OpenTable lists the per person price at Norman's as $31-50 (I'm guessing that does not include tax, gratuity, or alcohol). New Year's Eve may be higher, with a set per person charge, although I didn't see a New Year's ad on their website. Perhaps this one won't quite meet the budget constraints.

Hi!
I live in Fargo and have eaten pretty much everywhere.

Norman's is great but it is a fine steakhouse and is priced accordingly. However, they do have a considerable "sides" and appetizer menu that my husband and I often order off of when we aren't up for a big meal. The mac-n-cheese with lobster is substantial and fabulous (and priced at $14 or around there). If you are able to separate the check so they can order and pay for they chose instead of dividing evenly, that would work. Of course, they have to be comfortable with the group having a more expensive meal (at least, I expect the group would take advantage of the choices).

It is New Year's Eve and all places will be busy or may be offering special menus. If you don't mind me asking, what hotel are you staying? That way, I can point you in a good direction and you won't have to drive so far or perhaps even walk (although it's quite brisk now, and we just received a record Christmas snowfall). Also, how many people are you looking to accommodate?

Also, here is a link to a story our local paper ran on what's happening NYE:
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/263990/group/Life/

Again, I live here, love it and also enjoy good food. I would be happy to help.

If you are in the neighborhood of Norman's (there are many hotels there and you are near the mall), nice restaurants include Grazies (Italian. Not sure if they have a web site or not), Kobe (Japanese Steakhouse), Basies in the Ramada hotel, Granite City (chain restaurant that can accommodate a bigger party, food isn't surprising). If you're okay driving a little ways, Doolittle's is warm and very good (I think they take call ahead reservations) and right off the I94 freeway. The Cork and Cleaver (or perhaps it's the Fargo Cork now) is a local favorite. Downtown has Stella's (formerly Isabella's -- good Italian), Toscana's (Italian but every dish is cream based which works for me) and the Hotel Donaldson.

Have fun!

Report, better late than never?!! We decided on Doolittle's, and had a wonderful time with great food! The spit-fired chicken was delicious, as was the parmesan encrusted pork chops. The menu was kind to everyone's budget and the fireplace room was welcoming.
We also had a meal at Timberlodge - the food was lackluster & not very warm; the waiter was forgetful, slow and more interested in visiting with other waiters than attending to his tables. But we did have a nice time getting together with family, so it's all good!