Another Go for Kirkwood Bar & Grill

Three weeks after a judge overturned a _liquor license denial_ for the Kirkwood Bar & Grill, the controversial sports-themed eatery says its back in business.

"Serving all your favorite beverages," the restaurant tweeted to its 256 followers. "The bar is now open. KBG 'where the fun just happens!' "

Bar owner David Johnson has been at odds with many in Kirkwood who said he flouted general neighborhood rules and those governing the Kirkwood Station, the retail and residential mixed-used complex in the heart of the community.

The Kirkwood Bar & Grill is an anchor business in Kirkwood Station.

Anna Knipfer, president of the Kirkwood Station's homeowners association, declined comment on advice of the organization's attorney.

But one longstanding complaint was the tinting of its windows.

The neighborhood's rules prohibit any window tinting that prevents people outside from seeing what's happening inside.

Johnson's lawyer, Alan I. Begner, said the issue has been resolved.

At a court hearing last month, Johnson pled nolo contendere — neither admitting to nor contesting — to a code enforcement violation regarding the tinting.

"We took down the tinting we put up, Begner said, explaining there already was tinting when Johnson took over the space that was formerly called the Kirkwood Public House.

So Johnson, the attorney said, removed only what he put up as part of the court agreement.

In a separate court case involving back rent owed to the owners of the bar at 1963 Hosea L. Williams Dr., both sides have come to an agreement.

Johnson, who is leasing the property from Southeast Holdings LLC, agreed to pay $30,000 July 17. As part of that agreement to bring the lease current, he also agreed to pay:

• $10,000 by Aug. 1
• $10,000 by Aug. 15
• $10,000 by Sept. 1
• $10,000 by Sept. 15
• $10,000 by Oct. 1
• $10,000 by Oct. 15