My favorite thus far has been development in Python with Django. I've also done a lot using C#, and although it wasn't my choice, I've been amazed at what it can do. I think the biggest thing that held back C# over the years was its connection to Microsoft. It is actually very good.<p>Beyond a doubt, Meteor interests me most for the future. It might not be <i>Meteor js</i> that wins the war, but it has definitely opened my eyes to <i>what could be</i> the future of web development. Looking at Meteor, it was the first time I was really wowed vs my old reaction of "This is a small step forward."
HTML, CSS, Javascript are pretty much all essential and go together, especially for modern looking sites.<p>my backend of preference - PHP and MySQL, they just work.
PHP with Laravel. I can highly recommend it. It really is a RoR-like experience, only without the 'I don't know what just happened but it looks allright'.
<a href="http://vibed.org/" rel="nofollow">http://vibed.org/</a> is my personal favorite. It's quick to start, its very fast, and it's easy to use.<p>HTML Templates based of Jade (But running D instead of JS), easy rest interface, what more could I want?
PHP for me. I'm a big believer in sticking with what you know best or using the tools you currently have. If it works, it works!<p>Also the same reason I stick with C# for Win32, Java for Android, etc.
Clojure, I used to do Python with Django or Flask.<p>HTML/CSS aren't optional so I don't know why you included that in the list.<p>I've tried Node.js, hated it.