Does installing MySQL with homebrew include MySQL workbench and GUI as if you were to run the Native installer (to be able to start and stop services)? I am trying to decide whether it is better to install using homebrew or with native.
The Homebrew install does not include Workbench. The download and install of Workbench on OSX is pretty painless (a download and copy - no installer).
Here is some nice info on using Homebrew to install mysql http://blog.joefallon.net/2013/10/install-mysql-on-mac-osx-using-homebrew/