“My neighborhood isn’t really a destination, and that’s the way I like it,” says Time Out Kids‘ Web editor Raven Snook. Although she grew up across town on the Upper West Side, she moved to East Harlem almost a decade ago. “I came for the low cost of living, but I’ve stayed because it’s laid-back, friendly and convenient. Plus, no drunken college kids!”

Check out her favorite spots after the jump.

Her favorite hangouts
“The northeastern end of Central Park includes the stunning Conservatory Garden (Fifth Ave at 104th St) and the catch-and-release fishing spot the Harlem Meer (Fifth Ave between 106th and 110th Sts). Every summer weekend, you’ll spot a birthday party, a blushing bride or a barbecue next to the lake—sometimes all three at once!”

El Museo del Barrio 1230 Fifth Ave between 104th and 105th Sts, 212-831-7272 “Although the museum’s closed for renovations until the fall, I haven’t missed its annual Three Kings Day parade and concert since I moved into the area. Love those slightly creepy big-headed puppets.”

Camaradas el Barrio 2241 First Ave at 115th St, 212-348-2703 “The only place I’ve tasted better Puerto Rican food is at my mother-in-law’s. But people don’t just come here for the dishes; it’s also got a kick-ass bar scene, with live music, weekday happy hours and cool local art sold right off its walls.”

Graffiti Hall of Fame 106th St at Park Ave “Okay, so I don’t hang out here—it’s located in a schoolyard. But I love peering in at the street art, which is some of the finest in the city this side of a ’70s subway car.”

Her favorite restaurants
El Paso Taqueria (multiple locations, visit elpasotaqueria.com) “This Mexican mini chain serves up tasty, no-frills dishes—burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas—at seriously low prices. A beerless meal for two costs about $25.”

La Tropezienne Bakery 2131 First Ave at 110th St, 212-426-2363 “I’m still not sure how a French bakery opened up in the middle of Spanish Harlem, but who cares. The sweets here are seriously sinful.”

Ottomanelli Bros 1325 Fifth Ave at 111th St, 212-828-8900 “This eatery is a welcome addition to the ‘hood (I just hope it lasts longer than the last two places in the space, including the beloved Emily’s). It’s got a kitschy, Old West aesthetic, with “Wanted” posters and sawdust on the floors, and a hearty menu that includes burgers and steaks, as well as pasta and poultry dishes. My fave: chicken gorgonzola.”

Moustache 1621 Lexington Ave at 102nd St, 212-828-0030 “I literally cried when I heard one of my favorite downtown mini chains had decided to open up an uptown outpost. Its flavorful Middle Eastern eats include dips (hummus, tabouli and baba ganoush), individual ‘pitzas’ and house specialties like the Ouzi: chicken, carrots, sweet peas, onions, raisins, almonds, basmati rice and special spices jam-packed into a filo pastry.”

La Fonda Boricua 169 E 106th St between Lexington and Third Aves, 212-410-7292 “I won’t lie, I’m not a regular. But I’ve been a couple of times, and hell, any resto that impresses Bobby Flay’s okay with me. Despite the name, the eats aren’t strictly Puerto Rican (ex: risotto paella), but love those beef patties and fried plantains.”

Her favorite shops
“East Harlem’s a bit challenged in this area,” admits Raven. “In general, it’s best just to troll Third Ave or 116th St, the two main shopping drags, perusing the various discount stores for what you need. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m looking forward to the fall opening of East River Plaza (FDR Dr between 116th and 119th Sts), which will have a Costco, Target, Best Buy and Marshalls. Yes, I know another urban mall that will put smaller vendors out of business. Boo. But it will mean one-stop shopping. I’m also looking forward to the rumored revitalization of the legendary La Marqueta (under the Metro North railway on Park Ave between 111th and 116th Sts), if that ever really happens.”