First of all I think your boyfriend probably should have picked up on the fact that this was important to you but I'm trying to be the guy that gives him the benefit of the doubt.

he truly honestly doesn't want to go out with me, but he wants to go out with his friends

I'd try to look at it a little different. It sounds like he doesn't love going out at all, but he wants to see his friends and that's his only way. He doesn't have to go out to spend time with you, and when you ask him if he wants to go out drinking he's being honest. I think I'm a little like your boyfriend and in my head that's not even good girlfriend time, he'd be sharing your attention with all of your friends etc.

It's not too late to tell him how important this is to you, but you should definitely go out either way and let him know you won't be making any plans with him for later that night. He doesn't get to have it both ways by manipulating you to come home early. Don't block him though if that's where you're at maybe you should just break up. Hope this helps.