) brew actively and know what they're talking about. I've never seen them steer anyone wrong.
Brewcraft is weird and funky, the guys who work there are extraordinarily nice people, and overall I appreciate its being there. But I've seen lots of god-awful advice being given to newbs there. And I get annoyed when I go in with a plan and have to hear Griz spout off for 10 minutes about why it won't work. No disrespect to the man - he's obviously been in this game far far longer than I have - but it just gets annoying after a while (to me, at least).
Seriously - Oak Barrel is a 10 minute walk from N. Berkeley BART. Do it.