But (oddly) I've never been there so I can't say anything about it.
Out West where I live in Waukesha (20 mi. west of Milwaukee) there's the Cue Club up by the airport that has a lot of 9-foot tables (Olhausens, but don't hold that against them, they play well), and then Sunset Bowl which hosts a lot of events. Sunset has Diamond tables including a few with the tighter tournament pockets, but exclusively 7-footers. There's a 9-ball tournament at the Cue Club on most Thursday nights but you'll have to contact them for particular dates. Cue Club is hard to find, it's in BACK of a strip mall, hidden from the street. I've never been there when you couldn't get a table.
If your buddy is going to get over to Madison he should check out The Brass Ring, now that is a great club, lots of 9' Diamond Professionals, good food, a young crowd and great ambience. Live music at times. Very pleasant place to play.
I have been to Romines countless times, you cant go wrong there. I have also been to the Cue Club I think this was/is also master Zs, I did not care for the Olhausens at all, I wont be going back unless they get better tables. Thats really too bad because it is a nice place also. When are you going to be up here?