Flapjacks smothered in syrup, butter melting on top, with a choice of strawberries, bananas, or pecans.

Toledoans immediately think of Uncle John’s Pancake House when it comes to those delicious disks of batter.

And the restaurant at 3131 Secor Rd. has served generations of families since it opened in 1963.

Uncle John’s sticks to the basics, but its menu also is constantly evolving. Some traditional favorites just don’t go out of style.

Surrounded by kitschy decor with more than 30 seats/​booths, our first visit focused on Uncle John’s dinner/​breakfast offerings such as the chicken and shrimp ($12.99) and the steak and eggs ($13.99).

The 6-ounce chicken breast is smothered in an “asparagus cream sauce” and topped with five jumbo shrimp.

The humdrum sauce itself was Alfredo-like, with hints of garlic and peppercorn and pieces of asparagus. The shrimp can be seared or fried and seemed out of place for the dish.

The side of mashed potatoes with thick brown gravy was piping hot and tasty though.

My selection was much better (despite the restaurant not having soup). For a little extra, my steak and eggs was an upgrade over my friend’s chicken. The 10-ounce New York strip steak came with two eggs and three pancakes. I added Uncle John’s potatoes to the order as well for a total of $14.99.

The steak was cooked medium and was about an inch and a half thick and tender. The potatoes were served with green peppers and onions. And I topped my pancakes with some maple syrup and butter. A full-course meal. No wonder it is pictured.

Another friend tried the California-style cheese lover’s omelette ($8.29). The omelette came with green peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, and American and pepper jack cheeses. For all that cheese, I was surprised at the size of the omelette; I expected it to be bigger. My friend said he liked the combination of ingredients.

On the next visit, I’m delighted to say that pancakes were the theme. At the top of the menu, Uncle John’s says the pancakes absolutely are made from scratch. And I believe it.

My friend went with blueberry pancakes ($5.79) topped with piping hot Maine blueberries in a blueberry sauce, and a dusting of powdered sugar. His cravings immediately went away.

I went with the pecan pancakes ($6.19).

The Southern Georgia pecans were tucked inside the cakes. The dusting of powdered sugar was buried as I poured on the maple syrup. Pecans. Maple syrup. Great combination.

I also like the chocolate banana chip ($6.19) and apple pancakes ($5.79).

The pancakes come in sets of three and five. Prices listed on the online menu are for five.

On Wednesdays, Uncle John’s offers all-you-can-eat pancakes all day for $2.99.

In all the times I’ve been to Uncle John’s, I’ve never had a bad experience when I order pancakes. Some times are better than others, but never has there been a portion of the cake with uncooked batter.

As for service, on the first visit, our server was not very helpful. In search of suggestions, our waitress replied that “everything is good.” Really? How about the place mats? So my friend was stuck with the chicken dish.

The second visit was much better. Our server handled our questions and concerns promptly.

The dinners can be hit or miss, but Uncle John’s pancakes are consistent. Hence the name and, likely, the reason the Secor Road location has been around for generations.

Contact Bill of Fare at: fare@theblade.com.

First Published September 20, 2017, 10:35 p.m.