I'm a big advocate for
Settlers of Catan, the first Euro-game to really catch on here in the states. It's very accessible, and different from any Hasbro or Parker Brothers game you've ever played.
Of course, I can't help but pitch
Disaster On Everest but mostly because my name is on the package, as I got to do playtesting on it. But it's a solo game, so obviously, not suited for family game night. (But for those nights alone, it's fun - as are other Victory Point solo games like Nemo's War and Circus Train.)