To help you keep track of Berkeley’s changing landscape, here is a short back-to-school briefing on the new restaurants and stores that have sprung up while you were away.

Additional Restaurants

Perdition Smokehouse

New: Perdition Smokehouse is a meat-lover’s paradise. Located on University Avenue, their menu currently offers five main items — hot links, brisket, pork shoulder, pork ribs and chicken — but their beer selection is much more expansive. Vegetarians, you might want to stay home.

Where: 2050 University Avenue

Type of Cuisine: BBQ

Price: $$

Cupcakin’ Bake Shop

New: Cupcakin’ Bake Shop is a new cupcake store near Unit 3 on Durant Avenue. Cupcakes are made daily and, with flavors like “lemon blackberry agave” and “saigon cinnamon and honey,” they are sure to impress even the experienced cupcake connoisseur.

Where: 2435 Durant Avenue

Type of Cuisine: Dessert

Price: $

Dumpling Express

New: Students will find a home at the new Dumpling Express on Bowditch Street, down the block from Unit 1. With quick, affordable, and tasty soups, noodles and of course dumplings, this is sure to be a new favorite.

Where: 2328 Bowditch Street

Type of Cuisine: Dim Sum

Price: $

Philz Coffee

Additional Location: Philz Coffee opened its second Berkeley location this summer. While the cozy Shattuck location is a classic and close to campus, you can now enjoy your Mint Mojito Iced Coffee and other Philz favorites at the crossroads of 9th Street and Gilman Street.

Where:1313 9th Street, Suite 100

Type of Cuisine: Coffee

Price: $

John’s Ice Cream

Menu Change: John’s Ice Cream on Shattuck has long offered one scoop of ice cream for $1, but this summer prices were raised to $1.25. While this comes as a shock to many, John’s $1.25 scoop of ice cream is still one of the cheapest among competitors like Ici and Ben and Jerrys.

Where: 2204 Shattuck Ave

Type of Cuisine: Dessert

Price: $