One that we spend a lot of time on (partly because all the scenarios are very elaborate and time consuming, partly because I enjoy it) is Mansions of Madness. Generally I like co-operative games, and things involving solving mysteries/puzzles, so Unlock! (and other “escape room” type) games are usually fun for me. Wingspan is a family favourite, cool theme and gameplay even though it’s competitive.
Also a big fan of co-op games, although the risk is that one player who knows the game well can dominate. I really like Battlestar Galactica for that, since most of it is co-op but 1-2 are traitors . Pandemic is a classic (I have the first Legacy game waiting for my group to work through), and Mice & Mystics has a more RPG-ish feel. Or just go for Arkham Horror if you having nothing to do for 6 hours (not played that since my kids were born, lol)
I usually go in for the classics like cluedo and monopoly even though I can see why you might not like them. I do like Dixit and Catan a lot. Cat crimes is a recent one that we’ve been enjoying in my family. We also play Blokus and Qwirkle pretty regularly. Trivial pursuit and scrabble are also favourites. Buckaroo is fun too, call me a philistine all you want.
Big Fan here, I am the the resident board game hoarder in my social circle. I love Brass: Birmingham. I generally prefer worker placement, and have gotten some like Flamecraft as fun games as well.
I am lucky enough to live in Indianapolis and have gone to 10 GenCons, Though the next one will be in August